Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: A Bold Leap Forward with iPhone 17 Pro-Inspired Camera Design
NEW DELHI: Samsung is gearing up to redefine flagship smartphones with the anticipated launch of the Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G in January 2026. As leaks and rumors swirl, the spotlight is on the device’s striking design overhaul, particularly its camera module, which appears to draw inspiration from the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro. With a blend of cutting-edge technology and refined aesthetics, Samsung aims to set a new benchmark in the premium smartphone market.
A Revolutionary Camera Island Design
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is poised to break away from the separate lens design seen in its predecessors since the Galaxy S22 Ultra. According to a reports, Samsung is expected to adopt a monolithic camera island, a design choice rumored to mirror the iPhone 17 Pro‘s expansive camera bump. This shift, suggests Samsung is prioritizing advanced camera sensors to enhance photography capabilities. The camera island is designed to house a powerful quad-camera setup, including a 200MP Sony primary sensor, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, a 50MP periscope telephoto, and a 12MP telephoto lens. This configuration promises superior low-light performance and enhanced zoom capabilities, positioning the S26 Ultra as a photography powerhouse.
While the camera island trend isn’t new—Chinese brands like Vivo and Xiaomi have embraced it for years—Samsung’s adoption signals a strategic move to align with global design trends while integrating its own innovations. The design, inspired by the Galaxy Z Fold 7, is expected to be pill-shaped, offering a sleek yet bold aesthetic.
Sleeker Build, Premium Performance
Beyond the camera, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to be slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with more rounded corners for improved ergonomics. Digit.in reports that the device will feature a 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant visuals and smooth interactions. The phone is also expected to boast a titanium frame, enhancing durability while maintaining a premium feel.
Powering the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the 3nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB. A larger vapor cooling chamber ensures sustained performance during intensive tasks like gaming or multitasking. The device is expected to run on Android 16 with Samsung’s OneUI 8, offering seven years of software updates for long-term reliability.
Battery and Charging Upgrades
While the Galaxy S26 Ultra retains a 5,000mAh battery, Digit.in highlights a significant upgrade in charging speed, with support for 60W fast charging—a notable improvement over previous models. This ensures quicker top-ups, catering to users with demanding schedules.
Pricing and Availability
Leaks suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra will carry a premium price tag, starting at approximately ₹1,59,990 in India, $1,599 in the US, and AED 5,872 in Dubai. The device is expected to debut alongside the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Edge in mid-to-late January 2026, with sales likely commencing in February. While these prices reflect the phone’s high-end positioning, official confirmation is still pending.
A New Era for Samsung’s Flagship
The Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G is shaping up to be a formidable contender in the flagship smartphone arena. By blending a bold camera island design, inspired by the iPhone 17 Pro, with Samsung’s signature innovations, the device promises to deliver a compelling mix of style, performance, and photography prowess. As the launch date approaches, tech enthusiasts eagerly await official details to see how Samsung’s vision will redefine the Ultra experience.
