The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has once again surfaced online, and this time, we get our clearest look yet at its redesigned rear camera island – a design shift that’s already sparking debate among fans and critics alike. Samsung appears to be moving toward a more cohesive aesthetic across its flagship lineup, but in doing so, it’s borrowing design cues not just from its own Galaxy Z Fold 7 and S26 Edge, but perhaps even from Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro family. The result is a more unified, minimalistic look – though not everyone is convinced it’s an upgrade.
The latest leak, shared by the reliable tipster @TarunVats on X, shows the Galaxy S26 Ultra snugly fitted inside a protective case. 
Even through the case, you can clearly see the new layout: three large cameras grouped together on a raised island, while the remaining sensors sit more subtly around it. The device’s sides are flat with softly rounded corners, signaling Samsung’s continued push toward a polished, slab-like form factor. On the right edge, the familiar power button and volume rocker remain in their usual positions.
While this may feel fresh to some, the concept of a unified camera island isn’t exactly groundbreaking for Samsung. In fact, the brand first tested it on its mid-range models before introducing the idea to premium devices like the Galaxy S25 Edge and the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Now, with the S26 Ultra, Samsung seems determined to establish a more consistent visual identity across all its models, moving away from the distinctive isolated camera rings that long defined the ‘Ultra’ aesthetic.
Apple, for its part, took a slightly different route with the iPhone 17 lineup. The base iPhone 17 retains a compact dual-camera bump, while the Pro and Air variants feature what Apple calls a “camera plateau” – a broader yet elegant housing for its lenses. Interestingly, Google is following a parallel path with its Pixel 10 series, maintaining a uniform camera bar across most models except for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which opts for a slimmer camera design. It’s clear that smartphone makers are converging on a similar philosophy: unify design across models, even if it means sacrificing some visual personality.
Still, not everyone is thrilled. Some long-time Galaxy Ultra enthusiasts argue that the new S26 Ultra looks more like a lower-end model than the cutting-edge powerhouse it is supposed to be. The once-iconic floating camera lenses gave the Ultra series a distinct, industrial feel – something this new island design arguably dilutes. For those who appreciate the technical prowess of Samsung’s cameras, this design might not be the evolution they hoped for. And while the internal specs are expected to be top-notch, the visual shift may take some time to grow on people.
Ultimately, the Galaxy S26 Ultra represents Samsung’s effort to unify its ecosystem and appeal to a broader design sensibility. But whether this sleeker, more uniform approach will win over the hearts of loyal Galaxy Ultra fans remains to be seen. For now, the design community is divided: is this the new face of premium smartphones, or just another case of design minimalism gone too far?
2 comments
This new island design is nice for protection but kinda boring 😬
Samsung just copying Apple again… but ngl it still looks clean