The Galaxy S26 Ultra is thinner and more rounded than ever, and I love it [Gallery]
Source: 9to5Google
Design Overview
The overall design of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is mostly familiar, but subtle tweaks—such as rounding the corners—make for a nice hardware upgrade. At first glance, it looks like a Galaxy S25 Ultra wearing a Galaxy Z Fold 7 mask. Despite low expectations, Samsung’s refinements continue to impress.
Rounded Corners
When Samsung’s Ultra line inherited the legacy of the Galaxy Note, it also inherited the squared‑off design. The Galaxy S26 Ultra moves back toward the classic Galaxy S aesthetic with much wider rounded corners. While not exactly the same as the S26 and S26+, the radius is close enough to feel noticeably different from the S25 Ultra. Samsung also notes that the corners of the hardware and the display now match.
Thinner Profile
The S26 Ultra is Samsung’s first Ultra under 8 mm. Although the difference is marginal when placed side‑by‑side with the S25 Ultra, it feels much nicer in the hand. The device still carries a large 6.9‑inch screen, but it no longer feels like a behemoth.
Galaxy S26 Ultra (L) vs Galaxy S25 Ultra (R)
First Impressions
The hardware left a surprisingly nice first impression. The base Galaxy S26 and S26+ feel like the most boring possible rehash, but the Ultra stands out in a post‑Pixel 10a world.
Availability
The Galaxy S26 series is available for pre‑order now, with Samsung’s usual pre‑order perks, boosted trade‑in values, and more. Pre‑orders run through March 11, after which the phones will be on store shelves.
More on Samsung
- Samsung launches Galaxy S26 series, and higher prices are basically all that’s new
- Galaxy Buds 4 go back to the old case with redesign, head gestures, upgraded sound from $179
- Galaxy S26 Ultra’s Privacy Display is the best truly‑new smartphone feature in years [Gallery]
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