Samsung’s Galaxy lineup has long been a defining force in the smartphone industry, setting standards not just for Android devices but for the market as a whole. Yet, with the company’s latest design choices, particularly for the upcoming Galaxy S26 family, many loyal fans are beginning to question whether the brand is losing its way. 
Recent polls highlight a striking divide: while some appreciate the bold redesigns, a larger portion of users feel that Samsung is drifting too far from its identity.
A Poll That Shows Growing Discontent
When we asked readers about their thoughts on Samsung’s current trajectory, the responses were anything but unanimous. Nearly 44 percent of voters openly rejected the company’s new design direction, a figure that points to significant dissatisfaction. About 38 percent welcomed the changes, while the remainder expressed indifference. This split illustrates the increasingly polarizing effect Samsung’s design philosophy is having on its base. It is no longer a matter of minor tweaks but of fundamental aesthetic shifts that strike at the core of what makes a Galaxy phone instantly recognizable.
What’s New in the Galaxy S26 Series?
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to feature even rounder edges than its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, a change that already divides opinion. Perhaps more contentious is the reintroduction of a prominent rear camera bump – a design element Samsung once worked hard to minimize. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 Edge will come equipped with an oversized camera module, a move that has drawn comparisons to Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro. Ironically, that very Apple redesign also sparked early backlash before gradually gaining acceptance among users. The parallel raises an important question: will Samsung’s design gamble eventually win over skeptics, or will it alienate more fans in the long run?
The Problem With Identity
For years, Galaxy Ultra phones stood out for their boxy, confident designs that set them apart from rivals. Many consumers saw this look as Samsung’s signature – bold, practical, and professional. The softer, rounder aesthetic of the Galaxy S26 Ultra risks erasing that distinction, making the phone feel less like a Galaxy and more like a derivative hybrid of other flagships. Some users worry that Samsung is following in Apple’s footsteps, sacrificing its unique identity in pursuit of mass-market appeal. Apple itself faced similar criticism when the iPhone Air debuted with a silhouette reminiscent of Google’s Pixel 10. If anything, this underscores the risk of homogenization in an industry where brand identity is one of the last clear differentiators.
Do Consumers Really Want Slimmer Phones?
Adding to the debate is the existence of slimmer variants like the Galaxy S25 Edge and the iPhone Air. Many users argue that these devices are unnecessary, pointing out that they trade battery capacity for a marginal reduction in thickness – hardly the innovation most customers have been asking for. In an age where battery life and durability matter more than shaving off a millimeter of thickness, such decisions appear out of step with consumer priorities.
Where Should Samsung Go From Here?
The criticism Samsung faces is not just about aesthetics but about brand direction. Smartphones are not only tools but also status symbols and extensions of personal identity. When a company known for bold design suddenly pivots toward safer, more generic looks, it risks eroding loyalty. While some buyers may embrace the new rounder shapes and bigger camera modules, the question remains whether Samsung is innovating or simply imitating. For the Galaxy brand to thrive, it must walk a fine line between evolution and preservation of its essence. Losing that balance could mean losing what made Galaxy phones iconic in the first place.
As the Galaxy S26 prepares for launch, the industry will be watching closely. Will consumers warm up to the new designs over time, as they did with Apple’s latest iPhone models, or will Samsung find itself pressured to return to its roots? One thing is certain: the debate over design shows just how much people still care about the identity of the devices they carry every day.