The Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra could ditch the 'redundant' 3x zoom for this much bigger camera upgrade

Published: Friday, May 1, 2026 at 8:15 am

Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra May Ditch 3x Zoom for Camera Overhaul

Reports suggest Samsung may be planning significant changes to the camera system of its upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra smartphone. According to a recent report, the company is considering removing the 3x optical zoom camera from the device. This potential move has sparked discussion among tech enthusiasts, as the 3x zoom has been a staple in Samsung's flagship phones for several generations.

The rationale behind this potential shift centers on the limited use of the 3x zoom lens compared to other camera options. The author of the report indicates that the 5x telephoto lens is used more frequently for zoom shots. The report suggests that the space occupied by the 3x camera could be better utilized for other upgrades.

The report also highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing zoom capabilities. The author points to Google's Pixel phones as an example, where AI-powered features have improved zoom performance. Samsung could potentially leverage its rumored 200MP main camera and AI to reconstruct details, potentially compensating for the loss of the 3x zoom.

Furthermore, the report suggests that Samsung could use the extra space to reintroduce a 10x optical zoom lens, a feature that was previously available on some Samsung models. The author believes that a 10x zoom, combined with AI enhancements, could significantly improve image quality, particularly for shots taken between 5x and 10x zoom. The report emphasizes that the Galaxy S27 Ultra, as the top-tier model, should receive the best hardware upgrades.

BNN's Perspective: While the potential removal of the 3x zoom camera may disappoint some users, the shift towards a more versatile camera system, potentially including a 10x optical zoom and enhanced AI capabilities, could ultimately benefit consumers. Samsung's willingness to adapt and innovate in the camera space is a positive sign for the future of smartphone photography.

Keywords: Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra, camera, zoom, optical zoom, AI, smartphone, technology, Samsung, 3x zoom, 10x zoom, camera upgrade, mobile phone.

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