The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about phones of 2025, not only for its performance but also because of a major design shift that is raising eyebrows among longtime fans. According to new leaks, Samsung is steering away from the iconic boxy Ultra aesthetic that helped distinguish its premium flagships. 
Instead, the S26 Ultra will adopt a much rounder, softer silhouette, drawing clear inspiration from Apple’s iPhone 17 line.
This redesign also affects one of Samsung’s signature features: the S Pen. While the stylus itself is not disappearing (a relief for productivity-minded users), its visible end will now be curved to match the phone’s softened corners. It’s a small but symbolic change that reinforces Samsung’s decision to align more closely with the rounded designs dominating the industry rather than clinging to its sharp, utilitarian identity.
The resemblance to the iPhone doesn’t stop there. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to house a large rear camera module that looks strikingly similar to Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro. This isn’t the first time Samsung has drawn criticism for echoing Apple’s design language, but the move has triggered passionate debates among Android enthusiasts. Some appreciate the sleeker, friendlier curves, while others argue the Ultra line is losing its soul by abandoning the signature squared-off form factor that once made it instantly recognizable.
Beyond the design controversy, the S26 Ultra remains a technological powerhouse. It will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor in most regions, while certain markets may see Samsung’s in-house Exynos alternative. Camera enthusiasts will be pleased with a genuine hardware upgrade this year, potentially addressing one of the few complaints about the S25 Ultra’s otherwise excellent imaging system. However, the 5,000 mAh battery capacity remains unchanged, which might disappoint power users who hoped for a jump in longevity to match the phone’s growing capabilities.
For those unconvinced by the Ultra’s redesign, Samsung is offering alternatives. The Galaxy S26 Edge, for example, appears to strike a balance with its more modern look while retaining a lighter design identity. Meanwhile, the standard model, rumored to carry the Galaxy S26 Pro name, will likely share the same rounded aesthetic. For those who find none of these designs appealing, Samsung’s foldable lineup continues to stand out. The Galaxy Z Fold 7, with its mix of innovation, practicality, and premium build, might represent a better option for users unwilling to compromise on uniqueness.
In short, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a phone caught between tradition and transformation. It is technically brilliant, but its design choices suggest Samsung is moving away from setting trends toward following them. For some, this evolution will be welcome; for others, it feels like the Ultra series is losing part of its DNA.
3 comments
bro why samsung copy apple so hard these days lol
fold 7 looks way better than this new ultra, samsung should focus there
ngl i hate the round edges, makes it look cheap af 😒