Samsung appears to be planning a major specification for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, especially after two generations of Ultra models that featured only slight modifications in design and specs. A recent leak indicates that a prototype of the S26 Ultra is equipped with a single 200MP periscope telephoto lens. Now, the latest information hints that Samsung is testing various camera setups for the upcoming Ultra model.
First Telephoto Finally Includes a 50MP Sensor
According to X tipster @SiddhantGeek, a new prototype of the Galaxy S26 Ultra retains the dual-telephoto configuration, but with some changes in focal lengths. The previous 3X telephoto has been upgraded to a 3.5X variant, a trend we’ve recently observed among several Chinese manufacturers. Even more intriguing is the inclusion of a larger 50MP sensor, which reportedly measures 1/3.15″ with a pixel size of 0.56µm. In comparison, the existing 10MP sensor is 1/3.52″ and has a pixel size of 1.12µm.
Although the native pixel size of the 50MP sensor is smaller, it is expected to utilize 4-in-1 pixel binning to capture images at 12.5MP, compensating for the smaller pixels. This enhancement not only promises sharper images but also allows the phone to record in 8K using the 3.5X telephoto lens. However, the activation of this feature and the optimization of image processing will ultimately be up to Samsung.
Regarding the periscope telephoto lens, it now offers 8X magnification, an upgrade from the 5X found in the S25 Ultra. This new sensor maintains the 50MP resolution but is slightly smaller at 1/2.76″, reduced from 1/2.52″, likely to minimize the camera module’s protrusion. For those who may not know, both a larger sensor and a longer zoom range typically increase the camera module’s protrusion, so a smaller sensor helps balance the increased zoom range while keeping the protrusion in check.
The ultrawide lens remains unchanged from the S25 Ultra in this prototype, but the main sensor features a variable aperture mechanism ranging from F/1.4 to F/4.0. It appears that the company is still experimenting with various specifications and has ample time to refine or even discard some of the features mentioned. As we approach the launch, we can expect to receive more updates on the development.
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