Samsung’s next flagship is already making waves before its official unveiling. Ice Universe, a reliable industry leaker, shared an alleged sketch of the base Galaxy S26 revealing notable design changes that mark a departure from recent models. After three generations of the clean, no-island camera design, Samsung is bringing back a defined vertical camera bump for 2026.
Camera Bump Returns with Slimmer Profile
The Galaxy S26 design changes include a refreshed vertical camera island that stands out from the back panel, replacing the minimalist approach seen on the S23, S24, and S25 series. However, this isn’t just a throwback. The new bump appears more refined and slimmer overall while housing the phone’s imaging hardware.
Samsung also managed to shrink the device thickness from 7.2mm on the S25 down to approximately 6.9mm on the upcoming model. That 0.3mm reduction creates a noticeably thinner feel that’s easier to handle. The phone grows slightly larger to accommodate a 6.3-inch screen, up from the S25’s 6.2-inch display, stretching 2.4mm taller and 0.9mm wider. Rumors also suggest a potential resolution upgrade that could match premium Galaxy models.
Qi2 Magnets and Android 16 Ready
Perhaps the most significant upgrade involves built-in Qi2 magnet support for improved wireless charging. Unlike the Galaxy S25 series, which required special cases to enable Qi2 functionality, the S26 will include magnetic alignment directly in the phone’s body. This ensures perfect coil alignment for maximum charging efficiency while reducing heat that can damage battery health.
The Galaxy S26 will also ship with Android 16-based One UI 8.5 pre-installed, giving users access to the latest software features from day one. Samsung is expected to announce the phone on February 25, 2026. It is slightly later than the typical January launches we’ve seen so far, but it’s not too late.
