With the iPhone 17 launch now behind us, all eyes have shifted to the Samsung Galaxy S26 series — and fresh leaks keep coming in. The latest set of reports gives us a closer look at the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung’s upcoming flagship powerhouse.
Camera Details – Mixed Bag of News
Tipster Ice Universe has been busy dropping key details about the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera setup. Just yesterday, he revealed that Samsung is downgrading the 3x telephoto camera to a 10MP sensor, which may not sit well with photography enthusiasts.
Now, Ice has followed up with details on the 5x telephoto lens, claiming that Samsung will be reusing the 50MP 1/2.52″ 0.7μm sensor from the Galaxy S25 Ultra — the very same sensor that was used in the Galaxy S24 Ultra too. In fact, this sensor might stick around until the Galaxy S27 Ultra as well.
While Samsung fans were hoping for a major camera leap this year, it looks like the S26 Ultra will focus on refinements rather than a big hardware overhaul.
A Thicker Camera Bump – For a Reason
One of the biggest talking points is the camera island design. According to leaks, the camera bump will be almost twice as thick as that of the S25 Ultra, going from 2.4mm to 4.5mm.
Why the change? Reports say this is to accommodate new lenses, including a wider f/1.4 variable aperture on the main camera, which should significantly improve low-light performance.
As for telephoto, earlier rumors hinted at a massive 200MP sensor, but newer leaks suggest a more modest setup — 50MP periscope telephoto and 12MP mid-range telephoto lenses. Ice Universe has criticized Samsung for sticking with a smaller periscope sensor, especially when rivals are already using much larger sensors for their zoom cameras.
Slightly Bigger But Slimmer Frame
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is also rumored to get a slight size tweak. The device will reportedly measure 163.4mm tall and 77.9mm wide, making it 0.6mm taller and 0.3mm wider than the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Interestingly, despite the thicker camera island, the phone will actually be thinner at its slimmest point — measuring 7.9mm, compared to 8.2mm on the current model. And despite all these changes, Samsung has somehow managed to make it one gram lighter, coming in at 217g.
Leaked Renders Show Design Refinements
Alongside these leaks, SmartPrix has shared fresh renders of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26 Pro, and Galaxy S26 Edge.
The renders show that the S26 Ultra will feature more rounded corners compared to its predecessor, while keeping the now-signature raised camera block. The fourth camera and laser autofocus setup sit flush with the body, and the flash is positioned neatly between them for a cleaner look.
Interestingly, the Galaxy S26 Pro is rumored to replace the standard Galaxy S26 and will also adopt a raised camera block — a design change that might divide fans who prefer the flat back of the current generation.
Verdict – Small But Significant Changes
While the Galaxy S26 Ultra might not bring a massive leap in camera hardware, Samsung appears to be focusing on refining the design, improving low-light photography, and optimizing telephoto performance.
With the official launch still a few months away, we’re likely to see more leaks and renders surface — possibly revealing whether Samsung has any surprises left up its sleeve.
