Upgrade in camera expected for Galaxy S26 Ultra, despite persisting with the same main sensor for the camera
The upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra is poised to redefine smartphone photography, boasting a significant upgrade to its camera system. According to recent leaks, the device will feature a 200MP main camera sensor with an aperture of f/1.5, marking a significant improvement over the fixed f/1.7 aperture used in previous models like the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra [1].
This brighter f/1.5 aperture allows for up to 77% more light intake compared to older apertures (such as f/1.8 seen in the S20-S22 era), enabling faster exposure times, better low-light performance, and improved natural background blur [1]. The S26 Ultra's 200MP sensor is also rumored to be a newer and larger 1/1.1-inch Sony sensor, physically bigger than the 1/1.3-inch sensor used in the S25 Ultra, contributing to better light capture and image quality [2].
The camera upgrade doesn't stop at the aperture improvement. Some rumors suggest the possibility of a variable aperture system returning to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, allowing switching between f/1.5 and f/2.4 apertures for different lighting and depth-of-field conditions, but these reports are less confirmed [2][3].
Comparatively, the Galaxy S20-S22, S23/S24, and S25 models feature smaller sensors, fixed f/1.7 apertures, and older technology, resulting in inferior low-light performance and image quality. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, with its larger sensor and brighter aperture, is expected to significantly enhance these aspects (see table below) [1][2].
| Model | Sensor Size | Main Camera Aperture | Additional Notes | |----------------|----------------------|---------------------|--------------------------------| | Galaxy S20-S22 | Smaller, not 200MP | f/1.8 | Older generation sensor | | Galaxy S23/S24 | 1/1.3-inch 200MP HP2 | Fixed f/1.7 | Same sensor since S23 | | Galaxy S25 | 1/1.3-inch 200MP | Fixed f/1.7 | Same as S23/S24 | | Galaxy S26 Ultra | Larger 1/1.1-inch Sony | Brighter f/1.5 (likely variable aperture rumored) | Larger sensor, more light, potential variable aperture |
The Galaxy S26 Ultra, along with the rest of the S26 series, is expected to be announced in January or February. Other rumors suggest that the device may receive a charging upgrade over 45W, and it might have a battery capacity of 5,500 mAh [4]. However, the exact nature of the substantial performance jump due to the minor change to the housing of the Galaxy S26 Ultra's camera sensor is not specified.
[1] UniverseIce on Twitter/X [2] SamMobile [3] Android Authority [4] XDA Developers
The upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra is anticipated to offer improved smartphone photography with cutting-edge technology, including a 200MP main camera sensor and a brighter f/1.5 aperture, surpassing its predecessors like the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra. In comparison, the Galaxy S20-S22, S23/S24, and S25 models utilize older sensors, fixed f/1.7 apertures, and outdated technology, resulting in subpar low-light performance and image quality.
