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Samsung is reportedly preparing a meaningful camera upgrade for the Galaxy S26 Ultra that promises noticeably better low-light photos and video. After three generations using the same primary sensor, the upcoming Ultra could finally boost light capture with a wider aperture and new flexibility for night shooting.
Why a wider aperture matters for night shots
Leaks indicate the Galaxy S26 Ultra will move from an f/1.7 to an f/1.4 primary aperture. That change sounds small on paper but it makes a measurable difference: a wider aperture lets more light reach the sensor, reducing noise and improving detail in dim environments. For mobile photography, that can translate to cleaner skies, sharper textures and better dynamic range when you shoot indoors or at dusk.
Variable aperture could add real-world versatility
Beyond the fixed f/1.4 upgrade, rumors point to variable aperture technology on the S26 Ultra. Imagine switching between wider and narrower apertures depending on the scene — you get both bright low-light performance and improved depth control in daylight. That kind of versatility, currently rare in smartphones, would give the S26 Ultra an edge for both stills and video.
What else the leaks reveal
- The primary camera is expected to keep a 200MP maximum resolution — consistent with recent flagships.
- Reported sensor figures suggest a 1/1.3-inch physical size and 0.6µm pixel pitch remain likely, which makes the aperture upgrade especially helpful.
- Additional leaked values include a 0.0 EV exposure reference and a possible ISO ceiling near 4,000.
- An ultrawide camera is listed at 12MP, while other imaging details remain scarce for now.
Putting those bits together: if Samsung keeps the same sensor footprint and pixel size but widens the aperture, the sensor will capture more photons per pixel. That results in better signal-to-noise ratio, stronger low-light performance and cleaner video at night — improvements many users will notice without changing shooting habits.
What to watch before launch
Leaks are promising but not final. Key things to watch for as Samsung approaches the S26 launch include official confirmation of variable aperture mechanics, any changes to pixel-binning algorithms, and whether image processing updates accompany the hardware tweaks. Software still plays a major role in final image quality, so algorithm improvements could amplify or limit the impact of the wider f/1.4 lens.
We’ll likely see more reliable specs and sample photos as launch season draws nearer. For now, the move to f/1.4 — paired with the familiar 200MP top resolution and possible variable aperture — points to a flagship that aims to close the gap on low-light photography.
Source: wccftech
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