Extremely thin, but with a massive hump. This is what the Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge looks like

Samsung is preparing to introduce perhaps the most controversial design in the history of the Galaxy S series. Thanks to a partnership between AndroidHeadlines and leaker OnLeaks, the first CAD renders of the upcoming Galaxy S26 Edge have surfaced online. This model is set to replace the not-so-successful S25+ and also build on this year’s Edge. The result? An extremely thin phone with a bizarrely massive camera module that occupies almost the entire width of the back and strikingly resembles the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro.

When you try to be thinner at all costs

The new Galaxy S26 Edge will measure 158.4 × 75.7 × 5.5 mm, making it 0.3 mm thinner than the current S25 Edge. But that’s where the good news ends. The massive camera module adds another 5.3 mm, bringing the phone to an unflattering 10.8 mm at its thickest point. It’s like sticking half of another phone onto the back of an ultra-thin phone.

Why did Samsung choose such an unusual solution? The answer is simple – physics cannot be circumvented. When you want high-quality cameras with optical stabilization and an extremely thin body at the same time, you have to hide the sensors and optics somewhere. And since they don’t fit inside, they protrude outwards.

End of the Plus models era

Samsung has decided on a radical change in its naming strategy. The Galaxy S26 series will include only three models: S26 Pro (replacing the base model), S26 Edge (instead of S25+), and S26 Ultra. The Plus version, which has historically been the weakest link in sales, is definitively ending.

The Edge model will retain a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, just like its predecessors. The bezels around the display will be minimal and symmetrical, and the front camera will remain centered at the top of the screen. The design is actually very similar to current flagships – flat edges, slightly rounded corners, and premium materials.

Samsung finally adds magnets for Qi2

One of the most interesting new features is hidden inside the phone. The Galaxy S26 Edge will be the first Samsung with built-in magnets for full Qi2 wireless charging support. While the S25 series is only “Qi2 Ready”, the new generation will offer the same functionality as iPhones or new Pixels.

However, the massive camera module may cause problems with magnetic accessories. The magnet ring is standardly placed in the center of the back, but the protruding module may hinder the proper seating of some accessories. Accessory manufacturers will have to adapt their products to the phone’s unusual shape.

Bigger battery in a thinner body? No miracle here

Samsung is reportedly increasing the battery capacity from 3,900 mAh in the S25 Edge to 4,200 mAh in the S26 Edge model. How is it possible to cram a larger battery into a thinner body? The answer might lie in the use of a silicon-carbon battery with higher energy density, but a 300mAh increase is not as dramatic as we would expect from this technology.

The phone should be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (or whatever it will be called), at least in the American version. In Europe, the Exynos 2600 traditionally looms, which could be both good and bad news – it depends on how Samsung handles the development of its own chipset. RAM should be 12 or 16 GB, which is standard by today’s measures.

Two cameras in a giant module

Despite the massive size of the camera module, it will contain only two sensors. The main camera is unknown for now, but the ultrawide should get an upgrade from 12 to 50 megapixels, likely the same 1/2.5″ sensor used by the Galaxy S25 Ultra. A third telephoto lens will not be added, which is a bit disappointing given the module’s size.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge should be introduced in January next year, if the manufacturer adheres to its traditional schedule. It remains to be hoped that by then Samsung will explain why it chose such an unusual design. Perhaps it’s a technological necessity, or perhaps an attempt to differentiate itself from the competition…

How excited are you for the Galaxy S26 Edge?

Source: AndroidHeadlines