Technology, Process and Cost Comparison
Smartphone Camera Modules and CIS Comparison 2026 - Samsung
Galaxy S26 Ultra and its ALoP periscope camera: a more compact camera architecture with a brighter optical design.
SPR26006SCOPE
Analyzed devices :
- Front & Rear Cameras
- Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S23 Ultra
PHYSICAL ANALYSIS
Physical analysis of Camera Modules and CMOS Image Sensors from the latest Samsung S Ultra:
- Samsung Galaxy S23 – S26
- Front Camera & CIS
- Main Camera & CIS
- Telephoto Camera & CIS
- Periscope Camera & CIS
- Ultra-wide Camera & CIS
Technology :
- Periscope - NEW
- All Lenses on Prism - NEW
- Camera Module
- CMOS Image Sensor
- OIS & AF
- Cu-Cu Hybrid Bonding
- TSV
- Back Side Illumination
Type of analysis:
- Optical View
- SEM View
- Cross section
- EDX
- Delayering
MANUFACTURING PROCESS FLOW
We describe the supply chain for each sensor, including the front-end and back-end parameters and the fab locations.
Technical analysis:
- Camera Module
- Device
- Process
- Wafer
- Material
COST ANALYSIS
Cost analysis of the camera module and each sensor, including a detailed breakdown of front-end and back-end costs for each component.
Type of Analysis :
- Yields
- Front End Cost
- Die Cost
- Back End
- Component cost
PRODUCT'S OBJECTIVES
- Continuing our series of camera module (CM) and CMOS image sensor (CIS) comparison reports, we summarize the results of detailed physical and costing analyses to offer insight into the evolution of the Samsung smartphone photography and selfie cameras.
- We present a synthesis of physical analysis for the last years of Galaxy S Ultra cameras and detailed physical and costing analysis of the cameras in the Galaxy S23 to S26 Ultra.
- ​As part of our ongoing series comparing camera modules (CM) and CMOS image sensors (CIS), we deliver key insights into the evolution of Samsung’s smartphone photography and selfie camera technologies.
- This report highlights a comprehensive synthesis of design innovations across recent generations of Galaxy S Ultra cameras and features in-depth physical and cost breakdowns for the Galaxy S23 to S26 Ultra model, showcasing how Samsung continues to push the boundaries of mobile imaging performance.
- Track the technological evolution of Samsung’s flagship smartphone camera systems and provide a technical and cost analysis of each camera module and CMOS image sensor;
Smartphone Camera Module Comparison
With a 16% share of the CMOS image sensor market, according to our Status of the CMOS Image Sensor Industry 2026 report, Samsung ranks among the industry leaders. It also stands out as the most vertically integrated CCM solution provider, combining image sensors, camera modules, and actuators. The Galaxy S series is Samsung’s flagship smartphone lineup, with Ultra models such as the Galaxy S26 Ultra embodying the company’s latest vision for ultra-premium smartphone photography.
This report explores the recent evolution of camera systems in Samsung’s Galaxy S flagship series by presenting findings from in-depth physical analyses and cost assessments of the camera modules and CMOS image sensors (CIS) in the Galaxy S23 - S26 Ultra.
The physical analysis includes the complete structure, design, and teardown of the front and rear-facing photography camera modules. It also describes the dimensions, technology nodes and stacking technologies used in the CIS of the cameras from all four smartphones.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra stands out with the introduction of a redesigned periscope module called ALoP, or All Lenses on Prism. By placing the lenses on top of the prism, this design enables the use of larger lenses, allowing more light to be captured. Samsung places a high priority on optical zoom. The periscope module area decreased by 23% in the S24 Ultra compared with the S23 Ultra, and by a further 22% in the S26 Ultra compared with the S25 Ultra, resulting in an overall 37% reduction over the past four years. Samsung also integrated the S5K3LD sensor into the telephoto module and the Sony IMX874 into the front camera.
Overview / Methodology
- Executive Summary
- Reverse Costing Methodology
- Glossary
Companies & Supply Chain
- Samsung, Sony, SEMCO
- Players & Market Context
- Supply Chain
Detailed Physical Analysis
- Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Front Camera
- Rear Cameras
- Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Front Camera
- Rear Cameras
- Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Front Camera
- Rear Cameras
Physical Comparison & Evolution
- Camera Overviews
- Physical Comparison
- Overview of the Physical Analysis
Manufacturing Processes
- Camera Module Structure
- Conventional
- Periscope / Periscope with ALoP
- IR Filter
- CIS Structure
- Sony CIS
- Fabs
- Pixel & Logic Circuits
- Cu-Cu Hybrid Stacking
- Optical Layers
- Samsung CIS
- Fabs
- Pixel & Logic Circuits
- TSV Stacking
- Optical Layers
Cost Analysis
- CMOS Image Sensor Costs
- Front CIS Front-End Costs (S23 to S26 Ultra)
- Front CIS Die Costs (S23 to S26 Ultra)
- Rear CIS Front-End Costs (S23 to S26 Ultra)
- Rear CIS Die Costs (S23 to S26 Ultra)
- Rear CIS Die Cost Comparison (S23 to S26 Ultra)
- Camera Module Costs
- Front Camera Modules (S23 to S26 Ultra)
- Front Camera Modules Breakdown (S23 to S26 Ultra)
- Rear Camera Modules (S23 to S26 Ultra)
- Rear Camera Modules Breakdown (S23 to S26 Ultra)
- Camera Costs & Price Comparison (S23 to S26 Ultra)
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About Yole Group
Samsung, Sony, SEMCO, TSMC, Jahwa, Largan, Puya Semiconductor, AKM, DwAnatech, Giantec, MCNEX and more
