nubia S2R Leak: Single Rear Camera and Extra Side Key Hint at New Budget Phone

nubia seems to be gearing up for its next affordable smartphone as a new device, allegedly called the nubia S2R, has surfaced in freshly leaked images.

Coming shortly after the brand introduced the nubia V80 Design in select global markets, this new handset looks positioned as an even more budget-friendly option while still trying to stand out with a few design touches.

The leaked renders, shared by well-known tipster Evan Blass, show a very clean and minimal rear panel. Instead of a multi-camera cluster, the nubia S2R carries a single rear camera accompanied by an LED flash. This immediately signals that the phone is likely focused on basic everyday photography rather than advanced zoom or ultrawide tricks. For users who mainly snap quick social media shots, document photos, or casual portraits, a well-tuned single sensor can still be more than enough.

On the front, the nubia S2R features a display with a hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera. Unlike premium edge-to-edge designs, the bezels around the panel are clearly on the thicker side, especially at the chin. That visual detail reinforces the idea that this is an entry-level or lower mid-range phone where cost-saving on the display assembly is expected. Still, a punch-hole layout is a nice step up from older waterdrop notches and gives the device a more modern face.

Looking at the frame, the right-hand side is more crowded than usual. Along with the familiar volume rocker and power button, there is a third physical key. Based on its position, this extra button could serve as a dedicated camera shutter, making it easier to open the camera and shoot one-handed, or it may be configurable as a shortcut for favorite apps and functions. Such a key is a rare bonus in this price segment and could become a small but meaningful selling point if nubia promotes it as a customizable tool.

The SIM card tray appears to live on the left edge, balancing out the layout and leaving the top and bottom edges likely reserved for the speaker, USB-C port and microphones. Beyond these design clues, the leak does not reveal any core specifications: there is no confirmed information yet on the chipset, RAM and storage combinations, charging speed, or exact display size and refresh rate. That leaves plenty of room for speculation about how far nubia will go to keep the S2R competitive.

To understand where the S2R might sit in the lineup, it helps to look at the recently launched nubia V80 Design. That model leans heavily into style, with a rear aesthetic that clearly echoes the back of the iPhone 17 Pro, giving buyers an aspirational look at a more accessible price point. Under the hood, the V80 Design comes with a 6.75-inch LCD panel running at a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, a sizeable 5,000 mAh battery for all-day use, a 50 MP main rear camera and a Unisoc T7280 SoC handling processing duties.

Given those specs, the nubia S2R is likely to arrive as a simpler sibling in the same family, targeting users who care more about price and basic reliability than raw performance. nubia could re-use some of the strengths of the V80 Design – such as a large battery or a fast refresh display – or it might scale features back to hit a more aggressive price point. Either way, the familiar design language and the presence of that distinctive single camera module suggest that the S2R will aim to deliver a straightforward, no-nonsense Android experience.

Until more detailed leaks or official announcements surface, the nubia S2R remains a largely mysterious budget handset with a few clear design messages: practical single rear camera, modern punch-hole screen, thick but acceptable bezels, and an intriguing extra side key that hints at a focus on convenience. For buyers watching the lower end of the smartphone market, this could be one of the next devices to keep an eye on as nubia continues to expand its global presence.