Samsung Galaxy S26 appears to be getting a useful camera feature that Apple has had since the iPhone 15
Upon developing and releasing the iPhone 15 in 2023, Apple increased the standard resolution of photos to 24 MP, not only delivering more megapixels but also increasing the dynamic range of the images. The doubling of the resolution does not result in delays and takes up significantly less storage space than, for example, a photo at full sensor resolution. To date, no Android manufacturer has adopted this sensible change away from the standard 12 MP photo, even though 200 MP sensors are now widely available.
Oppo has taken a slightly different approach with the Find X9 Pro, integrating a 50 MP or 200 MP automatic mode. Samsung's flagship cameras have only offered a 24 MP option in the separate Expert RAW app so far, which very few people use as their standard photo app. However, as reliable leaker Ice Universe now reports, the Galaxy S26 family, specifically the Ultra model at least, will also get a 24 MP option in the regular camera app for the first time, with the big difference that you first have to unlock it in the Camera Assistant app, as the leaker reports based on his own tests with a Galaxy S26 Ultra test model.
24 megapixels as an option, not standard
Unlike Apple, 24 MP photos are still only an option; even in the camera app, they do not replace 12 MP, but are available as an additional option once activated. Another limitation compared to Apple is likely to be the delay of about 3 seconds after pressing the shutter button, at least on current test models. Nevertheless, according to Ice Universe, the switch to 24 MP is worthwhile.
At first glance, the quality is said to be significantly better than with 12 MP and also better than the 24 MP mode in ExpertRAW, as it apparently avoids most of the oversharpening and purple fringing that occurs in some places. According to the leaker, the 24 MP option has the potential to be used as the default, and it is available for portrait shots as well as photo mode. Unfortunately, Samsung is likely to reserve this feature exclusively for the Galaxy S26 generation, even though the sensor technology is unlikely to change. This was similar with Apple, as the iPhone 14 Pro did not benefit from the doubling of photo resolution in 2023 when it was launched.
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