The rivalry intensifies: New reports suggest Apple’s pricing strategy is forcing Samsung to alter its plans for the Galaxy S26.
SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesKey TakeawaysSamsung has reportedly canceled planned camera upgrades for the Galaxy S26 to compete with Apple on pricingThe leak suggests the S26 will use the same camera sensors for the fourth year in a rowThe downgrade is in direct response to the iPhone 17’s aggressive price point and 256GB storage upgrade.
Samsung has abruptly downgraded the Galaxy S26 camera in a direct response to Apple’s iPhone 17, according to a new report from South Korean outlet The Elec.
Samsung originally intended to upgrade the base model S26’s camera hardware and increase the price. However, after Apple launched the iPhone 17 at the same price as the iPhone 16, while doubling the storage to 256GB, Samsung has been forced into a radical rethink, scrapping the camera upgrades in order to remain price-competitive.
Samsung Galaxy S26: A Fourth Year Of Camera Stagnation
According to the leak, the Galaxy S26 will instead ship with essentially the same rear camera spec as the S25 and all previous “S” models, dating back as far as the Galaxy S22.
50-megapixel primary12-megapixel ultrawide10-megapixel telephoto
In this same time frame, Apple has transitioned from the iPhone 13’s twin 12-megapixel main and ultrawide sensors to a pair of 48-megapixel cameras in the iPhone 17 – albeit in a dual-camera configuration rather than Samsung’s triple-lens setup.
Samsung Galaxy S26: It’s Not Just About Camera Hardware
Despite the lack of sensor innovation, there’s still room for the Galaxy S26’s camera to outperform the Galaxy S25.
Actuators: The report states that supporting components, such as actuators, may be changed in next year’s model. Upgraded actuators could deliver genuine end-user benefits, such as faster autofocus and improved optical image stabilization, leading to superior low-light performance.Image Processing: The Galaxy S26, at least in its US variants, is expected to feature Qualcomm’s new “20-bit triple ISP,” a feature of the company’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC. This feature alone is designed to deliver four times the dynamic range of its predecessor, enabling superior highlight quality and better shadow detail simultaneously.
While the cameras may look the same externally, next year’s Galaxy S26 may yet deliver a significant camera boost over the S25. However, without those planned headline camera spec advances, many may decide to skip on an upgrade.
The Galaxy S26 is expected to enter production next year.
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