Samsung: New camera upgrade tipped to arrive with Galaxy S26 Ultra successor

Samsung has only just released the Galaxy S26 Ultra globally (curr. $1,299 on Amazon). Launched alongside the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and the Galaxy Buds4 series, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will not begin shipping until later this week. In other words, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will likely remain Samsung's flagship candybar smartphone until early 2027.

Nonetheless, leakers have already begun speculating about what the company has in store for its successor. Currently referred to as the Galaxy S27 Ultra, the device is expected to represent Samsung's shift away from its ageing ISOCELL HP2 sensor. For context, the company has been using this 200 MP sensor inside all Ultra-branded smartphones from the Galaxy S23 Ultra onwards, as well as the Galaxy Z Fold7.

Reportedly, the Galaxy S27 Ultra will adopt the ISOCELL HPA in some form, which will retain the same 200 MP native output as the ISOCELL HP2. However, it will adopt Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC) technology to maximise dynamic range, particularly in HDR shots.

Digital Chat Station and Ice Universe are in disagreement about the sensor size of the ISOCELL HPA, though. As it stands, the pair report 1/1.12-inch and 1/1.3-inch sensor sizes, respectively. Also, Ice Universe believes that Samsung will advertise the ISOCELL HPA as the ISOCELL HP6 in the Galaxy S27 Ultra, too. At this stage, we would not expect camera hardware details to firm up until towards the end of 2026.