SEOUL: Fresh leaks have surfaced surrounding Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus, revealing new details about the camera hardware and internal specifications. While earlier reports highlighted major overhauls for the S26 Ultra, the latest information suggests that the standard and Plus variants will retain much of their predecessor’s DNA — with only modest but meaningful refinements.
According to a detailed report by SmartPrix, the Galaxy S26 lineup will continue Samsung’s tradition of evolutionary upgrades rather than radical redesigns, particularly when it comes to photography.
Camera setup and sensor details
Contrary to earlier speculation that Samsung might introduce a brand-new 50MP ultra-wide sensor, the latest firmware leaks confirm that both the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus will continue to feature the familiar 12MP Sony IMX564 ultra-wide lens used in the S24 and S25 series.
However, Samsung isn’t standing completely still. The main camera is expected to retain its 50MP resolution, but it will reportedly use a new ISOCELL S5KGNG sensor, offering enhanced color depth, improved low-light clarity, and faster focusing speeds. While the sensor size remains identical to that of the previous model, insiders say subtle algorithmic and image-processing improvements may lead to better real-world performance.
Sources add that the telephoto lens setup on both models is likely to stay unchanged — meaning users can expect the same 3x optical zoom configuration that Samsung has fine-tuned across the past two generations.
Design, performance, and other specifications
Visually, Samsung is unlikely to deviate from its established Symmetrical Contour Cut design, with the same premium glass-and-metal frame seen in recent flagships. Both models will feature AMOLED 2X displays, with the S26 expected to sport a 6.1-inch panel, while the S26 Plus will have a 6.6-inch screen, each boasting a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
Under the hood, the series is expected to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset in select regions, with Samsung’s Exynos 2500 powering global variants. The new processor promises significant gains in efficiency and AI-assisted imaging — a major focus of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy AI 2.0 software suite.
Battery life is expected to remain consistent with the 4,000mAh (S26) and 4,700mAh (S26 Plus) capacities, both supporting 45W fast charging.
A refined flagship for 2026
While fans hoping for major camera hardware leaps may be disappointed, industry experts say Samsung’s strategy reflects a shift toward software-driven innovation. The company is prioritizing computational photography, AI-powered scene optimization, and real-time rendering — all designed to enhance image quality without relying solely on megapixel increases.
Samsung is expected to officially unveil the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026, continuing its February Unpacked tradition.
