Samsung’s Galaxy Ultra phones are known for their bleeding-edge specs, but when it comes to cameras, the next few years could be… a rerun. If a trusted leaker is right, the Galaxy Ultra telephoto lens won’t see a major hardware update until 2027.
Galaxy Ultra telephoto sensor staying the same for four years
Ice Universe, a familiar name in Samsung leaks, claims that the 50MP telephoto sensor from the Galaxy S24 Ultra isn’t going anywhere. According to him, Samsung will reuse the same component on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S26 Ultra, and even the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
That means no sensor upgrade on the 5x telephoto for four straight generations. The current sensor measuring 1/2.52 inches with 0.7μm pixels is solid, but not exactly cutting-edge anymore. For a company that prides itself on pushing imaging tech forward, this move feels unambitious.
Galaxy Ultra downgrade could hit the 3x lens too
It gets worse. The leak suggests the Galaxy S26 Ultra might downgrade its 3x telephoto lens. The current setup uses a 12MP Sony IMX754, but the S26 version could drop to a 10MP sensor, smaller and potentially less sharp.
That would be a rare step backward, and one that’s already stirring frustration among Samsung fans. Ice Universe even started a Change.org petition calling for a revamp of Samsung’s camera leadership.
Samsung’s camera decisions echo past sensor recycling
This wouldn’t be the first time Samsung sticks to its guns. The company used the same 200MP ISOCELL HP2 main sensor for multiple Ultra models, despite growing criticism about image consistency. The Galaxy Ultra telephoto story now appears to be following that same playbook.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what we’re looking at:
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: 50MP telephoto (1/2.52″, 0.7μm)
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: Same 50MP sensor (expected)
- Galaxy S26 Ultra: Same 50MP sensor + possible 3x downgrade
- Galaxy S27 Ultra: Same 50MP sensor (rumored)
Galaxy Ultra telephoto strategy feels stale, not bold
For a phone series that sells on being over-the-top, this camera strategy feels oddly conservative. Reusing the Galaxy Ultra sensor across four flagships might help with consistency or cost but it also risks sending the wrong message: that innovation can wait.
