Apple and Samsung have been known for years for their very similar design and hardware preferences in their flagship phones. However, new leaks show that this parallelism has ended with the iPhone 17 and Galaxy S26 series, which the two brands will launch next year. The information that both companies have adopted different design strategies for their 2025 models has been revealed by reliable sources

Hardware strategies go in different directions with the iPhone 17 and Galaxy S26

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra model takes the design line used by the company for the Galaxy S25 Edge to the top level of this series. According to the report, the body thickness of the S26 Ultra will remain under 8 mm.

This shows that Samsung continues its tendency to make its phones even thinner. The Galaxy S26 Ultra may switch to denser battery technologies to offer the same battery capacity in a more compact structure. According to current expectations, the device will come with a 5,000 mAh battery.

On the Apple side, the opposite approach is striking. The iPhone 17 Pro Max model is reported to be thicker than the current iPhone 16 Pro Max. The thickness of the new model, which will follow the 8.25 mm thick iPhone 16 Pro Max, is calculated as 8.76 mm.

The increased thickness makes room for a larger battery. According to leaks, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will also feature a 5,000 mAh battery. This capacity means a significant leap for Apple and seems to have been achieved by directly enlarging the body without increasing energy density.

With this change, Apple prioritizes longer battery life over thinner design. For users who want a slim iPhone, the iPhone 17 Air alternative will be offered. However, the battery capacity of this model will only be 2,800 mAh. This reveals that Apple has started to separate user segments with criteria such as battery life and device thickness.

This is the first time in a long time that this separation between Samsung and Apple has become so obvious. In the past, both brands offered very similar solutions in both design and hardware. However, while Samsung is now emphasizing aesthetics and portability with a thinner body and advanced battery technology, Apple prefers to offer a thicker but longer-lasting experience.

This situation becomes more striking, especially when considered together with the point that Chinese manufacturers have reached in battery technology. For example, some Chinese phone manufacturers are pushing the limits of silicon batteries and offering battery capacities up to 8,000 mAh. Despite this, Apple is taking a step forward compared to previous generations with 5,000 mAh, while Samsung plans to keep the same capacity in a thinner body.