Galaxy S26 Ultra: The Galaxy S26 Ultra is tipped to bring a downgraded 3x zoom, the same 5x telephoto sensor, and a thicker rear camera bump. Here is what the latest leaks from Ice Universe suggest.
With the iPhone 17 launch behind us, the spotlight is shifting to Samsung upcoming Galaxy S26 series. The latest leaks focus on the top-end Galaxy S26 Ultra, and if they prove true, Samsung 2025 flagship may not deliver the sweeping camera upgrades many fans were hoping for. Instead, the company appears to be refining its formula with a mix of small changes and design tweaks.
3x telephoto may see a downgrade
Tipster Ice Universe reports that the Galaxy S26 Ultra 3x telephoto camera will use a 10 MP sensor. That is a step down from what most expected and suggests Samsung is relying more on software processing than raw hardware improvements for this zoom level. Since the 3x lens is often used for portraits and mid-range shots, users may notice differences depending on lighting conditions.
5x telephoto staying the same
On the other hand, the 5x periscope zoom is expected to stick with the 50 MP sensor that Samsung has already used in the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra. The 1/2.52-inch sensor with 0.7μm pixels is a proven performer, but the lack of change means fans looking for big telephoto upgrades may feel underwhelmed. Rumors even suggest this same sensor could remain in use for the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
A thicker camera bump in 2025
One of the more eye-catching details is that the Galaxy S26 Ultra rear camera bump could be nearly twice as thick as the one on the S25 Ultra. While it might not sound appealing at first, the added space could allow Samsung to fit improved stabilization, larger lens assemblies, or other internal upgrades that do not show up in the spec sheet.
Launch timeline
Samsung is expected to reveal the Galaxy S26 series in January, with models rumored to include the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The early leaks point to evolution rather than revolution: a thinner 3x sensor, a steady 5x system, and a redesigned camera island. It may not grab headlines with raw numbers, but how Samsung tunes its software could make the real difference when the phone finally lands.
