Samsung Galaxy S26 Introduces Smarter Motion Photos and Advanced Video Stabilisation
Samsung has introduced new camera enhancements with the Galaxy S26 series, including smarter motion photo capture and improved video stabilisation, aimed at delivering a more refined and efficient photography experience for users.
Auto Mode Enhances Motion Photo Efficiency
A key highlight of the Galaxy S26 is the introduction of an Auto mode for motion photos. Unlike the traditional on/off toggle, the new feature automatically captures motion photos only when the camera detects meaningful activity in the scene.
In static environments such as landscapes, the phone avoids saving motion photos to conserve storage space. However, when the camera detects human faces or pets, it automatically records motion photos, ensuring important and memorable moments are preserved.
Motion photos typically consume two to three times more storage than regular images because they include a short video clip alongside the still frame. By selectively enabling the feature, Samsung aims to balance functionality with storage efficiency.
Improved Customisation and User Control
Samsung has also added new customisation options, allowing users to modify or disable camera sounds associated with motion photo capture. These updates provide greater flexibility and improve the overall camera experience.
The motion photo improvements are part of Samsung’s One UI 8.5 software and may also be rolled out to other compatible Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Galaxy S26 Ultra Adds Horizon Lock for Steadier Videos
Samsung has also introduced a Horizon Lock feature on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, designed to improve video stability. The feature keeps footage level even when the phone is tilted or rotated during recording, resulting in smoother and more professional-looking videos.
Commonly found in action cameras, Horizon Lock allows the Galaxy S26 Ultra to produce footage that appears stabilised, similar to recordings made using a gimbal.
Software and Processor Enable New Capabilities
The Horizon Lock feature is expected to rely on the advanced image signal processor (ISP) of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, rather than hardware changes to the camera itself. As a result, the feature may remain exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra and may not be available on earlier Galaxy flagship models.
With these updates, Samsung continues to enhance its smartphone camera capabilities through software innovation, improving usability, storage efficiency, and video quality for users.
