Samsung seems to be copying the mistaken bits from Apple

We’re slowly closing in on the launch of Samsung’s Galaxy S24 collection, which can little doubt set the bar for the greatest flagship smartphones of 2024, and never simply within the Android sphere. This yr’s launch might be notably attention-grabbing, with loads of rumors suggesting large modifications to come back.

For starters, January’s rumored launch seems set to incorporate each Exynos 2400 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets, reigniting the previous geographical rivalry. A shift in direction of powerhouse AI options is alleged to be on the playing cards, as may a lock display screen shortcut to Instagram that certainly nobody requested for. There’s already a lot to speak about and the telephones are nonetheless months away.

However maybe the most important leaked change is Samsung dropping its long-running curved show from the Extremely in favor of a flat(ter) panel. Leaked renders actually look extra Apple-esque than something we’ve seen earlier than, however I’m undecided that is the form of change Samsung must be specializing in.

For one, I’m a convert to curved panels for bigger telephones. Sure, the common Galaxy S24 will likely be pretty to make use of with a flat panel; it’s sufficiently small to carry in a single hand, regardless. However when you’re nicely above 6 inches, flat panels rapidly change into a hindrance, whereas delicate curves assist preserve a telephone usable in a single hand. Ergonomics are extraordinarily necessary with a telephone as giant because the Galaxy S24 Extremely, and a flatter panel received’t assist until the telephone is considerably thinner, which doesn’t seem like the case.

Samsung has been shifting in direction of flatter Extremely edges for a few generations. As proven within the image under, the S23 Extremely’s chassis is barely flatter than the S22 Extremely’s. The show nonetheless has a curve, however the newer mannequin is boxier total. Having used each, I believe this makes the S23 Extremely bulkier and extra awkward to carry than its predecessor.

You solely have to take a look at the virtually common disdain for the sheer awkwardness and bulk of Apple’s flat-edged 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Professional Max and its predecessors to be nervous in regards to the S24 Extremely. Even shaving off weight with a transfer to a titanium chassis hasn’t made the gargantuan iPhone any simpler to work together with, one other attribute Samsung seems to be emulating.

Of all of the issues Samsung may do to try to win over iPhone clients, copying Professional Max ergonomics is simply not it. Fortunately, the leaked renders (that are solely so dependable anyway) trace at a delicate chassis curve that ought to make the telephone extra comfy to carry than the Professional Max. Even so, pushing the bezel up on high means much less show the place you need it most.

US market share knowledge makes fairly grim studying for many producers, however Apple is holding up higher than the remainder. Maybe that’s prompted slightly extra emulation from some rivals, however the design is only a small facet of the trendy smartphone id. iMessage is arguably extra key to Apple’s Western enchantment, as current RCS adoption and different information have highlighted, and Samsung can’t do a lot about that.

However it could possibly double its efforts to catch Apple’s lead within the videography sphere. There’s room for enchancment in each high quality and options, starting from stabilization to near-lossless recording choices. Apple can be leaning heavier into gaming, and Samsung may advocate for bringing greater and higher titles to its telephones and the Android ecosystem. Samsung seems poised to lean extra closely on AI within the coming technology, which could assist the model stand above Apple’s so-so choices right here. In the end, it’s distinctive, thrilling, and genuinely helpful options that potential clients care extra about than whether or not a telephone seems like a well-liked various. I wouldn’t repair what isn’t damaged to chase that pipe dream.

Perhaps I’m getting forward of myself, and the Galaxy S24 Extremely design will prove simply tremendous. Maybe it’ll be even higher than earlier than, by some means? I’m but to be satisfied, however right here’s hoping.