Four Galaxy S26 Ultra camera improvements Samsung didn't talk about

Samsung introduced one major camera hardware upgrade with the Galaxy S26 Ultra by widening the apertures of its 200MP primary and 50MP telephoto cameras. This allows more light to reach the sensors, resulting in brighter, cleaner, and sharper images and videos. However, there are four additional camera improvements that Samsung did not highlight.

The more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor used in the Galaxy S26 Ultra enables Samsung to enhance camera performance, even though the phone uses the same sensors found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

For years, Samsung has allowed users to capture images at the full 200MP resolution. However, those images were not as refined as 12MP photos due to limited multi-frame HDR and noise reduction processing. With the Galaxy S26 Ultra, users can now capture significantly better 200MP images thanks to multi-frame HDR processing.

Samsung says these 200MP photos are clearer, more detailed, and offer a wider dynamic range compared to 200MP shots taken on the Galaxy S25 Ultra and earlier Galaxy S series models.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra does not feature a physical variable aperture system, but Samsung offers a Virtual Aperture feature that allows users to adjust the aperture digitally. The phone simulates depth of field and other image characteristics based on the selected aperture value.

This feature debuted with the Galaxy S25 Ultra but was previously limited to the Expert RAW app. Samsung has now integrated it into the stock Camera app’s Portrait Mode. With this addition, users can adjust the bokeh effect when capturing portrait photos of people or pets.

Samsung’s Ultra models have traditionally offered 12MP, 50MP, and 200MP shooting modes. While 50MP and 200MP photos provide more detail than 12MP images, 12MP shots typically deliver the best colors and dynamic range.

With the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung has introduced a new 24MP resolution option in the stock Camera app. This mode combines a 12MP multi-frame processed image with a 50MP high-resolution image using a system called AI Fusion. The resulting 24MP photo delivers more detail than a 12MP image while maintaining similar color accuracy and dynamic range.

However, this feature must be enabled through Samsung’s Camera Assistant app, which is not preinstalled on the device. Users need to download it from the Galaxy Store.

If you recall seeing a 24MP mode on Samsung phones before, you are correct. It was previously available in the Expert RAW app, which is designed for advanced users who prefer manual controls. The new 24MP mode in the stock Camera app is optimized for everyday point-and-shoot photography.

Motion Photo is a short video clip that is captured alongside a still image. It includes a few seconds before and after the shutter button is pressed. This feature has been available on high-end Galaxy phones for years, but it receives a useful update with the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

When the Auto option is enabled, Motion Photo is recorded only if sufficient movement is detected in the scene. If you capture a static scene, such as a landscape with no visible motion, a Motion Photo will not be saved.