Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to Gain Optional 24MP Photo Mode, Mirroring Apple's Computational Photography Approach

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra will integrate a significant camera upgrade inspired by Apple's computational photography methods, according to reliable leaker Ice Universe. For the first time on an Android flagship, users will access a dedicated 24MP photo mode within the primary camera app, bypassing the need for Samsung's specialized Expert RAW application. This move directly responds to Apple's shift to 24MP as the default resolution starting with the iPhone 15 series.

Apple's implementation demonstrated that 24MP strikes an effective balance: It captures 2.4x more pixel data than traditional 12MP images while avoiding the storage penalties of 200MP full-resolution shots. Crucially, Apple merges pixel data from its 48MP sensor to enhance dynamic range and color accuracy without processing delays. Despite Android manufacturers deploying high-resolution sensors for years, none replicated this intelligent resolution compromise until now.

Samsung's execution differs from Apple's in key aspects. Rather than setting 24MP as the default, users must enable it manually via Samsung's Camera Assistant app. Early tests on S26 Ultra prototypes indicate a noticeable processing delay—approximately 3 seconds after shutter press—unlike Apple's instantaneous capture. The feature extends to both standard photo and portrait modes, offering flexibility across shooting scenarios.

Image quality reportedly surpasses Samsung's current options. Ice Universe claims the new 24MP mode delivers visibly sharper details than 12MP captures while reducing the oversharpening artifacts and purple fringing prevalent in Expert RAW's 24MP output. This suggests Samsung has refined its computational algorithms specifically for this hybrid resolution.

Hardware compatibility limits this feature to the Galaxy S26 series, excluding older models like the S24 or S25. This mirrors Apple's staged rollout, where iPhone 14 Pro hardware didn't support the enhanced resolution despite having a 48MP sensor. The restriction appears software-based, implying Samsung could theoretically backport the functionality but likely reserves it as a next-generation selling point.

For prospective buyers, this positions the S26 Ultra as a more viable option for photography enthusiasts seeking finer detail without RAW file management. The processing delay may deter action photographers, but the quality gains could justify the wait for staged shots. As computational photography becomes increasingly decisive in flagship comparisons, Samsung's adoption of Apple-tested resolutions signals a convergence in mobile imaging strategies. For verification, refer to Ice Universe's findings on X.