According to SamMobile, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra is continuing the design shift back toward rounded corners that began with this year’s S25 Ultra. Leaked images of what appears to be a third-party screen protector show the 2026 model will have even more pronounced rounded corners than its predecessor. The upcoming phone’s corner radius looks similar to the Galaxy S21 Ultra from 2021, but with one crucial difference – the S26 Ultra is expected to maintain a completely flat display rather than curved edges. This design approach potentially combines the comfort of rounded corners with the practical benefits of a flat screen for S Pen use and durability. Samsung will likely unveil the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026, with additional leaks suggesting the S Pen might get a curved clicker button to match the phone’s frame curvature.
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The design evolution full circle
Here’s the thing about smartphone design – it’s rarely a straight line forward. Samsung‘s Ultra series actually started with rounded corners back in 2020 and 2021, then went through a boxy phase from 2022 to 2024. Now we’re seeing what looks like a return to form. It’s interesting how quickly we forget that the “original” Ultra identity was actually rounded, not sharp-edged.
What’s really clever about this potential design is how Samsung seems to be learning from past mistakes. The S21 Ultra had rounded corners but also curved screen edges, which many users found less practical. The S26 Ultra appears to be keeping the flat display that works better with the S Pen while bringing back the comfortable rounded corners. Basically, they’re trying to have their cake and eat it too.
Why rounded corners actually matter
You might wonder – do rounded corners really make that much difference? Actually, yes. Sharp corners can dig into your palm during one-handed use, and they’re more prone to chipping if you drop the phone. Rounded corners distribute impact better and just feel more natural in the hand. After years of boxy “professional” designs, it seems Samsung is remembering that comfort matters too.
The leaked image shared on X shows a pretty significant rounding compared to recent models. It’s not just a subtle change – this looks like a deliberate shift back toward the phone’s roots. And honestly? It’s probably a smart move. The Ultra series has always been about pushing boundaries, but sometimes the best innovation is remembering what worked well in the first place.
Where does smartphone design go from here?
This potential design direction raises bigger questions about where smartphone aesthetics are heading. Are we seeing a broader trend away from the sharp, industrial looks that dominated recent years? Other manufacturers have been experimenting with more organic shapes too. Maybe we’re entering an era where comfort and ergonomics are becoming priorities again after years of chasing “premium” aesthetics that weren’t always user-friendly.
What’s particularly interesting is timing. If Samsung releases the S26 Ultra with these rounded corners in early 2026, that would mark exactly six years since the original Galaxy S20 Ultra started the series. Could this be a deliberate callback to celebrate the Ultra line’s heritage? Either way, it shows that in tech, what’s old often becomes new again. The challenge is blending the best of past designs with today’s technology – and that’s exactly what Samsung appears to be attempting here.
