GoKawiilStephen Radochia / Android Authority
Unboxing a new Samsung smartphone used to be an event. I remember running home, knowing a shiny new Galaxy Note 9 was waiting for me, unable to contain my excitement as I ripped open the box. I felt the same as I picked up my Rise of Skywalker Galaxy Note 10 Plus for the first time. The devices felt alive, and they continued a long tradition of interesting Samsung phones.
Unfortunately, I haven’t felt that in a long time. Samsung’s current designs feel uninspired, and it is surprising that we have seen the same general design for almost five years in its flagship Galaxy series. Sure, there have been minor refreshes along the way, but nothing like what we were used to seeing from the company.
Thankfully, leaks suggest that’s about to change, as the upcoming Galaxy S27 reminds me of one of the best phones the company has ever released.
Which Samsung Galaxy is your all-time favorite? 36 votes Galaxy Note 9 14 % Galaxy Note 4 0 % Galaxy Note 10+ 19 % Galaxy S10+ 28 % Galaxy S4 6 % Galaxy S7 Edge 28 % Other 6 %
Samsung’s hardware has stagnated for a reason
Stephen Radochia / Android Authority
There’s a certain attitude you have as an insurgent that’s much harder to maintain as an incumbent. Samsung’s early designs showed it was trying to blaze a trail, while its recent success has made that difficult. When you have a massive installed user base buying your product every year, you do your best not to upset that — it’s human nature, and it’s especially true in business.
It proved you could make a device that was sleek, stylish, and powerful — that didn’t have to weigh as much as a Fiat.
Unfortunately, that can lead to a bland product, and there’s no better example than the Galaxy S26 lineup. Samsung’s recent design language is uninspired, meant to offend as few people as possible while sitting on store shelves. It seems easy to criticize from the sidelines, but Samsung knows what it is doing, with the sales figures to back it up.
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