Samsung is preparing to address one of the most criticized camera shortcomings in its flagship phone series with the launch of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. According to a new report, the upcoming device will finally bring an upgrade to its long-standing 3x telephoto camera, alongside improvements to the selfie camera and primary lens system.
For four years, Samsung’s 3x zoom telephoto camera has remained largely unchanged since the Galaxy S21 Ultra, sticking with a 10MP sensor. Now, a leak from Android Headlines suggests that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature a new 12MP sensor for its 3x optical zoom lens. The upgrade is expected to offer better image quality and improved low-light performance.
The front-facing camera is also said to be receiving enhancements, although specific details have not yet been revealed. Meanwhile, the phone will retain the existing 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP 5x telephoto cameras from the S25 Ultra, but with some important refinements.
The 200MP main camera is expected to feature a newer lens system and a new laser autofocus sensor, likely contributing to faster and more accurate focusing. Combined with a more powerful next-gen chipset, the phone will reportedly support Samsung’s ProVisual Engine, designed to enhance image and video output through advanced computational photography.
Another notable change may be a redesign of the camera module, with Samsung rumored to remove the controversial camera rings seen in previous models. These rings had drawn criticism from users for appearing awkwardly glued to the device’s back.
With the Galaxy S26 Ultra shaping up to be a major refinement rather than a full overhaul, Samsung seems focused on addressing user feedback while maintaining its strong position in the premium smartphone segment. The device is expected to launch early next year alongside the rest of the Galaxy S26 lineup.
