The predicted lineup for the upcoming Samsung flagship series has undergone a notable shift, with the Galaxy S26 Plus reemerging in new renders after previous speculation suggested its cancellation. Just two months ago, industry wisdom favored a slim “Edge” model over the mid-sized Plus variant, but the latest leaks indicate that convention has prevailed, with the Plus model back on track for an early 2026 release.
The initial glimpse of the potential Galaxy S26 Plus design comes courtesy of leaker OnLeaks, published via Android Headlines. While the phone retains a familiar aesthetic, the most significant modification lies in the redesign of the camera island.
Crucially, the S26 Plus is not adopting the rumored full-width camera design previously associated with the supposed S26 Edge. Instead, the renders display a smaller, distinct camera island positioned directly below the three primary lenses.
This camera module design echoes the aesthetic shown in earlier September renders for the high-end S26 Ultra and the now-questionable S26 Pro model, suggesting a consistent visual language across the primary S26 family.
The apparent reintroduction of the Plus model signifies a turn away from the rumored radical reinvention of the S26 lineup, which was initially expected to feature an Ultra, an Edge, and a smaller Pro variant.
Current leaks suggest that the lineup has reverted to the familiar structure, with the Pro model swapped for the standard Galaxy S26 and the Edge variant replaced by the Galaxy S26 Plus. The fate of the previously rumored Edge and Pro models remains uncertain.
Regarding physical specifications, Android Headlines reports the S26 Plus will measure 7.35mm thick. This dimension is comparable to the preceding S25 Plus and is notably chunkier than the extremely thin 5.8mm S25 Edge model.
This thickness measurement suggests that the S26 Plus will not embody the “second-gen thin phone” concept, indicating a possible retreat by Samsung from the aggressively thin phone trend it arguably spearheaded with the first Edge model. The regular S26 is also reported to be slightly thicker than its expected Pro predecessor, reinforcing this perceived design shift.
Despite the focus on the thicker Plus model, there is still some hope for enthusiasts of slender devices. Dutch fansite Galaxy Club reported last month on an “Edge” device still under development, codenamed “More Slim.”
This thin model could potentially debut later, echoing the staggered launch timeline of the S25 Edge, or it may be ultimately abandoned. More definitive information on Samsung’s finalized S26 lineup is anticipated as the likely early 2026 launch date approaches.