Erencan YılmazSamsung’s Galaxy S Ultra flagship has traditionally established the benchmark for smartphone photography, with the most sophisticated camera hardware available on any of the company’s phones. With its usual two-year cycle of serious camera updates, new rumors indicate that the future Galaxy S26 Ultra may feature a radical redesign to house its next-generation imaging system.
The most recent leaks from credible sources suggest that the extent of the camera upgrades will be so great that they will warrant a dramatic design change. If these rumors are to be believed, Samsung might bring back the “camera island” design, an elevated plateau where the sensors sit, last seen on the Galaxy S21 Ultra. This would be a stark contrast to the present look, where lenses jut out directly from the rear glass, a design language in effect since the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
Closer examination of the rumored improvements
The change in design is not just for looks; it’s said to be a functional requirement due to significant hardware advancements. The main sensor is said to retain its 200MP resolution but with an important upgrade: a larger f/1.4 aperture. This would enable the sensor to let in up to 47% more light than before, leading to better low-light capabilities and quicker shutter speeds.
The 3x telephoto camera is also said to receive a huge resolution increase from 10MP to 50MP, with the promise of much sharper and more detailed zoomed-in photographs. All these likely demand larger physical sensors, so a return to a camera island becomes a practical approach to accommodate the upgraded hardware.
A shift in design language and a new form factor
In addition to the camera module, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is also said to be in the midst of a more general design evolution. The phone is likely to step away from the sharp, angular lines that evoke the Galaxy Note line and instead take on more rounded corners similar to the traditional Galaxy S series aesthetic.
That would enhance ergonomics and make for a more comfortable hold, a reflection of Samsung taking user feedback on board. These are very much early-stage rumors and could well be revised or changed, but they form a picture of a Galaxy S26 Ultra that is prioritizing both a significant advance in photographic prowess and a polished user experience. Should these leaks be true, the Galaxy S26 Ultra may be one of the most revolutionary changes to the lineup in recent memory, combining a retro design aspect with the latest and greatest technology.
Source: Newsis
