Ever since I switched from the Galaxy S22+ to the Galaxy S24+ over a year ago, I’ve contemplated the pros and cons of slightly curved versus flat frames more times than I’d like to admit.
There’s such a minor difference between the two designs that it shouldn’t matter. But it does, at least to a degree I can’t ignore. Is one design better than the other? How can we quantify it? Well, here’s what I think.
But first, here’s a quick recap of Samsung’s design evolution. The Galaxy S22, S22+, S23, and S23+ are the only models in the modern Galaxy S portfolio (post-2020) to feature slightly curved frames.
The Galaxy S21 and S21+ do, too, but their frames do not have the same width all around. I view them as hailing from a different design era, so to speak.
When did flat frames make their debut? With the launch of the Galaxy S24 and S24+. Samsung kept the same design language but slightly tweaked it by flattening the frame.
Slightly curved Galaxy S22 frame
Does it really matter? Well, each design has at least one advantage over the other. Here are the ones I have found comparing the Galaxy S22’s curved frame with the Galaxy S24’s flat frame over time.
Advantages of Galaxy S22 and S23 curved frames
Advantages of Galaxy S24 and S25 flat frames
- They give the illusion of thinner screen bezels.
- They arguably look more premium.
- They feel more solid, albeit not as comfortable as curved frames.
- They allow the phones to be (carefully) placed on one of their sides without a kickstand or a case. It’s not something you’ll do often, but it can be useful on occasion.
Clearly, the flat frame wins on account of offering more advantages. That’s a four-to-one ratio. It’s a clear win for the flat frame side. Or at least, it should be. So why have I kept feeling like it was debatable?
Simply put, I think that the slightly curved frame feels significantly better in my hand, so much so that it makes me wonder if it’s worth the trade. It’s a matter of comfort in the curved frame versus visual and practical qualities in the flat frame. And the Galaxy S22+ is still the most comfortable smartphone I’ve ever used.
All in all, I’m not sure what the future holds for future Galaxy S designs beyond the upcoming S26 series, which is said to continue the flat frame trend.
But even though I used to be all-in on flat frames, nowadays, I don’t think I’d mind Samsung experimenting with both. Maybe there is a place for the curved and flat frame designs to coexist in one form or another.
Perhaps a curved frame goes better with larger screen models, and a flat frame can help smaller phones look even more compact.
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