A fresh leak of official CAD-based renders for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has given us our clearest look yet at Samsung’s 2026 flagship, showcasing a significant departure from its predecessor’s boxy aesthetic and introducing a new camera island design.
While the overall silhouette remains familiar, the new renders highlight two key design changes that address user feedback and refine the phone’s visual identity. Alongside these visuals, a host of rumored specifications point to a powerful successor to the popular S25 Ultra.
This in-depth analysis breaks down everything the leaked renders reveal and what we can expect from the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Exclusive: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra CAD Renders Reveal a Softer, Redesigned Flagship
A Closer Look at the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s New Design
The newly surfaced renders, courtesy of Android Headlines and renowned tipster @OnLeaks, provide a 360-degree view of the device in a sleek black colorway. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the design:
- Softer, Rounder Edges: The most noticeable change is the move away from the sharp, boxy corners of older models. The Galaxy S26 Ultra features significantly rounded corners on its flat display, a design choice aimed squarely at improving ergonomics and preventing the phone from digging into the user’s palm during use. This continues the design language introduced with the S25 Ultra but takes it a step further.
- Flat Display and Front Profile: The front of the phone is dominated by a perfectly flat display with a centered punch-hole camera for the selfie shooter. The bezels are reported to be thin and uniform, maximizing the screen-to-body ratio.
- Button Layout and S Pen: The physical button layout remains practical and unchanged. The volume rocker and power button are situated on the right-hand side, while the left side is clean. At the bottom, you’ll the signature S Pen silo, a USB-C port, the primary speaker, and the SIM card tray.
The Revolutionary Hybrid Camera Module
The back of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is where things get particularly interesting. Samsung has opted for a new “hybrid” camera module design.
- Three cameras (the main, ultrawide, and one telephoto) are now housed on top of a raised, pill-shaped camera island.
- The fourth camera sensor, along with the LED flash and other sensors, protrudes directly from the back panel, separate from the main island.
- This new bump is said to add 4.5mm to the phone’s thickness, which itself is rumored to be a slimmer 7.9mm (down from 8.2mm on the S25 Ultra).
Side-by-Side: Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra
How does the new design compare? The differences become stark when placed side-by-side with the current model.
| Design Feature | Galaxy S26 Ultra (Rumored) | Galaxy S25 Ultra (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Display Corners | Significantly rounded | Sharper, more angular |
| Camera Layout | Hybrid module: 3 lenses on an island, 1 lens separate | All lenses protrude individually |
| Thickness | ~7.9mm (slimmer profile) | ~8.2mm |
| Frame | Flat with slightly curved edges | Flat |
| S Pen | Included at the bottom | Included at the bottom |
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Rumored Specifications and Features
Beyond the design, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to be a powerhouse. The following table consolidates the most credible speculations from various sources.
| Category | Rumored Specifications |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch M14 OLED, QHD+, 1-120Hz LTPO Adaptive Refresh Rate, New CoE (Color Filter on Encapsulation) technology for reduced glare |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (in most regions); possibility of Exynos 2600 in some markets |
| RAM & Storage | Up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, Up to 1TB UFS 4.0 / 4.1 Storage |
| Battery & Charging | 5,000mAh; 60W wired charging (rumored upgrade) or 45W, 25W Qi2 wireless charging with magnets |
| Rear Cameras | 200MP Main (f/1.4 aperture) 50MP Periscope Telephoto (5x optical zoom) 12MP Telephoto (3x optical zoom) 50MP Ultrawide |
| Software | Android 16 with One UI 8.0 / 8.5 |
| Dimensions & Weight | 163.4 x 77.9 x 7.9 mm (12.4mm with camera bump), ~217 grams |
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Key Highlights and Potential Upgrades
- Performance Leap: The switch to the 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset promises a significant boost in performance and power efficiency. The potential return of a dual-chipset strategy with the Exynos 2600 will be closely watched.
- Display Technology: The new M14 OLED with CoE technology is expected to offer a brighter, more power-efficient screen with improved light transmission and reduced thickness.
- Charging Debate: While the battery capacity remains the same, one of the most hotly debated upgrades is charging speed. Some rumors point to a welcome jump to 60W wired charging, while others suggest it will stay at 45W.
- Qi2 Wireless Charging: The inclusion of magnets confirms the move to the Qi2 standard, ensuring better alignment with wireless chargers and opening the door for a new ecosystem of magnetic accessories.
Analysis: What Do These Changes Mean?
Samsung’s design refinements appear to be a direct response to user experience. The rounder edges address a common complaint about the comfort of holding large, angular phones. The new camera module design adds a distinct visual identity, setting the S26 Ultra apart from its predecessors and competitors.
By not radically altering a successful formula but refining key aspects, Samsung seems to be focusing on evolutionary, user-driven improvements rather than a complete overhaul.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Based on the leaked CAD renders, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be a thoughtful refinement of the Ultra lineage. With its more ergonomic design, distinctive new camera look, and top-tier internal upgrades like the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and a potentially brighter display, it is poised to remain a top contender in the flagship Android market.
As with all pre-release information, these details are based on leaks and rumors and are subject to change. The official unveiling is expected in early 2026, likely in January. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the launch.