The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is raising eyebrows and not in a good way. With its release still months away, early renders have leaked that suggest this flagship may not be worth the hype—or the investment.

These latest designs reveal that the Galaxy S26 Ultra has a retro vibe, appearing outdated when compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra. When it comes to the aesthetics, the phone seems to have taken a step backward. Although design is subjective, the resemblance of the Galaxy S26 Edge to the iPhone 17 Pro’s sleek redesign is hard to miss.

The most noticeable changes include softer, more rounded corners and a rear camera module that many users, including myself, find less than appealing. This is the first time I feel no urge to upgrade to Samsung's latest offering. In fact, while I acknowledge that opinions vary, I can't help but think that the iPhone 17 Pro is making a stronger impression.

Interestingly, the rounder corners and the dated camera setup make the Galaxy S26 Ultra seem almost antiquated next to the S25 Ultra, raising questions about Samsung's design direction. Some speculate that the camera module may offer functionality upgrades, but that doesn’t excuse its lackluster appearance.

Additionally, the retention of the same 5,000 mAh battery does little to alleviate concerns. Samsung’s strategy seems to lean toward slimmer designs for aesthetic appeal, while Apple is embracing a bulkier approach to enhance battery life.

For devoted Android users, this may be a good time to explore alternatives like the Google Pixel 10 or impressive devices from brands like OnePlus and Xiaomi. If the S26 Ultra doesn’t excite, it’s likely other brands will fill the gap left by Samsung.

Samsung seems to be out of sync with what consumers want right now. Unlike the exciting Galaxy Z Fold 7, the S26 Ultra may struggle to impress.