Galaxy S26 Plus Flunks Low-Light Camera Test as 1/1.56-Inch Sensor Trails Larger Rivals
Updated
Updated · Android Authority · Aug 14
Galaxy S26 Plus Flunks Low-Light Camera Test as 1/1.56-Inch Sensor Trails Larger Rivals
3 articles · Updated · Android Authority · Aug 14
Summary
Low-light testing found the Galaxy S26 Plus produced more noise, weaker dynamic range and heavier detail smearing than OPPO’s Find X9 Ultra, even with night mode enabled.
Samsung’s main camera uses a 1/1.56-inch sensor versus 1/1.3-inch on the S26 Ultra, a gap the report estimates gives the Ultra about 40% more light-capturing area.
A 4-second night-mode exposure on the S26 Plus still lagged OPPO’s 3-second result, with crushed shadows, washed-out colors and blotchy sky rendering in very dark scenes.
Samsung’s 1/3.94-inch 3x telephoto often would not engage in low light, forcing crops from the main camera; when it did, images still showed smudged detail and weak color.
The report argues that on $999-plus flagships, sensor size matters more than megapixel or aperture claims because one weak lens can undermine the whole camera system.