Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: A Departure from Google’s Pixel 10 Design
Samsung’s upcoming flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is poised to take a different path compared to Google’s Pixel 10 series in terms of design. According to renowned tipster Ice Universe, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to be thinner than its predecessor, dipping below 8mm in thickness, and shedding a few grams in weight despite potentially sporting a slightly larger display.
This divergence from Google’s approach is intriguing, especially considering recent reports suggesting that the Pixel 10 range is expected to be thicker and heavier across the board. Google’s decision to incorporate larger batteries might explain this shift, while Samsung appears committed to maintaining a 5000mAh battery for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Speculation also surrounds Google’s potential adoption of a full Qi2 magnetized charging system, possibly named ‘Pixelsnap,’ which could necessitate thicker devices. Samsung’s choice to go thinner with the Galaxy S26 Ultra raises questions about its stance on Qi2 integration, hinting at a contrasting strategy.
Beyond dimensions, Ice Universe hints at Samsung’s utilization of a special overclocked ‘for Galaxy’ variant of the Snapdragon Elite 2 chip. Contrary to earlier rumors, this chipset will be produced by TSMC, not Samsung itself, indicating a strategic shift in manufacturing partnerships.
Meanwhile, in recent Samsung developments, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 launch introduced enhancements to the Now Bar widget. Samsung revealed plans to expand app support for the Now Bar from 20 to 35 with the transition from One UI 7 to One UI 8, showcasing a commitment to improving user experience.
While specifics on the additional supported apps remain undisclosed, Samsung promises an increased variety of cards on the Now Bar, enhancing functionality and accessibility for users. These updates are expected to roll out before the year concludes, offering users a more robust and customizable widget experience.
As Samsung and Google diverge in their design approaches, with Samsung prioritizing slimness and Google focusing on enhanced features like larger batteries, the smartphone landscape is set for exciting developments with the launch of the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Pixel 10 series. Keep an eye on these industry giants as they continue to innovate and differentiate their flagship offerings in the competitive market.