Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra may reuse the same 12MP Sony selfie sensor as S25 Ultra, with minor changes in field of view, says new leak.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra may reuse the same 12MP Sony selfie sensor [Photo: X]
Samsung’s upcoming flagship phone, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, has started appearing in leaks months before its official launch. While early reports hinted at powerful upgrades in performance and display, the latest information suggests that selfie lovers may not see big improvements this year.
A new leak claims that Samsung could stick with the same front camera hardware it has used in recent Ultra models. If true, this decision may disappoint users who expected a major selfie camera upgrade.
Popular tipster Ice Universe shared details on X about the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s front camera. According to the leak, the device will use a Sony sensor with the following specifications:
These numbers closely match the selfie camera found on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The only noticeable difference appears to be the field of view. The S26 Ultra may offer a slightly wider 85-degree angle, which could help capture more people in group selfies. However, there is no confirmation yet on whether Samsung will include dual-pixel phase detection autofocus again, although previous Ultra models featured it.
If this leak proves accurate, Samsung will use the same 12MP selfie setup for multiple generations in a row.
While the front camera may not see major upgrades, other areas of the Galaxy S26 Ultra could improve significantly. Based on leaks and industry reports, the phone may include:
Samsung will likely continue its focus on AI-powered photography, even if the hardware remains unchanged. Software improvements may still boost selfie quality through better image processing.
Samsung typically unveils its Ultra models during its Galaxy Unpacked event in January or February. If the company follows its usual schedule, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could launch in early 2026.
Samsung has not confirmed an official launch date yet. However, given past patterns, a January or February announcement seems likely.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra launched at a premium price point. If Samsung introduces minor hardware changes but raises the price, it could create concern among buyers.
Industry analysts expect the Galaxy S26 Ultra to start at a similar or slightly higher price than its predecessor. Final pricing will depend on storage options, chipset upgrades and global market conditions.
Smartphone buyers increasingly value front cameras for social media, video calls and content creation. Many brands now compete aggressively in selfie camera innovation.
If Samsung reuses the same 12MP sensor again, some users may view it as a missed opportunity. Competitors, including Apple, continue to refine front camera performance through both hardware and software improvements.
However, Samsung may rely on AI enhancements to improve image quality without changing the sensor itself. Software tuning can sometimes deliver noticeable improvements even when hardware remains the same.
At this stage, the Galaxy S26 Ultra still looks like a powerful flagship device. It will likely offer strong performance, premium design and advanced AI tools. But if you were hoping for a major selfie camera upgrade, current leaks suggest you may not see dramatic changes.
As always, users should wait for official confirmation from Samsung before making final decisions. Until then, the Galaxy S26 Ultra remains one of the most anticipated smartphones of 2026 — even if its selfie camera may not steal the spotlight.
