Fresh renders of the Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Ultra point to a notable design reversal: the return of prominent camera bumps. If accurate, Samsung could be moving away from the minimalist “floating lens” aesthetic seen on recent S-series phones in favor of island-style housings that consolidate the rear sensors.
Renders hint at a shift to island-style modules
CAD-based images shared by SmartPrix depict both the S26 Pro and S26 Ultra with defined camera islands. The Pro model appears to pack three rear cameras inside a raised rectangle, while the Ultra shows three vertically aligned cameras in the island and a fourth sensor—along with a laser autofocus module—positioned just outside the housing.
The overall silhouette looks cleaner but more purposeful. Flat edges remain a theme, while the Ultra’s frame and corners seem slightly softer than its predecessor. The visual language tracks with Samsung’s broader portfolio, including the island-style approach used on recent Galaxy Z Fold models.
Why bring back the bump?
There’s a simple physics argument. Larger sensors, periscope lenses, and advanced OIS hardware need depth. Consolidating these components in a structural island can improve rigidity, reduce lens tilt under impact, and simplify internal layout. Teardowns have consistently shown that telephoto stacks are among the thickest modules in a flagship phone, often dictating overall device design and heat management.
An island also guards the lenses better. When phones rest on a flat surface, the raised ring reduces direct contact with glass covers, which can cut down on scratches. It’s a pragmatic trade-off: slightly more visual bulk for more reliable optics and potentially better thermal paths around sensitive camera hardware.
Thickness claims raise questions
SmartPrix lists the S26 Pro at 6.7mm, the S26 Edge at 5.5mm, and the S26 Ultra at 7.8mm. Those figures almost certainly refer to the chassis without the camera island. For context, recent Android flagships typically sit around 7.6mm to 8.9mm thick overall, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra is commonly cited at roughly 8.6mm. A 5.5mm frame would be strikingly thin for a mass-market device, suggesting an aggressive push on materials and internal packaging—or a spec that excludes the protrusion and perhaps other elements.
If Samsung aims for ultra-thin frames, expect compensating design choices: larger camera bumps to house optics, tighter thermal envelopes around the chipset, and careful battery optimization. Market analysts have repeatedly noted that balancing battery capacity, camera quality, and thermal headroom is the defining design puzzle for premium phones.
Pro vs. Ultra: what the layouts imply
The Pro’s triple camera island points to a familiar playbook—likely wide, ultrawide, and moderate telephoto—optimized for everyday photography. The Ultra’s split arrangement hints at a dedicated long-range lens (often a periscope unit) living alongside a high-resolution main sensor and ultrawide, plus laser AF for faster subject lock. The separation of the fourth sensor outside the island could be a packaging choice to manage lens height and board routing.
Strategically, this tiers the S26 family cleanly. The Pro would cater to most users with fast, versatile shooters, while the Ultra doubles down on zoom reach and low-light performance. Industry testing from labs like DXOMARK and independent reviewers consistently shows that bigger sensors and longer focal lengths pay dividends in dynamic range and detail—provided the phone controls heat and noise well.
Design continuity across Samsung’s lineup
The flat-edge frame and the move to an island align Samsung with broader market trends. Apple’s iPhone line has maintained a pronounced camera island for years, while Google’s Pixel embraces a full-width bar. By returning to a consolidated module, Samsung may be seeking a more cohesive, instantly recognizable aesthetic across its slabs and foldables without sacrificing ergonomics.
A more rounded Ultra could also signify a subtle pivot toward comfort and pocketability, counterbalancing the sharper profiles that dominated recent cycles. Small geometry changes at the corners can meaningfully affect grip and perceived heft, especially as phones inch closer to 230g or more with larger batteries and cameras.
What to watch next
These renders are early signals, not final confirmation. Expect follow-up leaks to clarify materials, sensor sizes, and zoom strategy, as well as chipset, battery, and display details. Samsung typically times its flagship S-series for an early-year launch window, so there’s room for refinements before hardware is locked.
For now, the headline is clear: the S26 Pro and S26 Ultra look set to put function first with purposeful camera islands. If Samsung nails the balance—optics, thermals, and battery life—the return of the bump could be a smart step rather than a step back.