Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra is reportedly set for a significant design overhaul, particularly concerning its rear camera array. For the first time since the Galaxy S22 Ultra in 2022, Samsung’s top-tier S-series phone may reintroduce a raised camera island, a departure from the current “no-bump” aesthetic.
Renowned leaker Ice Universe recently shared a fan-made render on X, indicating that this vision likely mirrors the actual Galaxy S26 Ultra. While the final design isn’t yet confirmed, Ice Universe has “connected the dots” to suggest this raised camera module is the probable outcome. The concept shows the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a prominent area housing three of its four rear cameras.
This shift from the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s flat camera design isn’t merely for aesthetic change. According to Ice Universe, the rumored main and 5x telephoto cameras are expected to feature larger apertures, allowing more light to enter and consequently requiring more physical space for the lenses.
Compounding this design challenge, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is also anticipated to be thinner than its predecessor, the S25 Ultra. If Samsung were to maintain the current camera arrangement, the larger lenses would protrude significantly, possibly extending 3mm beyond the phone’s rear, leading to an awkward appearance. Therefore, housing the primary, ultrawide, and 5x telephoto cameras within a raised island becomes a practical solution.
This design choice also brings the Galaxy S26 Ultra closer in appearance to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which has maintained a camera bump.
Another prominent leaker, @kro_roe, has corroborated these claims, further adding that the cameras on the S26 Ultra will feature distinctive rings around them.
While some might see the reintroduction of a camera bump as a step backward, many users are expected to welcome the change from the current Ultra design, which some felt was becoming stale. Beyond the external changes, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to boast improved battery and charging specifications and will be powered by the custom Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 for Galaxy chip.
With the Galaxy S25 Ultra reportedly performing well in sales and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 also proving a success, an enhanced Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to bolster Samsung’s position as a market leader.