I have reservations about Samsung’s choice to mirror Apple’s iPhone design approach in recent years. While I value consistency in a phone lineup, I believe Apple may have gone a bit too far with the current iPhone design, appearing more iterative than necessary. In a parallel manner, Samsung has been following a similar path since the launch of the Galaxy S22 series.

Simultaneously, there’s a certain satisfaction in witnessing the evolution of a single design over time. For instance, despite its striking resemblance to the iPhone 12 series, the iPhone 15 series exudes a distinct feel, thanks to subtle changes that may go unnoticed by most.

Now, I’m sensing a similar vibe with the upcoming Galaxy S24 series, particularly focusing on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Design Evolution. I must admit, I find myself leaning more toward being a fan than a critic, although it’s a somewhat balanced perspective, maybe around 65/35 or something along those lines.

Based on various leaks and rumors, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is anticipated to feature a fresh brushed titanium frame, akin to the one on the iPhone 15 Pro. As evident in leaked renders, Samsung is opting for a palette of “professional” colors, reminiscent of the iPhone 14 Pro series, with the matte gray finish intended to represent “gold,” according to tipster Ice Universe.

Another subtle yet noteworthy alteration in the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s design is the adoption of Samsung’s flattest premium flagship display in a long time. While there are subtle curves at the edge of the glass, the actual display area of the S24 Ultra appears entirely flat now.

Furthermore, a long-awaited design change that I find appealing is the introduction of symmetrical bezels on Samsung’s premium flagship, a first for the Galaxy S series (vanilla Galaxy S22 models received this upgrade earlier).

While it’s challenging to generate excitement for the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s design, given its striking similarity to the Galaxy S23 Ultra and the almost identical appearance to the S22 Ultra, the subtle changes implemented by Samsung appear deliberate. As mentioned earlier, this shift gives the impression of a maturation process in the design evolution.

It’s as if Samsung has adeptly embraced Apple’s incremental upgrade approach, introducing noticeable enhancements one step at a time rather than opting for a complete overhaul, as was the company’s previous practice. This methodology creates a gratifying experience, eventually delivering the precise design that users may have desired since day one.

Drawing a comparison to the iPhone, holding an iPhone 12 Pro differs significantly from the feel of the iPhone 15 Pro, a positive distinction despite their visual similarity. This paradox underscores Apple’s successful “refinement” strategy.

Certainly, adopting Apple’s “design refinement” strategy has instilled patience in Samsung and its fans when anticipating upgrades. However, not everyone shares this patience, especially evident on platforms like tech Twitter. Some individuals yearn for the excitement of a new Galaxy or iPhone that instantly captivates them, reminiscent of the enthusiasm sparked by devices like the Galaxy S6 Edge, iPhone X, or, on a personal note, the Pixel 6 Pro – the last (non-foldable) phone that truly elicited excitement for use.

Now, considering the perspective of a more “enthusiastic” group of smartphone users, of which I am a part, let’s reevaluate the Galaxy S24 Ultra, raising some pertinent questions:

Why not inject a bit of freshness by incorporating the button/frame design seen in leaked Galaxy A55 renders into the Galaxy S24, Samsung? While not a complete overhaul, it could have infused a sense of novelty and a touch of edginess into the flagship phones.

One aspect of the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s purported design bothers me significantly – even with the shift to a titanium frame, there’s no expectation of a lighter build. Hopefully, this information is incorrect, as the 20g reduction Apple achieved with the iPhone 15 Pro Max significantly enhanced its comfort in hand compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

A recurring point worth emphasizing is the need to bid farewell to the S-Pen slot and the S Pen itself. Smartphone styluses may have piqued interest a decade ago, but as we approach 2024, Steve Jobs’ perspective appears increasingly accurate. Few will lament the absence of the S Pen, which not only takes up valuable space in the Galaxy S24 Ultra but also has the potential to widen the phone unnecessarily.

Is it not time for Samsung to experiment with an under-display selfie camera? While a carefully calculated decision is imperative due to potential compromises in camera quality, someone must eventually pioneer the ultimate all-screen phone. Apple may not be poised to take this step anytime soon.

In conclusion, I find myself favoring the Galaxy S24 Ultra design more than the S23 Ultra, despite the subtle changes. However, I acknowledge that my appreciation is rooted in the rectification of some minor grievances with the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s design, and witnessing these addressed brings a sense of satisfaction. This doesn’t necessarily make me a fan of the Galaxy Ultra design as a whole.

It’s crucial to remember that the Galaxy S24 Ultra essentially serves as the “Galaxy Note” flagship that Samsung ostensibly “discontinued” but kept alive in the form of the premium S series flagship.

Consistently, the square Note design, evident in the Galaxy S22 Ultra, S23 Ultra, and now the new S24 Ultra, doesn’t resonate with me. Despite the aesthetic appeal of an all-screen rectangle, the practicality of the square design doesn’t harmonize well with a large phone from my standpoint.