Samsung appears to be planning a dramatic design overhaul for its next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, according to a major new leak. Freshly surfaced high-resolution renders, reportedly based on official CAD files, reveal a significant departure from the sharp, boxy aesthetic of recent Ultra models, alongside a colossal new camera bump that has the tech world buzzing [2][5]. These initial glimpses suggest Samsung is rethinking its flagship formula, potentially prioritizing a new camera system and improved ergonomics over the established design language.
A Softer, More Rounded Approach
The most immediate change shown in the leaked renders is the move away from the distinctly angular, Note-inspired design that has defined the Galaxy S Ultra series for years [5]. The new design, revealed in a collaboration between veteran leaker @OnLeaks and various tech publications, showcases a frame with more pronounced curvature on the sides and softer, rounded corners [2][4]. This shift could be aimed at improving the in-hand feel and ergonomics of the device, which has often been criticized for its sharp edges. According to the leaks, the phone's overall dimensions are slightly different from its predecessor, measuring approximately 162.3 x 79 x 8.7mm, making it a hair shorter but wider than the S25 Ultra [4]. The display is expected to remain a massive 6.9 inches, with extremely thin bezels contributing to a modern, immersive front panel [2].
The Elephant in the Room: A Massive Camera Island
While the frame's redesign is notable, the main talking point is the gigantic camera housing on the rear of the device. Samsung is seemingly abandoning the discrete, individual camera rings of the last few generations in favor of a massive, unified rectangular island that houses all the sensors and the flash [1]. This large, singular bump is a stark contrast to the minimalist approach of the S24 and S25 Ultra, signaling a potentially significant upgrade in camera hardware. The renders indicate the phone's thickness increases substantially at the camera module, reaching up to 10.9mm [2]. This design choice strongly suggests Samsung is making room for larger sensors, more complex lens arrays, or other advanced imaging technology.
A Contradictory Camera Rumor
Interestingly, the massive new camera bump comes with a confusing and somewhat disappointing rumor. Despite the physically larger housing, some reports suggest that the main camera sensor might actually be *smaller* than the one in the Galaxy S25 Ultra [3]. This has led to speculation about Samsung's strategy. It's possible the company is opting for a different sensor technology that requires more space for its supporting components, or perhaps focusing its upgrades on the telephoto and ultrawide lenses instead of the primary shooter. Key details from the leaks include:
- New Design: More rounded corners and sides, moving away from the boxy look [5].
- Dimensions: Approximately 162.3 x 79 x 8.7mm [4].
- Camera Bump: A large, single rectangular island, making the phone up to 10.9mm thick [2].
- Display: Expected to be around 6.9 inches with minimal bezels [2].
- Conflicting Rumor: The main camera sensor may be smaller than its predecessor's, despite the larger housing [3].
What This Means for Samsung's Next Flagship
These initial renders paint a picture of a Galaxy S26 Ultra that is both familiar and radically different. The shift in industrial design could attract users who found previous models uncomfortable to hold, while the enormous camera bump signals a renewed focus on photographic prowess, a key battleground for flagship smartphones. However, the conflicting rumor about the main sensor's size adds a layer of mystery to Samsung's intentions [3]. As with all pre-release information, these details are subject to change before the official launch. Nevertheless, this first look provides a compelling, if not controversial, glimpse into the future of Samsung's top-tier smartphone, suggesting that big changes are on the horizon for 2026.