The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra continues to generate buzz as more leaks reveal its evolving design. Recent images show the phone snugly fitted inside yet another protective case, confirming that Samsung isn’t afraid to tinker with its visual identity. 
While earlier CAD renders hinted at a sleeker, more polished silhouette, this latest look suggests a bold, if controversial, move in camera aesthetics.
At first glance, the new raised oval camera island stands out – literally. Instead of the individually framed lenses that defined the S24 Ultra, the S26 Ultra merges three of its sensors into a single raised unit on the left, while the remaining lenses sit separately beside it. The result is a design that feels more cohesive to some, yet oddly mismatched to others. This camera layout, previously seen trickling down to Samsung’s mid-range phones, now seems to represent a full design shift across its lineup rather than a flagship-only experiment.
Inside, the S26 Ultra is rumored to run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, offering blistering speed and efficiency. However, depending on the market, Samsung may continue pairing some units with the Exynos 2600 chip – continuing its split hardware strategy. Interestingly, leaks suggest that while the entry-level S26 Pro might embrace Exynos globally, the S26 Edge could be scrapped altogether, consolidating the lineup around the Ultra and Pro models.
Still, much of the current debate revolves around looks. Some fans appreciate the new curvature and compact camera arrangement, seeing it as a modernization. Others think it’s veering too close to Apple’s aesthetic or simply trying too hard. One thing is certain: the S26 Ultra is shaping up to be one of Samsung’s most divisive designs yet, straddling the line between innovation and imitation.
1 comment
The case looks weird, like it’s for another phone and just happens to fit