Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra May Swap 5x Telephoto for Larger 4x Lens

Samsung is rethinking how it handles zoom photography in its upcoming flagship, and that shift could change how we capture distant subjects. The company is evaluating a move from a 5x periscope lens to a 4x telephoto system with a significantly larger sensor. This change matters because a bigger sensor typically captures more light and reduces noise in low-light zoom shots. Buyers who rely on long-range photography should watch for this hardware swap as it defines the camera's core capabilities.

Samsung tests shared camera strategy across S27 lineup with larger sensor

The Galaxy S27 Ultra is the primary device facing this potential camera overhaul. Samsung is reportedly testing a shared telephoto strategy across the entire S27 lineup to streamline production. This approach means the base S27, S27+, and S27 Pro models would all use the same 3x telephoto system found in the S27 Pro. The Ultra model would share its main and ultrawide camera hardware with the rest of the series as well.

• Telephoto Sensor Resolution: 50MP
• Telephoto Sensor Size: 1/1.9 inch
• Telephoto Optical Zoom: 4x
• Current 5x Telephoto Sensor Size: 1/2.52 inch

The proposed 4x telephoto sensor for the S27 Ultra features a 50MP resolution and a 1/1.9-inch sensor size. This sensor is substantially larger than the current 5x periscope sensor, which measures only 1/2.52 inches. The increase in physical sensor area allows for better light gathering and potentially sharper images at zoom distances. Samsung is currently evaluating five S27 Ultra prototypes to determine if this new configuration is viable.

Despite the potential upgrade, the final camera configuration remains uncertain and subject to change. The article states Samsung is evaluating the 4x option, but it has not confirmed that the 5x lens will be dropped. R&D costs and real-world performance benefits will likely dictate whether Samsung retains the older 5x setup or adopts the new 4x design. We have been tracking Galaxy S27 Ultra closely — see our earlier coverage on Galaxy S27 Pro and Ultra Get.

Samsung has not finalized the telephoto specifications for the Galaxy S27 Ultra. The company is weighing the benefits of a larger 4x sensor against the established performance of the 5x periscope lens. The final decision will depend on prototype testing and cost analysis before the device reaches consumers.

Source: GIZMOCHINA