A recent leak suggests that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 3x camera might be a downgrade compared to its predecessor, the S25 Ultra. According to tipster Ice Universe, the S26 Ultra will feature a 12MP sensor that crops down to 10MP, maintaining the same native image resolution as the S25 Ultra. However, the sensor itself is purported to be smaller.
The leaked specifications indicate a 1/3.94-inch sensor with 1.0-micron pixels for the S26 Ultra’s 3x camera. This contrasts with the S25 Ultra’s alleged 1/3.52-inch sensor with 1.12-micron pixels. Both cameras are reported to utilize a 12MP sensor and record at 10MP. The implications of a smaller sensor and pixel size point to a potential reduction in light-gathering capabilities, which could result in dimmer, less clear images with increased noise.
In theory, this hardware change could lead to the Galaxy S26 Ultra producing inferior 3x photos compared to the S25 Ultra. However, it’s important to note that Samsung could potentially compensate for this hardware disadvantage through software optimization and an improved image signal processor. The actual impact on image quality remains to be seen.
Beyond the 3x camera, previous leaks have hinted at other camera improvements for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, including wider apertures for the main and 5x cameras. Additional rumored features for the S26 Ultra include a privacy-screen, a 5,000mAh battery, and support for 60W wired charging.
