Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra Zoom Rethinks: No 50MP 4x Telephoto, But 5x Periscope Remains

Samsung is reportedly reconsidering its camera strategy for the upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra. With a new rumor claiming the phone will ditch the rumored 50MP 4x telephoto lens in favor of retaining the existing 5x periscope camera. The supposed plan was to upgrade the zoom capabilities with a larger sensor, but now that seems less certain.

The recent claim that Samsung will "drop the 5x telephoto and switch to a…September 14, 2026.

Practical Reason Behind Camera Rethink

Samsung has a practical reason for going the safer route. The 5x module is already compatible with the company’s existing camera strategy. However, a switch to a new 4x system would mean spending more on sensor development, optics, tuning, and production.

Native 5x Optical Reach Still Offers Benefits

If the difference isn’t dramatic enough, it may make more financial sense to stick with proven hardware. Plus, native 5x optical reach means you'll still get sharp long-range detail at 10x and above with high-resolution sensor cropping, something a 4x lens can have a hard time with when pushed to high magnification.

Alternative Camera Setup Still Possible

But that doesn’t mean the 4x idea was for nothing. A 1/1.9-inch sensor would be much larger than the 1/2.52-inch 5x component. Possibly allowing for cleaner zoom shots, enhanced low-light performance, improved dynamic range, and stronger portraits.

Current Camera Setup Still in Evaluation

For now, the safer bet is one 5x telephoto with the 200MP main camera for lower zoom levels. Samsung has time to change course before launch. And with multiple S27 Ultra prototypes reportedly under evaluation, the final camera setup may not be set in stone yet.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 3 Rumors Surface: Tracker to Debut in Squircle Shape

The Real Test for Samsung

The real test for Samsung will be whether its image processing can compensate for not having a bigger sensor if it sticks with the old 5x hardware. Otherwise, axing the 3x camera could be viewed as Samsung simply cutting the spec sheet.

Jay Bonggolto on Samsung’s Camera Rethink

Jay Bonggolto always keeps a nose for news. He has been writing about consumer tech for as long as he can remember. And he has used a variety of Android phones since falling in love with Jelly Bean.

Send him a direct message via X or LinkedIn.

Key Background and Context

What you need to know A reliable tipster says the rumored 50MP 4x telephoto with a large 1/1.9-inch sensor may not make it to the Galaxy S27 Ultra. The upcoming phone is said to retain a 5x periscope with a smaller 1/2.52-inch sensor.

Samsung may ditch the dedicated 3x telephoto camera entirely, leaving the 5x periscope as its sole zoom hardware. Samsung’s Galaxy S27 Ultra is reportedly getting a major zoom rethink after recent rumors suggested a 50MP 4x telephoto with a much larger 1/1.9-inch sensor . The supposed plan was to swap out the familiar 3x and 5x cameras for a single.

Larger sensor that could handle more of the zoom range. Now that upgrade seems a lot less certain. Ice Universe claims on X that the Galaxy S27 Ultra will instead feature a 5x periscope camera with a 1/2.52-inch sensor.

Which would be pretty much the same sensor size as the one used The competing 4x rumor was described as false. Suggesting Samsung could remove the 3x camera while leaving the 5x unit as its only dedicated telephoto.

Don't believe that source, which has a long history of spreading false information.The Galaxy S27 Ultra will, of course, continue to use a 1/2.52-inch sensor for its 5x periscope telephoto camera.The recent claim that Samsung will "drop the 5x telephoto and switch to a… September 14, 2026 Samsung has a practical reason for going the safer route. The 5x module is already compatible with the company’s existing camera strategy.

However, a switch to a new 4x system would mean spending more on sensor development, optics, tuning, and production. If the difference isn’t dramatic enough, it may make more financial sense to stick with proven hardware.

Plus, native 5x optical reach means you'll still get sharp long-range detail at 10x and above with high-resolution sensor cropping, something a 4x lens can have a hard time with when pushed to high magnification. But that doesn’t mean the 4x idea was for nothing. A 1/1.9-inch sensor would be much larger than the 1/2.52-inch 5x component.

Possibly allowing for cleaner zoom shots, enhanced low-light performance, improved dynamic range, and stronger portraits. For now, the safer bet is one 5x telephoto with the 200MP main camera for lower zoom levels. Samsung has time to change course before launch.

And with multiple S27 Ultra prototypes reportedly under evaluation, the final camera setup may not be set in stone yet. The real test for Samsung will be whether its image processing can compensate for not having a bigger sensor if it sticks with the old 5x hardware.

Otherwise, axing the 3x camera could be viewed as Samsung simply cutting the spec sheet. Samsung’s Galaxy S27 Ultra is reportedly getting a major zoom rethink after recent rumors suggested a 50MP 4x telephoto with a much larger 1/1.9-inch sensor. The supposed plan was to swap out the familiar 3x and 5x cameras for a single.

Also Read: Garmin Venu 3S Hits All-Time Low Price of $288 at Amazon

Larger sensor that could handle more of the zoom range. Now that upgrade seems a lot less certain. Ice Universe claims on X that the Galaxy S27 Ultra will instead feature a 5x periscope camera with a 1/2.52-inch sensor.

Which would be pretty much the same sensor size as the one used The competing 4x rumor was described as false. Suggesting Samsung could remove the 3x camera while leaving the 5x unit as its only dedicated telephoto.

Don't believe that source, which has a long history of spreading false information.The Galaxy S27 Ultra will, of course, continue to use a 1/2.52-inch sensor for its 5x periscope telephoto camera.The recent claim that Samsung will "drop the 5x telephoto and switch to a…September 14, 2026 Samsung has a practical reason for going the safer route. The 5x module is already compatible with the company’s existing camera strategy.

However, a switch to a new 4x system would mean spending more on sensor development, optics, tuning, and production. If the difference isn’t dramatic enough, it may make more financial sense to stick with proven hardware.

Plus, native 5x optical reach means you'll still get sharp long-range detail at 10x and above with high-resolution sensor cropping, something a 4x lens can have a hard time with when pushed to high magnification. But that doesn’t mean the 4x idea was for nothing. A 1/1.9-inch sensor would be much larger than the 1/2.52-inch 5x component.

Possibly allowing for cleaner zoom shots, enhanced low-light performance, improved dynamic range, and stronger portraits. For now, the safer bet is one 5x telephoto with the 200MP main camera for lower zoom levels. Samsung has time to change course before launch.

And with multiple S27 Ultra prototypes reportedly under evaluation, the final camera setup may not be set in stone yet. The real test for Samsung will be whether its image processing can compensate for not having a bigger sensor if it sticks with the old 5x hardware.

Otherwise, axing the 3x camera could be viewed as Samsung simply cutting the spec sheet. Jay Bonggolto always keeps a nose for news. He has been writing about consumer tech for as long as he can remember.

And he has used a variety of Android phones since falling in love with Jelly Bean. Send him a direct message via X or LinkedIn.