Samsung's Galaxy S26 series will reportedly introduce a 24MP camera mode that processes images in three seconds without shutter lag, according to leaker Ice Universe. The feature requires initial activation through Samsung's Camera Assistant app before appearing in the default camera interface.
The 24MP mode specifically avoids over-sharpening and purple fringing artifacts that have affected similar high-resolution implementations from competitors. Ice Universe claims the resulting images are "clearly better" than standard 12MP photos while maintaining responsive shooting performance.
Apple established 24MP as the default resolution with the iPhone 15 in 2023, but no Android manufacturer has adopted the standard despite widespread availability of 200MP sensors. Samsung currently offers 24MP shooting only through its separate Expert RAW app, which requires additional downloads and targets professional users.
Samsung's implementation differs from Apple's approach by requiring users to manually enable the feature through advanced settings. Once activated, the 24MP option becomes available in both Photo and Portrait modes within the main camera app.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra test model shows no shutter delay when capturing 24MP images, with processing occurring in the background. This addresses a common complaint about high-resolution modes that typically slow down shooting speed and increase file sizes.
Benchmark leaks suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature Qualcomm's next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip worldwide, according to some reports, while other sources indicate Exynos 2600 may be used in certain regions. The Snapdragon variant provides the processing power needed for the new camera mode. Leaked benchmark results suggest the Snapdragon variant may outperform Samsung's Exynos counterpart, according to reports from leaker Ice Universe.
Samsung has not yet announced its Unpacked event for the Galaxy S26 series, but industry sources expect a February 2026 launch ahead of Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The timing represents a slight delay from previous years, potentially allowing Samsung's recently launched TriFold device more market exposure.
The 24MP camera enhancement aligns with separate reports that Samsung may reintroduce variable aperture technology to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, a feature last seen on the Galaxy S9 series. Combined with the new resolution mode, these improvements could position Samsung's flagship as a stronger competitor in mobile photography.
If the leaks prove accurate, Samsung's implementation could offer Android users their first mainstream access to 24MP photography without the storage and performance trade-offs of full-resolution sensor modes. The feature reportedly will not be available on older Galaxy models through software updates.
