The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra is expected to remove the dedicated 3x telephoto camera, relying instead on a 5x lens and high-resolution sensor cropping. Leaks also point to significant image processing shifts, including warmer color tones, better highlight management, and a new 200MP sensor, all scheduled for early 2027.
Camera Hardware Consolidation
Samsung appears set to streamline the rear camera array on the Galaxy S27 Ultra, marking a departure from the quad-camera systems seen in recent years. Multiple leaks, including renders confirmed by industry tipster Ice Universe, indicate that the dedicated 3x telephoto lens will be removed. The phone could feature a brand new design that ditches the vertical camera array of the last several generations of Galaxy phones.
In its place, the device will rely on the 5x telephoto camera and the primary sensor to cover intermediate zoom ranges. Any images captured between those two zoom levels would be a digital crop from the main sensor. SammyGuru reports that the 5x telephoto lens will remain unchanged from the Galaxy S26 Ultra, retaining its f/2.9 aperture.
Image Processing and Color Tuning
Beyond hardware changes, Samsung is reportedly overhauling its image processing pipeline to address long-standing user critiques. Historically, the company’s flagship cameras have been recognized for cooler tones and vibrant, saturated colors. The S27 Ultra is expected to shift toward warmer, more natural color accuracy that aims to better reflect real-world scenes.
This processing update also targets how the device handles light. Android Authority reports indicate potential improvements in dynamic range and highlight control, preventing small, bright objects—such as tiny illuminated signs or distant lights at night—from appearing overexposed. SammyGuru adds that these enhancements are visible across both the primary and 5x telephoto cameras, resulting in cleaner images with less fine noise in shadow regions.
Sensor Upgrades and Professional Video
The core imaging experience will be anchored by a new 200MP sensor. SammyGuru suggests this is an ISOCELL HP6 sensor, a customized version of the ISOCELL HPC platform. This move away from the long-standing ISOCELL HP2 sensor is intended to provide better detail retention.
For video creators, the device is expected to refine its professional toolset. Android Authority notes that the S27 Ultra will likely continue to support 4K recording at 120 frames per second and 8K at 30 frames per second, while building on the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec. This codec minimizes compression, offering greater flexibility for professional post-production workflows.
Battery, RAM, and Design Adjustments
Samsung’s next flagship is also rumored to bring physical changes to support its power needs. Tom’s Guide reports that regulator documents reveal a 5,700 mAh battery, a 14% increase over the previous model. Memory configurations are expected to include a 16GB RAM option for the pricier 1TB models, according to Tom’s Guide.
While the internal specs appear to be firming up, the external design remains a subject of debate among leakers. The final aesthetics may still evolve before the launch in early 2027.
More on Samsung Galaxy
Keep reading