Thanks Sony! Samsung Galaxy S26, S26 Edge to get first true camera upgrade in years

Samsung may finally bring a true camera upgrade to the Galaxy S26 series next year. After years of reusing its 50MP ISOCELL sensor, the company is expected to replace it with a new 50MP solution from rival brand, Sony.

A new rumor hints that Samsung could replace ISOCELL with a Sony camera in the Galaxy S26 and S26 Edge. The input has no mention of the Galaxy S26 Plus, aligning with previous reports of Edge replacing Plus in 2026.

The Galaxy S26 and S26 Edge are said to feature a main camera from Sony. The sensor would have 50-megapixel resolution with 1.0µm pixels. The new solution could improve low-light shots, sharpness, and colors.

The company has stuck with the 50MP ISOCELL GN3 sensor for its base Galaxy S models since the S23. This upgrade makes sense. Samsung’s base models have lagged behind rivals like Xiaomi, which use big Sony sensors.

Camera sensors from Sony have an edge over ISOCELL in terms of mobile photography. Samsung’s ISOCELL works just perfectly with Galaxy phones, but Sony is a universally admired brand, offering decent mobile camera hardware.

It’s worth mentioning that Sony has a strong track record with camera sensors. Their IMX series powers many top phones, like Sony’s own Xperia 1 VI. A 1.0µm pixel size means decent light capture for clearer images.

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Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch in January or February next year. The new flagships would use modern chipsets, improved battery, power-efficient display, One UI 8.5 software, and upgraded AI features.

If you’re using an S23 or S24, this camera upgrade could make the S26 worth waiting for. Before the S26 arrives, Samsung will launch the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 foldables this Summer, followed by the Galaxy S25 FE later this year.