The Galaxy S26 Ultra might be a lifeline for photography beginners like me

Source: ZDNet

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.
• Pre‑orders 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.

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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 50 MP ultra‑wide, a 200 MP wide‑angle, a 50 MP telephoto, and a 10 MP telephoto lens. Because it’s largely unchanged, you can expect similar base image quality. But the subtle improvements make a noticeable difference.

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• Samsung widened the camera apertures to let in more light, producing clearer photos with richer detail.
• The 200 MP lens now boasts a 47 % larger aperture, opening up to f/1.4 for brighter shots.
• The 50 MP telephoto lens captures 37 % more light, opening up to f/2.9.
• When shooting at night, the phone’s advanced AI reduces noise in the image.

One feature that caught my eye during the presentation was a new tool in the editing suite. If a photo is poorly lit, the app can add an artificial light source to brighten the scene—e.g., a softer secondary light to soften a model’s face. It’s a small addition that could be a game‑changer for anyone who struggles with lighting.

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Video, selfie, and zoom enhancements

• Super Steady video mode now includes Horizontal Lock, keeping footage perfectly still even when the phone moves.
• The 12 MP selfie lens houses an AI‑powered ISP (image signal processor) that better captures natural skin tones and fine details like hair and eyebrows.
• Zoom capabilities are impressive, offering up to 100× digital zoom. AI models stabilize the shots and enhance image clarity.

Pre‑orders for the Galaxy S26 Ultra are live on Samsung’s website. It’s available in six distinct colors, with two online‑exclusive options. Prices start at $1,300 for the 256 GB model and go up to $1,800 for the 1 TB model. Shipments begin March 11.