Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra May Drop 3x Zoom Camera

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Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra is rumored to undergo a significant camera redesign, with leaks indicating the removal of the long-criticized 3x telephoto lens in favor of a triple-camera system. According to multiple reliable sources, including the tipster Ice Universe and reports from 9to5Google, Android Police, and Trusted Reviews, the Galaxy S27 Ultra may abandon its predecessor’s quad-camera setup—main, ultrawide, 5x telephoto, and 3x telephoto—in exchange for a more streamlined configuration.

The 3x telephoto lens, a staple of Samsung’s Ultra line since the Galaxy S23 Ultra, has faced consistent criticism for its limited performance, particularly in low-light conditions and noise levels. While the lens has been useful for portraits and close-ups, its smaller 10MP sensor and narrow aperture have made it a weak point in Samsung’s flagship camera lineup. This redesign would align the Galaxy S27 Ultra more closely with competitors like the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which also omits a mid-range telephoto lens in favor of a more powerful 5x zoom.

According to the leaks, the freed-up space from removing the 3x lens could allow Samsung to enhance its main camera with variable aperture capabilities—a feature last seen in the Galaxy S9 and S10 models. This technology would enable the camera to adjust its aperture dynamically, improving both low-light performance and overall image quality. The 5x telephoto lens is also expected to receive an upgrade, potentially featuring a 200MP sensor to capture finer details at longer distances.

While these rumors are based on leaks from trusted sources, Samsung has not officially confirmed any changes to the Galaxy S27 Ultra’s camera system. The company has historically made incremental upgrades to its flagship cameras, but the pressure to compete with rivals like Apple and Google—both of which have been pushing the boundaries of mobile photography—may be driving this more aggressive redesign.

If the rumors prove true, the Galaxy S27 Ultra could mark a turning point for Samsung’s camera strategy, prioritizing depth and performance over sheer sensor count. However, the absence of a 3x telephoto lens may disappoint users who rely on this feature for everyday photography, particularly those who favor Samsung’s Ultra models for their versatility.

For now, the Galaxy S27 Ultra remains unannounced, with no official specifications or release date confirmed. Samsung is expected to reveal more details closer to its launch, likely in early 2027.

Key Rumored Changes:

• Removal of the 3x telephoto lens—freeing up space for camera upgrades.
• Variable aperture on the main camera—a feature last seen in the Galaxy S9 and S10.
• Upgraded 5x telephoto lens with a 200MP sensor—for improved detail at longer distances.
• Potential shift to a triple-camera system—main, ultrawide, and 5x telephoto.

These changes, if confirmed, would represent a bold departure from Samsung’s traditional camera strategy, one that could redefine the company’s approach to mobile photography.

Sources: 9to5Google, Android Police, Trusted Reviews, Tech Advisor, GSMArena