Samsung might have reduced the specifications of the Galaxy S27 Pro's zoom lens to lower expenses.
ETNews indicates that the telephoto camera on the Galaxy S27 Pro will feature a 12MP sensor with 3x zoom, a reduction from the previously leaked 50MP sensor with 3.5x zoom.
According to a new report from South Korea's ETNews, Samsung's Galaxy S27 Pro may be equipped with a less advanced zoom camera than previously anticipated. The report states that the device's telephoto camera will utilize a 12MP sensor and provide 3x optical zoom, contrasting with earlier reports that mentioned a 50MP 3.5x zoom sensor.
A reduction from prior leaks
Earlier leaks claimed that the Galaxy S27 Pro would incorporate a new 50MP ALoP telephoto sensor, delivering camera performance similar to the Ultra’s in a more compact form. However, ETNews now suggests that the phone may come with a 12MP 3x zoom camera, which would represent a significant decrease in both resolution and zoom capability.
The Galaxy S27 Ultra's camera configuration is likely to remain closer to what has already been leaked. Industry insiders report that it will retain its 50MP 5x zoom periscope camera while eliminating its separate 3x telephoto lens, reducing its total rear camera count from four to three. The report also mentions that both the Pro and Ultra could continue to share a 200MP main sensor and a 50MP ultrawide sensor.
Increasing component costs are reportedly influencing these changes
ETNews links the adjustments in camera specifications to rising memory chip prices, which are reportedly increasing expenses across various components, including cameras. The outlet cites industry sources, indicating that Samsung updated its supply partners earlier this month regarding the revised camera specifications, naming Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Namuga, Partron, Powerlogics, and China's Sunny Optical as suppliers. An anonymous industry source stated that camera image quality has largely plateaued throughout the industry, making it a viable area for cost reductions.
The report also highlights the Ultra's substantial share of Galaxy S sales as a contributing factor. According to Counterpoint Research, the Ultra comprised 46 percent of global Galaxy S25 series sales last year, making it the model from which Samsung would save the most by dropping a camera. The base Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27+ are expected to retain their existing configurations of a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide sensor, and 10MP telephoto lens unchanged.
If these camera specifications are accurate, the disparity between the Pro and Ultra models would increase regarding the key feature on which Samsung allegedly focused the Pro's design. Samsung has yet to make an official announcement, and as the Galaxy S27 series is not expected to debut until early next year, changes may still occur in the months ahead.
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Samsung might have reduced the specifications of the Galaxy S27 Pro's zoom lens to lower expenses.
A recent report indicates that Samsung's Galaxy S27 Pro might come equipped with a smaller, shorter-range zoom camera than earlier anticipated, attributing this adjustment to increasing component costs.
