Apple’s iPhone 17 series introduces a clever new selfie camera feature called Center Stage. Designed to make landscape group selfies effortless, it’s the kind of innovation that would be especially useful on Samsung’s Ultra models, like the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra. The large size of these phones often makes one-handed use of the front camera challenging.
Why Samsung’s selfie game needs a rethink, particularly for Galaxy Ultra models
The Galaxy S25 Ultra already delivers excellent selfies with its 12MP front sensor, but usability is a different story. On such a massive device, holding the phone steady in landscape mode for group shots is uncomfortable, especially with a case. For casual users, vloggers, or even video callers, this makes one of the Ultra’s most basic functions, the selfie, more cumbersome than it should be.
Apple tackled this problem with a square 18MP sensor that automatically reframes shots between portrait, square, or landscape, all while you hold the phone vertically. AI keeps the framing natural, ensuring everyone stays in view. The result? A stable grip with a wide, flexible frame that feels effortless.
That’s the kind of practical, user-first innovation Samsung’s Ultra lineup desperately needs. The company is gearing up to launch the Galaxy S26 Ultra in early 2026, with rumors pointing to an upgraded selfie shooter. The device reportedly switches to a new 12MP sensor for the front camera.
Unfortunately, details are scarce, so we can’t exactly tell if the Galaxy S26 Ultra will bring similar enhancements as the iPhone 17. Capturing landscape shots while holding the phone vertically requires a square sensor. It remains to be seen if Samsung’s new 12MP selfie shooter for the upcoming Ultra features a traditional rectangular sensor or a square one.
More details should be available in the coming weeks as Samsung ramps up the development of its 2026 flagship lineup. Alongside the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the company will launch the S26 Edge and S26 Pro. Our Galaxy S26 Mystery Box program is already live, so sign up now to score free goodies when you purchase the phone.