Since Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 Ultra, tech enthusiasts have been closely studying its camera hardware. The S25 Ultra’s standout feature is its dual telephoto setup: a 50MP 5× periscope telephoto lens plus a smaller 3× telephoto, delivering excellent optical zoom performance.
Recent leaks suggest that the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra will retain the exact 50MP 5× telephoto sensor featured in the S25 Ultra—and even earlier. If true, that would mean four consecutive Samsung Ultra models using the same long-zoom sensor without change.
What the Leaks Say
- Sensor reuse: The 50MP 5× telephoto sensor (1/2.52-inch size, 0.7µm pixels) is reported to be used again in the S26 Ultra.
- No upgrade yet: There’s been no credible leak pointing to a replacement or an improved 5× module. That suggests this part of the camera system may be carried over “as is.”
- Potential downgrades elsewhere: One contrast is the 3× telephoto lens, which might get a smaller sensor and smaller pixels in S26 Ultra compared to S25 Ultra—leading to worse low-light or mid-zoom performance.
Impacts on Users
- Zoom performance stays strong at 5×: If Samsung keeps the 50MP periscope unchanged, the 5× optical zoom quality (in good lighting) should be similar to the S25 Ultra. You’ll get comparable sharpness, definition, and detail at that magnification.
- Competition may pull ahead: Even without hardware changes, rivals (and Apple) are pushing telephoto tech in different ways—higher resolution sensors, better pixel size, or improved computational photography. So “same hardware” might feel like “behind” in user experience.
- Software improvements still possible: Even with the same hardware, Samsung could improve performance via better image processing, algorithms, or the ISP. Night mode, stabilization, and noise reduction could still benefit.
- No novelty, potential criticism: Many expect flagship devices to bring hardware upgrades each generation. Reusing the 5× sensor might be seen as playing safe—or even as stagnation—if rivals are delivering bigger leaps.
Why Samsung Might Be Doing This
- Cost control: Developing or sourcing new high-periscope lenses and sensors is expensive. Reusing proven hardware helps reduce risk and cost.
- Supply chain/stability: If the current 50MP 5× module performs well and is reliably available, sticking with it avoids quality issues or delays.
- Focus elsewhere: Samsung might be prioritizing upgrades in other areas—e.g. main camera resolution, aperture, software, design, power efficiency (e.g. chip, battery). So telephoto may not be highest on the priority list.
What to Watch For in S26 Ultra Reveal
- Will the 5× periscope really be unchanged, or are there small tweaks (optics, aperture, OIS)? Even subtle improvements could matter.
- How well Samsung improves low-light and zoomed performance via software—noise reduction, sharpening, AI enhancements.
- Comparisons in real-life shooting vs S25 Ultra, especially in challenging light.
- What competitors are offering—if rivals improve zoom significantly, Samsung could fall behind even with a “good” hardware piece.
Conclusion
The evidence points to the Galaxy S26 Ultra keeping the same 50MP 5× telephoto sensor used in the S25 Ultra. For users, that likely means similar performance at 5× zoom as before. However, without new hardware improvements, Samsung could depend heavily on software and optics tweaks to stay competitive. Whether that’s enough will depend on what the competition brings and what incremental camera improvements Samsung makes elsewhere.
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