In the world of high-end smartphones, major camera upgrades can feel few and far between these days. Well, to be fair, this mainly applies to Western brands. Manufacturers like Samsung, Apple, and Google often refine existing setups rather than introducing revolutionary changes year after year. However, a recent whisper from the prolific leaker Ice Universe suggests that Samsung might be gearing up for a truly impactful upgrade for its upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, specifically targeting its main camera.
For starters, if you were hoping for a brand-new sensor, you might have to wait a bit longer. If the latest information from the reliable Ice Universe tipster holds true, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will continue to feature Samsung’s impressive 200-megapixel ISOCELL HP2 sensor. If you’re not aware, this is the same main camera found in the S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, and S25 Ultra. But here’s where things get interesting: the S26 Ultra’s implementation could boast an aperture of f/1.4.
f/1.4 aperture for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s main camera sensor
For those not deep into camera jargon, a camera’s aperture is essentially the opening that lets light hit the sensor. Think of it like the pupil of your eye—the wider it opens, the more light it can let in. The current Galaxy S25 Ultra uses an f/1.7 aperture. In photography, a lower f-number indicates a larger aperture. So, moving from f/1.7 to f/1.4 means the S26 Ultra will be able to gather significantly more light.
What does this translate to for your everyday photos and videos? A larger aperture directly benefits low-light imaging. If you’ve ever struggled to capture clear, bright photos in dimly lit restaurants or during evening strolls, this upgrade could be a game-changer. More light means less noise, better detail, and brighter results without relying too heavily on software tricks.
Beyond low-light performance, a wider aperture also creates a shallower depth of field. This is the effect often seen in professional portraits, where the subject is sharp and clear, but the background or foreground is beautifully blurred. This “bokeh” effect can add a cinematic quality to your smartphone photos, making your subjects truly stand out.
A nice potential upgrade, but fans want more
This might not sound like a complete overhaul. Surely many fans have been waiting for a new, revamped sensor for years. However, given the incremental nature of Samsung’s phone camera advancements, an f/1.4 aperture on a 200MP sensor is a substantial step forward. Galaxy mobile flagships’ low-light camera performance has, at times, faced criticism when compared to some competitors in recent years. This rumored upgrade suggests the company is keenly aware of this and is pushing to reclaim its top spot in mobile photography. We’ll likely see the full reveal of the Galaxy S26 series at an Unpacked event early next year.
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