Samsung may redesign the Galaxy S27 Ultra’s rear camera module if it decides to drop one of the lenses currently on the phone’s back. The company is reportedly considering removing the dedicated 3x telephoto lens and relying on a 200 MP main sensor plus improved image processing and AI to bridge the gap.
Why Samsung is rethinking the Galaxy S27 Ultra camera layout
Galaxy Ultra models have typically used a four-camera setup (main sensor, ultra‑wide and two telephoto lenses for different zoom ranges). Removing the 3x telephoto would leave an unused space on the rear panel, prompting Samsung to revisit the physical layout of the sensors rather than simply leaving an empty slot.
A 200 MP main sensor at the center of the change
Sources say Samsung is betting on the new 200 MP main sensor together with software and AI-driven enhancements to reproduce mid-range zoom results without a separate optical module. That confidence in computational photography is a key reason the company is considering reducing the number of physical lenses.
Possible rear-module layouts for the Galaxy S27 Ultra
Some rumors suggested a simple horizontal arrangement to fill the gap left by the 3x lens. Tipster Lanzuk has pushed back on the idea of an automatic switch to a horizontal row, noting Samsung is exploring multiple options and aiming to minimize costs while maintaining a coherent aesthetic. In a worst‑case scenario, this source says, Samsung could keep the existing architecture with minor aesthetic and functional tweaks.
An evolution, not a radical break
After moving from a floating ring to a pill-shaped camera island on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung appears to be weighing continuity against change once again. If the 3x telephoto is cut, the company will need to balance technical constraints, cost savings and design expectations.
Timing and what to expect visually
The Galaxy S27 Ultra is expected to be unveiled in Q1 2027. Between now and then, CAD renders and further leaks will likely surface, giving an early look at the final sensor placement and helping confirm — or refute — these design directions.
Bottom line
Until Samsung confirms details, the clearest takeaway is that the company is actively evaluating multiple camera-module options for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, increasingly relying on a high‑resolution main sensor and advanced software processing to meet imaging expectations.
