Samsung’s next flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is already making headlines well ahead of its official launch. Slated to arrive in January 2026, the device is expected to bring one of the most significant camera upgrades the Galaxy S series has seen in years. A new leak suggests that Samsung may replace its in-house ISOCELL camera sensor with a 200-megapixel Sony CMOS sensor — a major change in its long-standing imaging strategy.
Big Camera Shift: Samsung May Use a Sony Sensor in Galaxy S26 Ultra
Until now, Samsung has relied heavily on its proprietary ISOCELL sensors for the Galaxy Ultra models. But a new leak from Chinese tipster Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo claims that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature a Sony 200-megapixel CMOS sensor with a large 1/1.1-inch size.
This is a considerable upgrade compared to the 1/1.3-inch ISOCELL HP2 sensor used in the current Galaxy S25 Ultra. The change could mean sharper, more detailed photos and improved low-light performance — areas where Sony’s sensors have long excelled.
What Does the New 200MP Sony Sensor Bring?
The larger Sony sensor would allow for:
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Better dynamic range
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Improved light capture in dark environments
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More natural colors and depth
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Faster image processing
This move signals that Samsung may be shifting its focus to offer premium photography capabilities that rival or even surpass top contenders like Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Pixel series.
Galaxy S26 Ultra: Rumoured Camera Setup
Besides the main 200MP sensor, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is tipped to offer a versatile quad-camera setup, including:
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50MP ultra-wide-angle lens
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12MP 3x telephoto camera
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50MP periscope lens with 5x optical zoom
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Expected addition of the ProVisual Engine, a next-gen image processing tool to enhance AI photo editing and dynamic photography features
Galaxy S26 Ultra Specifications (Expected)
According to early leaks, here’s what you can expect under the hood of the Galaxy S26 Ultra:
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Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Elite (expected launch in Sept 2025)
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RAM: 16GB
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Display: 6.9-inch AMOLED with thinner bezels
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Software: Android 15 with One UI 7 (expected)
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Build: Likely to feature IP68 water and dust resistance
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Design: Premium metal-glass sandwich, possibly lighter than the S25 Ultra
Samsung is also rumoured to discontinue the “Plus” variant for the Galaxy S26 lineup, focusing instead on the standard S26, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra models.
Why Samsung’s Switch to Sony Sensors Matters
Samsung’s potential shift from its own ISOCELL sensors to Sony’s CMOS technology is not just a minor hardware tweak — it’s a strategic move. It reflects a strong push to elevate camera performance and compete more directly with flagship rivals in mobile photography.
This change could also signal broader collaborations with Sony, possibly in future foldables and mid-range models as well.
Final Thoughts
While Samsung has not officially confirmed the details, early leaks strongly indicate that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be a game-changer, particularly in camera capabilities. If the 200MP Sony sensor does become a reality, users can expect a smartphone that not only performs brilliantly in photography but also sets new benchmarks for flagship Android phones.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be a top contender in the 2026 smartphone race.
