Samsung is reportedly preparing its biggest Galaxy S shake-up in years, with leaks suggesting a new Galaxy S27 Pro model could land between the standard S27 and the flagship Ultra – and potentially become the more appealing camera phone for many users.

According to reports from Korean leaker Lanzuk and multiple tech outlets, Samsung is testing a revamped camera strategy that could finally remove the long-criticised 3x telephoto lens from the Galaxy Ultra lineup.

The Galaxy S27 Pro and S27 Ultra are both tipped to feature Samsung’s 200MP main camera and matching ultrawide sensors, but their zoom systems may differ significantly.

The S27 Pro is rumoured to include a new 50MP ALoP telephoto sensor with 3.5x optical zoom, while the Ultra could shift to a simplified 5x-only telephoto setup.

The move would mark a major departure for Samsung, whose Ultra devices have long been criticised for inconsistent image quality from the ageing 3x zoom lens.

Samsung is reportedly considering relying on sensor cropping from its high-resolution 200MP camera for intermediate zoom levels instead.

Ironically, the new S27 Pro may deliver the more practical photography experience for everyday users, with 3.5x zoom considered ideal for portraits, pets, food and general shooting.

The leak also points to a broader rethink of Samsung’s premium phone strategy. Rather than positioning the Ultra as the only “fully loaded” Galaxy device, Samsung could turn the S27 Pro into a true flagship alternative, differing mainly through the absence of the S Pen and extreme zoom capabilities.

The changes come as Samsung faces increasing pressure from rivals including Apple and Xiaomi.

This week, Xiaomi was also tipped to be developing a rival to Samsung’s new Privacy Display technology introduced on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S27 range in early 2027, though the company is reportedly still testing multiple prototypes internally.

Separate reports also suggest Samsung is becoming more aggressive on pricing, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra recently receiving its first major discount amid ongoing pressure from the global memory chip crisis and intensifying competition in the premium smartphone market.