Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra may bring back variable aperture
A camera with a variable aperture is something we haven't seen on a Samsung flagship in a long time. The Galaxy S26 Ultra may feature it again, or so a known insider believes. It is far from certain.
What exactly is it? In addition to a sensor that converts analog light into a digital image, a camera also needs a lens. This lens redirects the light correctly, and without distortion, onto the sensor. Between the lens and the sensor is an aperture. In old cameras or modern SLRs, this consists of blades that can open and close.
An aperture provides the right amount of light. The more open the aperture, the more light falls on the sensor, the lower the f-number. Most phones use a fixed aperture. That limits you somewhat in terms of usage, which is why we often see more than one camera in a phone.
Previous Galaxy phones with variable aperture
Samsung has released camera phones with variable aperture in the past; the Galaxy S9 and S10 from 2018 and 2019 are examples. They featured a variable aperture (aperture) of f/1.5 and f/2.4. That first f-number is used in darkness, while the latter is used in full daylight. So you have the best of both worlds in one camera, but one that is more susceptible to defects.
Now @UniverseIce thinks Samsung will equip the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a variable aperture again wants to equip the . Although this is not yet certain. By the way, it would only concern the main camera, the other cameras will presumably get a fixed aperture.
Sony Xperia 1 VI also has variable aperture
Currently, Sony is also applying variable aperture on its phones. Thus, on the Xperia 1 VI we find an optical telephoto lens with a variable aperture of f/2.3 to f/3.5. This covers a focal length of between 85 to 170mm with always enough light and with a beautiful bokeh (background blur).
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The arrival of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is still a long way off at the time of writing. Anything can happen in the meantime, so take this post with a grain of salt.
Photo: KoeppiK (cc)
