Samsung is said to be reintroducing a feature that was once a signature feature of its flagship phones: variable aperture. The technology, which allows the lens of the camera to shift its aperture based on the ambient light conditions, was first introduced by Samsung through the Galaxy S9 line. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ could switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4 apertures, enhancing low-light performance and sunlight clarity. The feature was eliminated with the start of the Galaxy S20 series.
The variable aperture return is said to be part of the Galaxy S26 Ultra camera configuration, that of its primary rear camera. This move will significantly improve the phone as a camera, making it better at various lighting conditions. In low-light areas, the larger aperture of f/1.5 allows more light onto the sensor, thus reducing noise and improving image sharpness. On the other hand, under bright conditions, a smaller aperture like f/2.4 prevents overexposure and retains more of the image in focus, making the image overall clearer.
While Samsung first introduced dual-aperture technology, subsequent players like Huawei and Xiaomi have integrated such features. The 14 Ultra from Xiaomi, for instance, has a variable aperture ranging from f/1.63 to f/4.0, which is stepless-variable. How far Samsung’s approach will go in being a true multi-step variable or just another dual-aperture implementation like the Galaxy S9 remains to be known.
The potential return of variable aperture comes as Samsung aims to differentiate its next flagship from predecessors and competitors. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is also rumored to have other camera upgrades, such as a 200MP telephoto camera with a 1/1.5-inch sensor, and night scene and HDR enhancements.
Samsung returning to this feature could be a move given today’s market context. Other firms have not slowed down in innovations for the camera, but Samsung returning to variable aperture could make the Galaxy S26 Ultra the photographers’ favorite camera phone. Nevertheless, until officially confirmed, rumors such as these should be taken lightly.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra will be released in early 2026, and if the variable aperture feature becomes a reality, it could be a big comeback for Samsung within camera technology. The success or failure of the feature will be largely dependent upon the company’s ability to balance creativity and practicality. While Samsung continues to push the limits of its photographic abilities, the inclusion of variable aperture could be a turning point for smartphone photography.
