Samsung Developing Advanced Under-Display Camera Technology for Galaxy S26 Ultra, Outpacing Galaxy Z Fold 6

Samsung has officially unveiled its latest Galaxy S25 series, showcasing cutting-edge internals paired with a subtly redesigned exterior. The flagship device, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, features enhancements to its display; however, it does come with some drawbacks, including the surprising omission of Bluetooth functionality in the S Pen. Looking ahead, the anticipated Galaxy S26 Ultra appears poised to address these issues, as Samsung seeks to introduce significant visual upgrades while also refining existing challenges. Notably, the tech giant is in the process of developing a more advanced under-display camera, which is currently undergoing testing.

Advancements in Under-Display Camera Technology for Galaxy S26 Ultra

According to a reliable tipster on X (formerly Twitter), Samsung is diligently testing its innovative under-display camera (UDC) technology for the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra. This advancement aims to eliminate visual interruptions on the front screen, promising a more immersive user experience. The focus is on integrating a camera that remains hidden beneath the display, thus avoiding the need for unsightly notches or punch holes and ensuring a seamless viewing experience.

While the company is forging ahead with this technological leap, it’s crucial to acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Samsung has experience with under-display cameras, notably in its Galaxy Fold series. However, the current iteration of this technology on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 has shown some limitations, such as pixelation and a reduction in resolution at the UDC area compared to the primary display. This highlights that there is still room for refinement to achieve Samsung’s high standards of display quality.

As of today, the S26 Ultra’s UDC is undergoing testing. Work is in progress to improve image quality, with new technology expected to be implemented.

— kro (@kro_roe) February 11, 2025

Samsung’s existing UDC solution allowed light to penetrate the display to reach the camera sensor, but this came at the cost of display and image fidelity. However, recent patent filings suggest that Samsung is working on a more sophisticated system that leverages improved optical sensors, aiming to mitigate these quality issues.

It’s worth noting that Samsung is not alone in exploring this realm. Google is also reportedly experimenting with under-display facial recognition for its anticipated Pixel 11, potentially becoming the first major brand to introduce this feature in the smartphone market. As the race to refine under-display camera technology heats up, it remains unclear if Samsung will launch this innovation in time for its upcoming product cycle, or if it will extend to the next Galaxy Z Fold 7.

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