Summary
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra may feature a more rounded, ergonomic design, making it easier to hold compared to its sharp-edged predecessor.
Rumors suggest Samsung will keep flat sides and back but refine the corners for better comfort and usability.
The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra may be easier to handle than its predecessor, thanks to a rumored design overhaul aimed at making the device more palm-friendly. According to reputable industry tipster Ice Universe, Samsung is working on giving its next flagship a more rounded body, potentially addressing one of the main ergonomic complaints about the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
A Move Away from Sharp Corners
The rumor suggests that Samsung will reduce the sharpness of the corners on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Sharp-edged phones often feel bulkier in the hand than they actually are, while also making prolonged use uncomfortable. By smoothing and rounding out the corners, Samsung could improve the ergonomics, making the Ultra model feel slimmer and more comfortable to hold.
Though Ice Universe did not explicitly confirm that the corners will be more rounded, speculation strongly points in that direction. Some have wondered whether Samsung might also curve the back panel, but current expectations suggest the company will keep the front, back, and sides flat, opting only to tweak the corners.
Aligning With Industry Trends
Most mainstream flagship smartphones in recent years have combined flat displays and flat rear panels with softened, rounded corners to balance aesthetics with usability. Samsung’s S25 Ultra, with its sharper edges, diverged somewhat from this trend. If the new rumor is accurate, the Galaxy S26 Ultra may realign with broader industry design trends while maintaining its premium, boxy character.
S Pen and Other Rumors
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to debut in January 2026, alongside the Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Edge. Beyond its potential design tweaks, speculation also points to an upgraded S Pen stylus, though there are unconfirmed reports that this could be the last Samsung phone to feature the S Pen natively.
Mixed Reactions Online
User opinions on the leaked redesign are divided. Some welcome the idea of a softer, more comfortable grip, while others argue that the squared-off style of previous Ultras gave the phones a sharper, more professional aesthetic. For now, Samsung hasn’t confirmed any changes, so fans will need to wait until early 2026 for the official reveal.
If true, the move to a rounder, more ergonomic Galaxy S26 Ultra could mark one of Samsung’s most practical design changes in years. With ergonomics becoming increasingly important as displays grow larger, this subtle adjustment could make the Ultra line more user-friendly without sacrificing its premium flagship appeal.