Samsung may be preparing to reintroduce variable aperture cameras with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, marking a major shift in its smartphone camera strategy. The information comes from reliable tipster Ice Universe, who suggests that Samsung is considering equipping the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s main camera with variable aperture technology.
This potential development is exciting, considering Samsung was the first smartphone brand to introduce a variable aperture camera with the Galaxy S9 and S9+ in 2018. However, the feature was phased out after the Galaxy S10 and S10+, with the Galaxy S20 series abandoning it entirely.
Now, it looks like Samsung may bring it back, but the exact implementation remains unclear.
What Is Variable Aperture and Why Does It Matter?
Variable aperture cameras allow smartphones to adjust the amount of light entering the camera lens, improving performance across different lighting conditions. Samsung’s Galaxy S9 and S10 series featured a dual-aperture system (f/1.5 and f/2.4), allowing the camera to switch between two settings based on the lighting situation.
Potential benefits of a variable aperture system include:
- Better low-light performance: A wider aperture (lower f-stop) lets in more light, reducing noise in nighttime photography.
- Sharper daytime shots: A narrower aperture (higher f-stop) improves depth of field and prevents overexposure in bright conditions.
- More natural background blur (bokeh): A wider aperture creates a shallower depth of field, ideal for portrait shots.
Will Samsung Adopt a Multi-Aperture System Like Xiaomi?
While the Galaxy S9 and S10 used a dual-aperture system, Xiaomi’s 14 Ultra offers multiple aperture steps, allowing more fine-tuned control over exposure and depth of field.
If Samsung follows Xiaomi’s approach, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could feature multiple adjustable aperture settings, offering greater flexibility for photographers.
However, Samsung’s final decision remains uncertain, and the company could choose to stick with a simpler dual-aperture system like before.
Why Did Samsung Remove Variable Aperture in the First Place?
Despite its advantages, variable aperture technology was dropped after the Galaxy S10 series due to:
- Advancements in computational photography: Samsung and other brands started relying more on AI-powered image processing to enhance low-light performance instead of changing physical aperture sizes.
- Manufacturing complexity and cost: Implementing variable aperture mechanisms requires moving parts, making the camera module more expensive and potentially more fragile.
- Declining consumer awareness: Many users weren’t fully aware of the feature, as smartphones handled aperture switching automatically.
When Will the Galaxy S26 Ultra Launch?
Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S26 Ultra in early 2026, following its usual Galaxy S-series release timeline (January-February).
Since the device is still a year away, Samsung’s plans could change. We’ll have more clarity on whether the S26 Ultra will feature variable aperture technology as we get closer to its launch.
Final Thoughts
The return of variable aperture technology on the Galaxy S26 Ultra could be a game-changer for smartphone photography. While Samsung pioneered the feature in 2018, it was later discontinued in favor of AI-based enhancements. However, with brands like Xiaomi pushing advanced aperture systems, Samsung may be looking to reclaim its position in mobile camera innovation.
Would you like to see variable aperture return to Samsung flagships? Let us know your thoughts! 📸
Source (in Chinese)
