Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra arrived with subtle exterior changes, but the real innovation hides inside. Zack Nelson from JerryRigEverything recently dissected the flagship, giving us an up-close look at the new All Lenses on Prism (ALoP) 5x telephoto camera. This fresh approach to periscope design could signal a shift in how smartphone cameras handle zoom capabilities.
The ALoP technology first emerged from Samsung's imaging division in 2024. Unlike traditional periscope modules that sandwich lenses between the image sensor and prism, ALoP places the entire lens array directly atop the prism. This seemingly small change yields significant benefits for both size and performance.
ALoP Design Delivers Real Improvements
Nelson's teardown video highlights the periscope assembly around the 8:00 mark. The ALoP module measures 22% shorter than conventional periscope cameras, freeing up precious internal space for other components. This compact footprint doesn't come at the expense of image quality either.
Galaxy S26 Ultra's ALoP periscope design (credit: JerryRigEverything)
The wider f/2.9 aperture represents another leap forward. Compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra's f/3.4 aperture, the S26 Ultra captures 37% more light. This translates to brighter zoom shots in dim conditions and potentially faster shutter speeds to reduce motion blur. Low-light photography at 5x zoom should see noticeable improvements.
What This Means for Mobile Photography
Samsung's move toward ALoP technology addresses a persistent challenge in smartphone design. Periscope cameras have traditionally required substantial vertical space, often resulting in bulky camera bumps or compromised battery capacity. By shortening the optical path while maintaining image quality, Samsung proves that innovation doesn't always demand larger hardware.
The camera module's efficiency gains also suggest broader implications for future Galaxy devices. If ALoP proves successful in the S26 Ultra, we could see this design philosophy extend to other focal lengths or even multi-zoom systems in upcoming models.
Early reviews indicate the S26 Ultra's zoom performance lives up to the hardware promises. The combination of improved light gathering and refined optical engineering positions this flagship as a serious tool for mobile photographers who rely on telephoto reach.