Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S series often sets the tone for premium smartphones each year. Although the Galaxy S26 Ultra was only recently introduced, early leaks about its successor, likely to be called the Galaxy S27 Ultra, have already begun circulating. These early details suggest possible changes in camera hardware, processing power, and battery technology.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra, launched earlier this year, continues Samsung’s focus on high-end specifications, especially in camera performance and processing capabilities. As is typical with flagship cycles, attention has now shifted to what the next iteration might bring.
Leaks and rumours at this stage remain preliminary, but they offer insight into the direction Samsung could take with its next Ultra model.
Camera
One of the most discussed changes involves the camera setup. According to a tip shared by Ice Universe, the Galaxy S27 Ultra may remove the 10-megapixel 3x telephoto camera that has been a standard feature in previous Ultra models.
This sensor in the Galaxy S26 Ultra supports:
- 3x optical zoom
- f/2.4 aperture
- Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF)
- Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS)
If this change materialises, Samsung could streamline its camera system or focus on enhancing other sensors instead. However, the company has not confirmed any such plans, so the information should be treated cautiously.
Setup
The Galaxy S26 Ultra currently features a multi-camera system designed for versatility. A quick overview is shown below:
| Camera Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| Primary Camera | 200MP, f/1.4, PDAF, OIS |
| Periscope Telephoto | 50MP, 5x optical zoom, f/2.9 |
| Telephoto | 10MP, 3x optical zoom, f/2.4 |
| Ultra-wide | 50MP, f/1.9, 120-degree FoV |
| Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 |
It remains unclear whether Samsung will retain the rest of this setup or introduce further changes alongside the possible removal of the 3x telephoto lens.
Chip
On the performance side, the Galaxy S27 Ultra is expected to feature a new chipset from Qualcomm. Reports suggest it could be branded as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro.
This would succeed the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip used in the S26 Ultra, which is built on a 3nm architecture. The upcoming processor is likely to deliver improvements in both performance and power efficiency, continuing the trend of incremental but meaningful upgrades in flagship processors.
Battery
Another potential upgrade lies in battery technology. The Galaxy S27 Ultra is expected to adopt a silicon-carbon battery, marking a shift away from traditional lithium-ion cells.
Silicon-carbon batteries are known for higher energy density, which could allow manufacturers to include larger battery capacities without increasing the physical size of the device.
For comparison:
| Model | Battery Type | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | Lithium-ion | 5,000mAh |
| Galaxy S27 Ultra | Silicon-carbon | Expected higher |
This change could improve battery life while maintaining a slim design, though exact specifications are not yet available.
Strategy
If the removal of the 3x telephoto camera is confirmed, it may reflect a broader strategy. Smartphone brands are increasingly focusing on fewer but more capable sensors, rather than adding multiple lenses with overlapping functions.
For example, a higher-resolution periscope lens could potentially cover a wider zoom range, reducing the need for a dedicated 3x telephoto camera. This approach could simplify the camera system while maintaining or improving image quality.
Timeline
The Galaxy S27 Ultra is expected to launch early next year, following Samsung’s usual release cycle for its flagship S series. Until then, leaks and reports will continue to shape expectations, though official details will only emerge closer to launch.
Outlook
At this stage, the Galaxy S27 Ultra appears to be shaping up as an evolutionary upgrade rather than a complete redesign. Potential improvements in processing power and battery technology may be the key highlights, while camera changes could reflect a shift in Samsung’s approach to mobile photography.
However, as with all early leaks, these details are subject to change. Final specifications will depend on Samsung’s product strategy and market positioning at the time of launch.
The information available so far provides a preliminary view of what to expect, but it remains important to treat these reports as indicative rather than definitive until the company makes an official announcement.
FAQs
Will Galaxy S27 Ultra remove 3x telephoto?
Leaks suggest it may drop the 3x telephoto lens.
What chipset will Galaxy S27 Ultra use?
It may use Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro.
What battery upgrade is expected?
A silicon-carbon battery may be introduced.
When will Galaxy S27 Ultra launch?
It is expected early next year.
What is S26 Ultra battery capacity?
It comes with a 5,000mAh battery.
