If recent rumors are true, the Samsung Galaxy S26 might finally deliver the long-awaited camera upgrade.
For several years, the Galaxy S series has relied on the same Samsung ISOCELL GN3 main camera sensor. As a result, the Galaxy S25 features essentially the same camera as the Galaxy S23.
However, that could all change with the launch of the Galaxy S26 next year.
At last, a new camera sensor
It appears the Galaxy S26 will still use a sensor from the ISOCELL GN series, but it’s expected to be a newer, updated version. The absence of a specific name is understandable, as it could be a completely new component that hasn’t been officially revealed yet.
While details about the Galaxy S26’s camera are still limited, even these small indications of improvement are encouraging. We previously criticized the otherwise impressive Galaxy S25 for being “basically the same as the old one,” a sentiment that applied to its camera setup as well.
Our reviewer did note “subtle improvements” in image quality, such as more natural colors and better skin tones. However, these enhancements were likely due to a more powerful SoC and advancements in Samsung’s image processing.
Switching to a new and upgraded image sensor could lead to a more significant boost in photo quality for the Samsung Galaxy S26—an exciting prospect for fans.
Other Galaxy S26 specs
If recent rumors are true, the Samsung Galaxy S26 might finally deliver the long-awaited camera upgrade.
For several years, the Galaxy S series has relied on the same Samsung ISOCELL GN3 main camera sensor. As a result, the Galaxy S25 features essentially the same camera as the Galaxy S23.
However, that could all change with the launch of the Galaxy S26 next year.
At last, a new camera sensor
It appears the Galaxy S26 will still use a sensor from the ISOCELL GN series, but it’s expected to be a newer, updated version. The absence of a specific name is understandable, as it could be a completely new component that hasn’t been officially revealed yet.
While details about the Galaxy S26’s camera are still limited, even these small indications of improvement are encouraging. We previously criticized the otherwise impressive Galaxy S25 for being “basically the same as the old one,” a sentiment that applied to its camera setup as well.
Our reviewer did note “subtle improvements” in image quality, such as more natural colors and better skin tones. However, these enhancements were likely due to a more powerful SoC and advancements in Samsung’s image processing.
Switching to a new and upgraded image sensor could lead to a more significant boost in photo quality for the Samsung Galaxy S26—an exciting prospect for fans.
Other Galaxy S26 specs
There are also reports suggesting that the Galaxy S26’s main camera could feature a variable aperture, potentially enhancing both bright daylight and low-light photography.
As for other expected specs, the Galaxy S26 is rumored to mark a return to Samsung’s custom Exynos chip, following a welcome year of exclusive Snapdragon 8 Elite performance. While this move will likely save Samsung a significant amount of money, it could also mean that U.S. customers end up with a faster, more powerful version of the device.
With a likely launch in February, the rumor mill is sure to pick up steam throughout the rest of 2025. We’ll keep you updated as more information emerges.
There are also reports suggesting that the Galaxy S26’s main camera could feature a variable aperture, potentially enhancing both bright daylight and low-light photography.
As for other expected specs, the Galaxy S26 is rumored to mark a return to Samsung’s custom Exynos chip, following a welcome year of exclusive Snapdragon 8 Elite performance. While this move will likely save Samsung a significant amount of money, it could also mean that U.S. customers end up with a faster, more powerful version of the device.
With a likely launch in February, the rumor mill is sure to pick up steam throughout the rest of 2025. We’ll keep you updated as more information emerges.