Design trends tend to be cyclical, especially in fashion where the old becomes new again, eventually. It might take decades or it could just be a matter of years before old designs resurface. In the fast-paced world of smartphones, it was really only a matter of time before the “classic” look became the modern aesthetic. Flat is the new black, so to speak, and proponents of the curved movements have slowly but surely moved over to the old-new trend. That, of course, includes Samsung, though its embrace of flatter sides and edges hasn’t been instant. It seems that it has finally gone all in with next year’s Galaxy S24 flagship, though there are now some questions about whether that shift is sacrificing comfort and ergonomics in exchange for a sleek and more contemporary appearance.
Designer: Steve Hemmerstoffer/OnLeaks (via SmartPrix and GizNext)
Galaxy S24 Plus
Some of the very first smartphones opted for flatter sides, as exhibited by the earliest generations of iPhones. To differentiate, some brands started challenging design and manufacturing practices and employed curved backs, curved sides, or even curved edge screens. Even Apple would start to use some curves at the sides, but it has reverted to its old iconic look to some extent. Unsurprisingly, Samsung has started to do the same and might be finally taking the last step in that direction.
According to renders based on leaked information, the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus will almost be completely flat on all sides. Compared to the Galaxy S23 this year, which had a flat back and a flat screen but with rounded edges, the Galaxy S24’s sides will be flat all throughout. The only curves you’ll see on its body are the corners, which help soften the phone’s harsher appearance just a little bit.
The rest of the Galaxy S24’s design, however, remains largely the same, if the unofficial data is to be believed. There are still only three cameras, and rumors claim they won’t get a significant upgrade next year. These cameras still live on their own, without a camera island to visually group them together. It’s admittedly a simpler and more minimalist design, a small breath of fresh air compared to the growing sizes of camera bumps on phones today.
While this design admittedly has a classic elegance to it, it may also resurrect a still ongoing discussion around the comfort of these flat edges in your hand. Some criticize its sharp corners for cutting into your skin, while others argue that curved edges then to make the phone harder to grasp confidently. Unfortunately, there is no definite answer yet, but at least for now, it seems that flat is back for a good while.
