Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra design language shows flat is the new round

The flagship smartphone design has come full circle, and it seems flat is officially back in style. Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra is ditching the last remnants of its rounded edge era, opting instead for flat sides on all four edges. This new design direction feels like a nod to Apple’s recent iPhone aesthetic, and interestingly, it follows the design cues already seen in Google’s Pixel 9 series, which also sports flat sides.

While the Galaxy S24 Ultra was already flirting with flatness — boasting flat top and bottom edges — the S25 Ultra goes all in, flattening all four edges. The display screen on the S25 Ultra stays flat as well, but this isn’t a radical departure from the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which also had a flat display. What’s really new here is the total abandonment of any curved edges, solidifying a design trend that’s sweeping across premium smartphones.

The move from rounded to flat edges is notable, considering that curved designs have been a hallmark of premium phones for years. From a functional standpoint, those curves were all about improving the feel in your hand, but flat sides give the S25 Ultra a modern, industrial look that some users will definitely love.

Samsung’s pivot to flatter designs mirrors what’s happening in the broader market. The Pixel 9, for instance, has also embraced flat edges, moving away from the curvy aesthetics of previous models. This design shift seems to reflect a renewed focus on clean lines and minimalist aesthetics across the industry. The camera layout on the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains largely unchanged, with the iconic floating camera rings still in place, but the flat edges now give it an even sleeker profile.

The upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t just flatter — it’s reportedly lighter, too. Weighing in at 219g, it shaves off some weight compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which was 233g. With slimmer dimensions but the same impressive 5,000mAh battery, Samsung seems to be going for a perfect blend of form and function.

Power users will also be pleased to know that the entire Galaxy S25 series will come equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor. It promises more power and better efficiency, possibly improving battery life despite sticking with the same 5,000mAh battery capacity. Plus, there are rumors that the phone might introduce satellite connectivity — a feature that could be a game changer in emergency situations.

Samsung revolutionized smartphone design with the introduction of curved displays in 2013. The Galaxy Round and Galaxy Note Edge, pioneers in this space, captivated audiences with their innovative and visually striking screens. The trend gained significant momentum following the launch of the iconic Galaxy S6 Edge in 2015, cementing curved edges as a sought-after feature in premium smartphones.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s design evolution is part of a broader trend. Over the last few years, we’ve watched flagship phones embrace sleek, curved designs — a feature that made them stand out from midrange and budget options. But now, with Samsung, Apple, and Google all favoring flatter designs, it’s clear that clean, flat lines are becoming the new premium standard.

It’s not just about looks, though. Flat designs have their practical advantages, making devices easier to grip and arguably more durable, especially around the edges. So, while it’s tempting to call the new flat design a throwback, it’s really a sign that the smartphone market is always in flux, blending the best of old and new.