Samsung's upcoming Ultra smartphone may feature a large and adjustable main camera to surpass the iPhone 18 Pro.

      Samsung might be gearing up for a significant camera enhancement for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, as a recent leak suggests that its 200MP primary camera could feature variable aperture support. This information comes from Weibo leaker Smart Pikachu (智慧皮卡丘), indicating that Samsung may be responding to Apple’s anticipated camera advancements for the iPhone 18 Pro.

      Why is variable aperture important?

      A variable aperture camera can alter the lens opening to regulate the amount of light that reaches the sensor. A wider aperture is beneficial for low-light photography and produces more pronounced background blur. Conversely, a narrower aperture is advantageous in bright outdoor situations, allowing more of the frame to remain in focus.

      This adaptability could be advantageous for a 200MP smartphone camera, as Samsung strives for high-resolution imaging while navigating the constraints of smartphone hardware. A variable aperture system could enable the Galaxy S27 Ultra to achieve better exposure control, depth of field management, close-up shots, macro photography, and performance in bright-light conditions.

      Samsung has previously utilized variable aperture in older Galaxy S9 models. Reintroducing this feature in a 200MP main camera would be a significant advancement.

      Can Samsung compete with Apple’s camera and AI initiatives?

      Apple is also anticipated to deliver a substantial camera upgrade with the iPhone 18 Pro. Reports suggest that the 18 Pro series may include a variable aperture system for its 48MP main camera, as well as larger fixed apertures for the ultrawide and telephoto lenses. The front camera might also receive a notable upgrade, with the iPhone 18 Pro models expected to enhance selfie performance with a 24MP square sensor.

      Additionally, significant software updates are on the way, as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently reported that iOS 27 might introduce AI photo tools like Enhance, Extend, and Reframe within the Photos app, bringing Apple closer to the editing capabilities already available on Google and Samsung devices.

      A 200MP variable aperture camera could help Samsung maintain a strong position in the hardware competition, especially as Apple advances with camera control and AI photo editing. However, pricing may become a key concern for both devices this generation, as the ongoing memory shortage reportedly raises production costs.