Upgraded camera on Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra hinted by recent leak reports
The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature a significant improvement in its camera hardware, with a larger aperture that could enhance low-light photography and depth of field.
According to a leak by Ice Universe, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to feature an F/1.4 aperture on its main 200MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor. This larger aperture is expected to let approximately 47% more light reach the sensor compared to the previous f/1.7 aperture on the S25 Ultra. This improvement will significantly enhance low-light photography by capturing brighter and clearer images with reduced noise[1][2][3][4][5].
In terms of depth of field, a wider aperture like f/1.4 typically produces a shallower depth of field, which allows for more pronounced background blur (bokeh). This can improve portrait-style shots by better separating the subject from the background, creating a more professional and aesthetically pleasing look. Samsung might also integrate a variable aperture system, recalling the dual-aperture feature from the Galaxy S10 series, which would allow switching between apertures for optimal performance in different lighting[1][4].
The larger aperture on the Galaxy S26 Ultra should boost low-light performance substantially due to more light intake, enhancing night photography quality. It will also provide a shallower depth of field, enabling stronger background blur effects for creative control. Potentially, it could reintroduce variable aperture technology, balancing low-light gains with daylight shooting flexibility[1][3][4].
These changes are notable because the sensor itself remains the same, making the aperture upgrade the key factor in improved image quality, especially in dim conditions[1][3][4]. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, if Samsung keeps to its traditional schedule, would be revealed at an Unpacked event in January of 2026[6].
[1] Tom's Guide on Google News [2] Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Rumours [3] Ice Universe's Leak [4] Explanation of Aperture and Depth of Field [5] Comparison of Galaxy S25 Ultra and S26 Ultra Cameras [6] Samsung's Traditional Release Schedule
The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is anticipated to showcase remarkably improved low-light photography, thanks to the larger F/1.4 aperture on its 200MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor, which allows approximately 47% more light to reach the sensor, as per a leak by Ice Universe. This smartphone's wider aperture also promises a shallower depth of field, offering more pronounced background blur (bokeh) and improving portrait-style shots by better separating the subject from the background.
