Samsung may potentially transition to using SONY image sensors in the upcoming S26 Ultra model.
The tech world is abuzz with rumours about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, as credible leaks suggest that the device could feature a Sony-made 200MP sensor as its primary camera. This would mark a significant departure from Samsung's usual practice of using its own ISOCELL sensors in its Ultra models.
According to these leaks, the new sensor would measure 1/1.1-inch, which is larger than the current 1/1.3-inch 200MP sensor used in the Galaxy S25 Ultra and previous models. The larger size of the sensor typically means better light capture, which would improve photo clarity, low-light performance, and digital zoom capabilities. This upgrade could address criticisms of the Galaxy S line when compared to camera-focused rivals.
However, there is some uncertainty about whether Samsung will finalise this Sony sensor for the Galaxy S26 Ultra launch. It would be Sony's first-ever 200MP smartphone sensor and Samsung's first time using a Sony main sensor in a top-tier Galaxy S phone.
Ben Andrews, the Imaging Labs manager responsible for testing on Digital Camera World and across the entire photography portfolio at Future, shares his insights on the potential upgrade. With years of experience trialling and testing camera kit, Andrews is a human encyclopedia of benchmarks for recommending the best buys.
The prospect of Samsung switching to a non-Samsung image sensor for its halo camera phone seems unlikely, but the alleged sensor could potentially appear in the S27 Ultra instead of the S26 Ultra due to potential unreadiness for the traditional January release window. Recycling the same sensor year in, year out is disappointing for consumers and leaves Samsung vulnerable to competition. Binning Samsung's own sensor tech in favour of a competitor's chip would be a marketing nightmare.
In conclusion, while no official confirmation has been made by Samsung yet, multiple recent leaks strongly suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra could debut with a Sony 1/1.1-inch 200MP sensor as a major camera upgrade expected for January 2026. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor this exciting development in the world of smartphone photography.
[1] Fixed Focus Digital, (2025). Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to Feature Sony-Made 200MP Sensor. Weibo. Retrieved from https://www.weibo.com/5242907822/4879731344735391 [2] The Verge, (2025). Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra may feature Sony's first-ever 200MP smartphone sensor. The Verge. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/12/22/22178508/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-sony-200mp-sensor-leak [3] DPReview, (2025). Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Sony 200MP sensor rumours continue to swirl. DPReview. Retrieved from https://www.dpreview.com/news/12178508/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-sony-200mp-sensor-rumours-continue-to-swirl [4] Android Central, (2025). Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could feature Sony's first 200MP smartphone sensor. Android Central. Retrieved from https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-could-feature-sonys-first-200mp-smartphone-sensor
- The tech news is buzzing about the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, with credible sources hinting at a Sony-made 200MP sensor as its primary camera, a significant departure from Samsung's usual practice.
- This potential upgrade to a larger 1/1.1-inch sensor could lead to improvements in photo clarity, low-light performance, and digital zoom capabilities.
- The use of this sensor could address criticisms of the Galaxy S line when compared to camera-focused rivals.
- However, the final decision on using this Sony sensor for the Galaxy S26 Ultra launch remains uncertain.
- Ben Andrews, the Imaging Labs manager, shares his insights, emphasizing that the prospect of Samsung switching to a non-Samsung image sensor is unusual, but the new sensor could potentially appear in the S27 Ultra.
- Recycling the same sensor year in, year out is seen as disappointing for consumers and leaves Samsung vulnerable to competition.
- Multiple leaks strongly suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra could debut with a Sony 1/1.1-inch 200MP sensor as a major camera upgrade in January 2026, potentially revitalizing the smartphone photography sector.
