What you have to know
- A brand new teardown reveals that the Galaxy S26 Extremely quietly packs significant {hardware} modifications, particularly to the digital camera and cooling system.
- Samsung additionally elevated the vapor chamber by roughly 15%, serving to the telephone handle warmth higher throughout gaming, AI duties, and video recording.
- The anti-glare coating from the S25 Extremely seems to be gone, probably changed by a brand new Privateness Show that limits viewing angles.
Samsung spent numerous time at Unpacked speaking about AI, however a contemporary teardown of the Galaxy S26 Extremely suggests the {hardware} deserved extra consideration. Tech YouTuber Zack Nelson discovered that Samsung made a number of essential {hardware} modifications, particularly to the digital camera and cooling system.
The video exhibits the telephone being taken aside step-by-step, highlighting how Samsung is working to enhance digital camera efficiency and cooling in a slimmer gadget.
One of many principal findings is contained in the zoom digital camera. The Galaxy S26 Extremely nonetheless has a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto digital camera, very similar to the earlier Extremely mannequin. Nonetheless, Samsung modified the interior design with a brand new format known as ALOP (All Lenses On Prism).
Article continues under
In most periscope cameras, a prism sits in entrance of the lens stack and blocks some incoming gentle. Samsung modified this within the S26 Extremely, inserting the lenses immediately on the prism so extra gentle reaches the sensor.
This new design comes with a brighter f/2.9 aperture, in comparison with f/3.4 within the final mannequin. Nelson mentions that the digital camera can now seize about 37% extra gentle.
The digital camera module can be about 22% shorter, which lets Samsung match higher optics right into a thinner telephone. This further gentle ought to assist enhance Nightography and low-light zoom photographs.
Cooling will get a significant improve
The teardown additionally exhibits a bigger cooling system, which energy customers will like. Samsung elevated the vapor chamber by about 15%, and it now takes up more room contained in the telephone.
This issues as a result of fashionable flagship chips get extremely popular throughout gaming, AI duties, and high-res video recording. An even bigger vapor chamber spreads warmth extra effectively, serving to the telephone keep secure throughout heavy use.
The teardown factors out a small however good change to the S Pen housing. Samsung separated the stylus slot from the telephone’s inside elements with a sealed design. This implies if liquid will get into the S Pen slot, it shouldn’t attain the remainder of the telephone.
Apparently, the slot itself has modified barely. The stylus used within the earlier mannequin doesn’t sit correctly inside the brand new S26 Extremely housing, suggesting Samsung tweaked the design dimensions this yr.
Just a few hidden engineering quirks
Trying nearer, there are some distinctive options. Contained in the speaker modules, Samsung added tiny balls to assist cut back the skinny, “tinny” sound that small smartphone audio system typically have.
In the meantime, the teardown additionally brings up a lacking characteristic. The Galaxy S25 Extremely had a robust anti-glare coating, however it appears to be lacking on the S26 Extremely. Nelson thinks the coating could have conflicted with the brand new Privateness Show, which narrows viewing angles to maintain content material personal. Samsung has not confirmed this but.
One other level from the teardown is that this telephone shouldn’t be too laborious to restore. You’ll be able to take away the again panel with warmth, and the battery is pretty straightforward to switch. That’s excellent news for restore retailers and individuals who like to make things better themselves.
Android Central’s Take
Samsung didn’t make huge design modifications this yr, which could let down anybody wanting a brand new look. Nonetheless, upgrades like a brighter periscope digital camera, higher cooling, and smarter safety make the telephone extra dependable for each day use. The teardown exhibits that flagship telephones at the moment are extra about small enhancements than huge modifications. Whether or not that’s thrilling or boring is determined by your view, but when these updates imply higher photographs and fewer overheating, most customers shall be proud of the trade-off.
