Samsung added a new 24MP photo mode to Galaxy S26 and then chose to hide it
Source: Android Authority
Overview
- Galaxy S26 series comes with a new 24 MP photo mode, but it’s hidden by default.
- The 24 MP mode balances 12 MP’s fast processing with 50 MP’s high quality.
- To activate the feature, download Samsung’s Camera Assistant app.
Background
Manufacturers often set the default shooting mode to a lower resolution, using “binning” (combining pixels into super‑pixels) to produce sharper, better‑lit images and to allow faster processing. This reduces the risk of motion blur when shooting without a tripod.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 200 MP and 50 MP cameras, for example, shoot 12 MP images by default, though users can switch to 50 MP or 200 MP via the Camera app’s selection menu. The same approach applies to the newly launched Galaxy S26 — Samsung adds an intermediate 24 MP option that aims to combine high resolution with quicker processing.
24 MP Mode Details
A Samsung Community moderator explains that the 24 MP mode provides 50 MP‑like detail through an AI Fusion technique. It merges:
- 12 MP multi‑frame processing (stacking multiple exposures for better illumination)
- 50 MP high‑resolution data
The result is a single image that retains the detail of 50 MP while benefiting from the speed and low‑noise characteristics of 12 MP.
How to Enable the 24 MP Mode
The 24 MP mode is not natively available in the main Camera app. It must be activated via Camera Assistant, a Good Lock module designed to unlock hidden camera features.
- Download Camera Assistant from the Galaxy Store or direct link.
- Open the app and navigate to Photos > Advanced resolution options.
- Enable the 24 MP toggle.
Future Availability
Currently, the option appears limited to the Galaxy S26 series. However, because older Samsung phones share similar camera hardware, the 24 MP mode may arrive on those devices when One UI 8.5 rolls out — see the upcoming release details on Android Authority.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Privacy display • Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy • Power AI features
- MSRP: $1,299.99
The slimmest and lightest Ultra yet, featuring a 6.9‑inch 10‑bit display, a brighter 200 MP main camera, upgraded zoom, advanced 8K video, and exclusive privacy and Galaxy AI tools.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus
- Powerful performance • New Galaxy AI features • Faster wireless charging
- MSRP: $1,099.99
A balanced mid‑range option with a large display, a 4,900 mAh battery, faster wireless charging, and the same AI capabilities as its siblings.
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Powerful performance • New Galaxy AI features • Bigger battery
- MSRP: $899.99
The compact flagship pairs a slightly larger display with solid battery life, fast performance, and the full suite of Galaxy AI features at a more affordable price.