Galaxy S26 Ultra: Subtle design changes, but big challenges

A reliable source has just revealed images showing how Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra will look when placed next to the S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max. While still retaining the signature square style, the 2026 flagship Samsung's has obvious design tweaks that the technology world cannot help but notice.

A Galaxy S26 Ultra concept. Photo: Science and Knowledge

Rounder corners, taller and wider body

According to images shared by famous source Ice Universe on social networks, the screen protector of the Galaxy S26 Ultra shows that the device will have softer rounded corners than its predecessor S25 Ultra, thereby gradually moving away from the "square Note-style" design language that has been associated with the Ultra line for many years.

Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max screen protector. Photo: Ice Universe

However, this roundness is still not as "soft" as the iPhone 17 Pro Max , the flagship model that the S26 Ultra is placed next to for comparison.

Ice Universe said that although the two devices have almost the same screen, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be slightly taller and wider. Specifically, the height is said to be 163.4mm, a slight increase compared to the 162.8mm of the S25 Ultra; the width increases from 77.6mm to 77.9mm.

Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S26 Ultra screen protector. Photo: Ice Universe

Although this increase is not large, in actual hand-holding, the difference in feel will still be noticeable. The Galaxy S26 Ultra 's screen remains the same size of 6.9 inches, meaning the screen border can be more streamlined, helping to optimize the display space.

Not just changes on the front

The leaked images only reveal the front design, but previous reports have said the Galaxy S26 Ultra will also have a thinner body, along with a redesigned “pill” rear camera cluster – housing 3 of the 4 main lenses. This design makes the back look more seamless and modern than the S25 Ultra’s disjointed vertical arrangement.

However, the overall thickness of the device may still be slightly higher due to the higher “camera hump”. The expected weight is around 217g, slightly lighter than the current model – a small but welcome change for users who like a lightweight grip.

Overall, although each detail change is not too big, when combined, the Galaxy S26 Ultra promises to bring a significantly different look compared to the previous generation.

Samsung seems to be trying to balance the traditional strength of the Note line with the soft sophistication that modern users prefer.

Small step, or big leap?

The question is: are these changes enough to make the Galaxy S26 Ultra a “big step forward”?

The answer depends on how Samsung can optimize the user experience with the new design and upgraded internal hardware.

Galaxy S26 Ultra concept video . (Source: Science and Knowledge)

According to industry sources, the S26 Ultra will be equipped with a more powerful processor, most likely the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 for Galaxy, along with improved camera sensors for smoother night shooting and video recording. Although there are no specific parameters, insiders say Samsung is placing high expectations on photography capabilities - a factor that has always been considered the "weapon" of the Ultra line.

Prices may increase – will buyers be willing to pay?

However, along with those improvements comes the risk of further price increases. Leaks say rising component costs make it difficult for Samsung to maintain the same starting price. With the Galaxy S25 Ultra currently at $1,299, an increase of even a few dozen dollars could make users wary.

In the context of increasingly fierce competition in the high-end smartphone market, especially from Apple and Google, Samsung may face a difficult problem: maintaining profits without losing loyal users.

If the price increases without enough breakthrough design or features, the Galaxy S26 Ultra may have difficulty meeting sales expectations.

From the initial leaked images, the Galaxy S26 Ultra shows a slight but directional shift in Samsung's design philosophy - towards a softer, more refined style without losing its inherent luxurious, powerful appearance.

However, for this 2026 flagship to truly stand out, Samsung will need to overcome the price challenge, while also proving that the changes to the shape, camera, and performance are real improvements, not just a “visual refresh”.

If successful, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could mark an important turning point in the journey to reshape the Ultra series - a product line that has become a symbol of Samsung's strength and pioneering technology.

(According to PhoneArena, The Verge)

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