Photography will still be one of the deciding factors when buying a smartphone in 2026. Manufacturer Samsung is focusing on high-definition sensors, widespread optical image stabilization, and a new processing engine called ProVisual Engine to strengthen its position. All the figures cited in this article come from official technical specifications and initial hands-on reviews published since the marketing of the devices mentioned.
Three models currently cover most needs: Galaxy s26 ultra, Galaxy S26 + et Galaxy A57 5GEach model records in 8K at 30 fps, produces native RAW files, and benefits from seven years of security updates. Before going into detail, remember that it's possible to immediately reduce expenses thanks to a Samsung discount code Valid on the official store or at various distributors.
Galaxy S26 Ultra: Maximum versatility
Le Galaxy s26 ultra includes a main sensor 200 MP with an aperture of f/1,4 assisted by three secondary modules: a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, a 3× 10 MP telephoto lens, and a 5× 50 MP periscope telephoto lens. This configuration covers the equivalent of 13 mm to 230 mm without aggressive cropping. The wider aperture increases light capture by 47% compared to the S25 Ultra and significantly improves the rendering of night scenes.
The ProVisual Engine's real-time processing combines data from all four sensors to reduce noise, correct chromatic aberrations, and maintain natural skin tones. The mode Horizon Lock It freezes the horizon, even when the smartphone rotates 360°, making sports videos more stable. For creators who alternate between wide landscapes, portraits, and long-focal-length zoom, it's the most complete solution.
Galaxy S26+: the balance between performance and size
Lighter (190 grand more compact, the Galaxy S26 + It uses the same Exynos/Snapdragon 9860 processor and ProVisual Engine as the Ultra model. It also features a proven camera trio: 50 MP (f/1,8) + 12 MP ultra-wide-angle + 10 MP 3× telephoto lensall optically stabilized. The 1/1,3″ main sensor gathers enough light to limit blur in Night mode without excessively lengthening the exposure time.
In practice, the photos remain sharp until 10× hybrid zoom And the dynamic range is preserved thanks to multi-exposure HDR processing. The S26+ is suitable for those who want a handy, high-end Samsung camera smartphone without paying the price of the S26 Ultra.
Galaxy A57 5G: the mid-range benchmark and the announced arrival of the A58
Launched on March 25, 2026 and available since April 10, 2026, the Galaxy A57 5G offers a triple camera setup that is rare in this price range: 50 MP (f/1,7) + 12 MP ultra-wide-angle + 5 MP 3× telephoto lenswith optical stabilization on the first two modules. The 3x optical zoom maintains satisfactory sharpness for portraits and detail photography.
Samsung has confirmed that a Galaxy A58 5G It will arrive before the end of 2026 with an 8MP telephoto lens and new AI processing. In the meantime, the A57 5G delivers the essentials for under €600: accurate colors in bright daylight, controlled noise in low light, and RAW format support. It's the ideal compromise for those on a budget who still want a true optical zoom.
Comparative table of photo characteristics
| Model | Main sensor | Ultra-wide angle | Telephoto Lens | Maximum optical zoom | OIS Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy s26 ultra | 200 MP, f / 1,4 | 50 SM | 50 MP (5×) + 10 MP (3×) | 5 × | Yes |
| Galaxy S26 + | 50 MP, f / 1,8 | 12 SM | 10 MP (3×) | 3 × | Yes |
| Galaxy A57 5G | 50 MP, f / 1,7 | 12 SM | 5 MP (3×) | 3 × | Yes |
This summary immediately highlights the superiority of the S26 Ultra in versatility, the balanced positioning of the S26+ and the excellent value for money of the A57 5G.
Choosing your Samsung camera smartphone depends on your priorities. Galaxy s26 ultra It delivers the best creative freedom thanks to its 5x zoom and record-breaking resolution. Galaxy S26 + retains most of these advantages in a lighter format. Galaxy A57 5G offers an optical zoom at a reasonable price, while awaiting the arrival of the A58 5G later in the year, which should strengthen the mid-range offering.
