Samsung’s Galaxy S26+ is back in the spotlight after whispers that the Plus model had been shelved in favor of a new Galaxy S26 Edge. 
That storyline has flipped: the Edge’s fate is uncertain again, while the S26+ marches toward launch with a clear set of leaked CAD-based renders and precise dimensions.
According to the renders, the Galaxy S26+ measures 158.4 × 75.7 × 7.35 mm. In plain English, that’s virtually the same height as the S25+, marginally narrower, and a hair thicker – changes that are so slight they’ll feel almost identical in the hand. From the front, Samsung keeps a familiar formula: slim, even bezels framing the display and a single, centered hole-punch for the selfie camera.
The bigger design story lives on the rear. Samsung’s latest language swaps the three ‘floating’ camera rings for an oval-shaped camera island that rises subtly from the back panel, with the individual camera circles mounted on top. Beyond style, an island can offer practical gains – potentially sturdier mounting for larger sensors and OIS hardware, cleaner transitions for cases, and a more consistent design across the S-series. Some readers will still prefer a totally flat back (more on that below), but the island is the direction Samsung is clearly standardizing on.
Screen size is expected to hold at 6.7 inches, mirroring the S25+. With the near-identical footprint, any display changes will likely be in calibration, peak brightness, or power efficiency rather than diagonal inches. That continuity should also make it easy for Plus upgraders to adapt without relearning ergonomics.
Under the hood, leaks point to a dual-chipset strategy again: Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, varying by market. We’ll need official details to confirm clocks and AI capabilities, but the broad strokes suggest Samsung will keep tuning the experience per region rather than going one-size-fits-all.
Timing? The Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra are rumored for a late-January unveil, in line with Samsung’s typical early-year cadence. As ever with CAD leaks, remember what they do and don’t tell us: they’re excellent for shape, size, port placement, and camera layout, but they can’t confirm materials, sensor specs, charging speeds, or software features. Consider this the chassis blueprint, not the full spec sheet.
Community take: the battery vs. bump debate. One recurring refrain in our inbox: ditch the island, make the phone thicker, and use the extra volume for more battery. It’s a fair trade-off for long-haul users. A tad more thickness can improve thermal headroom and accommodate larger cells. On the other hand, an island helps keep lenses protected, separates the camera stack thermally, and can simplify accessory fit. There’s no ‘right’ answer – only what feels best in your pocket. If Samsung’s 7.35 mm profile holds, it’s aiming for that sweet spot where battery life, heat, weight, and handling balance out.
Bottom line: the S26+ looks like a measured, confident iteration – familiar front, refined rear, steady display size, and a split-silicon plan that gives Samsung room to optimize region by region. If the launch window holds, we won’t be waiting long to see the full story.
3 comments
edge model rumors were wild. honestly glad the Plus stays flat; curves look cool, feel slippery
camera bumps exist for a reason – big sensors + OIS need space. thicker phone isn’t always the magic fix
ngl the oval island looks cleaner than the 3 floating rings. less dust around the lenses too?