Galaxy S26 Ultra: Samsung rumoured to finally rid flagship of 10 MP and 3x telephoto camera next year

In recent years, Samsung has included one new camera sensor per Galaxy S Ultra generation. For instance, the Galaxy S25 Ultra (curr. $1,099.99 on Amazon) marked the introduction of a new 50 MP ultra-wide-angle camera this year, which replaced the 12 MP equivalent found inside its predecessor. Incidentally, the usage of this 1/2.55-inch, 13 mm and f/2.2 camera can be traced back to the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.

Unsurprisingly, the consensus is that this new 50 MP sensor will return for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Due at the start of next year, the device is also tipped to feature broadly the same 200 MP primary and 50 MP 5x telephoto cameras as the Galaxy S25 Ultra. According to PandaFlashPro, a surprise could be in store for the Ultra's fourth rear-facing camera.

For context, Samsung has been including a 10 MP, 1/3.52-inch, f/2.4 and 3x (70 mm) telephoto camera from the Galaxy S22 Ultra onwards. Reportedly, this is set to change for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, although PandaFlashPro is unsure how for the time being. Instead, the leaker suggests that Samsung is 'trying to make space for a new sensor'. Reasonably, one would expect Samsung to include a new 3x telephoto of some description. One possible candidate could be the ISOCELL JN5, which we considered a good option for use as an ultra-wide-angle or telephoto camera when Samsung showcased the sensor last year.