What if Samsung’s future flagship had featured a physical camera button, similar to the one found on the latest iPhones? The idea was reportedly very much on the table, before ultimately being dropped. That’s what a discreet LinkedIn discovery suggests, confirming that the Korean giant explored this option for the Galaxy S26.
A LinkedIn profile that speaks volumes
Spotted by our colleagues at Android Authority, the profile of a former employee at a Samsung supplier mentions work on a “new camera button with swipe gesture functionality for the Samsung Galaxy S26.” This is proof that, at the very least, Samsung commissioned development and prototypes integrating this feature, popularized by Apple with the iPhone 16.
Yet, none of the many leaks or alleged images of the Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra have shown any sign of such a dedicated button so far. The project was therefore abandoned along the way. The reasons remain unclear: technical constraints, added costs, tight deadlines, or simply because Samsung deemed the idea unnecessary.
A camera button, a burdensome legacy?
At Apple, this touch-sensitive button lets users take a photo, zoom, or focus with a simple tap or swipe. An innovation praised by some mobile photographers, but criticized by others who find it pointless, or even intrusive, with many complaining about triggering it by accident.
Samsung, for its part, isn’t entirely new to the concept. Back in 2014, the company launched the Galaxy K Zoom. This hybrid smartphone, equipped with a retractable lens and 10x optical zoom, featured a physical dial dedicated to camera settings. A legacy the brand no longer seems eager to revive.
A trend that’s spreading, except at Samsung
Meanwhile, other Android manufacturers haven’t hesitated. Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi have already built similar camera buttons into some of their high-end models. The feature, though debated, is gradually becoming a “premium” marker in the industry.
Samsung’s refusal, or postponement, raises questions. Is it a desire to differentiate from Apple, a bet on more intuitive on-screen touch controls, or simply a cost-driven decision?
Nothing suggests the project is dead for good. Samsung’s engineers have tested it, and it could resurface on a future model, a special edition, or within the Galaxy Z foldable lineup. One thing is certain: in the race for innovation, every hardware detail is now scrutinized, debated, and sometimes dropped at the last minute.
For now, the Galaxy S26 will have to rely on its software strengths and sensors to win over photographers. See you in early February for the final verdict.
