Early buzz around the Galaxy S26 lineup has begun for the soon-to-be-released Samsung Galaxy S25. After incrementally updated Samsung flagship cameras in recent years, a new leak suggests the Galaxy S26 Ultra could be a big step forward, with a 200MP periscope camera set to make smartphone zoom.
So, what do we know about Samsung’s potential game-changer, and how will it compare to the competition?
A Bigger Sensor for Superior Zoom
Samsung’s rumoured 200MP periscope camera would align with rivals like Vivo and Xiaomi. Vivo has recently introduced its flagships with a 200MP 1/1.4-inch periscope lens sensor on the X100 Ultra and X200 Pro, which can provide fantastic image quality even at higher zoom levels.
The larger 1/1.1-inch 200MP periscope sensor would only be used by the Galaxy S26 Ultra along with its primary 200MP camera, while Samsung is rumoured to evaluate a smaller 1/1.5-inch 200MP periscope sensor for the device. The goal is to improve the zoom performance significantly and take great photos in low-light conditions.
That bigger sensor should allow the Galaxy S26 Ultra to stand apart in the premium flagship world by capturing more light and making it look better.
The Competition Heats Up
That does not mean Samsung is alone considering the possibilities for 200MP periscope cameras. The rumoured sensor would also likely be the same one being included by Xiaomi on its 15 Ultra, making it all the difficult to choose in the smartphone camera market.
Samsung’s ISOCELL division manufactures many of these cutting-edge sensors. The company is leading with innovation behind the scenes while, on the front end of its innovations, it appears to be taking a more cautious approach.
The Big Camera Bump Debate
A big 200MP periscope sensor poses one challenge: it requires a lot of vertical space, which means a big old camera bump. If it is not aesthetically pleasing, it is all worth it for image quality.
If Samsung could implement its recently announced ALoP (Advanced Lens Optical Process) technology, this problem could be mitigated. ALoP helps substantially reduce the length of traditional folded zoom lenses, potentially enabling a more minor camera bump, but compromises nothing in performance.
Why This Matters
Galaxy S20 Ultra last year, Samsung has not debuted any significant camera upgrades on its flagship line, using instead a 108MP sensor. The Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S25 Ultra offer better processing and garnished features, but the guts have not changed.
A 200MP periscope sensor could also suggest Samsung is back on innovation. This trend will give it a competitive edge as camera performance is the most critical differentiator in the market.
What to Expect from the Galaxy S26 Ultra
While the Galaxy S26 Ultra is still over a year away, here is a quick rundown of what rumours suggest so far:
- 200MP Periscope Camera: Stunning portable zoom image quality enhanced zoom.
- 1/1.5-Inch Sensor Size: Still a significant upgrade for Samsung, slightly smaller than Vivo’s.
- ALoP Technology: The French team could help reduce camera bumps and improve telephoto lens design.
- Refined Camera Processing: Samsung creates computational photography expertise.
Final Words
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra could place its flagship cameras at a key change point, breaking out of years of evolving specifications. Samsung can redefine what is possible in smartphone photography by embracing a 200MP periscope sensor and possibly ALoP integration.
Given that Vivo and Xiaomi are setting the bar higher, Samsung needs to match and outdo its rivals. It is in the early days, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra may be a flagship worth waiting for.
Ethan Cole is a tech aficionado dedicated to exploring the latest innovations and gadgets, providing reviews and insights to keep you updated in the tech world.
