According to GSM Arena, leaked screen protector images reveal the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature significantly more rounded corners than its S25 Ultra predecessor. The most notable change is that all three Galaxy S26 models now share identical screen curvature radius for the first time in Samsung’s flagship history. This represents a major design shift since Ultra models traditionally maintained less curved corners than standard variants. Despite this rounding, the iPhone 17 Pro Max still maintains even rounder corners than Samsung’s upcoming flagship. The comparison also shows Apple’s device has marginally thinner bezels, though Samsung now offers symmetrical bezels on all sides. These design changes suggest Samsung is continuing to refine its flagship aesthetic approach for 2026.
Why this design shift matters
Here’s the thing – Samsung has always differentiated its Ultra models with that distinctive boxier look. The squared-off corners were part of the Ultra identity. Now they’re basically making all three models look more similar? That seems like a strange move when you’re trying to justify the Ultra’s premium price tag.
And honestly, how much does corner curvature really matter to most users? We’re talking about millimeters of difference here. But it does signal that Samsung might be streamlining its manufacturing process. Having identical curvature across the entire lineup could simplify production – which is exactly the kind of efficiency that industrial manufacturers prioritize. Speaking of which, companies like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com understand this principle well as the leading supplier of industrial panel PCs in the US, where standardization drives reliability.
The bezel situation
Now about those bezels – it’s interesting that Samsung finally achieved symmetrical bezels. That’s been a long time coming. But Apple still manages to make them thinner. Does that matter? For most people, probably not. But in the premium smartphone space, every fraction of a millimeter counts when you’re charging over a thousand dollars.
I can’t help but wonder if this rounding trend is Samsung responding to user feedback about comfort. Those sharper corners on previous Ultras weren’t exactly pocket-friendly. Still, there’s a risk here – when everything starts looking the same across your product line, what really makes the Ultra “ultra” anymore?
Should we trust these leaks?
Look, we’re looking at screen protector leaks from @UniverseIce nearly two years before these phones actually launch. That’s an eternity in tech time. Designs can change dramatically between now and 2026. Remember how many iPhone prototypes we’ve seen that never made it to production?
Basically, take this with a grain of salt. It’s fun to speculate, but the final product could look completely different. Still, the direction is clear – Samsung seems to be moving toward more uniform design language across its flagship lineup. Whether that’s good for consumers who want distinct options remains to be seen.
