Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra seems poised to return to its design roots, particularly with the introduction of even rounder corners compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Recent images of a screen protector for the Galaxy S26 Ultra have surfaced, showcasing a design that embraces more curvature—marking a significant shift in the series' aesthetic. This change harks back to a time when rounded corners were a hallmark of the Ultra models.
For several generations, the Galaxy S Ultra series adopted a boxy design after Samsung discontinued the Galaxy Note series and integrated the S Pen into the Galaxy S line. Many fans of the S-series expressed their dissatisfaction with the more angular corners introduced in the 2022-2024 models. Fortunately, the Galaxy S25 Ultra began to break this trend by reintroducing rounded corners. Now, it appears that the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra will take this design concept even further.
The leaked image, shared on the platform X, likely features a third-party screen protector rather than the actual glass of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. While the exact bezel width may not be definitive, the overall shape and curvature of the glass indicate a notable shift toward rounder corners compared to the S25 Ultra. The corners of the S26 Ultra resemble those of the older Galaxy S21 Ultra, but with a modern twist.
Unlike the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which featured curved screen edges, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is anticipated to debut with a completely flat display. This design choice is expected to enhance the S Pen experience, providing higher durability and a more comfortable grip due to the rounder corners. The combination of a flat screen and rounded edges could offer the best of both worlds, catering to user preferences for functionality and comfort.
Samsung is expected to officially unveil the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026. Preliminary leaks suggest that the rear camera setup may feature a camera island, reminiscent of past designs. Additionally, the positioning of the S Pen is likely to be pushed closer to the left edge of the device, potentially resulting in a slightly curved clicker button that aligns with the frame's curvature.
While it’s easy to overlook the historical context of the Ultra series, the anticipated design changes for the Galaxy S26 Ultra should not be perceived as a departure from its identity. Instead, if the S26 Ultra adopts rounded corners, it will serve as a meaningful callback to the design principles established in 2020 and 2021, reaffirming its heritage while adapting to modern user needs.
