With the year drawing to a close, the rumor mill for 2026's smartphone lineup is already in full swing. Fresh details have emerged about Samsung's upcoming mid-range contenders, the Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57, offering a glimpse into their camera hardware. The leaks suggest a strategy that may prioritize a significant upgrade for the more affordable model while keeping the higher-tier option largely familiar to its predecessor.
The Leaked Camera Specifications
According to a report by SmartPrix, which analyzed leaked software, the camera setups for the Galaxy A37 and A57 have been uncovered. The Galaxy A57 is tipped to feature a triple rear camera system headlined by a 50MP Sony IMX906 sensor, a 13MP Samsung ISOCELL S5K3L6 ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro camera. For selfies, a 12MP ISOCELL S5K3LC sensor is expected. Interestingly, the report notes that Samsung may use its own 50MP ISOCELL GNJ sensor interchangeably with the Sony IMX906 in different regions, with both sensors sharing an identical 1/1.56-inch size.
Reported Camera Specifications (Leaked)
| Model | Main Camera (Rear) | Ultrawide Camera (Rear) | Macro Camera (Rear) | Selfie Camera | Chipset (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A57 | 50MP Sony IMX906 / Samsung S5KGNJ (1/1.56") | 13MP Samsung S5K3L6 | 5MP | 12MP Samsung S5K3LC | Exynos 1680 |
| Galaxy A37 | 50MP Sony IMX906 (1/1.56") | 8MP Samsung GC08A3 | 5MP | 12MP | Exynos 1480 |
| Galaxy A56 (Previous) | 50MP (1/1.56") | 12MP | 5MP | - | - |
| Galaxy A36 (Previous) | - (1/1.96") | 8MP | 5MP | - | - |
A Sidegrade for the Galaxy A57
For potential Galaxy A57 buyers, the leaked specs point to what is essentially a camera hardware sidegrade from the current Galaxy A56. The previous model also sported a 50MP main sensor of a similar size, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro camera. This continuity means that, on paper, the photographic capabilities may see only marginal improvements, likely driven by software and chipset enhancements rather than new hardware. This approach is somewhat disappointing for those hoping Samsung would follow competitors like Nothing and realme in bringing dedicated telephoto lenses to the mid-range segment to enhance optical zoom capabilities.
Key Takeaways from the Leak
- Galaxy A57: The camera hardware appears to be a direct carry-over from the Galaxy A56, representing a "sidegrade." Major improvements would likely come from the new Exynos 1680 chipset's image signal processor (ISP).
- Galaxy A37: Receives a major main camera sensor upgrade (larger 1/1.56" vs. 1/1.96"), which should significantly improve low-light photography. Secondary cameras remain unchanged.
- Regional Variations: The main sensor for the A57 may alternate between Sony (IMX906) and Samsung (S5KGNJ) suppliers depending on the market.
- Launch Window: Both phones are rumored for a February 2026 release.
A Meaningful Upgrade for the Galaxy A37
In a surprising twist, the more budget-friendly Galaxy A37 appears poised for a more substantial camera upgrade. It is also rumored to feature the 50MP Sony IMX906 main sensor, a significant step up from the Galaxy A36's smaller 1/1.96-inch sensor. A larger sensor allows for more light capture, which should translate to noticeably better low-light performance, reduced noise, and the ability to use faster shutter speeds to minimize motion blur. However, the secondary cameras—an 8MP ultrawide and a 5MP macro—are expected to carry over directly from the A36, indicating where Samsung is drawing the line for cost-saving.
Expected Launch and Internal Hardware
The new mid-range Galaxy phones are believed to be on track for a launch in February 2026, slightly ahead of the March release schedule of their predecessors. Under the hood, the Galaxy A37 is rumored to be powered by Samsung's Exynos 1480 chipset, while the Galaxy A57 might step up to the more capable Exynos 1680 processor. These newer chipsets could be the primary drivers for performance gains, improved image processing, and overall system efficiency, compensating for the static camera hardware in the A57's case.
Conclusion and Market Context
The leaked specifications paint a picture of a calculated product strategy from Samsung. By equipping the Galaxy A37 with a vastly superior main camera sensor, Samsung could dramatically close the gap in primary photo quality between its entry-level and mid-tier A-series phones. For the Galaxy A57, the focus seems to be on refining the overall package with a new processor rather than a camera revolution. This sets the stage for an interesting early 2026, where the value proposition of the Galaxy A37 could become exceptionally compelling for cost-conscious photographers.