Samsung Galaxy S26 Leak Reveals Bold Redesign and Mixed Reactions

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series has finally surfaced in leaked images, and the first wave of reactions is anything but flattering. After Apple’s daringly divisive redesign for the iPhone 17 lineup, it looks like Samsung has decided to follow a similar path – but perhaps not with the same finesse.

For months, renders hinted at big changes, and now real-world component images confirm that the company’s 2025 flagships are taking on a new look that many might find underwhelming.

The biggest talking point is the Galaxy S26 Ultra. For a device meant to sit at the pinnacle of Samsung’s ecosystem, its appearance feels surprisingly outdated. Where last year’s Galaxy S25 Ultra still looked sharp and premium despite its controversial abandonment of Samsung’s iconic boxy frame, the new Ultra feels clunky. The redesigned camera bump, meant to accommodate a wider aperture, ends up making the phone look oddly retro. In fact, side by side, the S25 Ultra looks sleeker and more refined, which is a damning comparison for a so-called upgrade.

Samsung isn’t limiting this divisive aesthetic to its largest model. The Galaxy S26 Pro – which seems to be the new name for the base model – mirrors the Ultra’s styling, albeit in a more compact form. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 Edge manages to salvage some appeal by leaning into a design closer to Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro. Ironically, the Edge is the one model that feels modern and balanced, even if it does come across as heavily inspired by Cupertino’s choices.

Of course, design is always subjective. Some will inevitably find the new direction refreshing, while others – myself included – see it as a step backward. But even if you aren’t sold on the looks, Samsung is still betting that performance and photography upgrades will justify an upgrade. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 globally, a notable shift from the region-splitting strategy of past years. The S26 Pro and Edge will continue to offer a mix of Snapdragon and Exynos depending on market, but the overall boost in processing power is undeniable.

Perhaps the most meaningful change is in the camera system. While Samsung hasn’t rolled out new sensors this year, it has opted for a much wider aperture. In practice, this should mean brighter, sharper shots in low light and more natural depth of field effects. The controversial new camera bump, then, does serve a functional purpose – it just might take time for consumers to see past the design in order to appreciate the benefits.

Looking at the Galaxy S26 lineup as a whole, it’s clear Samsung is walking a fine line. The company risks alienating loyal fans who valued the sharp, distinctive identity of its older flagships. Yet, for those prioritizing raw performance, camera improvements, and the familiarity of Android, the S26 Ultra and Edge remain compelling contenders. If you can stomach the design changes – or if you happen to like them – these could still be worthy upgrades, especially for anyone holding onto devices older than the S24 or S25 generation.