Smartphone users have long wished for a zoom camera that records video as well as it takes photos. Well, the latest leaks surrounding the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra reveal that this dream could become a reality, with significant improvements coming to its 5x periscope telephoto camera. This way, Samsung might fix common problems like shaky video and unclear details to get a “truly cinematic” quality. The good news adds to our exclusive renders of the Galaxy S26, S26+ and even S26 Ultra.
Cinematic video comes to your pocket with Galaxy S26 Ultra’s new camera tools
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to deliver a massive jump in video quality, specifically through its 5x periscope telephoto camera, according to tech tipster Ice Universe. While the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra was already a powerhouse, it sometimes received criticism for jittery zoom video. The upcoming model reportedly smooths out these rough edges. It should offer a level of stability and clarity that could finally challenge dedicated cameras.
One of the most significant hardware changes is a rumored shift in aperture. By widening the lens opening (moving from f/3.4 to a brighter f/2.9 on the zoom sensor), Samsung allows roughly 38% more light to reach the phone sensor. In the real world, this technical jargon translates to cleaner video. If you have ever tried to record a concert or a school play from the back of the room, you know how quickly zoom footage can turn into a “watercolor” mess. This wider aperture helps eliminate that digital noise, ensuring your 5x zoomed videos stay sharp even when the lighting isn’t perfect.
Professional controls for everyone
Beyond the glass and sensors, Samsung is leaning heavily into software that “humanizes” the filming experience. New features discovered in the Camera Assistant app suggest that the S26 Ultra will offer even more pro-level controls. Users will now have the ability to adjust the “softness” of their footage. This should help them create a more organic, cinematic look that is much more flattering for skin tones. Additionally, you can finally control how fast the camera shifts focus. Instead of a jarring “snap” between subjects, you can set a slow, deliberate rack focus, adding a professional storytelling touch to your clips.
Samsung has been harshly criticized for its conservatism regarding camera hardware. The company seems hesitant to invest heavily in better—or entirely new—sensors. Instead, the focus seems to be on optimizing image technology. That said, users claim that sometimes software cannot compensate for hardware limitations. We’ll have to wait for the launch of the Galaxy S26 lineup to see firsthand if the picture quality improvements are truly significant.
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