Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Rumored Periscope Telephoto Camera Sparks Disappointment
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As anticipation builds for Samsung’s 2025 flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, early leaks suggest a surprising step backward in one critical area: its periscope telephoto camera. Industry insiders and tech analysts report that Samsung may retain the same 5x optical zoom lens from the S25 Ultra, dashing hopes for the revolutionary 10x periscope upgrade many had expected.
Why the Periscope Camera Matters
Periscope lenses use prism-like mechanisms to bend light, enabling extreme optical zoom without bulking up the phone. Samsung previously led this space with the S20 Ultra’s 10x zoom, but rivals like Huawei and Xiaomi have since surpassed them with superior stabilization and clarity. The S25 Ultra’s 5x lens—while competent—struggled with low-light zoom and detail loss beyond 15x hybrid zoom. Retaining it would mark a missed opportunity to reclaim the "zoom crown."
Underwhelming Specs Surface
According to TechInsider, Samsung’s supply chain indicates:
- Same 50MP sensor as the S25 Ultra (1/2.55-inch size)
- Identical 5x optical zoom (vs. rumored 10x)
- Minor software tweaks for "enhanced digital processing"
- No hardware-level stabilization improvements are planned, relying instead on AI-based correction—a band-aid solution criticized by pro photographers.
What’s Holding Samsung Back?
Three theories circulate:
- Cost Constraints: A 10x periscope requires complex, expensive optics.
- Thermal Challenges: Higher zoom magnifies sensor heat, impacting performance.
- AI Overreliance: Samsung’s focus on "Galaxy AI" may prioritize computational photography over hardware.
Fan Reactions: "A Dealbreaker?"
Early forums buzz with frustration. Reddit user @ZoomEnthusiast_91 lamented, "Without a zoom upgrade, why upgrade at all?" Others speculate Samsung is reserving innovations for the Fold 6 or Flip 6.
The Silver Lining
Not all rumors are grim. The S26 Ultra may debut Samsung’s new 2nm chipset, boosting AI-driven features like real-time video enhancement. A larger vapor chamber could also improve sustained performance during intensive tasks.
Bottom Line
If leaks hold, Samsung risks alienating photography enthusiasts—especially as Apple eyes periscope patents for its iPhone 16 Pro. With CES 2025 around the corner, all eyes are on whether Samsung addresses these concerns.
Pre-order the current model while waiting:
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Amazon)
Stay tuned for updates as we approach the expected January 2026 launch.
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