We are getting closer to the launch of Samsung’s Galaxy S24 lineup, the company’s flagship phone series that will likely set benchmarks for top-of-the-line Android devices in 2024. This year’s launch seems particularly interesting, with various rumors pointing to major changes.
To start with, the rumored January launch may see both Exynos 2400 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets across regions, bringing back the geographical division of processors. There is chatter about a greater focus on robust AI capabilities, as well as a shortcut to Instagram on the lock screen, although the utility of this is questionable. Even though the launch is months away, there is already much anticipation building up.
However, the most notable leaked modification is Samsung purportedly moving away from the long-standing curved display on the Ultra model to a flatter screen. The leaked renders appear more reminiscent of Apple’s aesthetic than Samsung’s own design language thus far. However, I am uncertain if this is the kind of change Samsung should prioritize right now.
Curved Displays Are Better for the Ergonomics of Large Phones
Personally, I have become a fan of curved displays when it comes to large-screen phones. The regular Galaxy S24, with its compact, flat screen, would be easy to use single-handedly. But with screen sizes above 6 inches, a flat display quickly becomes cumbersome, while a subtle curve helps retain one-handed usability. Ergonomics are critical for a gigantic phone like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and a flatter screen does not aid one-handed usage unless the chassis is considerably slimmer, which seems unlikely.
Incremental Flattening in Recent Years
Samsung has gradually flattened the edges on its Ultra variants over the past couple of generations. As evident in the picture, the S23 Ultra’s frame is slightly boxier than the S22 Ultra’s. Although the screen still has some curvature, the newer iteration feels more brick-like and unwieldy to hold than its predecessor.
Risk of Emulating iPhone Ergonomics
One only needs to see the near-universal complaints about the awkward bulge and weight of Apple’s 6.7-inch flat-edged iPhone 15 Pro Max and previous equivalents. Even reducing weight via a titanium frame hasn’t salvaged the handling experience on Apple’s mega-sized device. This is another parallel that Samsung appears to be pursuing. Of all the things Samsung could replicate to possibly attract iPhone users, copying the Pro Max ergonomics is not advisable. Thankfully, the leaked shots indicate a small chassis curve that should improve ergonomics compared to the iPhone. But pushing the bezel upwards means less screen real estate where it matters most.
Focus on Software, Hardware, and Services Instead
The pervasiveness of US market share data reveals quite concerning numbers for most OEMs, even as Apple performs relatively resiliently. This might have prompted some more mimicry from certain competitors, but design alone does not define smartphone identity today. Arguably, iMessage plays a bigger role than hardware design in Apple’s Western market sway, as underscored by recent developments around RCS and related ecosystems. Samsung has limited influence here.
Rather, Samsung could redouble its efforts to catch up with Apple’s supremacy in smartphone videography, ranging from stabilization to near-lossless recording capabilities. Apple is also prioritizing mobile gaming, so Samsung should advocate bringing more advanced and engaging games to its devices and Android in general. Samsung seems keen to emphasize AI in the upcoming lineup, helping it stand apart from Apple’s middling AI and ML abilities currently. Ultimately, unique, compelling, and pragmatically useful capabilities attract buyers more than replicating the aesthetics of a popular alternative. Fixing aspects that already work well in order to pursue such an elusive goal seems unproductive.
Cautiously Optimistic About Design Changes
Perhaps I am overly concerned about the alleged modifications, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra design will turn out excellent—maybe even improved over past iterations. I remain convinced completely, but hopefully my worries are unfounded.