Forget the Galaxy S25 Ultra – Samsung Reportedly Developing a 500MP Camera Sensor

Samsung is working hard on the Galaxy S25 series of phones, but that doesn’t mean the company isn’t preparing for S26 and beyond. A new rumor suggests photographers might want to hold off on the Galaxy S25 phones in favor of a newer model, as the company could include an impressive 500MP sensor.

The leak comes from the reliable Jukanlosreve on X. In the article, they claim that Samsung is already working on a high-resolution camera sensor that could be the main shooter of a future phone. “Samsung is working on a 3-layer stacked image sensor for Apple, while simultaneously developing a 500 MP sensor for its own Galaxy devices,” the X post reads.

Exclusive: Samsung is currently developing a “3-layer stacked” image sensor in a PD-TR-Logic configuration for Apple. This sensor is more advanced than Sony’s existing Exmor RS, and I think it cannot be ruled out as a potential candidate for the main sensor. Samsung is…January 1, 2025

They did not specify which next Samsung phone would receive the camera. However, we are confident that it will not be the Galaxy S25 Ultra, as has been the case. it is reliably reported to feature the same 200MP sensor found on the S24 Ultra.

Samsung could target the Galaxy S26 Ultra for its more powerful camera technology. However, depending on development, this could come to a later phone, like the Galaxy S27 Ultra. Either way, we’re confident an Ultra version will get it, as base models generally come with more affordable cameras than the Ultra.

How could this impact future Galaxy Ultra models?

As we move into higher and higher resolution cameras, the differences in actual image quality become less noticeable. However, claiming that it is the only company to offer 500MP shooters on its phones looks great on a marketing sheet. And if it’s well optimized (which I would expect since it’s Samsung and the company is known for phones that support stellar images), it could create some of the most visually appealing photos on any phone.

Samsung could theoretically redefine the modern camera system, especially when you consider the improvements we’ve seen over the years in how AI and better pixel binning algorithms improve photos. By relying on a 500MP sensor, Samsung could eliminate one of the telephoto lenses from its flagship model.

We have seen how phones like the Pixel 9 And iPhone16 make great use of pixel binning to provide “optical” quality despite the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens. With so much data and information coming from a 500 MP sensor, Samsung could really squeeze more detail into it to deliver better digital zoom performance.

Samsung could develop a sensor for Apple

Apple iPhone 16 Pro rear camera setup

(Image credit: Apple)

Of course, there’s always the Apple iPhone, which is also mentioned in Jukanlosreve’s X post. “Samsung is currently developing a “3-layer stacked” image sensor in a PD-TR-Logic configuration for Apple,” the post read.

If true, that would mean Apple could stop using Sony goals in Samsung’s favor, which could mean Samsung is struggling. “This sensor is more advanced than Sony’s existing Exmor RS, and I think it cannot be ruled out as a potential candidate for the main sensor,” Jukanlosreve continued.

THE The Galaxy S25 Ultra has already seen its benchmarks leaked. We also heard of a A potentially life-saving feature is coming to Samsung’s next phones. We also heard that the The Galaxy S25 Ultra could have a much brighter screen than we initially thought, but we’ll have to wait and see.