August 6, 2026, 8:00 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Samsung might take a surprising step with its next smartphone generation. According to a report from South Korea, the upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra will feature only three cameras on the back instead of four. A comprehensive camera setup has been an important selling point for high-end smartphones. This raises the intriguing question of why Samsung might choose this path.
While the current Galaxy S26 Ultra still uses two separate telephoto cameras, the successor is expected to drop the camera for three times optical zoom. This would mark the first time in years that Samsung reduces the number of cameras in the Ultra model.
New Camera Configuration for the Flagship Model
If the current information from the industry magazine “ETNews” is confirmed, the Galaxy S27 Ultra will still be equipped with a 200-megapixel main camera. It will also include an ultra-wide-angle camera with 50 megapixels and a telephoto camera with 50 megapixels, which will continue to offer five times optical zoom.
The previous telephoto camera with three times magnification and 10 megapixels would be eliminated without replacement. For many users, it will be crucial whether Samsung can compensate for the missing focal length with software or a higher-quality sensor.
Galaxy S27 Pro Aims to Fill the Gap
In parallel, Samsung is apparently working on a new model variant. The Galaxy S27 Pro is intended to be positioned between the classic models and the Ultra device. Planned features include a 200-megapixel main camera, an ultra-wide-angle camera with 50 megapixels, and a telephoto camera with 12 megapixels and three times zoom.
This would allow Samsung to further tier its product range and offer buyers another option between mid-range and high-end. The standard models Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27+ are expected to remain largely unchanged. They are anticipated to feature a main camera with 50 megapixels, an ultra-wide-angle camera with 12 megapixels, and a telephoto camera with 10 megapixels.
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Rising Costs Could Be the Reason
One possible reason for the change is the increasing cost pressure in the smartphone industry. Modern chipsets and other key components are becoming more expensive. Manufacturers face the challenge of delivering technological advancements without significantly raising sales prices.
By foregoing an additional camera, Samsung could better control production costs. This is particularly important as the Ultra model accounts for the largest share of sales within the Galaxy S series.
Also interesting: Samsung will soon release a new Galaxy S26 model
Official Confirmation Still Pending
Whether Samsung will actually reorganize the camera setup is still uncertain. The company has not yet commented on the reports. The potential impact on image quality also cannot be reliably assessed at this time.
Clarity is expected to come with the official unveiling of the Galaxy S27 series, currently anticipated for early 2027.