The Samsung Galaxy S26 Might Pack An Upgraded Main Camera, But With The Same Old Specs

Summary

Early rumors are circulating about the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, expected in early 2026, even as Samsung prepares to launch its foldable devices.
A new leak suggests the base Galaxy S26 will keep a 50MP main camera but utilize a new Isocell GN series sensor, while previous reports hinted at potential battery technology upgrades.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is reportedly expected to retain its 200MP main camera and may feature an upgraded 200MP periscope telephoto lens, similar to Vivo’s recent approach.

With Google I/O coming to a close, the focus can now shift back from software-focused announcements to hardware and upcoming device reveals. Although the next major release on the horizon is Samsung’s foldable lineup, we’re already starting to hear rumors about the South Korean tech giant’s next S-series flagship.

The Galaxy S26 series isn’t due for another eight months, likely to be unveiled in January or February 2026, but leaks and rumors surrounding the upcoming series are starting to appear.

Previous leaks stemming from South Korea have indicated that Samsung is eyeing a new battery tech to offer faster charging speeds and more capacity with a future flagship, contrasting new reports that suggest that certain core specifications are likely to remain consistent across the two series.

The latest leak focuses specifically on the base S26’s primary camera, highlighting what can only be described as a mixed bag of carry-overs and upgrades.

According to a new GalaxyClub report (via Android Authority), the base Samsung Galaxy S26 will retain its 50-megapixel main rear shooter — the same camera spec that the base device has retained since the Galaxy S22. Although on paper the spec remains the same, the underlying sensor is poised to get an upgrade.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 with Google Gemini activated on a wooden table

Older models like the base S23, S24, and even the S25 used the same ISOCELL GN3 (S5KGN3) sensor. With the base S26, Samsung will still use an Isocell GN series sensor, albeit a newer one — potentially one that has yet to be officially announced. We’ll likely learn more about the tech giant’s ambitions for the base model once the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Fold 7’s launch is out of the way.

Elsewhere, from what we already know, Samsung will reportedly stick with the S25 Ultra’s 200-megapixel main rear shooter for the S26 Ultra, albeit with a bigger 200-megapixel periscope shooter (up from 50-megapixel), essentially mirroring Vivo’s approach.