Galaxy S26: Fourth Year Without Evolution, Is Samsung Neglecting Its Selfie Camera?
While the Galaxy S26 series offers several hardware and software improvements, one area remains unchanged: the front camera. According to Roland Quandt (WinFuture), Samsung will retain a 12-megapixel selfie camera with autofocus for the Galaxy S26, the same one used since the Galaxy S23.
If the rumor turns out to be true, it will mark the fourth consecutive generation with exactly the same configuration. From the Galaxy S23 to the S25, Samsung has relied on a 12-megapixel sensor that, while capable of delivering sharp images with natural skin tones, is beginning to lag behind competitors.
The last significant upgrade came with the Galaxy S22 Ultra, featuring a 40-megapixel sensor that uses pixel binning to produce 10-megapixel photos. Since then, the series has maintained a solid yet uninnovative standard.
Competition Heats Up
As Samsung stagnates, Apple has introduced a square 24-megapixel sensor on the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air, capable of capturing 18-megapixel photos in portrait or landscape mode, regardless of the phone’s orientation.
Meanwhile, Google has equipped the Pixel 10 Pro with a 42-megapixel front camera featuring an 18mm lens, ideal for including more people in selfies.
While not revolutionary, these advancements enhance the overall experience and feel more modern.
A Detail That Matters, Especially in 2025
No one buys a smartphone solely for its selfie camera, but it remains essential for:
- Content creators who film directly with the front camera,
- Users who frequently take selfies and participate in video calls.
An upgrade would not have been a luxury; it would have been noticeable and appreciated.
In short, Samsung is playing it safe with the Galaxy S26 series. However, compared to Apple and Google’s efforts, this choice could be seen as a lack of boldness—especially for a feature that everyone uses daily.
