Although the Samsung Galaxy S26 series isn't scheduled to launch until early 2026, numerous leaks surrounding its benchmark performance values are already causing a stir. However, news of the following flagship, the Galaxy S27 Ultra, is already garnering attention. Planned for 2027, it is expected to feature a fundamentally revised camera design, as Samsung may change its current strategy of multiple telephoto lenses and instead install a single, particularly powerful image sensor.
Well-known leaker Ice Universe – reporting not via X (formerly Twitter), but via Chinese network Sina Weibo – provides new clues about the planned camera configuration. Accordingly, Samsung is reportedly intending to abandon the previously used 3x telephoto zoom lens and instead install a 200-MP sensor from Sony, featuring a sensor size of 1/1.1 inches and a large aperture. We've already covered a similar leak in regard to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Samsung likely to utilize three camera sensors instead of four for the Galaxy S27 Ultra
This would make Sony's image sensor significantly larger than Samsung's in-house developed 1/1.3-inch ISOCELL HP2 sensor. This new sensor is expected to offer greater light sensitivity and, thanks to its high resolution, enable 3x digital zoom without sacrificing image quality.
In addition to the main sensor, Samsung may still install a 50-MP camera alongside a periscope lens with 5x optical zoom. If the rumor is true, the Galaxy S27 Ultra would feature a triple-camera setup with additional laser autofocus. As shown in our edited cover image, there would only be three cameras, plus the laser sensor and LED flash. This change would mean a deliberate focus on high-quality main and zoom sensors with the aim of improving image quality while simplifying the design.
The decision in favor of a Sony sensor could be a strategic move in order to narrow the gap to rival brands or to test alternative technologies to Samsung's own ISOCELL series. Even though this new approach would move Samsung away from previous standards, there is still time to adjust the plans before the final release. However, the change of direction already indicates a clear reorientation in the camera development of the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
Source(s)
Ice Universe (Weibo)