Samsung Galaxy S27 will likely not get a variable aperture. The promised return after seven years is reportedly off

As recently as spring, it seemed that photographers using Samsung phones would once again get their hands on a popular feature. However, according to new information from Korea, the hardware variable aperture will ultimately be missing again in the next flagship series – Samsung will not include it in the Galaxy S27 after all.

Let’s recall that back in May, we reported on a leak, according to which the Galaxy S27 Ultra was supposed to revive the variable aperture after seven years. However, the Korean server ETNews now states that Samsung has decided not to include the aperture in the entire series.

Why did Samsung back down on the Galaxy S27?

There are said to be several reasons. According to ETNews, the new component would increase manufacturing costs and simultaneously make the camera physically thicker. Additionally, the benefit of a variable aperture in a phone is rather limited, according to the server – the difference in the resulting photos is reportedly not significant enough to outweigh the added complications.

The current rise in memory prices also plays a role. As one industry insider noted for ETNews, the sharp increase in memory chip prices puts pressure on budgets for other components as well. And when camera performance is no longer the main criterion for most buyers today, it’s difficult for a manufacturer to push a technology that would only make the phone more expensive.

Samsung Galaxy S27 will likely not get a variable aperture. The promised return after seven years is reportedly off Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

Samsung included variable aperture in earlier models

A variable aperture can mechanically change the size of the opening through which light enters the sensor. In the dark, it opens fully to capture more light, while on a bright day, it closes down to prevent overexposure. Samsung offered it in the Galaxy S9 and S10 models – then as a “dual aperture” switchable between F1.5 and F2.4 – in 2018 and 2019. However, it has not returned to this feature since 2020, and similar effects have been handled by software ever since.

What does the iPhone have to do with this?

Samsung reportedly considered the return of the aperture mainly because of Apple. This year, Apple will likely bet on a variable aperture for the iPhone 18 Pro, and the South Korean company had to react somehow to its biggest rival’s move. However, it ultimately chose restraint.

Samsung Galaxy S27 will likely not get a variable aperture. The promised return after seven years is reportedly off Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

The Galaxy S27 series is expected to be introduced early next year. Furthermore, according to other leaks, the Ultra model is at risk of losing one of its telephoto lenses – so Samsung’s photographic ambitions might take a few hits next year.

Would you miss a variable aperture on the Galaxy S27, or is a software solution perfectly sufficient for you?

Sources: ETNews, 9to5Google