Samsung is reportedly on a quest to make its flagship phones even slimmer with the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. Recent reports suggest that the company is pursuing a significant redesign focused on reducing the size of one of the most prominent internal components: the camera module. According to the report, Samsung Electro-Mechanics is working on a new, slimmer camera design by replacing traditional film layers between lenses with matte ink applied via an inkjet printing technique. These film layers typically serve to minimize flare and ghosting caused by light reflections, but the new approach aims to achieve similar results while reducing the module’s thickness.
A drawing from a 2018 Samsung patent illustrates this concept, where the existing film layers are set to be substituted with printed matte ink. While the patent is still pending approval, insiders believe Samsung is aiming to incorporate this innovative technology in the Galaxy S26 series. However, to create a significantly thinner phone, Samsung will need to consider additional adjustments beyond the camera. Options may include transitioning to silicon carbide (SiC) battery technology, implementing more compact vapor chamber cooling systems, and utilizing slimmer protective glass.
These enhancements could result in a sleeker design without compromising features or battery life. If successful, Samsung’s redesigned camera module could remove the common camera bump and contribute to a more aesthetically pleasing, lightweight device. However, the quest for thinner phones raises important questions about battery life and thermal management. Furthermore, it’s intriguing to note that this initiative coincides with the recent launch of the Galaxy S25 Edge, which emphasizes thinness as a key feature.
It remains to be seen how these design changes will influence Samsung’s overall philosophy and whether they reflect a broader trend in smartphone design. With several months until the Galaxy S26’s launch, these developments are still in their early stages.