Samsung might not bring its HP9 sensor to the Galaxy S26 Ultra next year, but the latest rumor claims that the HP2 housed inside the Galaxy S25 Ultra will not be a part of the company’s flagship optic arsenal in 2026 either. In fact, the details state that another sensor that is around the same size as the HP2 will be used, and it is one that features a different pixel layout and a lens. Given what we have heard about the Galaxy S26 Ultra over the past couple of weeks, some camera technologies that Samsung discontinued could make a comeback, meaning that the upgrade could be worth waiting for.
Current Galaxy S26 Ultra prototype with the variable aperture lens might not be compatible with the HP2, forcing Samsung to use another sensor
For those who do not remember, Samsung has retained the HP2 since the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and after three generations of watching the same primary shooter get a little tweaking with every flagship release, we can all agree that it was time for an overdue change. We have reported that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature variable aperture technology, suggesting that Samsung will likely change the lens unit on the primary sensor.
The moving parts alone might force the company to employ a camera other than the HP2, which is why the rumor might have made this claim. On X, @PandaFlashPro has commented that the camera will feature a different pixel layout, which could improve the amount of light captured by these individual pixels, with the changed configuration also allowing the HP2-like sensor to churn out more detailed images. The rumor does not go in-depth about the advantages of the Galaxy S26 Ultra will have with this new hardware.
Imagine Galaxy S26 Ultra with a similar HP2 Sensor Size, but with Updated Pixels and a Brand-New lens.
— PandaFlash 𝕏 (@PandaFlashPro) April 1, 2025
However, another potential change arriving to the flagship is that instead of four main cameras like the ones on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, one Galaxy S26 Ultra prototype is being tested with three of them. However, the same prototype features a bigger battery, and combined with the variable aperture lens, there is a possibility that Samsung can achieve the same versatility with just three cameras.
Of course, it is important to note that the company takes a multitude of prototypes through their paces, so it is not necessarily that this one will make the cut to the mass production line. In short, it is imperative that you treat this rumor with a pinch of salt and we will be back with more updates.
News Source: @PandaFlashPro
