Samsung takes inspiration from Apple: Galaxy S27 Pro will directly compete with the popular iPhone

Leaks surrounding the Samsung Galaxy S27 are starting to emerge, even though the premiere is likely still nine months away. The latest batch of information revolves around the cameras, but more interesting is the overall picture that is forming from the partial leaks. Samsung is apparently copying Apple — preparing its own “mini Ultra” in the form of the new Galaxy S27 Pro model. That is, a smaller body with practically the same premium features as the largest flagship, just without the S Pen.

Same cameras, different zoom

Until recently, it seemed simple: the S27 Pro was supposed to be a scaled-down Ultra without a stylus, and that was it. However, a new leak from Ice Universe somewhat disrupts this idea. According to him, both phones will indeed share an entirely new 200 Mpx main sensor (presumably ISOCELL HP6) and a new wide-angle lens, but the telephoto lens is expected to differ. The source did not specify exactly how.

Logic suggests that the difference will be due to size. The S27 Pro is expected to have a smaller body — a 6.5″ display is rumored compared to the Ultra’s 6.9″ — and an equally sized zoom module would be difficult to fit into a narrower body. The Ultra is expected to retain its 5× periscopic zoom with a 10× crop directly from the sensor, while the Pro might get a more modest 3× to 4× zoom or a smaller 5× sensor.

More megapixels, fewer lenses

One detail deserves attention, which can easily get lost in the flood of camera numbers. The Galaxy S27 Ultra is said to drop to just three rear cameras for the first time in the series’ history — one fewer than any predecessor. Samsung is reportedly planning to ditch the long-standing 10Mpx 3× telephoto lens, which it has been recycling since 2021, and replace short-range zoom with a crop from the main sensor.

In a way, it makes sense. A 3× zoom from a 200Mpx sensor, with today’s processing, could be of higher quality than from an ancient standalone chip, and Samsung would save both space and money.

It’s worth reiterating that these are speculations roughly nine months before the announcement, and from a single Chinese source. Until more independent confirmations emerge, take everything with a grain of salt. However, the direction Samsung is heading — blurring the lines between models and betting on a compact premium phone in the style of Apple — fits a trend we’ve been observing for several years.

Would you trade an Ultra for a compact Pro with the same cameras?

Source: GSMArena