Samsung S26 Ultra 5G Design Leaks Spark Buzz — But the Base S26 Model May Be Getting the Axe

The recent leaks about the Samsung S26 Ultra 5G's design are generating considerable interest and excitement. However, reports suggest a significant shift might be underway for the core S26 model, which may be discontinued.

With the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G's arrival approximately six months away, a compelling smartphone design has just emerged. This early look at its potential appearance comes courtesy of Ice Universe, the well-regarded tipster.

Anticipating the S26 Ultra: A Design Preview

Even with various leaks and rumours hinting at its enhanced capabilities, this initial glimpse of the Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G suggests it's truly shaping up to redefine expectations for next year's flagship devices.

Regarding the Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G's design, hawk-eyed observers at the Hindustan Times have noted several possible alterations, including a camera setup featuring three grouped lenses, reminiscent of the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

The smartphone's frame also appears slightly thicker than usual; however, the overall device is expected to be slimmer and lighter compared to the current iteration. This provides insight into what the Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G could look like upon its official launch.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G Design Speculation

A fan-created design render of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G model has been shared by tipster Ice Universe, who suggests it could potentially mirror the final design. While the tipster expressed some uncertainty about the ultimate look, previous leaks have also pointed towards a similar aesthetic.

Currently, the Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G lacks a distinct camera module or bump, contributing to its slightly thicker profile. However, the Hindustan Times suggests this design aspect is likely to change with the upcoming generation.

Design Evolution: Slimmer Build, Enhanced Camera

Reports indicate the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G could launch with an even thinner design than its predecessor, the well-received Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, it's also said to feature a 5x telephoto lens with larger apertures, allowing more light to enter and requiring additional space. Consequently, next year's Ultra model might include a camera module approximately 3mm thick.

What's more, the camera module itself could bear a striking resemblance to the grouped lenses found on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, featuring a main, ultrawide, and a 5x telephoto lens. Consequently, Samsung aims to maintain a slender profile without compromising on essential features.

The inclusion of a camera bump will also enable the company to introduce enhancements to camera performance, even with a slight reduction in the phone's overall thickness. While the ultimate design remains unconfirmed, this fan-made render appears promising, aligning with the anticipated upgrades and stylistic shifts.

However, recent information suggests that the entire Galaxy S26 lineup may undergo a significant change, with reports indicating that the standard S26 model may not even launch.

Shifting Paradigms: Unpacking the New Models

According to online whispers, Samsung is reportedly preparing a complete overhaul for its flagship S-series in 2026. This revised lineup is then expected to consist of the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra — entirely removing the 'vanilla' base model.

Investigators at Android Authority have reportedly uncovered compelling evidence within an internal One UI 8 build, suggesting a more significant shake-up for the Galaxy S26 lineup.

Based on the codenames and actual device names discovered by Android Authority, it appears there might not be a standard or 'vanilla' Galaxy S26 model at all next year. Instead, the South Korean tech giant's upcoming flagship series seems set to feature three distinct models: the Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Galaxy S26 Series: A Major Shift

For the Galaxy S24 lineup, Samsung reportedly used the internal codename 'Eureka.' Within this, the standard, Plus, and Ultra models were identified as E1, E2, and E3, respectively. Following that, the Galaxy S25 series received the codename 'Paradigm,' with its models, the S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra, labelled PA1, PA2, and PA3.

An earlier report by WinFuture indicated internal codenames NP1, NP2, and NP3 for the Galaxy S26 series, with 'NP' supposedly signifying 'Next Paradigm.' However, Android Authority's recent findings within the One UI 8 firmware present contradictory evidence.

Instead, the internal builds refer to three devices identified as M1, M2, and M3. These designations appear to correspond to the Galaxy S26 Pro, S26 Edge, and S26 Ultra, respectively.