The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra might ultimately captivate camera enthusiasts after all.
Samsung's forthcoming Ultra flagship may not introduce entirely new camera hardware, but it will incorporate several intelligent software enhancements, including lens flare reduction and improved autofocus precision.
Samsung's next premium flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is expected to receive significant camera-related upgrades. These will not involve new hardware but rather software improvements designed to enhance the overall experience for photography and videography.
As per the well-known leaker Ice Universe (via a Weibo post), the Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature diminished lens flares, a common issue with smartphone cameras, even in high-end iPhones and Galaxy S series models. To address this, Samsung will implement "enhanced lens and coating technology."
Additionally, the Galaxy S26 Ultra aims to rectify the problem of overly yellow skin tones in photos. This may be accomplished by adjusting the image processing pipeline to subtly reduce yellow tones, particularly when the ISP identifies human subjects in the frame.
The entire Galaxy S26 series (not just the Ultra variant) could also see improvements through the Camera Assistant Good Lock app on One UI 8.5. For context, the Galaxy S26 series is anticipated to launch with One UI 8.5, a significant operating system update that is currently being tested on a few Galaxy S-series and Galaxy Tab devices.
According to a report from Android Authority, the new Camera Assistant app (available in the One UI 8.5 beta) includes a "Video Softening" feature that could produce more natural, smoother videos that don't appear excessively sharpened. This would be particularly advantageous for users who frequently record videos in intensely bright or challenging lighting conditions.
This video softening feature is expected to be available as a toggle, alongside new options for adjusting the sensitivity and speed of autofocus. The sensitivity setting determines how quickly the camera refocuses when a new subject enters or exits the frame, while the speed setting manages how quickly the camera adjusts focus during transitions.
Considering that the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the other models in the series are expected to feature the same camera array as their predecessors, these updates are promising for potential customers.
For over five years, Shikhar has consistently clarified advancements in consumer technology and conveyed them effectively.
I have reported on smartphones for many years, but 2026 appears to be particularly bold and concerning.
Was 2025 the year when apps went away? What will happen to cameras? And most importantly, will your wallet feel the impact?
The year 2025 was quite pleasant for my tech-enthusiast heart. It showcased remarkable innovations, including the liquid-cooled Red Magic 11 Pro, which redefined how to obtain optimal hardware for your investment. The iPhone 17 emerged as an unexpected hit, while the iPhone 17 Pro saw Apple return to its daring style.
It delivered devices like the Vivo X300, which truly showcased the potential of a compact phone. Samsung, not one to remain idle, impressed us with the Galaxy Z TriFold that fully embraced the hybrid phone-tablet concept. Additionally, Google reached its anticipated form with the outstanding Pixel 10 series.
Several iPhone 17 Pro users are reporting an unusual speaker hiss while their devices are charging, and the cause remains unclear.
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max users are encountering a peculiar problem: a soft hissing or static-like noise emitting from the phone's speakers while it is charging. According to a report by MacRumors, citing discussions on Reddit, Apple’s Community Support, and their discussion forum, affected users are experiencing a hissing noise when their phone is charging (whether via wired or MagSafe charging) while the screen is lit. Disconnecting the iPhone halts the noise.
A particular phone has been designated the ‘least durable phone of 2025’, and the winner for the most durable phone was also identified.
Many phones underwent durability tests by tech YouTuber Zack Nelson this year, each one put through his rigorous evaluation on his JerryRigEverything channel. Nelson's multifaceted, albeit somewhat unscientific, testing methodology involves employing sharp tools on the surfaces of each phone, covering them in abrasive materials, and exposing the displays to open flames. He also applies physical force to bend the phones, assessing their structural integrity. Some maintain their shape, while others crack or disintegrate.
