New Galaxy S26 Ultra design reveals rounded corners and a pill-shaped camera module

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Samsung Foto: Samsung - Foto: NP27/Shutterstock.com

The first information about the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is expected to launch in early 2026, indicates a significant change in its design and a strategic approach to charging technology. The South Korean giant plans to introduce the device with rounder corners and a thinner build, aiming to improve ergonomics and comfort during prolonged use. Esta visual change meets a growing demand from consumers who were looking for a more comfortable device compared to the straight and angular lines of previous generations.

The expectation is that the new format will provide a safer and more pleasant grip, establishing a new identity for the brand’s premium smartphone line. Além of the curves, the thickness of the smartphone will be reduced to 7.9 mm, making it 0.3 mm thinner than its predecessor, the S25 Ultra. Embora subtle, this decrease contributes to a feeling of greater lightness and portability, demonstrating an advance in the device’s internal engineering.

One of the most important technical novelties points to a limitation on reload speed in some variants. Testes internals revealed that, to ensure battery safety and longevity, charging power will be controlled on models equipped with the Snapdragon processor, a preventive measure against the risk of components overheating.

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Samsung – Photo: Марек Перконс / Shutterstock.com

Renewed look with a focus on ergonomics

The Galaxy S26 Ultra represents a notable step forward in the search for a design that balances aesthetics and functionality. The decision to soften the edges of the device is a direct response to user feedback, who pointed out discomfort during continuous use sessions as a problem to be improved. Ergonomics has become a decisive factor in customer satisfaction in the luxury segment, and Samsung seems to be aware of this trend.

In addition to the curves, the reduction in thickness to 7.9 mm, confirmed by leaks from protective films already in circulation, reinforces the commitment to portability. Essa decrease, although it appears minimal, reflects significant progress in compacting internal components, allowing for a sleeker chassis without sacrificing performance. Leaks of screen protectors and covers already confirm these changes, showing a visibly different outline of the S25 Ultra model.

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Unified camera module and new possibilities

At the rear, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will abandon the individual floating lens layout characteristic of recent models. In its place, the Samsung will opt for a single pill-shaped module, which will group all the photographic sensors in a single block, giving the device a cleaner and more organized appearance. The new configuration not only optimizes visual alignment, but also suggests a renewed approach to component integration.

Leaks from a protective case also indicate the presence of an integrated magnetic ring, which suggests high compatibility with the Qi2 wireless charging standard. Esta innovation opens up a growing ecosystem of magnetic accessories, expanding device versatility and improving wireless charging options, ensuring perfect and efficient alignment with compatible bases.

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Qi2 technology uses magnets for ideal alignment between the smartphone and the charging base, optimizing energy transfer efficiency. Isso eliminates misplacement issues that were common with older wireless chargers, ensuring the device receives maximum charge stably and safely.

Thermal management and the safety decision

Although market expectations pointed to 65W charging, in line with competitors, internal evaluations by Samsung identified heating problems with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, which will equip the device in some markets. Para To protect the integrity of the 5000 mAh battery and ensure user safety, the company chose to limit the charging power in these specific variants.

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The strategic decision reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to the safety of its products, a strict policy established following incidents with previous models. Reliability is being prioritized over maximum recharge speed.

Thermal management has become a crucial battleground for high-performance smartphones. A device’s ability to dissipate heat efficiently directly impacts the user experience and longevity of the product.

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Therefore, this limitation is a conscious engineering choice. The company seeks to avoid any risk of overheating, ensuring the user experience is consistent and safe in the long term.

Processor strategy and energy efficiency

The Galaxy S26 Ultra will maintain the launch strategy with two processor variants, a common practice for the In some markets, the device will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, while others will receive a version with the Exynos 2600 chipset, developed in-house.

Reports indicate that the Exynos 2600 has superior thermal efficiency, which may allow for more stable charging with less heat generation. Essa advantage guarantees a more stable and safer interaction with the user compared to the Snapdragon variant, in addition to contributing to increased battery life and reduced wear on internal components over time.

Advances in wireless charging

Support for the Qi2 standard represents an important upgrade in the area of ​​wireless charging. Essa technology uses magnets to perfectly align the smartphone with the charging base, optimizing energy transfer efficiency. Essa improvement eliminates poor positioning issues, which were characteristic of older wireless chargers, ensuring that the device receives the maximum charge stably and safely. The integration of the magnetic ring also opens the door to a new ecosystem of accessories, such as vehicle mounts, wallets and external batteries, which magnetically attach to the back of the device, increasing its functionality in everyday life.

Details confirmed by leaks

Prototypes of tempered glass films, which have emerged in recent leaks, clearly demonstrate the new contours of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, confirming the ergonomic changes. Visual comparison with the Galaxy S25 Ultra highlights a significant difference in design, aimed at improving grip. With a thickness of 7.9 mm, the device is positioned as one of the thinnest flagships in its category. The integration of support for the Qi2 standard, evidenced by prototype cases, represents a valuable upgrade in the area of ​​wireless charging, offering greater convenience and compatibility with a growing assortment of accessories.

Release forecast

The official launch of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is planned for February 2026, with the unveiling event taking place at The changes reflect a strategy focused on user experience and long-term durability, consolidating Samsung’s position in the premium smartphone market.

Carolina Costa é colaboradora da redação do Mix Vale, portal de notícias com cobertura de Brasil e mundo. Produz conteúdo nas editorias de economia e benefícios, com foco em informação de serviço para o leitor brasileiro. Escreve para o portal desde 2019. Formação: Administração

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