Samsung Revives Variable Aperture Technology For Galaxy smartphone cameras

The landscape of mobile photography is about to witness a significant shift as Samsung prepares to reclaim its position in the high-end imaging market. While Huawei has largely dominated the professional-grade camera space with its innovative hardware, reports suggest that the South Korean tech giant is looking to "reopen" a chapter it once started: the era of variable aperture lenses. This strategic move is aimed directly at competing with the upcoming Huawei Pura 90 and Apple’s future flagship models.

The Return of a Pioneering Camera Feature

According to a report from ETNews, Samsung is making concerted efforts to reintroduce variable aperture technology into its mobile devices. This move is seen as a direct response to the growing camera technology gap between Samsung and its primary rivals, specifically Huawei and Apple. By adjusting the physical aperture, smartphones can better manage light intake, resulting in superior performance across various lighting conditions.

Interestingly, Samsung was the first major manufacturer to bring this concept to the masses. The company integrated variable aperture in the Galaxy S9 and S10 series back in 2018 and 2019. However, the feature was eventually phased out due to concerns regarding the physical thickness of the camera module and the associated production costs. Since then, Samsung has relied heavily on high-megapixel sensors and sophisticated software processing to handle depth and exposure.

Huawei's Dominance and Apple's Entry

While Samsung stepped away, Huawei embraced the technology. Starting with the Mate 50 series in 2022, the Chinese tech giant has consistently used variable aperture to give users precise control over their shots. This allows for natural "bokeh" effects and optimized light sensitivity, giving Huawei a distinct advantage in low-light photography. The upcoming Huawei Pura 90 is expected to take this even further.

Furthermore, rumors suggest that Apple is set to adopt variable aperture for the first time with the iPhone 18 Pro models. With both major competitors moving toward this hardware solution, Samsung's decision to re-enter the fray appears to be a calculated necessity to remain competitive in the premium smartphone segment.

Development and Industry Insights

Samsung is not just considering the idea; it is actively engaging its supply chain. The company has reportedly requested multiple camera module partners to begin development. Suppliers such as Samsung Electro-Mechanics and MCNEX are said to have already produced samples and supplied them to Samsung Electronics for testing.

An industry insider provided context on the current status of the project, stating: "The new variable aperture technology to be applied to the Galaxy smartphones is still in the early stages of development. While the final inclusion has not been confirmed, we understand that Samsung Electronics is strongly committed to using it."

While megapixels and AI-driven software have carried Samsung's camera reputation for several years, the physical limitations of a fixed aperture are becoming more apparent as competitors push the boundaries of optical hardware. The reintroduction of this tech could reignite the "camera wars" that have seemingly plateaued in recent mobile release cycles.

What exactly is variable aperture in a smartphone camera?

Variable aperture is a mechanical system that allows the camera lens to change the size of its opening (the aperture). A wider opening allows more light in for better low-light shots, while a narrower opening provides a deeper focus for sharper landscapes and bright environments.

Why did Samsung stop using this technology after the Galaxy S10?

The primary reasons were the physical size of the components and the cost. At the time, Samsung prioritized making phones thinner and focused on high-resolution sensors (108MP and 200MP) which required different internal layouts.

How does this technology help Samsung compete with Huawei?

Huawei’s Pura and Mate series use variable aperture to achieve professional-grade background blur and superior night photography. By reintroducing this, Samsung can match Huawei’s hardware-level light control rather than relying solely on software simulations.

When can we expect to see this feature on a Galaxy phone?

While still in development, reports suggest Samsung is targeting the 2026 flagship window, which would likely coincide with the Galaxy S26 series, to align with the release of the iPhone 18 and Huawei Pura 90.

🔎 In conclusion, Samsung’s decision to revisit variable aperture technology signals a pivotal moment in the evolution of mobile imaging. By blending its existing software prowess with high-end mechanical optical hardware, Samsung aims to bridge the gap with Huawei and stay ahead of Apple’s upcoming innovations. As the development progresses, the 2026 flagship season is shaping up to be a landmark year for mobile photography enthusiasts worldwide.