Samsung is gearing up for another big leap in its flagship smartphone lineup, but for those hoping for a radical change in the selfie camera department, the news might come as a bit of a letdown. According to a report published on October 4, 2025, and corroborated by well-known leaker Roland Quandt of WinFuture, the Samsung Galaxy S26 series will stick with a 12MP front camera—essentially the same hardware that’s been used in the company’s top-tier phones since the Galaxy S23.
For years, Samsung’s Galaxy S series has been at the forefront of Android innovation, but on the selfie front, things have remained largely unchanged. The 12MP front camera, with its trusty autofocus, may see some minor tweaks—perhaps a larger sensor or a wider aperture, or maybe a few hardware refinements. Yet, as Quandt points out, any major improvements are more likely to come from software enhancements than from a hardware overhaul this time around. That’s a bit surprising, especially as rivals like Apple are making big moves. The iPhone 17, for example, sports an 18MP front camera with a new rectangular sensor, capable of adjusting scenes based on the number of faces in the frame. According to Samsung Magazine, Samsung fans might have to wait until at least 2027 for a comparable leap in selfie camera tech on Galaxy flagships.
But while the front-facing camera may not be getting a dramatic update, the rear camera setup is a different story. The Galaxy S26 series, expected to launch in January or February of next year, will feature a familiar but still powerful trio on its standard models: a 50MP main camera, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. These specs closely mirror those found on the S25 series, maintaining Samsung’s reputation for robust imaging hardware.
For photography enthusiasts, the real excitement might be reserved for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. According to leaks, the Ultra model will boast a brand-new 200MP main sensor, a standard 10MP or 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. That’s a significant jump, particularly in the ultra-wide department, which, as Samsung Magazine notes, will see a leap from 12MP to 50MP compared to the previous generation. The Ultra’s camera array seems poised to set a new bar for smartphone photography, at least on paper.
But Samsung isn’t just betting on camera hardware to draw in the crowds this time. Privacy and security are rapidly becoming must-have features for smartphone users, especially as more people conduct sensitive business and personal tasks on their devices in public spaces. On October 4, 2025, This Is Game Thailand reported that Samsung is preparing to launch a suite of new Privacy Display features with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, aiming to make prying eyes a thing of the past.
The Privacy Display feature, first discovered in the code of Samsung’s One UI 8.5, is designed to restrict the screen’s viewing angles from the sides, protecting users’ information in crowded places without relying on aftermarket privacy films. The technology behind this, called Flex Magic Pixel, was developed by Samsung Display and leverages AI to intelligently adjust pixels and control visibility—without compromising image quality. Users will be able to toggle the feature on or off as needed, ensuring privacy when it matters most and full visibility when it doesn’t.
What really sets the Privacy Display apart is its integration with Samsung’s software ecosystem. Screenshots shared by X user @Achultra reveal an Auto Privacy mode, which automatically activates the privacy features in busy environments like elevators or trains. There’s also the ability to schedule privacy mode based on time, specific apps, or even just certain sections of the screen, such as notifications or picture-in-picture windows. According to This Is Game Thailand, "The Privacy Display includes PIN/password protection and Maximum Privacy mode to protect screen content from prying eyes." That means even your lock screen PIN or password input can be shielded from those around you.
For those who need maximum discretion, the Maximum Privacy setting dims the display to make it even harder for anyone nearby to catch a glimpse. This blend of AI and hardware is a testament to Samsung’s commitment to user security, though it does come with a catch: the Flex Magic Pixel hardware is required, so the Privacy Display will be exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Owners of older models or even other S26 variants won’t get access to these features, even with the One UI 8.5 update. This is consistent with Samsung’s strategy of reserving cutting-edge display technology for its Ultra models, keeping them a step ahead of the rest of the lineup.
While the Privacy Display is still under development and Samsung has yet to officially confirm all the details, the feature could mark a turning point in how people use smartphones in public. If it lives up to the hype, the days of awkwardly shielding your screen from nosy neighbors on the subway could soon be over. As This Is Game Thailand put it, "Privacy Display may revolutionize smartphone use in public spaces by making privacy films obsolete."
Samsung’s push for privacy doesn’t stop at display tech. The integration of AI into both privacy and camera features signals a broader trend in the industry, where artificial intelligence is increasingly used to enhance user experience and security. From optimizing camera settings to automatically detecting when privacy features should kick in, AI is quietly becoming the backbone of Samsung’s latest innovations.
Despite all these advancements, the Galaxy S26 series is not without its critics. Some fans and tech watchers were hoping for a bigger leap in selfie camera technology, especially in the face of stiff competition from Apple. The iPhone 17’s 18MP front camera with advanced scene adjustment is seen by some as a step ahead, and Samsung’s decision to stick with the tried-and-true 12MP sensor may leave a few users disappointed. As noted by Samsung Magazine, "Samsung has not copied the selfie camera specs of the iPhone 17 for the Galaxy S26." For now, it seems Samsung is betting that its improvements in privacy, rear camera performance, and AI will be enough to keep its flagship phones at the top of the heap.
With the official launch expected in early 2026, anticipation is building for what the Galaxy S26 series will ultimately deliver. Whether it’s the Ultra’s powerhouse camera system or the promise of next-level privacy, Samsung is clearly aiming to set new standards in both imaging and security. For those keeping score, it’s shaping up to be a fascinating battle between the giants of the smartphone world—one where hardware, software, and privacy all play starring roles.
As the countdown to launch continues, all eyes are on Samsung to see if the Galaxy S26 series can live up to the hype and redefine what users expect from their smartphones in an increasingly connected—and privacy-conscious—world.
