GoKawiilJoe Maring / Android Authority
When the latest leaks and rumors around the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra dropped earlier this week, they created a bit of a furor in the Android Authority newsroom, and for good reason. Early renders show a wide horizontal camera bar stretching across the back of the phone. It replaces the individual floating lenses Samsung has used for years for a striking change that also looks suspiciously similar to a certain Pro-themed smartphone from Cupertino.
For years, we’ve given Samsung a hard time for playing it safe with iterative designs. Now, I’m not saying that critiquing Samsung’s repetitive takes on the same design ID wasn’t well deserved. However, now that the company is trying out something different, I can’t really say it’s for the better. The problem is not that Samsung changed its design language. It is that the change feels less like a bold step forward and more like Samsung wholeheartedly adopting Apple’s roadmap as its own.
I’m still in disbelief at just how blatant Samsung is being about it.
What do you think of Samsung’s rumored Galaxy S27 Ultra redesign? 36 votes I like the fresh design. 11 % It looks too much like an iPhone. 56 % I preferred the older design. 17 % I don't care as long as it's functionally better. 17 %
Samsung’s identity vs. functionality dilemma
Android Headlines
If you’ve been following the Galaxy S27 Ultra leaks, you will know that the upcoming phone’s back panel is expected to look dramatically different. While these are still rumors, for a minute, let’s roll with them as fact because it is extremely rare that Samsung’s products don’t pan out exactly as the leaks say they will.
The popular reaction to the leak is exactly what you’d expect. The phone looks like a cheap imitation of the iPhone, and looks something akin to what you’d expect from tier-two Chinese OEMs. Honestly, there’s truth to that reaction. Even leading Android OEMs like vivo and OPPO have developed their own distinct design identities.
Samsung had a good reason to rethink the Galaxy’s design. It didn’t need to copy the iPhone to do it.
... continue reading