Galaxy S26 Ultra could feature 200MP periscope telephoto camera, according to leaks

Recent insights from Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station suggest that Samsung is potentially poised to incorporate a high-performance 200MP periscope telephoto camera in its forthcoming flagship device, the Galaxy S26 Ultra. With the anticipated launch of the Galaxy S25 Ultra nearing, expected within the next few months, many tech enthusiasts are already looking forward to what might follow in the subsequent iteration from Samsung’s renowned Galaxy S series.

Currently, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is configured with a 50MP sensor that powers its existing 5x optical zoom functionality. Predictions for the S25 Ultra indicate a continuation of this trend, with only minimal updates to its camera specifications. The main change seems to be the upgrade of its ultrawide camera from the previous generation’s 12MP to a more capable 50MP sensor. This evolution in features has set the stage for excitement around the successor, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, especially with rumors of a 200MP sensor being integrated into its periscope setup.

Samsung has been a significant player in the advanced smartphone camera sector, being the pioneer of ultra-high-resolution smartphones with devices like the Galaxy S20 Ultra, which initially introduced the world to 108MP sensors. The trend reached new heights with the introduction of the 200MP main sensor in the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and now the anticipation builds as rumors point towards the same sensor being adapted for the periscope telescopic lens in the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

It’s important, however, to note that the sensor in question is identified as a 1/1.5-inch variant. This measurement is slightly smaller compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 200MP main sensor, which measures 1/1.33 inches. As such, while the prospect of integrating such a high-resolution camera into the telephoto lens is exciting, the scale aspects will be crucial in determining its effectiveness in real-world application.

Interestingly, while Samsung is making strides in enhancing its camera capabilities, it is not set to be the first brand to feature a 200MP sensor in a periscope telephoto. Vivo has previously demonstrated this capability with its X200 Pro model, which employs a slightly larger 1/1.4-inch sensor. This fact highlights a growing trend among manufacturers striving for enhanced zoom capabilities, thereby intensifying competition in the flagship smartphone sector. Users have noted that the Vivo X200 Pro has shown superior performance in long-range zoom photographs, frequently producing images with more detail than those captured by the S24 Ultra, which raises questions regarding Samsung’s strategy to reclaim the title of the ‘zoom king’.

A notable point of the current camera technology landscape is the heavy reliance on AI enhancements for image quality, particularly with long-range photography. Samsung’s ability to innovate and shift back into a dominant position within this rapidly advancing realm of smartphone cameras will undoubtedly hinge on how well they can leverage AI technologies alongside their new hardware advancements.

As the competition heats up, tech fans and potential buyers are left waiting to see how Samsung’s forthcoming innovations will play out, especially in light of the advancements seen in competitors’ devices. The pursuit of excellence in smartphone photography is not just a feature but an essential part of how brands are positioning themselves in an increasingly crowded market. With cameras being a foremost concern for consumers, the performance of the new 200MP periscope telephoto in the Galaxy S26 Ultra could be a defining point for Samsung in its ongoing battle for supremacy within the flagship segment.

In conclusion, with increasing rumors about Samsung embedding a cutting-edge 200MP periscope telephoto camera in the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the anticipation to see how this technology can surpass existing competition—including Vivo—will considerably shape the future of smartphone photography. As smartphone technology rapidly evolves, it’s clear that the race for the best camera is far from over, and consumers are eager to see how Samsung will navigate this challenging landscape with its next flagship offering.