Samsung S26 Ultra: 324MP camera leaked and legendary return

The S25 has barely been launched, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks are already here, and they're explosive. There's talk of a never-before-seen 324-megapixel camera sensor and a radical shift in the lineup's strategy that could bring back a legendary name.

Although the Samsung Galaxy S26 launch is scheduled for early 2026, the rumor and leak machine is already in full swing. And what's being revealed suggests that Samsung isn't planning a simple incremental update, but rather one of the biggest revolutions in its high-end smartphone lineup in years. The strongest speculation centers on the Ultra model, which could arrive with an astronomically powerful camera and a possible name change that evokes nostalgia and power.

Industry sources and analysts, although in the early stages, are already painting a picture of what the next Android titan could be. From drastic camera improvements to a rethinking of the Galaxy S family itself, here's everything we know so far.

A camera to break all records: 324 megapixels?

The most shocking leak focuses on the Galaxy S26 Ultra's camera system. While the S25 Ultra already impresses with its 200MP sensor, Samsung is reportedly testing a massive 324-megapixel main sensor. This leap is said to not only offer an unprecedented level of detail, but also significantly improve low-light performance and digital zoom capabilities.

But the improvement doesn't stop there. Rumors also point to:

* A 200MP periscopic telephoto lens: A high-resolution sensor dedicated exclusively to zoom, which would allow long-distance captures with a quality far superior to the current one.

* New sensor for the base model: The standard Galaxy S26 would also receive an improvement, replacing the veteran ISOCELL GN3 sensor with a new generation (possibly from Sony) that, while maintaining the 50MP, would offer superior image quality and night performance.

Goodbye to the 'Plus', hello to the 'Edge' or 'Note'

Another of the most radical changes could affect the lineup's structure. Several sources suggest that Samsung, like Apple, is planning to eliminate the "Plus" model from its lineup. The lack of clear differentiation from the base model and the Ultra would have made it the weakest link in sales.

Instead, two things could happen:

* The return of the 'Edge': There's speculation about the introduction of a Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge, which would take the place of the Plus. This model would be distinguished by a more pronounced curved screen, appealing to a specific design niche.

* The rebirth of the 'Note': An even bolder theory suggests the Ultra model could be rebranded as the Galaxy S26 Note. This would cement its identity as the ultimate productivity device, complete with a built-in S Pen, and capitalize on the massive popularity of the defunct Note brand.

“We’re hearing reports that both Apple and Samsung are planning to discontinue their ‘Plus’ models. Samsung, for its part, is said to be killing off the Galaxy S26+ variant and keeping only the S26, S26 Edge, and the powerful S26 Ultra.” – India Today report.

The return of the Exynos and a screen without limits

Under the hood, the debate rages. After a possible Qualcomm exclusivity for the S25 series, Samsung is reportedly planning the return of its own chipset, the Exynos 2600, for the S26 range, at least in some markets. Manufactured using an advanced 2nm process, this chip promises a 12% performance boost and a 25% improvement in power efficiency over previous generations.

As for the display, Samsung's goal for the S26 Ultra is clear: to create a near-seamless "all-screen" experience. The bezels are expected to be even slimmer than on the S25 Ultra, creating a near-7-inch display without increasing the phone's physical size. While under-display camera (UDC) technology is being explored to eliminate the selfie hole, most analysts are skeptical that it will be ready for mass deployment without compromising front-facing camera quality.

It's important to remember that these are all early leaks and rumors. The final design and specifications are subject to change. However, the direction these leaks point to is clear: Samsung isn't holding anything back and is looking to make a statement in 2026 to reaffirm its dominance in the high-end smartphone market.