What does 37% more light capture actually mean for real-world photos?

The f/2.9 aperture in the S26 Ultra captures 37% more light compared to the f/3.4 in the S25 Ultra. In practical terms: cleaner, less noisy images in low light and indoor settings; faster shutter speeds that reduce motion blur; and more accurate colors in dim lighting. For a periscope telephoto — historically the weakest camera in low-light conditions due to its compact, folded optical path — this improvement is genuinely meaningful in everyday use.

How does ALoP compare to periscope telephoto designs in Xiaomi 17 Ultra and vivo X300 Ultra?

The ALoP design is 22% shorter than conventional periscopes with an f/2.9 aperture. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra uses a continuous optical zoom periscope telephoto with OIS; the vivo X300 Ultra features a 200MP Samsung HP0 periscope. ALoP's key advantage over conventional designs is space efficiency — freeing internal volume for a larger battery or better thermal management without sacrificing optical quality. The true performance winner will ultimately be determined by independent side-by-side testing in varied conditions.

Is this a meaningful reason to upgrade from the S25 Ultra?

The S26 Ultra uses the ALoP design offering 37% more light capture and a 22% more compact periscope module compared to its predecessor. For S25 Ultra users, the telephoto improvement is real but incremental — the S25 Ultra's 5x periscope was already competitive. The upgrade is more compelling for S23 Ultra or older users, where the cumulative gains in telephoto performance, main camera, and AI processing represent a significant generational leap. S25 Ultra users should wait unless low-light telephoto is a specific frustration.

Does the teardown reveal anything notable about repairability?

JerryRigEverything's teardown provides a close look at the ALoP periscope design in the S26 Ultra. Zack Nelson is known for documenting both durability and repairability in his teardowns. The more compact ALoP module theoretically allows for a more structurally stable internal arrangement, though Samsung's flagship phones have historically been rated moderately difficult to repair (iFixit typically scores them 3-4/10). No specific repairability score has been published for the S26 Ultra yet.

Will ALoP technology filter down to mid-range Samsung phones?

The ALoP design was announced by Samsung's imaging division in 2024 and implemented first in the S26 Ultra. Samsung's technology trajectory consistently flows from Ultra downward — OIS, night photography, and conventional periscope all started in the Ultra before reaching mid-range models. ALoP appearing in a Galaxy S27 Pro or eventually in the Galaxy A series is entirely plausible, especially since its main advantage — space efficiency — becomes even more valuable in thinner handsets.

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Galaxy S26 Ultra Teardown Reveals ALoP Periscope Camera: 22% Shorter and an f/2.9 Aperture Captures 37% More Light Than the S25 Ultra

26/03/2026

Galaxy S26 Ultra Teardown Reveals the ALoP 5x Periscope Camera: 22% Smaller, 37% More Light Than S25 Ultra

The Galaxy S26 Ultra may appear to be an iterative update, but Samsung introduced a whole new type of periscope camera sensor design. Zack Nelson (JerryRigEverything)'s latest teardown gives a first-hand look at the S26 Ultra's new ALoP 5x periscope camera.

What Is ALoP and How Does It Work?

The All Lenses on Prism (ALoP) design was announced by Samsung's imaging division in 2024, enabling more compact periscope sensors. As the name suggests, the lens array is placed directly on top of the prism instead of between the image sensor and the prism as in conventional periscope modules.

The Numbers: 22% Shorter, f/2.9 Aperture, 37% More Light

Samsung's ALoP design is 22% shorter than conventional periscopes and offers a wider f/2.9 aperture, capturing 37% more light compared to the S25 Ultra's f/3.4 opening.

FAQs

A JerryRigEverything video reveals the All Lenses on Prism (ALoP) design in the Galaxy S26 Ultra's 5x telephoto camera: 22% shorter than a traditional periscope lens and an f/2.9 aperture that captures 37% more light compared to the f/3.4 aperture of the S25 Ultra. The first practical application of the technology, which was announced in 2024.