Galaxy S27 Ultra camera rumored to get an overhaul, ditching 3x telephoto

Samsung’s upcoming flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra, is already making headlines months ahead of its expected launch. According to fresh leaks and industry insiders, Samsung could introduce one of the biggest camera changes in the history of the Galaxy S Ultra lineup by removing the dedicated 3x telephoto camera altogether.

The rumor has sparked major discussions among smartphone enthusiasts and mobile photographers because Samsung’s Ultra series has traditionally relied on multiple zoom lenses to deliver premium camera performance. If the reports are accurate, the Galaxy S27 Ultra may shift toward a redesigned triple-camera setup powered by a significantly upgraded 200MP primary sensor.

Samsung Could Finally Retire The 3x Zoom Lens

Since the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Samsung has consistently included a 10MP 3x telephoto camera in its Ultra smartphones. The setup continued through devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, offering users improved zoom flexibility.

However, recent leaks suggest Samsung believes the dedicated 3x lens is no longer necessary. Instead, the company may rely on advanced sensor cropping from a next-generation 200MP main camera to deliver high-quality 3x zoom shots digitally.

This strategy is similar to how some flagship smartphones use large high-resolution sensors to simulate optical zoom without requiring additional hardware. If Samsung successfully improves image processing and sensor technology, users may not notice a major difference in everyday photography.

Bigger Camera Upgrades Expected

Reports indicate Samsung could equip the Galaxy S27 Ultra with a new ISOCELL HP-series sensor that improves low-light performance, HDR capabilities, and digital zoom clarity.

The upgraded sensor is rumored to support advanced image capture technologies like LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor), which allows the camera to capture a wider range of light in a single shot. This could significantly improve dynamic range and reduce noise in darker environments.

If true, Samsung may be betting that software-driven zoom paired with a massive sensor can outperform the aging 10MP telephoto hardware currently used in older Ultra devices.

Why Samsung May Remove The 3x Telephoto Camera

There are several possible reasons behind Samsung’s rumored decision.

1. Better Use Of Internal Space

Removing one camera sensor frees up internal space inside the smartphone. Samsung could use that space for a larger battery, improved cooling system, or Qi2 magnetic charging hardware.

2. Cost Optimization

High-end smartphone components are becoming increasingly expensive. By reducing one camera module, Samsung could lower manufacturing costs while still improving overall image quality through software and AI enhancements.

3. Simplified Camera Design

Leaks also suggest Samsung may redesign the rear camera layout entirely. Some reports hint at a horizontal camera bar similar to Google Pixel devices or a more unified camera island design.

This would mark a major visual departure from the separate floating camera rings seen on recent Galaxy Ultra phones.

Fans Have Mixed Reactions

The rumor has created divided opinions online. Some users believe the 3x telephoto lens had become outdated and offered limited benefits compared to modern high-resolution sensors. Others worry that removing a dedicated zoom lens could hurt photography performance at medium zoom ranges.

Many smartphone enthusiasts on Reddit argued that Samsung should upgrade the 3x sensor instead of removing it completely. Others suggested Samsung should focus on adding a stronger 8x or 10x zoom camera for long-distance photography.

Still, some experts believe Samsung’s computational photography improvements could make the change worthwhile, especially if the company introduces a larger and more advanced primary sensor.

Competition Is Driving Innovation

Samsung faces increasing competition from Chinese smartphone brands like Oppo, Xiaomi, and Vivo, which have recently introduced powerful camera systems with larger sensors and variable zoom technologies.

Apple and Google have also shifted toward cleaner triple-camera setups in their premium phones. Samsung may now be following a similar strategy by prioritizing sensor quality over camera quantity.

Launch Timeline

The Galaxy S27 Ultra is expected to debut in early 2027 alongside the rest of Samsung’s Galaxy S27 lineup. While the company has not officially confirmed any details, leaks from trusted tipsters continue to suggest that Samsung is preparing major changes for its next flagship smartphone.

For now, the rumored removal of the 3x telephoto camera remains speculative. However, if Samsung successfully delivers improved zoom quality through AI and advanced sensor technology, the Galaxy S27 Ultra could redefine smartphone photography once again.