The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is gearing up for an early 2026 launch, and it’s already making waves with a surprising design choice—a chunkier camera bump. Despite sticking with familiar camera sensors, leaks reveal why this flagship’s camera module is growing. Let’s break down the reasons behind the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s bold design, along with its specs, features, and what to expect.
A Thicker Camera Bump: What’s the Reason?
According to tipster Ice Universe, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera bump measures 4.5mm thick, nearly double the 2.4mm bump on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This increase is tied to two key factors: a thinner 7.9mm body and wider aperture lenses. These changes allow more light to reach the sensors, promising sharper, brighter photos even in low-light conditions.
How Wider Apertures Make a Difference
The S26 Ultra’s 200MP primary camera reportedly features an F1.4 aperture, a significant upgrade that lets in more light for enhanced detail and reduced noise. Similarly, the 50MP telephoto camera with an F2.9 aperture and the 12MP telephoto lens with an F2.4 aperture are designed to boost image quality. These wider apertures explain the need for a larger camera module, even if the sensors themselves aren’t new.
Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Specs at a Glance
The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera setup is built for versatility and performance. Here’s what leaks suggest about its quad-camera system:
| Camera Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Camera | 200MP, F1.4 aperture, OIS |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 50MP, autofocus |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP, F2.4 aperture |
| Periscope Telephoto | 50MP, F2.9 aperture, OIS |
| Front Camera | 12MP |
The front-facing 12MP camera remains unchanged across the Galaxy S26 series, focusing on reliability for selfies and video calls.
Slimmer Body, Bolder Design
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be 7.9mm thick, a slight reduction from the S25 Ultra’s 8.2mm, and 1 gram lighter. This slimmer profile enhances comfort and portability, but the larger camera bump brings the total thickness to 12.4mm at its thickest point. The design draws inspiration from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, suggesting Samsung is aligning its flagship and foldable aesthetics.
Does the Bigger Bump Cause Issues?
The chunkier camera module might make the phone wobble on flat surfaces, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Unlike competitors like Google’s Pixel 10, which uses a wide camera bar for stability, Samsung is sticking with its vertical camera layout. A case might be necessary to keep the phone steady during use.
Display and Performance Upgrades
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to feature a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz variable refresh rate and HDR10+ support. A new screen privacy feature could also make its debut, preventing prying eyes from seeing your screen. Powering the device is the 3nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset, paired with an upgraded vapor cooling chamber for seamless gaming and multitasking.
Battery and Charging: Faster and Reliable
Expect a 5,000mAh battery with 60W fast charging, a step up from the S25 Ultra’s 45W charging. This means quicker top-ups without sacrificing battery life. Rumors about Qi2 magnetic wireless charging are circulating, but it’s unclear if magnets will be built into the phone for seamless compatibility.
Launch Timeline and Expectations
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is slated for a January 2026 launch, with preorders likely starting in late December 2025 or early January. As production ramps up, more details about the phone’s AI features, color options, and storage variants are expected to surface. For now, the focus is on its bold camera design and performance upgrades.
Why the Galaxy S26 Ultra Stands Out
The larger camera bump might raise eyebrows, but it’s a strategic move to accommodate wider aperture lenses that enhance photo quality. Combined with a slimmer body, a stunning AMOLED display, and a powerful chipset, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is poised to compete with 2026 flagships like the iPhone 17 and Pixel 10. Samsung’s blend of innovation and familiarity makes this phone one to watch.
FAQs About the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Camera Bump
Why does the Galaxy S26 Ultra have a bigger camera bump?
The 4.5mm camera bump supports wider aperture lenses (like the F1.4 primary camera) and a thinner 7.9mm body, improving light capture for better photos.
When will the Galaxy S26 Ultra launch?
The phone is expected to launch in January 2026, with sales starting in February.
What are the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera specs?
It features a 200MP primary camera (F1.4, OIS), 50MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto (F2.4), 50MP periscope telephoto (F2.9, OIS), and a 12MP front camera.
Is the Galaxy S26 Ultra thinner than the S25 Ultra?
Yes, it’s 7.9mm thick compared to the S25 Ultra’s 8.2mm, but the 4.5mm camera bump increases the total thickness to 12.4mm.
Does the Galaxy S26 Ultra support faster charging?
Yes, it’s expected to support 60W fast charging, an upgrade from the S25 Ultra’s 45W.
Keep an eye out for more Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks as we approach its official debut!