If you’re already dreaming about Samsung’s next flagship behemoth, you’re not alone. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra (currently available on Amazon for $899) is still the reigning champion, the rumor mill is already churning with details about its successor, the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The latest leak suggests a subtle but significant design shift that could give the phone a distinctly classic, if not slightly more imposing, look.
Samsung isn't expected to unveil the Galaxy S25 Ultra until the end of February 2025, making any talk of the S26 Ultra highly preliminary. Yet, one of the most reliable sources in the mobile leak scene, Ice Universe, has dropped a new detail that has the tech community talking.
This time, the Galaxy S26 Ultra black version features a black frame, not the lighter silver, so the overall visual bezel is inevitably wider.
— PhoneArt (@UniverseIce) November 27, 2025
A Shift from Silver to Black
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Ice Universe indicated that Samsung plans to outfit some models of the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a standard black color option that features a matching black frame. This marks a departure from the light silver frames that have been a staple of recent Ultra models, including the S24 Ultra and the upcoming S25 Ultra.
This seemingly minor change could have a noticeable visual effect. According to the leaker, this switch will “inevitably” make the display bezels appear wider on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, even if the actual physical dimensions of the bezels remain unchanged from previous generations.
A Matter of Perception
The idea that a black frame can make bezels look more prominent is a well-known phenomenon in display technology. Lighter-colored frames tend to blend more seamlessly with the device's front glass when the screen is off, creating an illusion of a more expansive, borderless display. A dark frame, by contrast, creates a stark, definitive border around the screen.
However, this is ultimately a subjective visual trick. The final look will heavily depend on the specific shade and finish Samsung uses. For a point of reference, look no further than the exclusive Titanium Jetblack version of the current Galaxy S25 Ultra. On that model, the black bezels are sleek and uniform, not necessarily more "imposing" than on other colors—they simply offer a different, more consistent aesthetic.
A Mix of Rumors for the S26 Ultra
This design leak comes amidst a conflicting stream of rumors about the Galaxy S26 Ultra's development. Just a week ago, reports suggested that Samsung's ongoing cost-cutting measures could limit potential upgrades for the device. On the other hand, a separate and more exciting rumor claims the S26 Ultra will feature the first battery capacity improvement for the Ultra line in five years.
It’s a classic case of the early rumor cycle, where potential compromises are weighed against significant upgrades. The choice of a black frame could be seen as a cost-related decision or simply a stylistic one to differentiate the new model.
The Final Verdict? Wait and See.
While the prospect of a sleek, all-black Galaxy S26 Ultra is undoubtedly appealing to many, it's wise to reserve final judgment. As with any pre-release information, plans can change. The true visual impact can only be assessed once Samsung officially reveals all of its Galaxy S26 Ultra color options, which is expected to happen in early 2026.
Until then, the debate continues: will the black frame on the Galaxy S26 Ultra be a mark of sophisticated, classic design, or will it make the screen feel more confined? Only time, and a proper hands-on look, will tell.