Key Takeaways
1. Samsung’s focus on Galaxy AI introduces new smartphone features, but their real-life effectiveness, particularly in camera functions, is questioned.
2. The Galaxy S26 series promises the brightest camera system yet, but hardware changes are minimal and unlikely to significantly improve photo and video quality.
3. The front camera will see a 10 MP sensor upgrade, but users shouldn’t expect advanced features like those found in competitors’ devices.
4. Samsung is enhancing photo and video editing capabilities, including features like transforming daylight photos to nighttime and merging multiple images.
5. Core camera hardware remains largely unchanged, with older components still used in the latest models, despite the introduction of new software features.
Since the Galaxy S24 was released two years ago, Samsung has been all about one main idea for its smartphones: Galaxy AI. The features powered by generative AI, represented by four stars, are supposed to showcase all kinds of new technology. However, how effective these features are in real life is up for debate. This is especially true for the camera, where some functions seem more like gimmicks—like drawing a spaceship in a photo that then magically becomes real, as seen in a recent promotional video for the new Galaxy S26 series.
Camera System Updates
In a recent teaser for the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung claims it will have “the brightest Galaxy camera system ever,” thanks to larger aperture values on two out of the five cameras. However, leaks suggest that the actual changes to the camera hardware will be minimal. It has been confirmed that two of the five camera sensors in the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be switched out, but this is unlikely to significantly enhance photo and video quality, as the new sensors do not improve pixel size or quantity.
Front Camera Expectations
As we move into 2026, a 10 MP sensor with an impressively small 1/3.94-inch size will still handle the 3x portrait mode on this flagship smartphone. The selfie camera is also set for a replacement, but users shouldn’t anticipate a “smarter” front camera like the Centerstage found in Apple’s iPhone 17, nor should they expect a 50 MP front camera or innovative 200 MP zoom cameras with adjustable focal lengths similar to those on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
Focus on Editing Features
Samsung seems to be putting more emphasis on improved editing features for photos and videos taken with the camera app. The new Galaxy AI feature that allows users to turn a daylight picture into a nighttime one sounds really handy. Additionally, the ability to add missing details to an image, like parts of a bitten cupcake, could come in useful. Samsung also points out that users can merge multiple photos into one, likely just by tapping a button in the camera app. It’s unfortunate, though, that the hardware has not changed much over the years. The 10 MP 3x telephoto lens has been around since the Galaxy S21 Ultra, the 200 MP sensor has remained the same since the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and the 5,000 mAh battery of the same size has powered devices since the Galaxy S20 Ultra.
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