The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be a sleek yet bold addition to Samsung’s flagship lineup. Fresh leaks suggest a slimmer design but with a noticeable trade-off—a chunkier camera bump. As excitement builds for its early 2026 launch, here’s a deep dive into the latest rumors about the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s design, camera, and more.
A Thinner, Sleeker Galaxy S26 Ultra
According to trusted tipster Ice Universe, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be 7.9mm thick, shaving off a bit from the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 8.2mm frame. This slimmer profile promises a more comfortable grip and a premium look, aligning with Samsung’s push for refined aesthetics. But there’s a catch—the camera module is getting a major overhaul.
Why the Slimmer Design Matters
A thinner body makes the Galaxy S26 Ultra easier to hold and carry, especially for users who want a flagship that doesn’t feel bulky. This move could give Samsung an edge over competitors like the Google Pixel 10 or iPhone 17, which are expected to maintain thicker profiles.
The Bigger Camera Bump: What’s the Deal?
The standout change in the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s design is its larger camera bump, protruding 4.5mm from the back, compared to just 2.4mm on the S25 Ultra. This makes the phone’s thickest point 12.4mm, slightly chunkier than rivals like the Pixel 9 (around 12mm). While the bump adds some heft, it’s a design choice that mirrors the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s bulky camera module.
Why the Bigger Bump?
Leaked renders suggest Samsung is prioritizing a unified design language across its flagship and foldable devices. The larger camera module might be laying the groundwork for future sensor upgrades, even if the current setup doesn’t change much. However, this could mean the phone wobbles when placed on a flat surface, unlike competitors like Google, which uses wide camera bars for stability.
Camera Specs: Same but Different
Despite the chunkier camera module, the 50MP telephoto lens is expected to remain unchanged, sticking with a 1/2.52-inch sensor. This has raised eyebrows, as it could be the smallest telephoto sensor among 2026 flagships. Other sensors, like the rumored 200MP primary lens, may see upgrades, but details are still scarce.
Camera Comparison with Rivals
| Feature | Galaxy S26 Ultra (Leaked) | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Google Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telephoto Sensor | 50MP, 1/2.52-inch | 50MP, 1/2.52-inch | 48MP |
| Camera Bump Thickness | 4.5mm | 2.4mm | ~3mm |
| Total Thickness (with bump) | 12.4mm | 10.6mm | ~12mm |
Design Inspired by Galaxy Z Fold 7
The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera module design seems to borrow heavily from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which also features a prominent camera bump to accommodate its ultra-thin frame. Samsung’s move toward a consistent design across its premium devices could make the S26 Ultra stand out, but it might not please everyone. Unlike Apple’s square camera modules or Google’s horizontal bars, Samsung is sticking with its vertical camera array, keeping things familiar yet fresh.
Potential Drawbacks of the New Design
The bigger camera bump could cause practical issues. For one, the phone might not sit flat on surfaces, making it less stable for tasks like typing or watching videos without a case. While rivals like the Pixel 10 use wider camera bars to minimize wobbling, Samsung’s vertical layout might not offer the same balance.
Launch Timeline and What to Expect
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to debut in January 2026, following Samsung’s usual schedule for its Galaxy S series. As production ramps up, more leaks are likely to reveal details about the phone’s chipset, display, and battery. For now, the focus is on its bold design choices, which could set the tone for Samsung’s 2026 lineup.
Why the Galaxy S26 Ultra Is Still Exciting
Despite the unchanged telephoto sensor, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s slimmer body and potential upgrades (like a 200MP main camera or faster Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset) make it a phone to watch. The larger camera bump might be a small price to pay for a device that pushes design boundaries while maintaining Samsung’s premium quality.
FAQs About the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
When will the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra launch?
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to launch in January 2026, with sales likely starting in February.
How thick is the Galaxy S26 Ultra compared to the S25 Ultra?
The S26 Ultra is rumored to be 7.9mm thick (body) with a 4.5mm camera bump, compared to the S25 Ultra’s 8.2mm body and 2.4mm bump.
Will the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera be upgraded?
The 50MP telephoto lens is expected to remain the same, but the 200MP primary sensor could see improvements.
Why does the Galaxy S26 Ultra have a bigger camera bump?
The larger 4.5mm camera bump may be designed to align with the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s aesthetic and prepare for future sensor upgrades.
How does the Galaxy S26 Ultra compare to rivals?
Its 12.4mm total thickness (with bump) is similar to the Google Pixel 9 (~12mm), but its telephoto sensor may be smaller than competitors’ offerings.
Stay tuned for more leaks as we approach the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s official reveal!