Apple and Samsung are gearing up for a design showdown in 2026. Leaks suggest that while the iPhone 17 Pro Max could get noticeably thicker, the Galaxy S26 Ultra might go the other way—getting slimmer and lighter. It’s a clear sign that the two smartphone giants may be taking very different paths with their next-gen flagships.
Right now, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra are nearly identical in size and weight, both measuring around 163 x 77.6 x 8.3mm and tipping the scales at 227g and 218g, respectively. But according to new leaks shared by tipster @UniverseIce, big changes are coming.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is reportedly getting thicker, with a depth of 8.76mm. That’s a noticeable bump, possibly to accommodate a larger battery and upgraded camera sensors. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is said to slim down to somewhere in the 7.xmm range—likely around 7.9mm—according to @TheGalox_. This would follow Samsung’s recent trend toward sleeker designs, as seen in the 8.9mm-thick Galaxy Z Fold7.
Part of that slimming might come from the rumored removal of the S Pen digitizer in the S26 Ultra, and the brand’s new lens technology. Despite the slimmer profile, the phone is still expected to keep its 5,000mAh battery and 200MP (1/1.3″) main sensor. Unfortunately, the rest of the cameras may remain mostly, if not entirely, unchanged.
On the other side, Apple’s move to a thicker body could be aimed at improving thermal performance for the upcoming A19 Pro chip and supporting more advanced “Apple Intelligence” features. The added thickness might also mean better battery life and camera performance—though it could push the iPhone’s weight beyond 227g. By comparison, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could end up lighter than its predecessor, possibly dropping below 218g.
This divergence sets up an interesting contrast: Apple may focus on raw power and endurance, while Samsung leans into portability and ergonomics. Depending on what users value more—performance or comfort—this design shift could tip the balance.
If the leak proves accurate, the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S26 Ultra are on track for a major design split when they arrive in early 2026. Which approach will win out? We’ll find out soon enough.
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