The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is likely to feature significant updates, particularly in its camera system. Among the most anticipated features is the return of variable aperture technology, which Samsung first introduced with the Galaxy S9 series. The feature allows the camera to adjust its aperture size based on the available light, enhancing the photography experience. The Galaxy S9 could switch between F1.5 and F2.4 apertures, with F1.5 being optimal for low light and F2.4 being better for shooting during the day. This was abandoned with the Galaxy S20 series.
For the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the variable aperture ought to be present on the primary rear camera, which can have a range of F1.4 to F4.0. This will provide users more freedom to adjust the amount of light that reaches the lens, leading to enhanced image quality under varying light conditions. Huawei and Xiaomi have already implemented similar technology in their flagship phones.
In addition to the variable aperture, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is also rumored to sport a powerful camera configuration. It is expected to retain the 200 MP primary sensor but update the zoom module with three telephoto lenses. One of the lenses is rumored to be upgraded to a 50 MP sensor with a 3.5x optical zoom, from the 10 MP lens previously. The second telephoto lens should offer an 8x optical zoom, a significant improvement from the 5x zoom of the predecessor.
The phone is also said to include a silicon-carbon battery with up to 5,500 mAh capacity for long battery life and fast charging. The phone will be built with a titanium body and Gorilla Glass Victus 3 for added durability. The display will most probably be a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 3X with a 165Hz refresh rate and 3000 nits brightness for an immersive display experience.
Performance-wise, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is likely to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or Exynos 2500 chipset, offering next-gen performance. Samsung’s AI features, such as smart replies and call summarization, should also be part of the device.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is likely to be released in early 2026, with pre-orders on the horizon. The starting price is rumored to be around $1,399, positioning it as a premium flagship model. Overall, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is turning out to be a phenomenal upgrade over its predecessors, and its futuristic camera features along with its high-performance hardware make it a desirable choice for tech enthusiasts.
