January 2, 2026, 11:28 am | Read time: 3 minutes
It was already apparent that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra would feature a new design along with a revamped camera. This upset users, as the Galaxy S series has so far stood out for its simple exterior. A recent leak shows how Samsung might break with this tradition.
S26 Ultra with Protruding Camera Like the Fold Galaxy
On X (formerly Twitter), leaker Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) released images and a short video showing several dummy units of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. These units are mock-ups used to display the dimensions and exterior design of new devices. Typically, they are made available to accessory manufacturers in advance so they can tailor their products accordingly.
At first glance, the dummies seem to be directly copied from the Galaxy S25 Ultra—the rounded corners and overall silhouette differ little from the previous model. However, on the back, it is immediately noticeable that the previous camera design with individual lenses protruding from the casing has been replaced by a new bump.
The three main cameras are positioned together on a slightly raised island. Only the smaller of the two zoom cameras, the laser autofocus, and the LED light still protrude slightly from the casing. This design strongly resembles the camera bump on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy S25 Edge. The camera unit thus stands out from the rest of the casing and protrudes significantly.
Flatter Casing Requires Design Compromise
According to current information, Samsung is likely to take a different direction with its upcoming flagship than its rival, Apple. The Californians have increased the iPhone 17 Pro by 0.5 millimeters to a total of 8.8 millimeters in casing depth to create more space for cooling and the battery.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra, on the other hand, is expected to be slimmed down by Samsung by 0.3 millimeters to just 7.9 millimeters. The large camera sensors and optics are difficult to fully integrate into a flatter casing due to design constraints, which is why a protruding bump is necessary.
In everyday use, this issue can usually be offset with a protective case. However, users who use the bare device are likely to notice the difference. After all, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is finally expected to integrate magnets directly into the casing for perfect alignment for wireless charging with Qi2—not just through an extra case as before. The market launch of the Galaxy S26 series is currently expected in February.