One UI 8.5 Code Suggests Galaxy S26 Camera Is Getting Smarter

Samsung may still be some time away from unveiling the Galaxy S26 series, but camera features that leaked today suggest it could be well worth the wait. We have already seen new features added to Camera Assistant in One UI 8.5, and additional capabilities have now surfaced through code strings.

Galaxy S26 camera leak reveals 24MP photos, HDR10+ video, and new focus controls

Android Authority dug into Camera Assistant in One UI 8.5. They uncovered several code strings. These strings point to a 24MP resolution option for the standard Photo mode. The descriptions suggest the mode uses a high-efficiency image setting. This allows users to capture 24MP photos while keeping file sizes under control. Samsung appears to be positioning 24MP as a balance between detail and storage efficiency.

The same strings also confirm expanded HDR functionality. Samsung appears to be adding an option to record video in HDR10+ instead of standard HDR. This would apply to Video and Pro Video modes, as long as HDR is enabled in the camera settings. If HDR10+ is turned off during preview, videos will default to SDR recording.

There’s still no concrete evidence of the rumored focus speed slider. However, Samsung has been laying the groundwork through new focus control hardware support. Adaptive Pixel remains unclear for now, with no solid details on how it will work in practice. The outlet also notes, and we agree, that there is no guarantee all of these features will debut with the Galaxy S26 series. That said, the signs strongly suggest they will.

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