Samsung can’t keep feeding us recycled camera on the Galaxy S26 Ultra

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro is a wake-up call for Samsung to avoid a massive camera letdown with the Galaxy S26 Ultra next year.

The latest iPhone Pros introduce a 48-megapixel triple camera setup. The improvements that Apple has made are literally massive. While the iPhone 17 Pro is still struggling to beat the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the quality gap has narrowed.

Leaks from credible sources suggest Samsung has no plans for Galaxy S26 Ultra camera upgrade. That said, fans will end up getting a recycled camera setup, which Samsung shouldn’t risk proceeding to safeguard its crown.

Multi-polar attack

iPhone 17 Pro comes with 48MP primary, 48MP ultrawide and a 48MP telephoto camera. With upgraded image sensors and an algorithm combo, Apple has brought significant improvements to this year’s iPhone Pro models.

Galaxy S26 Ultra reportedly retains three camera sensors from its predecessor: main, ultrawide, and periscope. The telephoto module is expected to feature a new 12-megapixel sensor, but Samsung could only utilize its 10-megapixel.

• Primary – 200MP sensor with an f/1.4 aperture, 2x optical-quality zoom
• Ultrawide – 50MP sensor with an f/1.9 aperture, a 120° field of view
• Telephoto – 12MP (10MP utilized) sensor with an f/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom
• Periscope – 50MP sensor with an f/2.9 aperture, 5x optical zoom

The Galaxy S25 Ultra has improved its ultrawide camera over the S24 Ultra. The device debuted a new 50-megapixel solution, which was a welcome move. Meanwhile, the competition has now intensified further with Apple’s move.

Majority of Chinese flagships will launch with 200-megapixel zoom cameras. You may be surprised to know that the China-based vendors sourcing these sensors from Samsung only, but the Galaxy S Ultra is staying away from adoption.

Reports suggest Samsung has customized its ISOCELL HP9 camera for Vivo. This sensor will be used in the upcoming Vivo smartphone, featuring 200-megapixel telephoto camera module with stunning capabilities.

What I want as a Samsung fan

Samsung should move on from its software-derived improvement strategy. A hardware limitation can’t be completely crushed through software. Galaxy AI can offer enhancements, but it will still lag in competition against rivals.

Galaxy S26 Ultra should bring an upgraded zoom camera setup. It’s the need of the time, otherwise Samsung will lose its crown to Apple. The loyal consumer base shouldn’t be considered tucked for lifetime for playing it safe.

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