Samsung is reportedly revisiting the design philosophy of one of its most controversial products, the Galaxy Note 7, for its upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra. According to reliable industry insider IceUniverse, the Galaxy S25 Ultra might feature rounded edges reminiscent of the ill-fated Note 7, which could signal a significant shift in Samsung’s flagship design strategy.
Galaxy S25 Ultra is as round as Galaxy Note7, and I like this change. pic.twitter.com/KLrd2Y3BFg
— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) June 28, 2024
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to adopt a rounded frame design, deviating from the sharp, boxy corners seen in the recent Galaxy S21 Ultra to S24 Ultra models. This change is aimed at improving user comfort, as the sharp corners of current models can be uncomfortable when held for extended periods. The rounded design is expected to provide a more ergonomic grip, a feature that was a hallmark of the Note 7 before it was discontinued due to battery issues.
IceUniverse has also highlighted that the S25 Ultra will be significantly thinner than its predecessors. The Note 20 Ultra, at 8.1mm thick, was one of Samsung’s thinnest flagship models in recent years. The S21 Ultra to S23 Ultra models were 8.9mm thick, and the S24 Ultra slimmed down slightly to 8.6mm. The upcoming S25 Ultra is expected to be just 8.4mm thick, continuing the trend towards slimmer devices.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a body thickness of 8.4mm, further thinning against the trend, making it the thinnest S Ultra model in recent years. S21U to S23U are 8.9mm, while S24U is 8.6mm. Samsung's design still doesn't want to compromise with imaging and don't want to make it…
— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) June 28, 2024
In addition to its redesigned exterior, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is anticipated to feature substantial hardware upgrades. One of the most notable changes is the potential inclusion of MediaTek chipsets in certain markets, alongside the Snapdragon processors traditionally used in Samsung’s flagship devices. This diversification in chip suppliers could offer performance and cost benefits.
The camera system is also set to receive an upgrade. While the S24 Ultra’s telephoto lens received criticism for its reduced capabilities, the S25 Ultra is rumored to maintain this lens but enhance its resolution to 50MP. This improvement aims to address user feedback and enhance the overall photography experience.
For those who may not remember, the Galaxy Note 7 was released in 2016 and quickly became infamous due to a critical design flaw in its batteries, which caused some units to overheat and explode. This led to a massive recall and a significant blow to Samsung’s reputation. Despite its innovative features, including enhanced S Pen functionality and top-tier cameras, the Note 7’s legacy is marred by its safety issues.
Samsung has since learned from this episode, and any similarities in design between the Note 7 and the S25 Ultra will not extend to its battery technology. The company has implemented rigorous safety measures to ensure that such issues do not recur.
Samsung typically launches its Galaxy S series in the first quarter of each year, and if this pattern holds, the Galaxy S25 Ultra could be unveiled at an Unpacked event in January 2025. As production details are still being finalized, the design and hardware specifications may evolve before the official release.
Additionally, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to be priced higher than previous models, partly due to the increased costs of the Snapdragon chipsets and potential supply chain challenges. Samsung is also exploring the use of MediaTek chips to manage costs and ensure supply stability.
As we await the official announcement, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s rumored features and design changes have already sparked considerable interest and anticipation. Samsung’s ability to balance innovation with lessons from the past will be crucial in ensuring the success of its next-generation flagship.