Samsung has inadvertently unveiled the design language of its upcoming Galaxy S26 series through a leak in the latest One UI 8.5 software. For the first time, official images embedded within Samsung’s own software give us a clear look at the next-generation flagship lineup, including the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra.
One UI 8.5 Leak Provides Renders of Galaxy S26 Models
The Galaxy S26 series recently surfaced in the One UI 8.5 update, revealing render images linked to device codenames M1, M2, and M3. The M1 and M2 devices correspond to the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus, while the M3 codename is assigned to the Galaxy S26 Ultra. These official leaked visuals, first spotted by Android Authority, showcase Samsung’s next flagship designs in unprecedented detail.
The design of the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus. | Image credit – Android Authority
The sleek new Galaxy S26 Ultra design. | Image credit – Android Authority
A Refined Redesign
While the Galaxy S25 Ultra introduced a distinctive rear camera layout, the S26 Ultra retains the vertical camera island but adds two additional sensors beside it, suggesting enhanced camera capabilities. Samsung appears to be continuing its use of a unified camera island design language, similar to that found on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy S25 Edge, and various Galaxy A series phones.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra camera island combines functionality with design continuity. | Image credit – Samsung (via One UI 8.5 leak)
Community Reception
Readers have shared mixed opinions on the Galaxy S26’s design. A small voting poll shows that 60% find the design acceptable, 20% appreciate Samsung’s choices, while another 20% feel the design seems less premium.
Design Comparison with Competitors
Unlike Samsung’s unified camera island, Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 is expected to feature a modest camera bump for the standard model, and a larger “camera plateau” for the Pro variants. Google’s Pixel 10 series opts for a prominent camera bar design, with the budget Pixel 9a having a nearly flush rear camera module. Samsung’s choice to maintain design consistency between its premium Galaxy S26 Ultra and budget models might be seen as a debatable decision by some enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
The Galaxy S26 series marks the next step in Samsung’s flagship evolution, carrying forward design elements from recent devices but introducing subtle tweaks. As the release approaches, anticipation builds to see how these design refinements will translate into real-world performance and user experience.
