Galaxy S26 Ultra: The 3x Telephoto Lens Will Not Upgrade to 12 Megapixels
As rumors continue to swirl about Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, one of the most reliable leakers in the Galaxy ecosystem, Ice Universe, has stepped in to clarify the situation.
In a series of posts on X, he shared the final specifications of the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera module, contradicting several recent leaks — notably those suggesting a new 12-megapixel sensor would be introduced.
Final Camera Configuration of the Galaxy S26 Ultra According to Ice Universe
Ice Universe has released the complete configuration, which he asserts is finalized:
Sensor | Resolution | Aperture | Sensor Size | Pixel Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Main (Wide) | 200 Megapixels | f/1.4 | 1/1.3” | 0.6 μm |
Ultra Wide | 50 Megapixels | f/1.9 | 1/2.52” | 0.7 μm |
5x Telephoto | 50 Megapixels | f/2.9 | 1/2.52” | 0.7 μm |
3x Telephoto | 10 Megapixels | f/2.4 | 1/3.94” | 1.0 μm |
This information directly contradicts a recent report claiming that Samsung would swap out the 10-megapixel telephoto lens for a new 12-megapixel sensor (S5K3LD). Ice Universe is adamant: “Samsung has no plans for any resolution increase on the 3x zoom. The new sensor will even be slightly smaller than on the S25 Ultra.”
He explains that this decision is due to physical constraints: the Galaxy S26 Ultra will have a slimmer chassis (7.9 mm) compared to the 8.2 mm of the S25 Ultra. As the height of the 3x camera module remains unchanged, integrating a larger sensor is impossible without redesigning everything.
Scammers and misinformation flood the internet, yet there are always fools who choose to believe them. Here’s a recap of the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera specifications:
50MP F2.9 1/2.52 0.7um 5X Telephoto
50MP F1.9 1/2.52 0.7um Ultra Wide
10MP F2.4 1/3.94 1.0um 3X Telephoto…
— PhoneArt (@UniverseIce) November 7, 2025
Subtle Yet Useful Changes
While the hardware remains largely the same, wider apertures on the main and telephoto sensors will allow more light in, enhancing low-light performance.
In other words, Samsung seems to prioritize the slimness and stability of its photo ecosystem over a risky hardware leap. As Ice Universe points out, the S25 Ultra is already leading in photo rankings, so minor adjustments can be sufficient to maintain the edge.
No 5400 mAh Battery Either
Another rumored detail disproved: the larger battery capacity. Ice Universe confirms that the final capacity remains at 5000 mAh, with no plans for a 5400 mAh version — the current value having been “locked in for a long time.”
What Might Still Evolve
Even without a complete overhaul of the sensors, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will benefit from: the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which offers improved image processing, new software optimizations in computational photography, and potentially the return of a unified camera island intended to reduce dust accumulation between lenses.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be unveiled on February 25, 2026, during the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco. It will be launched alongside the S26 and S26+ models and will represent a more measured evolution rather than a groundbreaking revolution.
Speculation surrounding the Galaxy S26 Ultra is heating up, but Ice Universe reminds us that facts are more important than sensational leaks.
Samsung appears to be focusing on stability, slimness, and software power rather than a complete redesign of the camera module.
The result: fewer “visible” innovations, but a camera system that is increasingly balanced, bright, and performant.
