We recently shared a story highlighting the mockup units of the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra. In our accompanying poll, which attracted 855 votes, over 42% of participants voiced their opinion that the design modifications were insufficient. I find myself aligning with this sentiment, as initial leaks suggest that neither device introduces any groundbreaking design enhancements.

Reportedly, the Ultra model will feature more rounded corners, thinner bezels than its predecessor, and a repositioned S Pen slot—shifting it closer to the edge of the phone.

Some users may appreciate the rumored return of the camera island on the rear, a design element discontinued after the S21 series. Ice Universe, a reliable source in the tech community, claims to have seen parts of the S26 Ultra design and described it as "premium and clean," contrasting with the criticized vinyl record camera ring seen in previous models.

One concern regarding the elevated camera island on the left side of the S-series phones is the potential for wobbling when the device is laid flat on a surface. This has been a common issue in many smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and others like the Xiaomi 15 and iPhone 14 series.

While many users may not use their phones on flat surfaces frequently, the wobble may frustrate those who prefer their devices without a case and often place them on a table.

Meh. Good enough. Should have been better. Vote

Current Poll Results:

The days when smartphone manufacturers took creative risks with designs seem to be dwindling. Innovations like the Samsung Galaxy Round and LG G Flex were standout examples, but it appears the current market prioritizes internal components over aesthetic creativity.

The incoming S26 series seems likely to reflect this trend with minimal design changes and emphasis on internal upgrades. While improvements in hardware are essential, the lack of external design evolution risks making many devices indistinguishable from one another.