Samsung is about to make a bold move with its next premium flagship. According to a new report, the Galaxy S27 Ultra will no longer include one of its telephoto cameras, a decision that marks a turning point for the Ultra series. The move, attributed to the need to reduce production costs, comes at a time when the smartphone market is increasingly competitive and profit margins are under pressure.
The Ultra series has historically been synonymous with versatile photography, with a dual telephoto setup that allowed users to capture distant subjects with impressive detail. Early generations offered 3x and 10x lenses, while more recent models have trimmed that to 3x and 5x, a reduction that had already disappointed some enthusiasts. Now, with the Galaxy S27 Ultra, the Korean company seems ready to completely eliminate the 3x sensor, leaving only the 5x as the telephoto option.
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Three-camera setup breaks a long-standing tradition
According to ETNews, the Galaxy S27 Ultra will feature just three rear cameras, a first for the series. The 10MP sensor with 3x optical zoom will indeed be removed, while a 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom will remain. This configuration represents a clear departure from the philosophy that made the Ultra line famous, which had always favored maximum focal flexibility. Users who loved the ability to switch from a medium to a closer field with a simple tap will have to adapt to a more limited range.
Galaxy S27 Pro will keep the 3x telephoto but with different specs
Not all models in the upcoming series will suffer the same fate. The Galaxy S27 Pro, which will sit a step below the Ultra, will feature a 12MP telephoto camera with 3x zoom, alongside the main and ultrawide lenses. This choice creates an interesting hierarchy, where the Pro model offers greater focal versatility than the top-tier device, albeit with a lower-resolution sensor. It will be curious to see how consumers react to this inversion of priorities.
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RAMageddon and rising costs push Samsung to cut
The reasoning behind this decision is twofold. On one hand, there is the need to contain production costs during a period when component prices, particularly RAM memory, are soaring. The phenomenon, dubbed "RAMageddon," has already caused price hikes across various electronic devices, and Samsung seeks to compensate by reducing the number of cameras. On the other hand, the company may want to further differentiate its models, nudging users toward the Pro model or the Fold line. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will be well received by the public, which has always appreciated the photographic completeness of the Ultra.
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Launch expected in early 2027 and market expectations
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S27 series in early 2027, so there is still about a year to go. In the meantime, the rumor is fueling heated debates on forums and social media, with many fans expressing disappointment over the loss of a key feature. Others, however, argue that the quality of the 50MP sensor could compensate for the lack of 3x, thanks to more effective digital cropping. The road to launch is long, and Samsung could still revise its decisions, but for now the camera cut seems confirmed. To stay updated on tech news, you can read our article on how Google Clock 9.0 extends Live Updates or dive into structured JSON logging.
Source: https://9to5google.com/2026/08/03/samsung-galaxy-s27-ultra-telephoto-camera-report
