Galaxy S26 Ultra is Rounder Than S25 Ultra, Boxier Than iPhone 17 Pro Max

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra will not only bring meaningful hardware upgrades but also noticeable design refinements. The phone will feature more rounded corners, making it more comfortable to hold and smoother in the hand. Here’s how the corners compare to those of the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra may feature more rounded corners

As you can see in the side-by-side comparison of the tempered glass images, the differences are quite noticeable. The Galaxy S26 Ultra features more rounded corners than the S25 Ultra. However, Apple’s newly launched iPhone 17 Pro Max has even more curved edges. While Samsung could have made the corners fully rounded like its regular Galaxy S models, the company decided to keep the signature boxy style that defines the Ultra series.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra featured sharp corners that made it a bit uncomfortable to hold, especially during long periods of use. With the S25 Ultra, Samsung responded to that feedback by slightly softening the edges. Now, the company is taking that idea even further, giving the Galaxy S26 Ultra more rounded corners for improved comfort.

Furthermore, Samsung will make the Galaxy S26 Ultra slimmer than before. The device may measure just 7.9 mm thick, compared to the 8.2 mm thickness of the S25 Ultra. It will also receive a major redesign on the back, featuring a pill-shaped camera bump. Unlike the floating individual lens design seen on the S25 Ultra, the new raised module will group all the rear cameras together.

While the Galaxy S26 Ultra may feature the same 6.9-inch display, it may adopt Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) technology. In addition, it may use M14 OLED panels for improved power efficiency and brightness. However, the phone could cost more than its predecessor due to the rising prices of key smartphone components. It might go official on February 25, 2026.