The next big smartphone launch will probably be Samsung‘s upcoming Galaxy S series. And while they certainly seem more focused on their Galaxy Z lineup of folding devices right now, most people would probably still buy a Galaxy S phone if all they’re looking for is a quality flagship device.
Recently, we got a look at what could be the upcoming Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra via a set of leaked images of what is claimed to be the “dummy unit” of the next generation Galaxy S phones. The bad news is that it doesn’t look like a whole lot is going to change from the outside.
Well, OK, that might only be a quarter true because the smaller Galaxy S23 looks like it will be hopping aboard the square and flat wafer design that we’re seeing on devices like the iPhone 14 and Xiaomi 13. The frame looks to wrap around the side and even come up a little over the glass which could offer some scratch protection for the back panel.
However, the camera bump that once “blended” with the frame is now gone. Instead, it’s keeping things in line with the Ultra (and some of the more affordable Galaxy A devices) where the camera lenses sit independently in a row. I honestly prefer this look over the awkward camera bump, but this is obviously down to personal preference more than anything.
The larger Galaxy S23 Ultra, however, looks to be largely unchanged from the outgoing Galaxy S22 Ultra. This smartphone still sports the same number of cutouts at the back for the camera system, as well as the rounded sides, curved display, and flat top and bottom frame. In other words, it still looks like a Note device.
I would have liked to see a new look for 2023’s Galaxy S lineup since we’ve already had a rough variation of this look since 2020, but it’s hard to argue that Samsung aren’t the only ones doing it when their key rival Apple has also been keeping their design iterations conservative. It feels like we’re on a precipice, a time just before we tumble into the next—potentially folding—future of the smartphone, which will probably mean these iterative updates to existing smartphone lineups will remain…modest at best.
Still, these are leaks and purported “dummy units”, so things could change in the coming weeks, including whether or not Samsung will include satellite communications with their next phones. The launch will likely be incredibly soon, so we’ll undoubtedly know more next year.
