Rumors suggest the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will have a significantly different design compared to the S25 Ultra.

A mock-up of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is displayed beside the S25 Ultra in an image provided by Ice Universe.

The phone's more rounded corners and back camera setup are immediately noticeable. The rounded edges represent a continuation of Samsung's move toward a design aesthetic similar to the iPhone, abandoning the signature boxy style that was dropped with the S25 Ultra.

The design of the camera module is unappealing, at least according to one opinion. This is purportedly the first time there is no desire to acquire the newest Galaxy flagship. However, aesthetics are subjective, given that the iPhone 17 Pro is considered visually pleasing from the same perspective.

Paired with a camera module design reminiscent of 2021, the rounder corners make the Galaxy S26 Ultra appear dated when placed next to the previous model. There may be valid justifications for the camera module's appearance, possibly related to camera enhancements, but that does not necessarily make it more appealing.

The unchanged 5,000 mAh battery is also a factor. Samsung and Apple are employing different strategies for their premium smartphones. Samsung will keep making its phones thinner for aesthetic reasons, while Apple is increasing the size of its Pro models to hold larger batteries.

Android users may want to think about switching to the Google Pixel 10 or other excellent models from OnePlus or Xiaomi. The S26 Ultra may not impress consumers as much as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 did.

A mock-up of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is displayed beside the S25 Ultra in an image provided by Ice Universe.

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