Galaxy S27 Ultra May Adopt First Horizontal Camera Island，Resembling iPhone 17 Pro
Leaked information indicates the Galaxy S27 Ultra，expected in early 2027，will undergo a design refresh featuring a new horizontal camera layout. The change appears inspired by Apple's latest flagship design.
According to a report by Rajesh Pandey of Android Police，new information has leaked regarding the back design refresh of Samsung’s next-generation flagship，the “Galaxy S27 Ultra，” expected to launch early next year.
The leaked renders show the S27 Ultra featuring a horizontal camera island at the top of its rear panel. It appears to house two separate circular lens modules and an elongated module likely containing an LED flash. Samsung has maintained a vertical camera layout on its flagship smartphones since the Galaxy S20 series in 2020，a tradition spanning approximately six years. This change marks a significant turning point，breaking that long-standing convention.
This new design is clearly influenced by the redesigned back camera island expected on Apple’s “iPhone 17 Pro”，its biggest rival，suggesting a narrowing of design language between the two companies.
Technical Benefits of the Design Refresh
The redesign is more than just a style change. Android Police’s article analyzes that the horizontal layout could optimize internal space，creating room for larger camera sensors. This raises expectations for improved image quality.
Furthermore，according to leaked information，Samsung is considering discontinuing the small 10MP 3x telephoto camera featured in the current model. This change is also believed to contribute to a reorganization of the internal layout and an increase in space allocated to the primary lens.
Ecosystem and the Fate of the S Pen
It has also been suggested that magnets may be integrated into the back panel to support native Qi2 wireless charging. This would signify Apple’s full entry into the MagSafe-compatible market and could impact the expansion of the accessory ecosystem.
However，it remains unclear whether space will be reserved for the S Pen stylus. The S Pen has been a long-standing staple feature of the Galaxy Ultra series，and it would be natural to assume its integration will continue.
Size Variations and Market Strategy
The leaker also reported that the Galaxy S27 Ultra will be available in two different sizes. This hints at the simultaneous sale of a standard model and a more compact Pro model.
As of now，there has been no official announcement from Samsung，but the design refresh indicates the company is exploring a paradigm shift in its flagship smartphones. Alongside moves to scale back Galaxy Watch health features in some markets and the announcement of the redesigned “Galaxy Z Fold 8”，Samsung began reassessing its strategy across multiple fronts in 2026.
Editorial Opinion
In the short term，this information could stimulate an early upgrade desire among existing S26 Ultra users. At the same time，overly high expectations for the 2027 model risk negatively impacting sales in late 2026. If the design of the competing iPhone 17 Pro becomes definitive，the key question will be whether the Galaxy S27 Ultra is accepted by the market as a “unique interpretation” rather than an “imitation.”
In the long term，the “convergence” of flagship designs between Samsung and Apple，influencing each other，could dilute the visual brand identity of each. While the fusion of design philosophies is also proof of technological evolution，each manufacturer will likely be forced to redefine the core of its uniqueness.
The crucial point is whether this design change directly translates to a substantial improvement in camera performance through the effective use of internal space. Provided it goes beyond superficial imitation and is accompanied by a fundamental upgrade in the optical system，it could present real value to users. One might wonder if superficial design similarity will obscure the essential difference in performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- “Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra could look more like an iPhone than ever”, by Rajesh Pandey — Android Police, 2026-08-24T07:41:47.000Z (ARR)
- Source URL: https://www.androidpolice.com/samsung-galaxy-s27-ultra-could-look-more-like-iphone-than-ever/
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will the Galaxy S27 Ultra include an S Pen?
- There is no confirmed information at this stage. However，the S Pen has been a long-standing staple feature of the Galaxy Ultra series，so it is natural to assume its integration will continue. The method of storage might change due to the altered internal layout.
- Why is Samsung changing the design?
- The vertical rear camera layout had remained unchanged for about six years. The primary motivation is believed to be securing internal space to accommodate technological advancements，such as larger sensors. Additionally，it is speculated that support for Qi2 wireless charging and integration into the accessory ecosystem are also factors.
- When will this design change be officially announced?
- It is expected to be announced in early 2027. The current information is based on leaks and the final product design may differ. It will be necessary to wait for Samsung's official announcement.
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