The competition between Samsung and Apple has long been fierce - spanning performance, camera systems, and design.

So it’s no surprise that comparisons between the upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup and Apple’s iPhone 17 - particularly the Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max - have already begun.

Subtle changes, precise dimensions: Galaxy S26 design refined

According to well-known leaker Ice Universe, the new Galaxy S26 series is getting a meticulous design refresh to improve thinness, width, and in-hand comfort:

Galaxy S26: 6.3-inch screen, 149.4 × 71.5 × 6.9 mm
Galaxy S26+: 6.7-inch screen, 158.4 × 75.8 × 7.3 mm
Galaxy S26 Ultra: 6.9-inch screen, 163.6 × 78.1 × 7.9 mm

Compared to the S25 series - where the Ultra measured 162.8 × 77.6 × 8.2 mm - Samsung has managed to shave off 0.3 mm in thickness. That’s no small feat given the S26 Ultra still houses a massive battery and a sophisticated multi-lens camera system.

Even the base Galaxy S26 model, despite a slight size increase, has become thinner overall.

Lighter and thinner than iPhone 17 lineup

Ice Universe also leaked weight specs and direct comparisons with the iPhone 17 series. Surprisingly, Samsung seems to hold the upper hand across the board:

Galaxy S26 vs. iPhone 17: 13g lighter, 1.05mm thinner
Galaxy S26+ vs. iPhone 17 Pro: 13g lighter, 1.45mm thinner
Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: 17g lighter, 0.85mm thinner

Even though Apple is reportedly switching most iPhone 17 models (except the Air) to aluminum frames, Samsung’s superior design optimization still delivers a slimmer and lighter experience.

Interestingly, only the S26 and S26+ use aluminum frames, while the S26 Ultra retains a titanium frame - continuing a material shift started with the S25 Ultra. This allows the Ultra to maintain top-tier durability while still shedding weight.

Cameras: Samsung arms the S26 Ultra with a fourth lens

Samsung is also escalating the camera battle. While the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to retain a triple-lens setup, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to sport four rear cameras:

200MP ISOCELL HP2 main sensor
50MP ultra-wide (ISOCELL JN3 or Sony IMX564)
50MP 5x periscope zoom (IMX854)
10MP or 12MP 3x telephoto (ISOCELL S5K3LD)

Packing more sensors while staying lighter than Apple’s triple-camera iPhone is a significant engineering win. The Ultra’s extended zoom and versatility continue to set it apart as a photography powerhouse.

Improved cooling, yet still lighter than iPhone

One of the most compelling revelations from Ice Universe is that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature a vapor chamber 1.2 times larger than its predecessor.

This enhancement is timely, given the rising performance demands of both Exynos and Snapdragon chips, which require more effective thermal solutions.

Typically, a larger vapor chamber adds weight. But Samsung has defied expectations - S26 Ultra remains 17g lighter than the iPhone 17 Pro Max despite the upgrade.

That points to a thoughtful internal redesign that increases cooling capacity while optimizing overall weight.

Design advantage: Samsung vs Apple

While Apple is said to be adopting slimmer bezels, refining Dynamic Island, and improving its cameras, it continues to favor thicker bodies to accommodate larger batteries and limit heat buildup.

Samsung, on the other hand, is going all in on slim, lightweight, and powerful - especially for the Ultra model.

If these leaked specs hold true, the Galaxy S26 lineup may win over users who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance or premium features.

Samsung appears ready to make the Galaxy S26 series - particularly the Ultra - a serious challenger to the iPhone 17, not just in performance but in elegance and innovation.

Slimmer, lighter, constructed with premium materials, equipped with a superior camera array and advanced cooling - the S26 Ultra might just be Samsung’s strongest play yet.

In the never-ending tech battle between Samsung and Apple, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be the flagship that could tip the scales in 2026.

Hai Phong