The Galaxy S26 Ultra may be a lifeline for images novices like me

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Photography on the Galaxy S26 Ultra is healthier than earlier than, because of small but essential modifications.
• A brand new characteristic has been added to stabilize photographs, together with extra sturdy AI modifying instruments.
• Preorders are presently stay with costs beginning at $1,300.

I really like images, however I’ll be the primary to confess I’m not superb at it. Framing, establishing good lighting, and composition are all issues that I wrestle with. 

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That’s why I’m genuinely enthusiastic about Samsung’s new flagship telephone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The tech large has made key upgrades to its digital camera system that would make it among the best telephones for each informal customers and professionals alike, a lot in order that I’m severely contemplating upgrading from my outdated Android.

The largest advantages are hidden

At first look, it seems that not a lot has modified from its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Both telephones characteristic a 50MP ultra-wide, a 200MP wide-angle, a 50MP telephoto, and a 10MP telephoto lens. Because it is largely unchanged, you’ll be able to count on comparable base picture high quality. But the refined enchancment makes a noticeable distinction.

Also: I attempted the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and want the Privacy Display characteristic on my iPhone ASAP

Samsung widened the digital camera apertures in its flagship smartphone mannequin to let in additional mild, thus producing clearer photographs with richer element. The 200MP lens now boasts a 47% bigger aperture, opening as much as F1.4 for brighter photographs. Additionally, the 50MP telephoto lens captures 37% extra mild, opening as much as F2.9. When taking pictures at evening, the telephone’s superior AI reduces noise in a shot.

One characteristic that caught my eye in the course of the presentation was a brand new software being applied within the modifying suite. If your picture is poorly lit, the app can add a man-made mild supply to brighten the scene. 

You might, for instance, add a softer secondary mild to melt a mannequin’s face. It’s a small addition that I wager most individuals glossed over in the course of the keynote, however for somebody who struggles with getting good lighting in photographs, it is a game-changer.

Also: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Which premium flagship telephone wins?

Now, there may be extra to the digital camera system than these two modifications. The Super Steady video mode consists of Horizontal Lock, which retains the footage completely nonetheless even when the telephone strikes. The 12MP selfie lens homes an AI-powered ISP (picture sign processor) that higher captures pure pores and skin tones and effective particulars like hair and eyebrows, serving to your photographs look extra such as you and fewer synthetic.

Also, the zooming capabilities on this telephone are fairly insane. You can take pleasure in as much as 100x zoom for far-off photographs. AI fashions stabilize the photographs and improve picture readability. 

Preorders for the Galaxy S26 Ultra are live on Samsung’s website. It’s out there in six distinct colours, with two choices on-line exclusives. Prices begin at $1,300 for the 256GB mannequin and go as much as $1,800 for the 1TB mannequin. Shipments start March 11.