A newly surfaced WIPO design patent shows a Galaxy phone with three rear cameras arranged side‑by‑side in a single horizontal bar, strengthening speculation that Samsung may change the Galaxy S27’s rear camera layout — possibly to make room for built‑in magnets and native Qi2 wireless charging. Samsung has not confirmed the design or that it will appear on the final Galaxy S27.
The WIPO drawings depict three camera sensors placed next to one another inside an elongated horizontal module, replacing the separate vertical camera rings used on recent Galaxy S models. The illustrations echo camera bars seen on recent Pixel phones and certain earlier Samsung models such as the Galaxy S10. One drawing also makes the camera section appear relatively close to the rear glass, although patent art does not necessarily reflect final dimensions or physical thickness of a commercial handset.
Galaxy S27: Reason for a new camera layout and Qi2 charging
Samsung’s familiar floating camera rings have persisted across several Galaxy S generations. According to earlier reports, Samsung has been exploring a different rear layout to create space for native Qi2 magnetic wireless charging. Built‑in magnets require room inside the rear portion of the phone, and the existing camera arrangement could complicate the internal layout. Native magnets would offer a more integrated magnetic charging experience than current solutions that rely on compatible cases. The redesign remains under evaluation, and rising component and manufacturing costs could still affect Samsung’s plans.
S27 Ultra camera rumours: 3X telephoto, variable aperture and 5X focus
Leaks attributed to tipster Ice Universe say the Galaxy S27 Ultra could drop its dedicated 3X telephoto camera, with the main 200MP sensor handling 3X zoom shots instead. The Galaxy S26 Ultra currently uses a dedicated 10MP 3X telephoto alongside its main, ultrawide and 5X telephoto cameras. Removing the 3X sensor would free internal space and could let Samsung concentrate on improving the remaining camera hardware.
Reports on variable aperture conflict. One account cited Ice Universe as saying variable aperture was “80%” likely in early internal information, while another report claimed Samsung had decided against variable aperture because of thickness, cost and limited image‑quality benefits. Samsung has not confirmed either position.
If Samsung removes the 3X module, leaks suggest the company could emphasize the 5X camera instead, potentially upgrading the longer‑range sensor. That would represent a strategic shift toward making the main, ultrawide and 5X systems more capable rather than keeping four rear cameras.
Camera bump, performance and battery
The patent’s horizontal module appears relatively integrated into the rear panel, which raises the possibility of a less prominent camera bump. Patent illustrations cannot accurately establish final thickness, and a smaller protrusion would still need to accommodate lens and sensor hardware required for flagship photography.
Early leaks also list a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro processor fabricated on a 2nm process among expected Galaxy S27 Ultra specifications. That chipset could bring performance and efficiency improvements, though processor availability and Samsung’s regional chipset strategy could change before launch. Battery rumours say Samsung could use a larger‑capacity silicon‑carbon battery in the Ultra; details remain unconfirmed. A more efficient 2nm chip combined with a larger battery could potentially improve endurance in demanding use cases.
Design status and expected launch
Samsung reportedly tested multiple rear‑camera layouts, and a July report said earlier claims about a single horizontal camera bar may have been exaggerated. Companies commonly file patents for designs that never reach consumers; Samsung could modify the horizontal bar, use it on only one S27 model or abandon the concept entirely. The Galaxy S27 series has not been announced, but current expectations point to an early 2027 launch, with the Galaxy S27 Ultra at the top of the lineup.
The WIPO patent strengthens speculation about a camera redesign, but it does not confirm final design or specifications. The main potential changes to watch are a new horizontal camera layout, possible native Qi2 magnetic charging, and a broader camera overhaul on the S27 Ultra that could include removing the dedicated 3X telephoto while upgrading sensors and the 5X zoom. Reports about variable aperture remain contradictory.
