Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra may not receive the telephoto camera upgrade that was rumored earlier. According to well-known Samsung tipster Ice Universe, the company is expected to retain the existing long-range telephoto hardware from the Galaxy S26 Ultra rather than introduce a completely new module.
A few weeks ago, a report claimed that Samsung was preparing a significant change to the long telephoto camera on the Galaxy S27 Ultra. The rumored upgrade would have replaced the current 5x telephoto camera with a module offering a shorter 4x optical zoom but using a substantially larger image sensor.
However, Ice Universe has now dismissed that claim, describing the rumor as "100% false."
Galaxy S27 Ultra reportedly keeps the 5x telephoto camera
According to Ice Universe, the Galaxy S27 Ultra will continue to use the same 5x telephoto camera module with a 1/2.52-inch sensor found on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
This directly contradicts the earlier report, which claimed Samsung would switch to a telephoto camera with a 4x lens and a much larger 1/1.9-inch sensor.
On paper, the rumored larger sensor could have represented a meaningful improvement. A larger sensor can capture more light and potentially deliver better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. It could also help improve dynamic range and reduce image noise.
Despite those potential advantages, Ice Universe insists that Samsung is not making the rumored switch for the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
That means users shouldn't expect the next-generation Ultra model to gain a brand-new long telephoto sensor. Instead, Samsung appears to be sticking with a camera setup that is already familiar from the current generation.
Of course, retaining the same hardware doesn't necessarily mean Samsung won't improve zoom photography. Software processing, image algorithms, stabilization, and computational photography can all have a significant impact on final image quality.
The 3x telephoto camera may still be removed
Interestingly, Ice Universe did not comment on another recent rumor concerning the Galaxy S27 Ultra's camera setup.
Samsung is reportedly considering removing the dedicated 3x 10MP telephoto camera from the phone. If that report is accurate, the Galaxy S27 Ultra would lose one of its dedicated zoom cameras in the transition to the next generation.
The removal may not have a major impact on everyday photography, however.
Samsung's high-resolution 200MP main camera is capable of producing detailed images at lower zoom levels through cropping and computational processing. As a result, the gap left by the 3x camera could potentially be covered by the main sensor.
Whether users will actually notice the difference will depend heavily on Samsung's image processing and how effectively it handles intermediate zoom levels.
For people who frequently use the 3x zoom range, the change could still be noticeable. But for many users, the 200MP main camera may be more than capable of handling those shots.
Samsung is changing the camera layout
While the individual telephoto hardware may not be changing, Samsung is reportedly planning to rearrange the camera positions on the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
CAD renders of the phone have already hinted at a redesigned camera arrangement. The change appears to be motivated by more than just aesthetics.
One reason could simply be to give the S27 Ultra a refreshed appearance. Samsung has maintained a relatively recognizable camera design across recent Galaxy Ultra generations, so moving the sensors around would help distinguish the new model visually.
However, there may also be a more practical reason for the redesign: better compatibility with magnetic accessories.
A more accessory-friendly camera layout
Samsung's current camera arrangement on the Galaxy S26 Ultra can create problems when using magnetic accessories.
For example, the company's current Magnet Wireless Battery Pack features an awkward cutout designed to accommodate the S26 Ultra's camera layout.
By moving the cameras, Samsung could potentially create more clearance around the rear of the phone, allowing magnetic accessories to sit more naturally against the device.
This could become increasingly important as magnetic charging accessories and Qi2-compatible products become more common.
So, although the camera rearrangement may initially look like a cosmetic change, it could have practical benefits for Galaxy users who rely on magnetic chargers, battery packs, and other accessories.
What about the Galaxy S27 Pro?
The camera changes aren't limited to the Ultra model. Samsung is also expected to introduce a Galaxy S27 Pro, which will reportedly sit below the Ultra in the company's flagship lineup.
According to the latest information, the S27 Pro is expected to feature a simpler camera setup consisting of a 200MP main camera, a 50MP
ultrawide camera, and a 12MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.
That means the Galaxy S27 Ultra should continue to have a clear advantage when it comes to long-range photography.
The Ultra's dedicated 5x telephoto camera will give it greater native optical reach than the S27 Pro's 3x telephoto system. Users who regularly photograph distant subjects will therefore still have a strong reason to choose the Ultra.
No new telephoto, but zoom remains an Ultra advantage
If Ice Universe's information is accurate, the Galaxy S27 Ultra won't receive the major telephoto hardware overhaul that was rumored earlier.
Instead, Samsung appears to be taking a more conservative approach. The 5x 1/2.52-inch telephoto camera is expected to carry over from the Galaxy S26 Ultra, while the dedicated 3x camera could potentially be removed.
At the same time, Samsung is reportedly rearranging the camera system to give the phone a refreshed look and improve clearance for magnetic accessories.
So, while the Galaxy S27 Ultra may not introduce a new telephoto sensor, it should still maintain a meaningful advantage over the S27 Pro in zoom photography.
For now, these details remain unofficial, and Samsung has yet to confirm the Galaxy S27 Ultra's camera specifications. As always, the final hardware and software configuration could change before launch.
Still, if Ice Universe is correct, those hoping for a larger-sensor 4x telephoto camera on Samsung's next Ultra flagship may need to temper their expectations.
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