Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Could Feature 200MP Sony Camera Sensor: All You Need to Know
Samsung appears to be taking a bold new direction with its flagship smartphone lineup. If recent leaks are accurate, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could come with a 200-megapixel Sony camera sensor, marking a major shift from Samsung’s usual camera hardware strategy. The flagship is expected to launch in January 2026, with upgraded imaging, processing power, and design refinements.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Leak: A Big Change Ahead
For years, Samsung has relied on its in-house ISOCELL image sensors, including the 200MP ISOCELL HP2 used in the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, a new leak from a well-known Chinese tipster on Weibo suggests the company is planning to use a 1/1.1-inch Sony CMOS sensor for the main camera on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
This would be a significant upgrade from the 1/1.3-inch sensor size on previous models, promising better light intake, sharper image quality, and improved dynamic range — especially in low-light photography. The move could also reflect Samsung’s intent to raise the bar in the camera hardware race against rivals like Apple, Xiaomi, and Google.
Expected Rear Camera Setup on Galaxy S26 Ultra
While Samsung has yet to confirm any details, here’s what the rumored quad-camera setup for the S26 Ultra might look like:
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200MP Sony main sensor (1/1.1-inch size)
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50MP ultra-wide-angle lens
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12MP 3x telephoto camera
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50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom
These upgrades are expected to be paired with Samsung’s next-generation ProVisual Engine, further enhancing image processing, color reproduction, and AI-based enhancements.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Specifications (Expected)
Flagship Power With Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2
Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor. This next-gen chipset is anticipated to be launched by Qualcomm later this year and will likely power most top-tier Android flagships in 2026.
Memory and Storage
Leaks also suggest that the S26 Ultra will feature up to 16GB of RAM, making it one of the most powerful smartphones in the Android segment. Although specific storage variants haven’t been detailed yet, one can expect the usual 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options.
Display and Design
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6.9-inch AMOLED display
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Likely to retain the QHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate
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Thinner bezels than the Galaxy S25 Ultra
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Likely to feature IP68 water and dust resistance
Galaxy S26 Series Lineup: No More Plus Variant?
Samsung may be rethinking its flagship lineup strategy. While the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S26 Edge are expected to be part of the launch, rumors suggest that the company may discontinue the Galaxy S26+ model altogether. This could be part of a streamlining effort to better differentiate its devices and reduce production complexities.
What This Means for Samsung Users
Switching to a Sony 200MP sensor shows that Samsung is prioritizing photography innovation and image quality — even if it means using components outside its in-house ecosystem. This could result in better color accuracy, improved image sharpness, and new AI-powered camera features to cater to photography enthusiasts and professionals.
Final Thoughts
While it’s still early to confirm these leaks, all signs point to the Galaxy S26 Ultra being one of Samsung’s most ambitious flagship smartphones to date. If the camera upgrades and hardware rumors turn out to be true, Samsung could redefine mobile photography yet again in 2026.
