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Samsung Galaxy S26 camera: Everything you need to know

The S26 Ultra gets all the new goodies this year.

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By Aleksandar Anastasov

Updated: Feb 25, 2026, 12:03 PM

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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra rear camera close-up in blue finish

A close up of the Galaxy S26 Ultra's camera system. | Image by PhoneArena

Samsung just unveiled the Galaxy S26 series, and now we finally know all the camera upgrades that come with this year's generation. The company has seemingly focused more on the Ultra model this year, improving the lenses of the main and 5x telephoto cameras. The S26 and S2 Plus, on the other hand, have no major changes to their camera hardware.

Also check out all we know about Galaxy S26 battery and charging

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The Galaxy S26+ is here, bringing improved software and a more powerful processor. The device can now be yours for up to $480 off with eligible device trade-ins. Users also get 15% off the Buds 4 series with their purchase. The official store gives you a $150 credit for add-ons without trade-ins.

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How many cameras does the new Galaxy S26 have?

Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus

The Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus feature three rear cameras and a single selfie camera:

50 MP Wide (f/1.8, 1.0 µm, Optical Quality 2x)
12 MP Ultra-wide (f/2.2, 1.4 µm)
10 MP 3x Telephoto (f/2.4, 1.0 µm, 3x optical zoom)
12 MP Wide (f/2.2, 1.12 µm, 85° field of view)

While the hardware remains the same, Samsung states that it has improved image processing, HDR performance, and the Nightography mode.

Galaxy S26 Ultra

The Galaxy S26 Ultra continues with a quad-camera system:

200 MP Wide (f/1.4, 0.6µm, Optical Quality 2x)
50 MP Ultra-wide (f/1.9, 0.7µm)
10 MP 3× Telephoto (f/2.4, 1.0µm)
50 MP 5× Telephoto (f/2.9, 0.7µm, Optical Quality 10x)

Galaxy S26 camera upgrades

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Wider aperture main camera

The 200 MP main camera now features an f/1.4 aperture. According to Samsung’s briefing materials, this allows the sensor to capture 47% more light compared to the previous generation.

The result should be:

Brighter low-light photos
Improved detail retention
More natural background separation

Low-light performance is further enhanced by improved noise reduction powered by the upgraded processor.

Enhanced 5x telephoto performance

The 50 MP 5x camera now delivers 37% more vivid detail and richer colors, according to Samsung’s official briefing.

Combined with optical-quality 10x zoom, Samsung continues to emphasize real usable zoom rather than purely digital magnification.

Nightography Video improvements

Enhanced Nightography Video delivers clearer, more vibrant footage in dim environments. Samsung also introduces Super Steady Film with real-time gyro and accelerometer correction up to 360°, improved horizon leveling, and better stabilization during motion.

Professional video: APV support

The Galaxy S26 Ultra becomes the first Galaxy device to support Advanced Professional Video (APV) format, an open professional-grade video standard supporting up to 8K at 30fps or 4k at 120fps.

Improved selfie camera processing

While resolution remains 12 MP across the lineup, Samsung confirms enhanced AI ISP tuning and Object Aware Engine improvements. Samsung says this results in more realistic skin tones, better hair texture, and improved performances in challenging lighting.

Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus

Samsung did not introduce any hardware camera upgrades with the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus, but the company says that both phones come with:

Better HDR processing
Refined Nightography
Smarter AI editing tools
More natural color science

Both models also support video recording at 4K 60fps and 8K 30fps.

AI-powered editing and capture features

Samsung continues expanding its AI-powered editing toolkit:

Photo Assist

Remove unwanted objects
Add missing elements
Restore edited parts (for example, a partially eaten cake)
Adjust lighting and contrast automatically for realism

Creative Studio

Generate stickers, wallpapers, invitations, and greeting cards
Create content from text prompts, sketches, or photos
Export creations directly into messaging workflows

Audio Eraser

Now Audio Eraser works across supported third-party apps such as YouTube and Instagram, with quick panel controls.

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 the new chipset.
Galaxy S26 Ultra	~161 vs 158	~168 vs 165	~152 vs 150	Improved dynamic range, HDR, sharpness, and noise reductions thanks to new optics and new chipset.

So there you have it. These are all the camera upgrades rumored for the S26 series so far.

Overall, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the only model in the lineup that comes with any meaningful camera upgrades in 2026. The Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus rely on the same hardware from previous years, with Samsung prioritizing software and 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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