Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Looks Outdated Beside the S25 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has surfaced in early leaks, and reactions are far from unanimous. With months still to go before its official reveal, renders and dummy units already paint a clear picture: Samsung’s top-tier Ultra flagship is stepping into controversial territory. Compared directly to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the new device appears oddly regressive, almost as if the design team decided to rewind the clock rather than push forward with bold innovation.

One of the most striking changes is the overall silhouette.

The S25 Ultra’s sharper, boxy profile – a design language that Samsung fans once celebrated as its signature – has been softened into rounded corners that unmistakably echo Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro. For some, this smoother aesthetic feels modern and ergonomic, while for others, it represents a loss of Samsung’s distinct identity. When lined up side by side, the S26 Ultra looks less like a new leader of the Galaxy line and more like a phone that could have been released years ago.

Then there’s the rear camera module. Samsung’s camera hardware has often been the crown jewel of its flagship phones, a reason to upgrade year after year. But this time, the arrangement appears uninspired, reminiscent of older smartphones from 2021. While insiders suggest that the module redesign hides upgraded sensors and new imaging capabilities, the visual impression leaves many underwhelmed. A flagship phone that looks dated is always a risky proposition, particularly when style is often as important as substance in the fiercely competitive premium market.

The hardware story doesn’t inspire either. Once again, Samsung has opted for a 5,000 mAh battery – the same capacity we’ve seen before. Meanwhile, Apple has taken the opposite approach, bulking up its Pro lineup to accommodate larger cells and deliver longer endurance. Samsung’s commitment to keeping devices thinner may satisfy those who want sleekness, but it risks frustrating power users who demand more stamina. In an era where Google, OnePlus, and Xiaomi are pushing boundaries on both performance and endurance, staying stagnant feels dangerous.

Another concern for loyalists is that Samsung seems to be shadowing Apple more closely than ever. The shift in corners and camera styling invites direct comparisons with Cupertino’s design language. For buyers who want something distinct from the iPhone, this resemblance may erode the very reason they once chose Galaxy over iOS. Some Android enthusiasts have already voiced that if every OEM ends up copying Apple’s playbook, they might as well cross over to the iPhone instead of buying a watered-down imitation.

Of course, there is nuance here. The S26 Ultra is expected to bring camera improvements under the hood, possibly setting new benchmarks for night photography and zoom. Samsung also remains a leader in display technology, and we can expect another dazzling AMOLED panel with ultra-high brightness and adaptive refresh rates. But the fact that excitement is more focused on hidden internals than visible design says a lot about how this generation is being received.

For Android users who want something fresh, the conversation is already shifting. Google’s Pixel 10, with its emphasis on AI-driven features, and OnePlus’ latest flagships, which continue to prioritize speed and clean software, are strong contenders. Xiaomi too is pressing hard in global markets with bold designs and aggressive pricing. In comparison, Samsung risks being seen as complacent, banking too heavily on brand loyalty rather than compelling evolution.

Looking at the bigger picture, this may be a pivotal moment. Samsung has long defined what the Android premium tier looks like, often setting trends that others follow. But if the Galaxy S26 Ultra feels like a step back, the company could be opening the door for rivals to claim the crown. In the end, design is subjective, but perception shapes sales – and right now, perception suggests that Samsung’s next Ultra may look less like the future and more like the past.