- New 24MP capture mode to balance detail and storage space
- Enhanced video with HDR10+, higher resolution, stabilization, and periscope zoom
- Deeper artificial intelligence for processing, automatic editing, and computational photography
- Specific optimization for Europe with a focus on multimedia experience and professional content
Samsung's upcoming flagship phones are set to make a significant leap forward in mobile photography. Various leaks and references in the One UI 8.5 code point to profound changes in the camera app of the future Galaxy S26 family , with particular emphasis on the Ultra edition.
The South Korean company seems determined to solidify its leadership in computational photography against rivals like Apple, Xiaomi , and other Chinese manufacturers, with a suite of new advanced camera features in the Galaxy S26 focused on quality, HDR video, and the use of artificial intelligence for both shooting and post-processing. In Europe, where the premium segment is highly competitive, these changes could make all the difference.
New 24-megapixel mode: more detail without filling up memory
One of the most noticeable changes detected in the One UI code is the arrival of a 24MP still capture mode within the Galaxy S26's camera . This isn't just a higher resolution; it's a middle ground designed to balance three aspects: detail, file size, and performance.
The idea is for the phone to generate images sharp enough for 4K displays, social media, and light editing , but without taking up as much space as full-frame photos from the sensor or always relying on high-resolution modes. To achieve this, Samsung would use a combination of pixel binning and improved compression.
According to the information we've seen, this 24MP mode can be activated in the camera settings as the preferred format for standard photography. In practice, this would allow many users to leave it always active and forget about switching between different modes depending on the scene.
For markets like Europe, where it's common to store large photo libraries on the device itself before sending them to the cloud, this approach makes sense: less space taken up without sacrificing images with good margin for cropping and editing.
Video with HDR10+ and more advanced recording
Another strength of the Galaxy S26's advanced camera features will be its video capabilities. Explicit mentions of HDR10+ available in both standard and Pro Video modes appear in the One UI 8.5 code , bringing the phone even closer to the capabilities of dedicated cameras.
HDR10+ promises greater dynamic range, improved handling of highlights and deep shadows , and richer color reproduction, provided the user keeps the HDR option enabled in the format settings. If HDR is disabled, clips will be recorded in SDR, offering decent quality but without the added contrast and image depth.
In practice, this means that those who record content for compatible TVs, HDR monitors, or streaming platforms will be able to take better advantage of the increasingly common high-end screens in European homes . It also has implications for creators who want to edit video in professional software, starting with files containing more detail in highlights and shadows.
Leaks also point to improvements in video stabilization and continuous autofocus , with artificial intelligence adjusting compensation in real time for scenes with a lot of movement. Combined with next-generation sensors, the goal is to minimize camera shake without requiring an external gimbal.
AI in the service of photography: scenes, editing and computational photography
Beyond the hardware, much of the leap in advanced camera features for the Galaxy S26 will come from the software side. Various reports agree that AI will play a much deeper role in the entire image workflow : from shooting to processing and post-production editing.
The system is expected to be able to recognize scenes with greater accuracy (landscapes, food, portraits, architecture, pets, nighttime, interiors) and adjust fine parameters such as local contrast, micro-detail, and noise reduction more intelligently and less aggressively. The goal is to reduce the "filter" effect and get closer to a traditional camera aesthetic, while maintaining computational advantages.
In the editing section, Samsung is reportedly preparing advanced tools so that the mobile phone itself will allow retouching that previously required third-party apps : removal of unwanted elements, selective color correction, precise adjustment of background and subject, or increased sharpness in certain areas without deteriorating the rest of the image.
Part of this AI work would run directly on the device using a dedicated processor, which would help maintain the privacy of photos without needing to continuously send them to the cloud , something sensitive in the European Union due to data protection regulations.
Sensors, zoom, and low-light capture
The leaks don't go into all the details of each sensor, but they do paint a picture in which Samsung would continue to bet on a large main module accompanied by lenses with different focal lengths , and a long-range optical zoom as one of the hallmarks of the Ultra range.
Rumors point to a more refined optical stabilization, seeking cleaner results with less noise, especially at night or in scenes with complicated lighting, a point on which many European users directly compare between brands.
The zoom feature is described as a periscopic system with multiple levels of optical magnification, supported by AI-based super-resolution algorithms to enhance detail at very high magnifications. The goal is not simply to get closer, but to make long-distance photography truly usable, rather than just an occasional tool.
In nighttime and indoor settings, computational photography can combine multiple frames to reconstruct textures without excessively increasing the exposure , avoiding washed-out skies or blown-out city lights. This combination of hardware and software is key for the Galaxy S26 to compete on equal footing with other phones focused on night photography.
More complete Pro Mode and Pro Video for creators
Samsung's focus isn't limited to users who shoot in automatic mode. References to HDR10+ support in Pro Video mode also indicate that the company wants to target those who use their mobile phone as a work tool or as a secondary camera in more serious productions.
The professional mode is expected to allow greater manual control over ISO, shutter speed, focus, white balance, and color profiles , with a refined interface for faster parameter changes on the fly. In photography, the Pro mode could make better use of sensor data to produce files with more editing potential.
Another point that is practically taken for granted is the arrival of recording options in higher resolutions and frame rates , including slow-motion modes with fewer artifacts and a faster sensor readout to reduce distortion in sudden movements.
For Europe, where there is a growing community of creators who produce content on the go, these improvements could make the Galaxy S26 a more serious option for vloggers, streamers, and video producers who move between cities and don't always want to carry a full set of equipment.
The upcoming Galaxy S26 is shaping up to be a model where the camera once again takes center stage: a new 24MP mode for everyday use, HDR10+ video designed for modern screens, AI integration at almost every stage of the image workflow, and improvements to sensors, zoom, and night vision. Without much marketing hype at this early stage, the technical details point to a device geared towards offering more flexible tools for both those who simply want to point and shoot and those who push mobile photography to its limits —something especially relevant in a European market where the camera remains a major selling point.
