Today marks the unveiling of the much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, yet the rumor mill is alive with speculation about its successor, the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Many potential buyers are left wondering if they should hold off on their purchase until next year. A recent leak from industry insider Digital Chat Station suggests that the Galaxy S26 Ultra may introduce an impressive 200MP periscope lens, designed to enhance its photographic capabilities significantly.
In a Weibo post regarding the upcoming model, it was indicated that this advanced periscope lens would complement the device’s primary 200MP camera, enabling cutting-edge zoom features. This dual-camera setup mirrors a strategy currently employed by others in the industry, including vivo, which has successfully launched similar technology in its X100 Ultra and X200 Pro. A striking detail is the sensor size, reportedly measuring at 1/1.5 inches, which is slightly smaller than that of its competitors.
In addition to Samsung, Xiaomi is also exploring a dual 200MP sensor arrangement for its upcoming Xiaomi 15 Ultra, expected to launch globally soon. Meanwhile, it's uncertain whether Samsung will incorporate its innovative ALoP (All Lenses on Prism) camera technology, which positions the lenses above the prism rather than between it and the sensor. This technology offers notable advantages such as reducing the length of the telephoto lens by up to 22%, enabling a more compact camera module and potentially improving low-light performance.
This raises the question: Should you delay your purchase of the Galaxy S25 Ultra in anticipation of the Galaxy S26 Ultra? Ultimately, it's a challenging decision. The rumored inclusion of the 200MP periscope lens remains unconfirmed. With about a year to go before the Galaxy S26 Ultra is officially released, it’s prudent to remember the saying, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” If you can secure a Galaxy S25 Ultra now, it might be worth jumping at the opportunity instead of waiting for uncertain possibilities next year.
