Samsung appears poised to resurrect a photography feature that once distinguished its flagship smartphones. According to recent leaks, the company may be bringing back variable aperture technology for the Galaxy S26 Ultra's primary camera, potentially enhancing the device's photography capabilities in various lighting conditions.
The Return of Variable Aperture
Renowned tipster Ice Universe has shared information suggesting that Samsung plans to reintroduce variable aperture technology in the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This camera feature, which allows the lens to adjust its opening size depending on lighting conditions, was first introduced by Samsung with the Galaxy S9 series but was subsequently abandoned starting with the Galaxy S20 lineup. The leak indicates that this feature may be exclusive to the primary camera of next year's flagship device.
Variable Aperture History in Samsung Phones
- First introduced: Galaxy S9 series
- Last appearance: Galaxy S10 series
- Abandoned: Starting with Galaxy S20 series
- Potential return: Galaxy S26 Ultra
Dual Aperture Settings (Previous Implementation)
- Wide setting: f/1.5 (better for low light, shallow depth of field)
- Narrow setting: f/2.4 (better for landscapes, daylight conditions)
Competitors with Variable Aperture Technology
- Huawei flagship models
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra
How Variable Aperture Works
Variable aperture technology enables a smartphone camera to adapt to different lighting environments by changing the size of the lens opening. In the previous implementation on the Galaxy S9 and S10 series, Samsung utilized a dual-aperture system that could switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4 settings. The wider f/1.5 aperture allows more light to reach the sensor, reducing noise in low-light conditions but creating a shallower depth of field with blurred backgrounds. Conversely, the narrower f/2.4 aperture provides greater depth of field, making it ideal for landscape photography and well-lit environments where more of the image needs to be in focus.
Competitive Landscape
While Samsung pioneered this technology in the smartphone market, it's worth noting that other manufacturers like Huawei and Xiaomi have since incorporated variable aperture into their flagship devices. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, for instance, features a more advanced variable aperture system that offers multiple settings rather than just two options. This suggests that if Samsung does revive this feature for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, it might implement a more sophisticated version than the dual-aperture system found in its earlier models.
Other Anticipated Features
Beyond the camera improvements, rumors suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra may incorporate silicon-carbon batteries, potentially offering significantly improved battery life. There's also speculation about whether Samsung will opt for its in-house Exynos chipset or continue with Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors for the device. One prototype reportedly being tested features Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, which could enhance both performance and image processing capabilities.
Market Competition
When released, the Galaxy S26 series will compete directly with Apple's iPhone 17 and potentially the iPhone 18 lineup. Interestingly, rumors suggest that Apple may also be considering variable aperture technology for its iPhone 18 Pro models, though such early reports should be treated with caution. Samsung would have the advantage of experience in this area, having previously implemented the technology in commercial products.
Looking Ahead
While these reports provide an intriguing glimpse into Samsung's potential plans for its next flagship, it's important to remember that we're still many months away from the Galaxy S26 Ultra's expected release. Samsung typically unveils its S-series flagships in the first quarter of each year, meaning the S26 lineup would likely debut in early 2026. As with all early leaks and rumors, details may change as development progresses and final decisions are made regarding the device's specifications and features.