Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Rumored to Feature 324MP Main Camera

Samsung is well-known for pushing the boundaries of smartphone camera technology, and recent rumors suggest a significant upgrade for the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra. According to leaker Sanju Choudhary, the flagship device might feature a groundbreaking 324-megapixel ISOCELL HR1 sensor in its primary camera. If this claim holds true, it would represent one of the largest megapixel resolutions in the market, nearly doubling the 200 megapixels found in the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Telephoto Camera and Other Features

In addition to the impressive primary camera, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to include a 3x telephoto camera with a 50MP sensor. The current flagship model boasts a 10MP 3x telephoto camera along with a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, although there are indications that this lens may be phased out in the S25 Ultra. Choudhary noted that while production for the new sensor hasn’t commenced yet, the development is nearing completion. Furthermore, Samsung’s ISOCELL division is reportedly working on an even larger 432MP camera sensor.

Conflicting Reports from Other Leakers

However, not all insiders are in agreement regarding these specifications. Leaker Jukanlosreve pushed back against Choudhary’s claims, suggesting that the S26 Ultra will feature the same camera setup as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is expected to retain the 200MP ultrawide sensor from the S24 Ultra. Given the rising costs in smartphone production, it wouldn’t be surprising if Samsung opts to prolong the use of the 200MP sensor rather than pursuing entirely new hardware.

Focus on Software Improvements

While a 324-megapixel main camera might seem excessive, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee Samsung a top spot among smartphone competitors. This year’s Galaxy S24 Ultra is often considered one of the best camera phones available, but it has faced tough competition from Apple and Google, both of which feature 48MP main cameras. In head-to-head comparisons, Samsung’s devices have sometimes fallen short, despite their high megapixel counts.

Competitive Landscape and Conclusion

In a recent 200-photo comparison series, the S24 Ultra lost to both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the previous iPhone 15 Pro Max. Additionally, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL managed to edge out Samsung’s flagship, while last year’s Pixel 8 Pro resulted in a tie.

To summarize, while Samsung’s Ultra line of smartphones delivers impressive camera capabilities that camera enthusiasts appreciate, the competition remains fierce. Ultimately, the potential advancements in the Galaxy S26 Ultra may enhance Samsung’s standing in the smartphone market, but the company will also need to focus on improving photo quality through software enhancements to truly compete with its rivals.