3 Minutes
Leaked specs raise questions about Samsung's telephoto strategy
Ice Universe — a frequent source of leaks and sharp commentary on Samsung’s product choices — claims the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will adopt a downgraded mid-range telephoto module: a 3x f/2.4 lens paired with a 10MP 1/3.94" sensor and 1.0µm pixels. The news arrives as Apple has just boosted telephoto and selfie performance on the iPhone 17 Pro lineup, prompting scrutiny of Samsung’s response ahead of the S26 launch in January.
Technical snapshot
Telephoto module (leaked)
- 3x optical zoom, f/2.4 - 10MP output from a 1/3.94" sensor - 1.0µm pixel size
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera setup
For context, the Galaxy S25 Ultra used the Sony IMX754 for its mid-tele role — a slightly larger 1/3.52" sensor with 1.12µm pixels (the IMX754 is nominally a 12MP sensor, though only 10MP are used by the optics). That means the S26 Ultra’s 10MP module would likely be physically smaller, which could affect low-light and detail performance unless compensated for by processing.
How the S26 Ultra compares to rivals
The S25 Ultra’s periscope remains a 50MP IMX854 (1/2.52", 0.7µm) at 5x and 111mm focal length. Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro gets close with a 48MP 1/2.55" sensor and a 100mm lens. Vivo’s flagship tele cameras push resolution and sensor size further — the X200 Pro used a 200MP 1/1.4" sensor; future vivo X300 Pro tele modules may even use Samsung’s custom ISOCELL HPB “Thanos” sensor. Against that backdrop, a smaller 10MP 3x module stands out as a conservative choice.
Advantages, disadvantages and likely use cases
Advantages: A smaller 3x module can save cost and make room for other hardware; optimized image processing can still deliver strong day-time results and fast autofocus. Disadvantages: reduced native resolution and smaller pixels typically mean less detail at longer ranges and worse low-light performance compared with larger-sensor telephoto implementations. Practical use cases for a 3x 10MP unit include portraits and medium-range zoom where software sharpening and multi-frame stacking can help.
Market relevance and what to expect
According to Ice Universe, Samsung debated switching to a 50MP 4x tele module but reportedly missed the deadline. A 200MP telephoto is also considered unlikely because of cost. That helps explain the sizable camera bump on leaked S26 Ultra mockups — Samsung may be preserving room for a high-end main sensor and periscope while compromising the mid-tele camera. Rumors also indicate the main camera probably won’t see a major change and the ultra-wide will likely remain the 50MP unit introduced with the S25 Ultra, while the 5x periscope will probably stick with a 50MP sensor.
Conclusion
If the leak is accurate, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will focus upgrades elsewhere while accepting a step back at 3x. For consumers and professionals, the final camera experience will depend heavily on Samsung’s image processing, optical tuning, and how the 5x periscope and main sensors balance the system. Expect more definitive details as hardware certifications and additional leaks surface ahead of the January launch.
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