The first major leaks for the Samsung Galaxy S26 have dropped, and they are shaking up the smartphone world. We have our first look at what the next-generation flagship phones will likely look like, and it’s clear that Samsung is making a huge design change. This is the first time we’re seeing the phone’s design so clearly, and it’s a big deal.
The New Samsung Galaxy S26 Looks Surprisingly Like the iPhone 17
For years, Samsung has used a distinctive floating lens design on its Ultra phones. Now, it seems that’s about to change. According to reports and renders, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is ditching the individual lenses in favor of a single, unified camera island—a design choice that is also heavily rumored for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro. This marks a significant shift away from Samsung’s established design language.
This design similarity goes beyond just the cameras. Leaks also suggest that the entire Galaxy S26 lineup will feature more rounded corners. This is a direct response to a demand for better ergonomics. While the S25 Ultra made a slight move away from the sharp-edged design of its predecessors, the S26 takes it even further, making the phone more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Beyond the aesthetics, the Galaxy S26 series is rumored to be getting much slimmer across the board. The S26 Ultra could be just 7.8mm thick, a significant reduction from the S25 Ultra. This engineering feat is even more impressive considering the phones are still expected to pack in a large battery and powerful components.
The rumor mill also suggests a major shake-up in the lineup. The Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Edge may replace the traditional “Plus” model, giving consumers more choice in form factor. The S26 Edge is said to be incredibly thin at just 5.5mm, which would make it one of the slimmest flagships ever.
A February launch is also on the table, which aligns perfectly with Samsung’s typical release schedule. While these are still just leaks and rumors, the sheer volume of reports from reputable sources suggests that we’re seeing an accurate picture of what’s to come. This could be one of the biggest design overhauls in years for the Galaxy S series.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is clearly an attempt by the company to evolve its design and performance. By bringing a sleeker, more comfortable design and packing it with upgraded cameras and charging speeds, Samsung is looking to stay ahead of the competition and give users a truly modern and powerful smartphone.
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