Let’s discuss the similarities first
Samsung has, unfortunately, decided to round out the corners on the Ultra model next year even further. I was already not a fan of the Galaxy S25 Ultra redesign — it’s nice, but it gave up an iconic look — but this is just becoming ridiculous. The S26 Ultra will resemble the shape of an iPhone ever further.
And, apparently, Samsung decided that this wasn’t enough. The Galaxy S26 Edge, according to multiple reliable sources, will feature a rear camera module that looks just like the one on the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro.
Are you still denying the similarities? Look, I’m no Apple fanboy. I find the company’s products and influence on the entire industry fascinating to write about, but I’m still an Android guy in the end.
But, honestly, what’s the point of buying a Samsung anymore?
There is probably a good reason for the redesign
There’s probably a good reason for why Samsung and Apple have both decided to add large camera modules on the back of their supposedly slim flagship phones. Cameras, and likely other components, will be housed there so that most of the phone can be as thin as it is.
Samsung, according to reports, has basically reached the engineering limitations of what is possible with Li-ion batteries when making the S26 Edge. A phone cannot be any slimmer than this while keeping the same 4,200 mAh battery that the Edge will reportedly have. As such, the larger camera module on the back probably takes the brunt of housing most of the phone’s internal parts.
But then, are the Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge and iPhone 17 Air really as slim as they’re being marketed? Whether you consider their official measurements accurate or not, the fact remains that the S26 Edge looks a lot like the iPhone 17 Pro, a phone that many Samsung users actively hate the look of.
The entire S26 series isn’t too pretty
I might be a bit biased when I say this, because I think that the iPhone 17 Pro looks great, but the Galaxy S26 phones don’t look too pretty. The rounder corners and the camera module on the back of the Ultra just…don’t do it for me.
If you’re an Android user, this might be the best time to get into the Apple ecosystem, if you want to, of course. I, personally, have never been this tempted before. Apple’s three-year plan for the iPhone looks extremely promising, and Samsung just isn’t doing enough to make me interested.
For your next flagship, I think that you’d be better off considering a OnePlus or Xiaomi phone over Samsung, as long as you don’t face any connectivity issues in the States. And, if you’re willing to test the waters outside of the Android world, this is as good a time as any to give the iPhone 17 series a go. Especially now that Android is becoming more restrictive in how it handles apps from outside the Google Play Store.
Go easy on me in the comments, please. I’m just really disappointed with the direction that Samsung is taking its flagship phones. At least, if nothing else, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 looks absolutely fantastic, and Apple’s foldable iPhone will have a very difficult time beating it at anything.
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