Samsung is rumored to expand its flagship smartphone lineup next year with a new model called the Galaxy S27 Pro. Positioned between the Plus and Ultra variants, this device aims to bridge the gap in the Galaxy S27 series. Previous leaks confirmed that the Galaxy S27 Pro would inherit the 200MP primary camera from the Galaxy S27 Ultra, but details about its zoom lens were missing. Now, new information has surfaced, and it might disappoint you.
The 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom scales down the Pro's ambitions
According to a report from ETNews, both the Galaxy S27 Pro and Galaxy S27 Ultra will feature triple rear camera systems with a 200MP primary sensor and a 50MP ultrawide camera. However, while the Galaxy S27 Ultra is expected to sport a 50MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, the Galaxy S27 Pro will reportedly settle for a 12MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. This choice creates a significant gap in zoom performance between the two models, disappointing users who hoped the Pro would deliver Ultra-level camera capabilities in a more compact size.
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Earlier rumors hinted that the Galaxy S27 Pro might feature a 50MP telephoto camera with 3x or 3.5x optical zoom, but the latest report contradicts those claims. This downgrade is likely due to the severely high memory chip prices, which push Samsung to keep retail prices of the Galaxy S27 series stable. In a market already facing inflationary pressures, this strategy aims to control costs without compromising the flagship Ultra's specs.
The Galaxy S27 and S27+ base models see no substantial camera upgrades either
The report also reveals that the base Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27+ will feature a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. If this information is accurate, Samsung is not upgrading the camera hardware on its base and Plus models in 2027 either, marking six consecutive years of using essentially the same camera setup. This stagnation might frustrate users who expect innovation even in the mid-tier of the flagship lineup.
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The news comes at a time when the smartphone market is increasingly competitive, with rivals like Google pushing aggressive pricing and innovative cameras, as highlighted in our article on the Pixel 11 arriving at an unfortunate time. Samsung's strategy seems to concentrate the best technology on the Ultra model only, leaving the Pro in an awkward position for those who want the maximum without excessive dimensions.
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In this scenario, users eyeing the Galaxy S27 Pro will have to accept a compromise on zoom quality, while photography enthusiasts might lean toward the Ultra, which promises superior performance. It remains to be seen whether Samsung will introduce other differentiators between the models, such as battery life or display specs, to justify the Pro's existence. Official confirmation will likely arrive in the coming months, but expectations for 2027 are already in balance.
Source: https://www.sammobile.com/news/galaxy-s27-pro-telephoto-camera-specs-leak