Samsung is not overhauling the long-range telephoto camera on its upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra, according to well-known leaker Ice Universe. The claim pushes back against a rumor circulating in recent weeks that suggested the flagship's periscope module was in line for a significant change.

What the rumor claimed

The earlier report suggested Samsung would drop the current 5x periscope telephoto in favor of a new module with a shorter 4x lens paired with a larger 1/1.9-inch sensor. Ice Universe calls that account "100% false," saying the S27 Ultra will instead carry over the 5x telephoto with a 1/2.52-inch sensor from the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

For buyers, the distinction matters. A longer periscope lens preserves the reach that has become a signature feature of Samsung's Ultra line, and keeping the existing hardware means the device should offer similar long-range zoom performance to its predecessor rather than a reworked setup.

The 3x telephoto looks set to go

Ice Universe did not dispute a separate rumor that Samsung will remove the 3x 10MP telephoto camera, suggesting that lens is likely being cut. The leaker argues its absence should not be a major loss, since the phone's 200MP main sensor handles shorter zoom levels well through cropping.

That leaves the S27 Ultra with a more streamlined camera arrangement, though one that still leans on its high-resolution main sensor to fill in the shorter zoom range that a dedicated 3x lens would otherwise cover.

A camera layout reshuffle

While the telephoto hardware stays put, Samsung is expected to rearrange the camera positions on the back of the phone. CAD-based renders point to a new layout that serves two purposes: refreshing the design and improving clearance for magnetic accessories.

The current Magnet Wireless Battery Pack, for example, includes an awkward cutout to work around the camera placement on the S26 Ultra. A revised arrangement could give Samsung's magnetic accessories a cleaner fit on the next generation.

How the S27 Pro compares

The reporting also touches on the Galaxy S27 Pro, which is expected to include a single 3x 12MP telephoto alongside a 200MP main camera and a 50MP ultra-wide. That gives the Ultra a clear advantage for long-distance zoom, thanks to its 5x periscope lens.

In short, the S27 Ultra will retain its edge over the Pro model for reaching distant subjects, but not by way of a redesigned telephoto module. The bulk of that advantage comes from carrying over the hardware Samsung already ships today.

As with all pre-release information, these details come from leaks rather than official Samsung announcements and could change before the phones are unveiled.