Galaxy S26 Ultra May Disappoint with Camera Upgrades
Familiar Periscope Camera Could Return on S26 Ultra
Samsung fans hoping for major camera improvements in the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra may be in for a letdown. According to a new leak from GalaxyClub, Samsung appears set to reuse the same 50MP Periscope sensor introduced in the Galaxy S24 Ultra and repeated in the S25 Ultra.
The report states that the Periscope lens will continue to support 5x optical zoom, which means no improvement in zoom capabilities compared to recent Ultra models. This news is already drawing criticism from fans who hoped for an enhanced long-range zoom experience on the S26 Ultra.
Not long ago, Samsung’s flagship devices like the Galaxy S21 Ultra and S22 Ultra featured a 10x optical zoom lens—though lower in megapixels (10MP), it provided cleaner zoom performance than the current 5x setup, which relies more on digital processing.
Other Lenses May Stay the Same
The disappointment doesn’t end with the Periscope sensor. The report also indicates that the 200MP main camera—first introduced in the S23 Ultra—will likely remain unchanged in the S26 Ultra. This means the sensor will enter its third generation without a hardware refresh.
The ultrawide camera also seems set to continue unchanged. Originally introduced on the S25 Ultra, the new ultrawide sensor is expected to stay in place for at least two more years, according to the source. While the ultrawide lens performs well, some fans feel a refresh could enhance low-light and edge clarity.
This means three of the four rear cameras on the Galaxy S26 Ultra may essentially be reused from previous models—a move that could affect the phone’s appeal, especially as rivals like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo push forward with aggressive sensor upgrades.
Some Hope Remains for Telephoto Camera Fans
There is, however, one potential bright spot: the Telephoto camera. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra includes a 3x zoom Telephoto sensor with 10MP resolution, but fans have been calling for an upgrade, especially as competing brands introduce high-resolution zoom cameras, including 200MP telephoto lenses.
It’s not yet confirmed whether Samsung plans to upgrade the 3x Telephoto sensor, but given the lack of improvements elsewhere, the company may focus on this lens to offer something new and competitive in the zoom department.
If Samsung decides to retain the 5x Periscope zoom, many expect the 3x Telephoto lens to see a boost in both resolution and optical clarity. That upgrade would make the Galaxy S26 Ultra more appealing to photography enthusiasts who rely on versatile zoom options for both portraits and distant subjects.
Final Thoughts
As of now, all information is based on early leaks and speculation. Samsung has not officially confirmed any details regarding the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera hardware. But if these leaks are accurate, the S26 Ultra may mark the least ambitious camera refresh in the Ultra line’s history.
While the software experience and AI-powered image processing may still offer improvements, fans are increasingly demanding hardware innovation—especially in the face of fierce competition from Chinese manufacturers.
Samsung typically launches its Galaxy S series in the first quarter of the year, so we can expect more concrete details to emerge in the coming months. For now, those hoping for a cutting-edge photography experience may want to temper expectations.
