Key Takeaways
1. Camera Changes: The Galaxy S26 Ultra will likely feature a new 12 MP ISOCELL S5K3LD sensor for the 3x telephoto lens and a new 12 MP front camera (IMX874), while the rest of the camera lineup remains the same as the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
2. Video Recording Improvements: The device will support the APV codec for video recording, providing options for high-quality (1.5 GB/min) and low-quality (750 MB/min) formats, offering an alternative to Apple’s ProRes.
3. Charging Capability: The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to have 60-watt fast charging, utilizing a 55-watt PPS protocol for the initial 15% of charging, followed by 45 watts, marking an improvement from previous models.
4. High-Resolution Photo Mode: Users will have the option to take 24 MP photos in standard and portrait modes, a feature previously available only in Pro mode or the Expert RAW app.
5. Enhanced Features: Additional features include standard HDR usage, adjustable focus speed, and noise reduction by combining multiple low-resolution images into a higher-resolution photo.
A few days ago, there were some overly positive claims about a Galaxy S26 leak that didn’t match up with several reliable leaks from the last few months. Now, it seems this has been validated by Vietnamese leaker @chunvn8888, who shared insights from “debug tests”. These tests are early evaluations of the nearly finished Galaxy S26 Ultra model, which is about ready for mass production.
Changes and Specifications
Currently, there are no mass-produced test devices available, and last-minute tweaks could still happen, especially since the Galaxy Unpacked event is set for late February 2026. However, we find this leaker’s information to be much more believable than the earlier leaks. Reports suggest that the only alteration to the back camera is the sensor behind the 3x telephoto lens, which is likely to change from a 12 MP Sony IMX754 to a 12 MP ISOCELL S5K3LD sensor, possibly with a 10 MP crop again.
Sadly, specific information about this sensor is not available right now. Previous details from Ice Universe indicate it’s a 1/3.94-inch sensor, representing a downgrade from the 1/3.52-inch sensor found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The front camera will also likely feature a new 12 MP IMX874 sensor. However, the rest of the sensor lineup remains the same as the current Samsung flagship, including the 200 MP ISOCELL HP2, which has been used without changes since the Galaxy S23 Ultra launched four years ago.
Video Recording and Charging Features
As previously indicated by leakers, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will have support for the APV codec for video recording, which is being pitched as an alternative to Apple’s ProRes. Debug tests show that the HQ version uses up 1.5 GB of memory per minute, while the LQ version requires 750 MB per minute.
The leaker also shared insights on the rumored 60-watt fast charging based on the test results. Samsung will reportedly back a 55-watt PPS protocol, providing 55 watts of charging power for the first 15% of the charging curve, and then 70%, or 45 watts. While this might not seem that impressive compared to some Chinese smartphones, it’s a noticeable improvement over Samsung’s previous maximum capability of 45-watt fast charging, which rarely reaches that level of power. It’s still uncertain if Samsung will promote 60 watts or stick with the more plausible 55 watts. A recent X-post from Ice Universe hints again at “60 watts”.
Additional Features
In a recent update, the leaker disclosed more features, including a 24 MP mode for both standard and portrait modes. This means users will be able to take 24 MP photos instead of the usual 12 MP. Samsung seems to be following Apple’s lead, which has already made this a standard feature. Until now, this was only achievable on Samsung devices using Pro mode or the Expert RAW app. Additionally, it appears users will be able to utilize standard HDR instead of HDR10+, adjust focus speed, and reduce noise by combining several low-resolution images into a single higher-resolution photo.
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