Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET's key takeaways
- Photography on the Galaxy S26 Ultra is better than before, thanks to small yet important changes.
- A new feature has been added to stabilize shots, along with more robust AI editing tools.
- Preorders are currently live with prices starting at $1,300.
I love photography, but I'll be the first to admit I'm not very good at it. Framing, establishing good lighting, and composition are all things that I struggle with.
Also: Samsung Unpacked 2026 live recap: Galaxy S26 Ultra, Privacy Display, preorder deals, more
That's why I'm genuinely excited about Samsung's new flagship phone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The tech giant has made key upgrades to its camera system that could make it one of the best phones for both casual users and pros alike, so much so that I'm seriously considering upgrading from my old Android.
The biggest benefits are hidden
At first glance, it appears that not much has changed from its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Both phones feature a 50MP ultra-wide, a 200MP wide-angle, a 50MP telephoto, and a 10MP telephoto lens. Because it's largely unchanged, you can expect similar base image quality. But the subtle improvement makes a noticeable difference.
Also: I tried the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and need the Privacy Display feature on my iPhone ASAP
Samsung widened the camera apertures in its flagship smartphone model to let in more light, thus producing clearer photos with richer detail. The 200MP lens now boasts a 47% larger aperture, opening up to F1.4 for brighter shots. Additionally, the 50MP telephoto lens captures 37% more light, opening up to F2.9. When shooting at night, the phone's advanced AI reduces noise in a shot.
This year's Galaxy S26 Ultra takes things up a notch with APV codec support.
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
One feature that caught my eye during the presentation was a new tool being implemented in the editing suite. If your photo is poorly lit, the app can add an artificial light source to brighten the scene.
You could, for example, add a softer secondary light to soften a model's face. It's a small addition that I bet most people glossed over during the keynote, but for someone who struggles with getting good lighting in shots, it's a game-changer.
Also: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Which premium flagship phone wins?
Now, there is more to the camera system than these two changes. The Super Steady video mode includes Horizontal Lock, which keeps the footage perfectly still even when the phone moves. The 12MP selfie lens houses an AI-powered ISP (image signal processor) that better captures natural skin tones and fine details like hair and eyebrows, helping your photos look more like you and less artificial.
Also, the zooming capabilities on this phone are pretty insane. You can enjoy up to 100x zoom for far-off shots. AI models stabilize the shots and enhance image clarity.
Preorders for the Galaxy S26 Ultra are live on Samsung's website. It's available in six distinct colors, with two options online exclusives. Prices start at $1,300 for the 256GB model and go up to $1,800 for the 1TB model. Shipments begin March 11.
