Samsung may remove the three-times telephoto camera lens from its upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra smartphone [1].

This shift would represent a significant departure from the current Ultra camera array. By eliminating a widely criticized module, Samsung could streamline its hardware layout and address long-standing user complaints regarding lens utility.

Reports published this week indicate the three-times telephoto lens is the primary candidate for removal [1], [2]. This specific module has been described by some as the most criticized lens in the Ultra line [1], though other reports suggest it may be underrated by some users [3].

If the three-times lens is removed, the device is expected to rely on a five-times optical zoom for its remaining telephoto capabilities [3]. This change would simplify the camera housing and potentially alter the visual design of the rear module [1].

Beyond the optics, the removal of the hardware could serve a practical purpose for the device's internals. Reducing the space occupied by the three-times lens could free up room for a larger battery [5]. This would potentially increase the overall capacity and battery life of the flagship model [5].

Samsung has not officially confirmed these changes. However, multiple tech-news outlets citing leaks said the company is prioritizing a more efficient camera layout and improved power specifications for the next generation [2], [4], [5].

“Samsung may remove the three-times telephoto camera lens from its upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra smartphone.”

The potential removal of the three-times lens suggests Samsung is shifting its priority from providing a wide variety of focal lengths to optimizing internal space and battery endurance. By relying on a five-times optical zoom, the company is betting that software-based cropping and a single high-quality long-range lens are more valuable to consumers than a dedicated mid-range telephoto sensor.