The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could revive an interesting camera feature.
The variable diaphragm could make a comeback.
It is rumored that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra might feature a variable aperture function in its main camera, a feature last used in the Galaxy S9 and also present in the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. This functionality could be a significant advantage for the new model, especially considering the size of the main camera sensor it could equip.
The suggestion comes from a known leaker who, while sharing the information on the Weibo platform, claimed that the ability to physically switch between apertures would return in the rear camera of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This mechanism allowed the Galaxy S9 to switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4 apertures, adjusting the lens opening according to lighting conditions. The goal was for the wider aperture (f/1.5) to let in more light to the sensor in dark environments, albeit sacrificing some sharpness and depth of field, while the smaller aperture was ideal for well-lit environments, allowing sharper images with greater depth of field.
Although this feature was quite interesting, its relevance was somewhat questionable in devices with smaller sensors, as smartphones generally exhibit considerable depth of field due to the compact sensor size compared to the lens.
However, the incorporation of aperture control could be an exciting enhancement for the 200-megapixel camera of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. With recent Ultra models in the Galaxy S series having larger sensors than many of their predecessors, the additional control could become more apparent. This would also provide the camera with another physical feature to influence photography and reduce dependence on image processing algorithms.
It has not yet been specified which apertures could be used in the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but it would not be a feature exclusive to this model, as the Xiaomi 14 Ultra has multiple variable apertures and the Huawei Mate 50 Pro features a primary aperture of f/1.4 to f/4. Reviews of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra have praised its camera quality, suggesting that this could be a feature Samsung might consider to enhance its offering.
While this improvement may present itself more as a marketing strategy than as a radical change, especially considering that Samsung is already recognized for its excellent smartphone cameras. Time will tell if this rumor materializes, but it certainly is attention-grabbing news and could add a touch of creativity to a product line that, in the opinion of some, has fallen into repetitiveness.
