According to Digital Trends, Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 is getting slightly thicker than previously rumored, with new CAD dimensions showing the phone will measure 149.5 x 71.6 x 7.24 mm. The frame thickness increases by 0.28mm compared to earlier leaks that suggested a 6.96mm profile. Including the camera bump, the total thickness reaches 10.44mm, up from 10.23mm in previous estimates. This puts the S26 nearly identical to the current Galaxy S25’s 7.2mm frame. The dimension changes appear to be a last-minute adjustment that could allow Samsung to maintain or even increase battery capacity from the current 4,000 mAh. Better internal component spacing and improved thermal efficiency are also potential benefits of the extra internal space.
Why this actually matters
Here’s the thing about smartphone thickness: we’ve reached a point where shaving off another fraction of a millimeter doesn’t really improve the user experience. But you know what does? Better battery life and phones that don’t overheat during intensive tasks.
The obsession with thinness has been driving smartphone design for years, but we’re starting to see a shift. People are realizing that carrying around a power bank or dealing with thermal throttling isn’t worth having a phone that’s slightly thinner. This move by Samsung suggests they’re listening to what users actually want rather than chasing spec sheet bragging rights.
The bigger picture
This is actually pretty smart positioning from Samsung. While Apple continues to push thinner designs with each iteration, Samsung seems to be recognizing that there’s a market for devices that prioritize performance and endurance over pure aesthetics. The compact flagship segment has always struggled with battery life because there’s simply less physical space to work with.
And let’s be honest – when you’re talking about differences of less than half a millimeter, most people won’t even notice the change in their hand. But they will notice if their phone lasts through a full day of heavy use without needing a charge. They’ll notice if their phone doesn’t slow down during video recording or gaming sessions.
What to expect
With Samsung reportedly unveiling the Galaxy S26 series in late January – earlier than previous models – we should see more concrete details emerging soon. The fact that this is the second dimension leak in a week suggests the design is nearly finalized.
The slight thickness increase might come with a small price bump, but if it delivers meaningful improvements in battery life and thermal performance, it could be worth it. Basically, Samsung appears to be making the practical choice rather than the marketing-friendly one. And honestly? That’s refreshing to see in an industry that often prioritizes form over function.
