The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has appeared in fresh CAD renders, offering an early glimpse into the company’s next premium flagship. While Samsung doesn’t appear to be overhauling its design philosophy, subtle refinements suggest the S26 Ultra could feel very different in the hand compared to its predecessor.
A Softer, More Ergonomic Shape
Perhaps the biggest visual change is the shift away from the boxy silhouette that has defined Ultra models in recent years. The renders show a device with rounder corners and a slightly gentler frame, giving it a more comfortable profile.
The display remains flat with slim bezels and a centered punch-hole selfie camera, but the softened frame suggests Samsung is paying more attention to ergonomics this time around.
Hybrid Camera Module Makes Its Debut
The rear design is where things get more interesting. Instead of housing all lenses within a uniform island, the S26 Ultra is depicted with a hybrid layout. Three of its four rear cameras sit inside a raised rectangular plateau, while the fourth lens—alongside the flash—rests outside on the back panel. This unusual separation creates a mixed visual identity, different from the clean island approach of many flagships.
The bump itself reportedly extends around 4.5 mm beyond the phone’s 7.9 mm body, making the overall thickness about 12.4 mm. While this may polarize opinions, it could be Samsung’s way of accommodating larger sensors and optics without redesigning the entire chassis.
Familiar Features, Subtle Refinements
Other elements remain consistent with the Ultra formula. The S Pen still docks at the bottom-left, accompanied by the USB-C port, speaker grille, and SIM tray. Volume and power buttons stay on the right side. However, the S Pen itself may adopt smoother edges to better complement the softened design language.
Under-the-Hood Expectations
Although these renders don’t confirm internal specs, leaks suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra could ship with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 globally, with select regions possibly receiving an Exynos 2600 variant. A new M14 OLED display with thinner encapsulation is also rumored, potentially improving brightness and efficiency.
On the camera front, Samsung is expected to retain its 200-megapixel main sensor, now with a wider f/1.4 aperture for stronger low-light performance. A 5× periscope telephoto, 50-megapixel ultrawide, and a secondary telephoto round out the system, though sensor sizes may vary. Battery capacity will likely remain at 5,000 mAh, but faster 60 W charging could finally make its debut.
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