Could Galaxy S26 Edge Feature Triple Camera Setup with Zoom Lens?

Samsung recently launched the Galaxy S25 Edge with just two rear cameras. Despite its flagship $1,100 price tag, the phone lacks a zoom camera. However, the next-gen model may change that. Recent developments suggest the Galaxy S26 Edge could feature a triple camera setup on the back, including a telephoto zoom lens.

A zoom camera might return to the Galaxy S26 Edge

Samsung’s decision to omit the zoom camera from the Galaxy S25 Edge stemmed largely from the phone’s ultra-slim 5.8mm profile, which left limited space for extra hardware. The device came with a 200MP main sensor — the same as the S25 Ultra — and a 12MP ultrawide lens. While the lack of a telephoto lens was seen as a drawback, Samsung’s clever use of the high-resolution 200MP sensor allowed for 2x lossless zoom and decent image quality up to 5x digital zoom, making the most of limited physical space.

However, with the upcoming Galaxy S26 Edge, Samsung may be heading in a new direction. Leaks suggest that the device will downgrade to a 50MP main camera, possibly a new Sony sensor shared with the standard Galaxy S26. While this new sensor may offer improvements in low-light performance and color reproduction, it also raises a key question: What happens to zoom performance?

Unlike a 200MP sensor that can digitally crop into the image with minimal loss of detail, a 50MP sensor offers less flexibility for high-quality digital zoom. This change hints at the possibility that Samsung could add a dedicated telephoto lens, transforming the S26 Edge into a triple-camera device and addressing previous criticism. A three-camera setup would not only make sense but also justify its premium pricing.

There are also rumors of the Galaxy S26 Edge replacing the S26+ in Samsung’s 2026 flagship lineup. If true, a triple rear camera setup with a dedicated zoom lens makes more sense. The new Edge could balance compact design with flagship-level photography. Of course, this is just our speculation. However, Samsung might be setting the stage for a more well-rounded camera experience on the S26 Edge.