From 200MP to 500MP: Samsung is preparing a smartphone with the most powerful camera ever
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: a smartphone with 500MP camera already in development
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with a 200-megapixel main camera, making it one of the most powerful smartphones. This camera even surpasses many full-frame and medium-format cameras in terms of detail. Recent hints suggest that Samsung is planning a 500MP sensor for its upcoming Galaxy models.
According to Jukanlosreve, an insider known for leaks from the company, mass production of such sensors has just begun, so one can expect them to appear in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could very well feature this groundbreaking 500-megapixel sensor.
Samsung's strategy of focusing on high-resolution sensors has both advantages and certain disadvantages compared to competitors' approaches. Other manufacturers prefer larger sensors, such as 1-inch sensors with a resolution of 50 megapixels. These sensors offer better light capture due to their larger surface area, but their size requires more space in the body, which can lead to noticeable protrusions in the camera.
Samsung's 200MP sensors are more compact than their larger counterparts, avoid large camera protrusions, and use digital zoom efficiently. However, high-quality images require complex data processing, which can lead to delays between the shot and the final result.
In addition, Jukanlosreve reports that Samsung is developing a three-layer stacked sensor with a PD-TR logic configuration, which will likely be used in the iPhone 18. Previously, rumors had surfaced that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will be equipped with three 48-megapixel cameras.
The presentation of the flagship Galaxy S25 series will take place on January 22, 2025. In addition to the new smartphones, an updated version of the Galaxy Ring smart ring and the first XR headset will also be presented.
The "ultra-thin" Galaxy S25 Slim will also be unveiled at the event. However, unlike the other three Galaxy S25 models, this smartphone will not be launched immediately. It is expected to launch in the second half of the year, possibly alongside the Galaxy S25 FE model.