Samsung is already looking ahead to its next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and one of the biggest upgrades could be its under-display camera (UDC).
The company is testing a more advanced UDC system, aiming to eliminate notches and punch-hole cutouts for a truly seamless display experience.
Samsung’s Next-Gen Under-Display Camera
A recent leak suggests that Samsung is working on an improved under-display camera for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The company has already implemented this technology in its Galaxy Z Fold lineup, but the results have not been perfect.
The current UDC on the Fold series has noticeable pixelation over the camera area, affecting both display clarity and image quality. For the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung is developing a more efficient and discreet UDC system.
Recent patents suggest that the company is working on a better optical sensor design, which could allow light to pass through the display without compromising screen resolution or camera performance.
How Samsung’s UDC Could Surpass the Galaxy Z Fold 6
Samsung has gained experience with under-display cameras from its foldable devices, but the technology still has room for improvement. The Z Fold 6 will continue using UDC, but reports suggest it may still suffer from visible pixelation over the camera area.
If Samsung successfully enhances its display technology and sensor clarity, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could be the first Samsung phone to offer a truly invisible front camera.
Competition in the Under-Display Camera Race
Samsung is not the only company working on UDC technology. Google is reportedly testing under-display facial recognition for its upcoming Pixel 11 lineup, which could make it the first major smartphone brand to introduce UDC-based Face Unlock. It remains to be seen whether Samsung can perfect its UDC before the S26 Ultra’s official launch.
For now, Samsung’s testing phase is ongoing, and it is unclear if the same technology will also appear in the Galaxy Z Fold 7. However, if successful, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could set a new standard for front-facing camera design.
