Galaxy S26 Ultra Could Get Bold Redesign with Camera Island and Flex Magic Pixel

After years of near-identical designs, Samsung may finally give the Galaxy S26 Ultra a bold new look. According to a Korean media report, Samsung is planning to bring back a dedicated camera island – a design choice last seen on the Galaxy S21 Ultra – to house upgraded camera hardware.

The move isn’t just about aesthetics; it could be a necessity to fit larger sensors for the main and telephoto cameras, which require more space.

Samsung has stuck with the minimalist “water drop” lens layout since the Galaxy S22 Ultra, but the rumored changes suggest that photography will once again dictate design. If true, this would put Samsung in line with Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, which is also expected to sport a significantly larger camera bump for its revamped camera system.

The redesign might not stop at the camera. Other leaks hint that Samsung could soften the Ultra’s famously boxy profile, opting for more rounded corners this time around. On top of that, a new display technology dubbed Flex Magic Pixel may debut, using AI to dynamically adjust viewing angles based on the content displayed. If accurate, these innovations could mark the S26 Ultra as one of the most notable upgrades in recent years.

Samsung’s last two Ultra flagships, the S24 and S25, looked almost identical and left fans craving something fresh. The S26 Ultra could finally break that cycle, offering both visual changes and meaningful hardware improvements. While some may roll their eyes at yet another camera bump, the rumored combination of improved sensors, new display tech, and a refined shape suggests Samsung is ready to shake things up in 2026.

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