The Galaxy S26 Ultra 24MP camera might not sound dramatic at first, but it could end up being one of Samsung’s most useful changes in years. Instead of pushing extreme megapixel numbers, Samsung is reportedly testing a more practical camera mode aimed at everyday photos.
Right now, Galaxy Ultra phones mostly shoot 12MP images using pixel-binning, even though they use very high-resolution sensors. That works well in low light, but in good lighting, many users feel they’re leaving detail on the table.
Galaxy S26 Ultra 24MP Camera Upgrade
That’s where a 24MP mode comes in. It sits neatly between 12MP and heavy 50MP or 200MP shots, offering better detail without slow capture times or oversized files. For most people, this could be the sweet spot.
Leaks suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra 24MP camera mode may work in normal Photo and Portrait modes, not hidden behind Pro settings. If true, it would make the feature far more useful than Samsung’s current high-resolution options.
There may be a small catch. Early information hints that the mode might need to be enabled manually, and photos could take an extra second to process. Still, that feels like a fair trade for sharper results.
Samsung’s recent camera upgrades have leaned heavily on software rather than new hardware, and this fits that pattern perfectly. The Galaxy S26 Ultra 24MP camera feels like a change designed for real users, not marketing slides.
Launch Timeline
With the Galaxy S26 Ultra expected to launch in early 2026, this feature could quietly become the default camera setting for many people — and one of the phone’s most appreciated upgrades.

