Samsung’s zoom game was strong for years, and then, the competition caught up and even surpassed it. But rather than improving on the hardware it offers, the company might get rid of the problem outright.
The latest Galaxy S27 Ultra leak hints that Samsung could simplify this setup by removing the tiny 3x telephoto sensor, effectively cutting out what the tipster describes as a weak link in the zoom chain.
Why Samsung is rethinking its zoom lens
Samsung is already considering a new rear camera arrangement to make room for built-in Qi2 magnetic wireless charging. As of right now, Galaxy phones have a vertically stacked camera layout, which has remained largely the same since the Galaxy S21 series. But this takes up space from a circular magnet ring and forces a compromise. This is something the Galaxy S27 series could address with a design overhaul.
Alongside this change, Samsung could lean more heavily on a single, more capable periscope telephoto shooter that might offer better optimization across zoom levels, potentially improved image consistency and processing. It is a big change for Samsung, which has been offering a dual telephoto lens setup on its top flagships since the Galaxy S22 series.
Why this is a trade-off worth making
Cutting a camera sensor might sound like a downgrade, but this could seriously improve zoom photography on Samsung’s future flagships. A great comparison is Chinese “Ultra” phones like the Oppo Find X9 Ultra. It has a massive camera module that carries two telephoto lenses. And if Samsung does want to add magnetic charging, it makes sense to stick to a basic triple camera setup while improving the camera hardware.
In other words, the reworked camera layout could give Samsung more flexibility to refine or even rethink its camera tech. This could translate to better stabilisation, improved optics, or more efficient use of space that might bring higher magnification or larger image sensors.
As always, this is based on an early leak, and plans can change. So take this with a grain of salt.
