Samsung is set to keep the rear camera hardware of its upcoming Galaxy S26 largely unchanged from the current Galaxy S25, according to reports from supply chain sources cited by TheElec. The decision reflects a broader effort to manage component costs ahead of the handset’s expected launch next year.

Sources indicate that Samsung had initially planned to enhance the camera specifications on the standard Galaxy S26. That plan has since been dropped, with the company opting instead to reuse the existing setup to avoid additional expense. The move is understood to be influenced in part by Apple’s recent choice to hold pricing steady on its next-generation iPhone.

Under the revised plan, the Galaxy S26 is expected to feature a familiar triple-camera array on the rear. This includes a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera. The configuration mirrors that of the Galaxy S25.

Component suppliers reportedly said Samsung had explored increasing pixel counts across the camera system and raising the handset’s retail price. However, those discussions shifted after Apple confirmed it would not lift the price of its standard iPhone 17 model.

Apple announced in September that the iPhone 17 would retain its previous price point of US$799, which is roughly equivalent to about AUD$1,200. This was despite hardware upgrades including a shift to LTPO TFT OLED display technology and an increase in base storage to 256GB from 128GB.

While the Galaxy S26 is expected to retain the same image sensors, other camera-related components such as actuators could still be updated. Reusing existing sensors is seen as a straightforward way for Samsung to limit manufacturing costs while maintaining competitive specifications.

On the production front, Samsung is preparing to begin mass manufacturing of the Galaxy S26 Ultra this month. Production of the standard Galaxy S26 and the Galaxy S26 Plus is scheduled to commence early next year.

Earlier plans had reportedly called for both the now-cancelled Galaxy S26 Edge and the standard Galaxy S26 to enter production this month. The revised timeline is said to be linked to additional design work required for the Galaxy Plus variant.

The approach suggests Samsung is prioritising pricing stability and margin control in a highly competitive smartphone market, even if that means fewer headline hardware upgrades for its mainstream flagship model.