The Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Edge are expected to rely largely on the same camera hardware as their predecessors; the Galaxy S26 Ultra remains the only model rumored to receive a meaningful improvement to its camera system.
Here’s what to expect from the entire Galaxy S26 series and the cameras it will be rocking.
You can expect a 50 MP main camera, a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10 MP 3x telephoto camera, along with a 12 MP selfie camera on the front.
While Samsung is reportedly using a new 50 MP primary sensor on the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus, there is currently no indication that this change will result in noticeable image quality improvements. The overall camera hardware is expected to remain largely unchanged compared to the previous generation.
Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to retain its 200 MP main camera that's powered by Samsung’s ISOCELL HP2 sensor. Instead of switching to an entirely new sensor, current reports suggest Samsung may focus on optical improvements, such as adding a lens with a wider aperture, which would allow more light to reach the sensor. This has the potential to improve low-light performance, dynamic range, and natural background and foreground separation, but the difference with the S25 Ultra most likely won't be drastic.
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Galaxy S26 Edge
The Edge stands out with its dual-camera setup, which includes the 200 MP main camera that the Ultra model has, as well as a new 50 MP ultra-wide. Despite having fewer lenses than the other models, its upgraded ultra-wide sensor should help it punch above its weight. On the front, the Edge will keep the same 12 MP selfie camera.
Galaxy S26 camera: How many megapixels will it be?
Model
Main
Ultra-wide
Telephoto
Selfie
Galaxy S26 / S26 Plus
50 MP
12 MP
10 MP (3x)
12 MP
Galaxy S26 Ultra
200 MP
50 MP
50 MP (5x) and 10 MP (3x)
12 MP
Galaxy S26 Edge
200 MP
50 MP
---
12 MP
Galaxy S26 camera upgrades
Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus
A render of what the Galaxy S26 might look like. | Image Credit – OnLeaks and Android Headlines
Samsung may not be changing much on paper, but a well-utilized hardware tweak and smarter processing can go a long way. Rumors point to an upgraded sensor for at least one of the cameras—likely the main one—which could deliver better dynamic range and better low-light performance.
The 12 MP selfie camera is expected to stay the same across the lineup, but with a slightly wider lens. Reports suggest the field of view may increase from around 80 degrees to approximately 85 degrees, allowing more people or background to fit into the frame.
Software-wise, expect refinements to Expert RAW, Virtual Aperture, and 10-bit HDR video recording, all of which are carried over from previous generations.
Galaxy S26 Ultra
Leaked image of a dummy Galaxy S26 Ultra unit. | Image credit – OnLeaks
Samsung is expected to keep the same telephoto cameras on the Galaxy S26 Ultra: the 50 MP one with 5x zoom and the 10 MP one with 3x zoom.
The 200 MP main camera is reportedly in line for a significant upgrade. Earlier rumors hinted at a possible switch to a larger Sony sensor, but more recent and consistent reports suggest Samsung is sticking with its existing ISOCELL HP2 sensor instead.
Either change would noticeably improve low-light performance and dynamic range (the ability to preserve detail in both bright and dark areas of a shot). Both would also help produce a more natural depth effect, with stronger foreground-background separation for that pleasing, DSLR-like look.
There are also renewed rumors about the return of a variable aperture system on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. However, these claims remain speculative and lack strong corroboration. Given Samsung’s experience with variable aperture on older Galaxy models, it remains unclear whether the feature would provide any worthwhile benefits.
Galaxy S26 Edge
For a phone of its size, the S26 Edge’s camera setup is shaping up to be impressive. While it keeps the 200 MP main camera from the S25 Edge, the big story is the new 50 MP ultra-wide sensor, up from the 12 MP one on the current model. This should make for a more detailed image, although the difference probably won't be that staggering without pixel peeping.
Additional software and AI upgrades
With One UI 8.5, Samsung is expected to introduce improvements to the image processing, as well as smarter AI-assisted tools like Generative Edit and Audio Eraser. We also expect to see more controls within Expert RAW. Early One UI 8.5 code also points to a new Camera Assistant feature, which may offer framing suggestions and additional manual controls, particularly aimed at helping users better understand camera settings, much like what Google did with the Pixel 10.
Galaxy S26 and the PhoneArena Camera Score test: Our expectations
Based on the S25 lineup’s results, here’s what we expect from the upcoming Galaxy S26 series once we test it in our custom PhoneArena Camera Score benchmark:
Model
Expected Camera Score
Expected Photo Score
Expected Video Score
Why?
Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus
~149 vs 147
~153 vs 151
~144 vs 142
Better dynamic range and HDR thanks to a new main image sensor.
Galaxy S26 Ultra
~161 vs 158
~168 vs 165
~152 vs 150
Larger sensor and new software features could secure another year at the top.
Galaxy S26 Edge
~145 vs 140
~150 vs 146
~138 vs 134
The 50 MP ultra-wide upgrade should noticeably improve detail.
So there you have it. These are all the camera upgrades rumored for the S26 series so far.
Overall, the Galaxy S26 Ultra appears to be the only model in the lineup positioned for any meaningful camera upgrades in 2026. The Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Edge (if there is one) are expected to rely on the same hardware from previous years, with Samsung prioritizing software and, more specifically, AI-assisted tools.
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Aleksandar is a tech enthusiast with a broad range of interests, from smartphones to space exploration. His curiosity extends to hands-on DIY experiments with his gadgets, and he enjoys switching between different brands to experience the latest innovations. Prior to joining PhoneArena, Aleksandar worked on the Google Art Project, digitizing valuable artworks and gaining diverse perspectives on technology. When he's not immersed in tech, Aleksandar is an outdoorsman who enjoys mountain hikes, wildlife photography, and nature conservation. His interests also extend to martial arts, running, and snowboarding, reflecting his dynamic approach to life and technology.
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