Samsung Galaxy S26 Transforms into a High-Quality Webcam with One UI 8.5 Update

Samsung has added a new useful feature to the Galaxy S26 series — now the smartphone can be used as a full-fledged webcam for a computer.

With the release of One UI 8.5, the devices of the line received an integrated Webcam mode, which works through a USB-C connection. After connecting to a PC or laptop, the system automatically suggests using the smartphone camera as a video source — without third-party applications.

What the new mode can do

Users can utilize both the front and main camera of the smartphone, including different lenses — from ultra-wide to telephoto. This provides more flexibility and significantly improves image quality compared to standard laptop/PC webcams.

Also available is the High Quality Mode, which increases video bitrate and detail, although it may cause slight device heating, but this option is only available on Windows.

Compatibility and features

The feature works with both Windows and macOS. At the same time:

• on Windows, video up to Full HD is available (depending on the selected frame rate — 30 or 60 FPS),
• on macOS — up to HD (720p).

The smartphone is recognized by the system as a regular webcam, and the connection remains stable thanks to the wired connection. As a bonus of such use, the device is simultaneously charged.

Why this is important

The idea of using a smartphone as a webcam is not new — similar functionality appeared on Google Pixel earlier in Android 14. However, for Samsung, this is the first full native launch without ecosystem restrictions.

Experts note that the innovation makes the Galaxy S26 a more versatile device, especially for remote work or video conferencing format.

For now, the Webcam mode is only available on the Galaxy S26 series. Whether it will be added to earlier models, the company has not officially confirmed.

Source: Android Authority