Samsung's upcoming flagship phones have been using the same main camera sensor since 2023, but that's about to change with the next generation. According to recent leaks, the Galaxy S26 series will finally receive a camera hardware refresh, potentially bringing improved photography capabilities to Samsung's mainstream flagship devices.
Long-Awaited Camera Upgrade
Samsung has been using the ISOCELL GN3 sensor as the main camera in its standard and Plus Galaxy S models since the Galaxy S23 series. While this 50MP sensor has proven reliable, it has fallen behind competitors who have implemented larger, more advanced camera hardware in their flagship devices. According to reports from GalaxyClub, Samsung is finally preparing to implement a new main camera sensor in the base Galaxy S26 model, marking the first sensor refresh in three years.
Same Resolution, Different Hardware
The new sensor is expected to maintain the 50MP resolution of its predecessor, but will likely feature different hardware characteristics. While specific technical details remain scarce, industry insiders suggest it will be a new addition to Samsung's ISOCELL GN series. The upgrade could potentially bring improvements in several key areas, including aperture size, native pixel dimensions, or overall sensor size—all of which could contribute to better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
Uncertain Sensor Size Improvements
Despite hopes for significant improvements, historical trends in Samsung's ISOCELL GN series suggest caution might be warranted. Previous generations have shown inconsistent progression in sensor size, with some newer models actually featuring smaller sensors than their predecessors. For reference, the GN1 measured 1/1.31, the GN2 was 1/1.12, while both the GN3 and GN5 were smaller at 1/1.57. This pattern raises questions about how substantial the improvements might be in the new sensor destined for the Galaxy S26.
ISOCELL GN Series Sensor Size Comparison:
- GN1: 1/1.31"
- GN2: 1/1.12" (largest in series)
- GN3: 1/1.57" (current Galaxy S23-S25 sensor)
- GN5: 1/1.57"
- GNK: 1/1.3"
- GNJ: 1/1.56"
Lineup Changes May Be Coming
The camera upgrade news arrives amid persistent rumors about potential changes to Samsung's flagship lineup structure. Some reports suggest that Samsung might replace the traditional Plus model with a new Galaxy S26 Edge variant. If this change materializes, the new 50MP sensor might initially be exclusive to the standard Galaxy S26, as the rumored Edge model would likely continue using a 200MP sensor similar to the current S25 Edge.
Rumored Galaxy S26 Series Changes:
- Standard S26: New 50MP main sensor
- Possible elimination of "Plus" model
- Introduction of "S26 Edge" with 200MP sensor (replacing Plus model)
- Potential new telephoto setup (3.5x and 8x lenses or single 200MP telephoto)
Telephoto Improvements Also Expected
Beyond the main camera upgrade, previous rumors have suggested that the Galaxy S26 series might also feature a revamped telephoto setup. This could potentially include either a combination of 3.5x and 8x lenses or a single high-resolution 200MP telephoto camera capable of handling longer zoom ranges through digital cropping. These changes would represent a significant overhaul of Samsung's camera system.
Positioning Against Competitors
The camera upgrades, along with expected improvements in processing power through either the Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset, appear aimed at keeping Samsung competitive in an increasingly crowded premium smartphone market. Chinese manufacturers have been particularly aggressive in implementing cutting-edge camera hardware, putting pressure on established players like Samsung to innovate. Whether these incremental improvements will be enough to maintain Samsung's position remains to be seen.
Release Timeline
While Samsung hasn't officially confirmed any details about the Galaxy S26 series, the company typically unveils its new flagship phones in the first quarter of the year. This suggests we'll likely see the new devices with their upgraded cameras in early 2026, giving photography enthusiasts something to look forward to in the coming months.