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Curvy sides, flat edges: The Galaxy S25 and the arbitrary shape of smartphones

The Galaxy S25 embraces a unique design with curvy sides and flat edges, challenging traditional smartphone aesthetics and redefining functionality.

Curvy sides, flat edges: The Galaxy S25 and the arbitrary shape of smartphones

This year, Samsung has unified the design language across its S-series flagship lineup, making the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra look and feel nearly identical, aside from differences in their camera setups. The curving sides of the previous S24 Ultra are gone, replaced by solid, squared-off edges similar to the more affordable Galaxy S models. These flatter sides make the devices easier to grip, slide into a pocket, or prop up for photography — especially when shooting for a tech website.

Let’s be honest: they resemble iPhones. Or older Galaxy S models. Or, for that matter, even older iPhones. Smartphones have alternated between flat and curved designs for as long as they’ve been around. Samsung, in particular, favored rounded edges from the first Galaxy S in 2010 up until 2015. The Galaxy S6 introduced flatter sides, only for the series to return to curves with the Galaxy S8 in 2017. It stayed that way until recent models, with curves gradually being phased out. Now, the Galaxy S25 series brings flat edges to every model.

Curvy sides, flat edges: The Galaxy S25 and the arbitrary shape of all smartphones Are flat sides actually better to grip? I’m not sure. I’ve contradicted myself in past reviews, praising both flat and curved designs. It’s hard to take a definitive stance — I’ve liked each style depending on the device. Some tech journalists might stick to a consistent opinion, but I couldn’t find them. Every time a design shift happens, the manufacturers justify it as an improvement. Back in 2024, Jony Ive mentioned in an interview with Vanity Fair that Apple chose rounded edges for the iPhone 6 series to make larger phones feel less clunky. At the time, the iPhone 6 Plus had a 5.5-inch display — which feels almost laughable in 2025.

Here’s my theory: our hands adapt to the form factor we’ve been using. When the design changes, or when we switch to a different brand, it takes a bit of effort to get used to it. But over time, that adjustment fades.
Curvy sides, flat edges: The Galaxy S25 and the arbitrary shape of Iphone
If both Apple and Samsung — two of the most influential smartphone makers — have now settled on flat sides, there must be good reasons behind the shift. And until a compelling reason emerges to return to curves, it seems flat designs are here to stay.

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