Samsung’s minimalist camera era may be coming to an end. New leaked videos and dummy units suggest that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will abandon the "floating lens" look of previous years in favor of a prominent, unified camera island.
The Return of the Camera Bump
According to high-profile leaker OnLeaks (via Android Headlines), the upcoming flagship features a "double-raised" module. While the phone itself is rumored to be thinner than the S25 Ultra, the camera hardware now sits on a distinct platform, similar to the design language recently seen on the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Key Design Changes Spotted in Leaks:
Unified Module: Instead of individual rings, all lenses are housed within a single raised "island."
Thinness vs. Protrusion: The chassis is expected to be a slim 7.9mm, but the camera island adds significant depth, bringing the total thickness at the bump to roughly 12.4mm.
The Table Wobble: Critics, including 9to5Google, note that this off-center protrusion will likely cause the device to "wobble" significantly when used flat on a desk—a step back for fans of the stable S24 and S25 designs.
What This Means for Hardware
The shift to a larger island isn't just about aesthetics and beauty. Industry insiders suggest the extra space is necessary to house a new 200MP main sensor with a wider aperture and improved periscope zoom optics. By using a "camera island," Samsung can fit more advanced glass into a body that feels thinner in the hand.
Galaxy S26 Plus and Launch Date
The Ultra isn't alone. Additional renders from November suggest the Galaxy S26 Plus will adopt a similar raised island, potentially replacing the rumored "Edge" or "Slim" models in the lineup.
Samsung is expected to officially unveil the Galaxy S26 series at a Galaxy Unpacked event in February 2026.