Breaking: Galaxy S21 first look is here, and you may or may not like it

The floodgates are open: The first leaks showing us what the Galaxy S21 could look like are here. Two different sources have published renders of what is apparently the smallest of the three expected Galaxy S21 models, and they show a major new design change that you may or may not like.

As you can see in the images below, the rear camera housing seems to extend from the metal frame of the device onto the back of the phone, which looks as funky as funky can get when it comes to traditional candybar smartphone design.

First Galaxy S21 renders reveal big design change

When including the camera bump, the Galaxy S21's thickness is said to be 9mm. That suggests the Ultra model, with its periscope zoom lens and 108MP camera, could have an even thicker bump, perhaps not dissimilar to the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra's. 

At the front, things are a lot more normal, though it seems the Galaxy S21 will use a flat display like the Galaxy Note 20. However, the leaks don't say if the back of the phone is plastic or glass. Plastic is a definite possibility considering how it made a comeback on Samsung's flagship phones in 2020, and you certainly won't find anyone here at SamMobile complaining about it.

The Galaxy S21 is said to feature a 6.2-inch display so it will be exactly the same as that of the Galaxy S20. At 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9mm, it will have almost the same footprint as the 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9 mm Galaxy S20. The camera housing appears to be the only design surprise in store for the Galaxy S21. With subtle curves at the back and rounded edges, the rest is all typical Samsung stuff.

This design language will be followed for all three Galaxy S21 models so if these renders are indeed accurate, we can form a rough idea of what the lineup will look like. There's nothing to suggest that the Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra will be ditching their curved displays or the glass back panel for that matter.

Now that the floodgates are open, we'll definitely see a lot more leaks about Samsung's next flagship smartphones. Fans won't have to wait for these devices much longer. We have already revealed that Samsung is going to unveil the Galaxy S21 series in early January 2021.