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| The Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra is expected to get a fresh design with a larger camera module. |
The rumor mill is heating up, and we finally have our best look yet at what Samsung has planned for early 2027. A newly surfaced dummy unit of the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra has been photographed side-by-side with the Apple iPhone 18 Pro and the Google Pixel 11 Pro, giving us a clear idea of how the next flagship war will shape up.
According to a report from Notebookcheck, these dummy units were created using leaked CAD files. While they don't feature real internals or final materials, the dimensions are accurate, offering a reliable preview of the design changes Samsung is making.
A New Camera Bar and a Missing Lens
The most striking change is the camera layout. The Galaxy S27 Ultra appears to be adopting a wide, rectangular camera module that draws immediate comparisons to the iPhone 18 Pro. However, unlike previous generations, Samsung seems to be trimming the fat—literally.
The dummy reveals that Samsung is removing one of the four rear cameras found on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Specifically, the 10 MP telephoto camera with 3x zoom is reportedly being dropped. This isn't a huge loss for photography enthusiasts, as that specific sensor—a tiny 1/3.94-inch unit—often struggled to beat the digital zoom of the main sensor anyway.
This redesign isn't just about looks; it's about function. As noted by Android Headlines, the new camera bar design moves the lenses higher up, finally making room for built-in magnets for Qi2/MagSafe compatibility. Previous Samsung models required specific cases for magnetic accessories to work properly, but the S27 Ultra looks ready to snap on accessories natively.
Design: The "Wobble" Test
When comparing the Galaxy S27 Ultra to its predecessor, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the size difference is negligible. The S27 Ultra measures 163.76 x 78.25 x 7.97mm, making it just a hair larger than the S26 Ultra. However, the user experience might feel different, particularly when the phone is sitting on a table.
Alex Maxham, who created the 3D-printed dummy, shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), noting that the new design is "growing on him." In his post, he highlighted two major benefits:
"✅It wobbles much less than Galaxy S26 Ultra. ✅Space for MagSafe/Magnetic Charging."
While the phone still isn't perfectly stable due to the protruding lenses, the new camera bar helps distribute the weight better than the massive, singular camera bump of the S26 Ultra.
How It Stacks Up
In the visual comparison against the competition, the Galaxy S27 Ultra holds its own:
- vs. Apple iPhone 18 Pro: While both adopt a horizontal camera bar, Samsung's module is significantly larger (at least compared to the smaller Pro model). The corners of the Galaxy are less rounded than the iPhone, keeping the design distinctly Samsung.
- vs. Google Pixel 11 Pro: Samsung's corners are sharper than Google's. However, Google still wins on one crucial detail: the Pixel's lenses sit completely flush with the camera bar, whereas the Galaxy S27 Ultra's lenses protrude slightly. This means the Pixel 11 Pro likely sits flat on a desk, while the Galaxy will still have a slight rock.
What About Cases?
If you are currently using a Galaxy S26 Ultra, bad news: your old cases won't fit. The redesign of the camera module means the physical footprint of the top half of the phone has changed. While the body dimensions are nearly identical, the camera cutouts will make almost all existing cases incompatible with the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
Launch Date and Availability
We are still a few months out from the official reveal. Based on current leaks, Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S27 series at its Winter Unpacked event in January or February 2027. With Mobile World Congress scheduled for early March, a late February launch window seems the most likely.
For those looking to upgrade their current setup while waiting for the S27 Ultra to drop, you might want to check out the current deals on Amazon devices before the holiday rush.
Stay tuned to Tech Radar for more updates on the Galaxy S27 Ultra as we approach the official launch.
FAQ
Does the Galaxy S27 Ultra have an S Pen?
Yes, based on CAD renderings, the S Pen slot remains built-in on the bottom left of the device.
How many cameras does the Galaxy S27 Ultra have?
It will reportedly have three rear cameras: a 200MP main, a 50MP ultrawide, and a 50MP 5x telephoto. The 3x telephoto is being removed.
Will Galaxy S26 Ultra cases fit the Galaxy S27 Ultra?
No. Due to the redesigned camera bar, the vast majority of Galaxy S26 Ultra cases will be incompatible with the S27 Ultra.
I have a Galaxy S27 Ultra dummy unit, and tbh this design is growing on me. I liked it from the moment we leaked the CADs, and now I like it even more. ✅It wobbles much less than Galaxy S26 Ultra. ✅Space for MagSafe/Magnetic Charging ✅Relatively the same size as Galaxy S26 Ultra
— Alex Maxham (@alexmaxham) November 2, 2026