In August 2025, fresh leaks about the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra started making waves in the tech world. These details come from reliable sources like PhoneArena and Tom’s Guide. They paint a picture of a phone that might not excite Samsung fans as much as before. Instead, some changes could make people think twice and pick an iPhone instead. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to launch in early 2026. But early rumors suggest Samsung is playing it safe in ways that feel too familiar to Apple’s style.
Samsung has built a strong following with its Ultra series. These phones often stand out with bold designs and top features. The Galaxy Note line, which merged into the Ultra, was known for its sharp edges and big screens. Fans loved how it felt different from other phones. Now, things are changing. Leaks show the Galaxy S26 Ultra will have even rounder corners than the S25 Ultra. This makes it look more like the basic Galaxy S26 model. It also brings it closer to the smooth, curved look of recent iPhones.
This design shift worries many users. The boxy shape gave the Ultra a unique, premium feel. It made the phone easy to grip and use with the S Pen. With rounder edges, it might feel less special. Some say it loses the “Note DNA” that made Samsung stand out. If the phone starts to blend in with the crowd, why not go for the real thing? Apple’s iPhone has a huge fan base in places like the US and UK. Its clean design and strong ecosystem pull people in.
Battery life is another big talk point. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to keep the same 5,000 mAh battery. This size has not changed since the S20 Ultra in 2020. That’s six years with no boost in capacity. Users want longer battery life for heavy tasks like gaming or video editing. Samsung might add faster 65W charging. But without a bigger battery, it feels like a small fix. In comparison, Apple keeps improving battery tech in its Pro models. This could make the iPhone seem more reliable for all-day use.
The Design Shift That’s Raising Eyebrows
Moving to rounder corners is not just about looks. It affects how the phone feels in your hand. Sharp edges can dig in during long use. Rounder ones might be more comfortable. But comfort comes at a cost. Fans argue it makes the Ultra less distinct. In stores, side by side with an iPhone, the differences might fade. Samsung’s phone could look like a copy.
Leakers say the phone will be thinner, around 8mm thick. This is slimmer than the S25 Ultra. A bigger 6.89-inch screen fits by shrinking bezels. That’s good for watching videos or multitasking. Yet, some worry about the S Pen. Early rumors hinted at changes to its tech. Samsung might keep it, but tests showed issues. If the S Pen loses features like pressure sense, note-takers could be upset.
The overall build aims for a sleek profile. But it echoes Apple’s style too much. In tier 1 countries like the US, where iPhone rules the market, this could hurt sales. Data shows Apple’s share is strong, even if it dipped a bit lately. Samsung needs to stand out, not blend in.
Battery and Charging: Stuck in the Past?
Battery stagnation is a key complaint. With no increase to 5,000 mAh, the Galaxy S26 Ultra might struggle against rivals. Phones now handle AI tasks and high-res screens. These drain power fast. Samsung could use new materials like silicon-carbon. This might make the battery smaller inside without losing capacity. But users want real gains, not tricks.
Charging speed might jump to 60W or 65W. That’s better than the current 45W. You could top up faster. Still, it’s not groundbreaking. Apple offers solid battery life with optimized software. Their iPhones last long on a single charge. If Samsung does not step up, power users might switch.
Other features add to the mix. The processor could be the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2. It promises huge speed boosts. Scores might hit 4 million on tests. That’s way ahead of current Android phones. But if battery can’t keep up, the power goes to waste.
Camera Upgrades: Borrowing from Apple?
Cameras are a highlight in leaks. The Galaxy S26 Ultra might bring back a camera island. This is a big bump that holds all lenses together. It’s like the rumored iPhone 17 Pro design. Samsung says it allows better sensors. The main camera stays at 200MP but lets in more light. Telephoto lenses could upgrade to 48MP or 50MP.
This sounds exciting for photo lovers. Low-light shots could improve. Video might hit 4K at 120fps on the front camera. A new engine processes images smarter. But the island design feels borrowed. Apple is set to expand its camera bump too. If Samsung copies, it loses its edge.
Fans want innovation, not imitation. The Ultra series led with zoom tech before. Now, matching Apple might not impress. In markets like Europe or Australia, where choices are plenty, this could tip the scale to iPhone.
Performance Boosts and AI Focus
On the bright side, RAM might go up to 16GB. This helps with AI features in Galaxy AI. The display could use new tech to cut glare. Brightness stays high for outdoor use. Storage options remain the same: 256GB to 1TB.
The Exynos chip might return in some areas. But Snapdragon leads for speed. These upgrades are solid. Yet, they might not offset the design and battery issues.
Price is another factor. Rumors peg it at around $1,300 or more. That’s premium territory. If the phone feels too similar to iPhone, value drops.
Why This Might Convince More to Go Apple
In the end, Samsung’s moves with the Galaxy S26 Ultra could backfire. Rounder design, same battery, and Apple-like camera changes make it less unique. In tier 1 countries, where tech trends move fast, users want standout devices. Apple’s ecosystem is tight-knit. iOS runs smooth, and updates last years.
Samsung offers great hardware. But if it starts looking and feeling like an iPhone, why not switch? Leaks show fans are vocal about this. Some prefer the old Note style. If Samsung ignores that, more might jump ship.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra could still wow with cameras and speed. But to keep loyal fans, Samsung needs bold steps. Otherwise, the pull to iPhone grows stronger. As we wait for official news, these rumors spark debate. Will Samsung listen?
