The Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra might exchange its 5x zoom for a significantly larger telephoto sensor.

      Switching from 5x to 4x zoom might be advantageous for a significantly larger sensor.

      The camera protrusion of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

      Smartphone manufacturers are currently facing pressure to maintain reasonable prices as the costs of RAM and storage keep increasing, yet Samsung does not seem to be playing it cautiously with the Galaxy S27 Ultra.

      Leaks have suggested a significant redesign is on the way, and Samsung is reportedly testing battery options between 5,700mAh and 6,000mAh, moving away from the long-standing 5,000mAh. The company is also thought to be replacing the 10MP 3x telephoto camera, which has been a weaker component of the Ultra’s camera setup.

      A new leak has now provided further insights into what Samsung might substitute for it.

      Samsung could enhance its remaining zoom camera

      As per tipster @phonefuturist on X, Samsung is assessing a new “super telephoto” camera featuring 4x optical zoom and a 1/1.9-inch sensor for the Galaxy S27 Ultra. If true, this would mark a significant shift from the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which has a 50MP 5x telephoto camera with a much smaller 1/2.5-inch sensor alongside its 10MP 3x camera.

      While moving from 5x to 4x optical zoom might seem like a downgrade initially, the larger sensor could have a far greater impact on image quality. A bigger sensor can capture more light, which may enhance detail, lower noise, and yield clearer telephoto images in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, it could furnish Samsung with better image data for digital enhancement beyond the native 4x zoom range.

      Samsung might still opt for 5x

      Ultimately, the decision may hinge on costs. The same tipster suggests that Samsung is weighing the advantages of the larger 4x sensor against its material costs and the actual improvements it offers. If the enhancements aren’t significant enough, the Galaxy S27 Ultra may continue to feature a 5x telephoto option.

      Samsung is also reportedly exploring a more unified camera approach throughout the S27 series. The Galaxy S27 and S27+ might utilize the same 3x telephoto setup as the S27 Pro, while sharing their primary and ultrawide camera hardware with the Ultra.

      None of this has been verified by Samsung, and the Galaxy S27 Ultra's launch is still months away. If the claim about five prototypes holds true, Samsung could still be experimenting with various camera configurations, so the larger 4x telephoto should be viewed as a possibility for now rather than a definite final specification.

      Samsung might provide the Galaxy S27 and S27+ with a necessary zoom upgrade

      The Galaxy S27 and S27+ are expected to adopt the same 3x telephoto sensor rumored for the Galaxy S27 Pro.

      Samsung seems to be planning to harmonize the zoom camera across the Galaxy S27, S27+, and S27 Pro, while keeping a distinct telephoto setup for the Ultra. According to tipster @phonefuturist, the Galaxy S27 and S27+ are undergoing tests with the same 3x telephoto system as the Galaxy S27 Pro. This aligns with a previous ETNews report that mentioned a 12MP 3x telephoto camera for the Pro, although the latest leak does not confirm whether it pertains to that particular sensor.

      Some owners of the Galaxy S26 Ultra still experience the red tint problem even after the recent patch

      Reports indicate that the software fix for the Galaxy S26 Ultra's red tint issue, which began rolling out last week, has not resolved the problem for all users and may even be introducing new display issues for some individuals.

      Huawei’s new Galaxy Z TriFold competitor folds twice, boasts 2TB capacity, and is stunning in purple

      Huawei’s Mate XT 2 has received upgrades in aesthetics, durability, and overall performance.

      While Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold may already be off store shelves, the competition in the tri-folding phone market is thriving. Huawei has begun taking reservations in China for the Mate XT 2 ahead of its full launch on September 7. Pricing remains undisclosed, but Huawei has unveiled its color options, memory configurations, and significant redesigns that may enhance the phone’s practicality compared to its predecessors.

      In addition to focusing on durability, the design is absolutely captivating. The Mate XT 2 will be available in Dark Black, Pure White, and Jin Purple, with the black and white models featuring gold-colored frames, while the purple variant stands out as the most striking option. Huawei’s Ultimate Design phones have always exuded a premium feel, and this device continues that legacy.