Galaxy S26 Ultra: Samsung May use an Old Periscope Camera Sensor

Samsung phone fans have been waiting for major hardware upgrades for years. The company had the opportunity to do so with the next-gen Galaxy S26 lineup, but it looks like it’s making us wait a little longer. According to a well-known tech tipster, Samsung is reportedly taking a conservative approach to camera upgrades with its next flagships, the Galaxy S26 Ultra and S27 Ultra, at least regarding the periscope sensor.

Samsung may use Galaxy S24 Ultra’s periscope sensor in the S26 and S27 Ultra

Reliable tech tipster Ice Universe has revealed some interesting details about the device. Their X/Twitter post claims that Samsung will use the same 50MP with 5x optical zoom periscope camera for the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S27 Ultra. If you’re not aware, Samsung first introduced this sensor on the Galaxy S24 Ultra and also used it in the current S25 Ultra. So, if the leak is true, the company plans to use it for four consecutive years.

On one hand, this is a very capable camera. It offers a higher “real” optical zoom than its key competitor, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro. The latter boasts an 8x “optical quality” zoom, but its actual optical zoom capacity is 4x.

However, in a market driven by annual upgrades, using the same camera hardware for so long could be seen as a sign of stagnation. Consumers have come to expect new innovations and improvements every year. A lack of new hardware in a key area like the camera could cause some frustration. Samsung could certainly improve the software to get better results from the existing sensor. But it may not be enough for users who are hoping for a major hardware leap.

Potentially downgraded 3x telephoto, same main camera

It’s noteworthy that, according to a recent report, Samsung is also reportedly taking a conservative approach to the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 3x telephoto zoom sensor. However, instead of simply using the same lens, the company is reportedly taking an unpopular measure. More specifically, Samsung could use a smaller sensor than the one on the S25 Ultra.

Furthermore, the latest rumors about potential major upgrades to the S26 Ultra’s main camera sensor might not come to fruition either. There have been leaks about a new 200MP Sony camera. However, the same source claims that Samsung is “reluctant to use such an expensive sensor.” Therefore, the firm would continue to use the same current ISOCELL 200MP HP2 lens. What’s more, the tipster claims that the South Korean giant wants to use it for four years in a row.

So, if rumors are true, the device’s camera improvements would be minimal. Hopefully, more news will emerge on this soon.