Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra's camera bump is randomly shattering for some users

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
(Image credit: Future)

Samsung's Galaxy S20 Ultra may be one of the South Korean manufacturer's most expensive phones to date, but it appears there could be a serious design flaw in the high-end handset, as reported by SamMobile.

Several S20 Ultra users have taken to the company's community forums to complain of randomly shattered glass in the flagship's huge camera bump, effectively rendering the phone's much-touted 108MP sensor and 100x 'Space Zoom' functionality worthless in the process.

According to the affected parties, seemingly nothing was done to cause the cracked glass, with one user stating the "back camera on s20 ultra [was] broken when I woke up" and that they "don't know how this has happened".

In this instance, the camera bump's damage is rather dramatic, appearing somewhat like a small bullet hole through the glass.

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra with damaged camera bump

(Image credit: Samsung Community Forums)

Responding to the above image, another S20 owner claims to have the same issue, stating "That is exactly what happened to my husband and mine," and that "Samsung refuses to take responsibility for the design flaw". 

The user goes on to speculate that "What I think is happening is there is some sort of a gas between the camera and the glass like in a dual pane window and it just blows out from the inside outward".

Another damaged S20 Ultra

(Image credit: SamMobile)

Another user in a different thread also complains of cracked glass on the S20 Ultra's camera bump, although the damage is less severe. "While in my packet [sic] the glass of the camera broke," said the user, describing the damage in this instance as being "like a hair line that goes from one side to another".

Warranty woes

Worryingly, Samsung is not covering the damage under warranty for the time being, with reports by those affected stating it will cost up to $400 for repairs, or $100 for those who are part of Samsung’s Premium Care plan.

A Samsung representative responded to one of the posts in its community forum with the following statement:

"We are sorry to hear about the crack on your camera lens. Unfortunately Samsung Phone warranties does not cover cosmetic damage. If you are enrolled in Samsung Premium Care, you can set up a repair at an authorized Samung Repair Center or Partners. Also does not hurt to check if you have insurance via your service provider. Going through an Authorized Samsung Repair Center or Partner (such as U Break I Fix) will guarantee fixing your phone with authentic OEM Samsung parts. They will also check for integrety and put your phone back into warranty condition. To check for local Authorized Repair Centers please refer to www.Samsung.com"

We have reached out to Samsung for an additional statement on the matter and are awaiting its response.

TOPICS
Stephen Lambrechts
Senior Journalist, Phones and Entertainment

Stephen primarily covers phones and entertainment for TechRadar's Australian team, and has written professionally across the categories of tech, film, television and gaming in both print and online for over a decade. He's obsessed with smartphones, televisions, consoles and gaming PCs, and has a deep-seated desire to consume all forms of media at the highest quality possible. 

He's also likely to talk a person’s ear off at the mere mention of Android, cats, retro sneaker releases, travelling and physical media, such as vinyl and boutique Blu-ray releases. Right now, he's most excited about QD-OLED technology, The Batman and Hellblade 2: Senua's Saga.

Latest in Samsung Galaxy Phones
An image of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra from a hands-on event
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could resurrect an intriguing camera feature
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 could be in line for a Galaxy S25 Ultra-level camera upgrade
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, close up on the dual camera system, against a marbled background
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is being tipped to come with a sweet Google Gemini deal
Samsung Galaxy A56 display
Samsung’s new budget handsets are getting One UI 7 before the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and I’m as confused as you are
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display the January 22, 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event.
New Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge may have revealed some key details – including its price
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra HANDS ON
‘I don't see a space where the S Pen is not a key part of our portfolio’: Samsung executive defends the S Pen amid cancellation rumors
Latest in News
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a benchmark link teases the performance of the upcoming mid-ranger
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #1148)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #379)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #645)
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over