Samsung appears poised to revive a previously discarded design with its upcoming Galaxy S27 series, according to multiple leaks. Early renders and insider sources suggest the Ultra model may feature a sweeping camera bar that spans nearly the full width of the phone’s rear panel — a striking departure from the stacked lens modules of recent Galaxy flagships. This build first emerged during the cancelled S26 Edge project and is now reportedly back in play for the S27 Ultra.
What’s changing: A camera bar, fewer lenses, bold aesthetics
The leaked imagery — shared by several notable leakers — depicts two main lens cutouts on the left side, with a pill-shaped module likely housing a third lens, along with the flash. The entire setup is embedded in a plateau stretching across the back, evoking design cues similar to Apple’s recent iPhone camera bars.
One major shift may be the removal of the secondary telephoto lens for the Ultra model. Previously, Samsung included multiple telephoto options (standard and periscope) in its top-tier phones. The tradeoff seems to favor the new camera bar aesthetic over retaining all high-end optical elements.
Color options and model variants
Colorway leaks suggest buyers will have choices like black, white, blue, purple, and pink across the lineup. The Ultra model is the most likely to adopt the full redesign, though there’s mention of two sizes — hinting that what some sources are calling the “S27 Pro” may be a differentiated mid-tier or alternative sized device with similar styling.
Others in the S27 line may stick closer to the familiar S26 appearance, though the Ultra upgrade is evidently planned to set it apart. The shifted design language could mark the most significant visual revamp Samsung has attempted for its Galaxy flagship since folding bezels or curved edges became standard.
Samsung is expected to unveil the S27 series early next year.
Here’s the bottom line: Samsung is leaning toward a bold aesthetic pivot for its flagship Ultra model. The long-abandoned camera bar — left on the cutting room floor with S26 Edge — may emerge as a defining characteristic of the upcoming S27 Ultra. Fewer lenses, wider camera architecture, and a broader palette of colors all point to a concerted effort to shake up its flagship design. Quiet but consequential changes like dropping a lens underscore trade-offs in balancing cost, usability, and style.
Analytical take: This redesign, if real, signals Samsung growing more comfortable diverging from its own legacy form factors in pursuit of more dramatic visual statements. The adoption of a full-width camera plateau suggests it’s betting on styling as a competitive differentiator — especially against rivals like Apple, OnePlus, and Oppo, which tend to lean heavily into distinctive camera aesthetics. One key risk: dropping the secondary telephoto lens may be seen as a compromise in optical versatility. When the S27 ships, consumers and reviewers will be watching to see if this bold design move comes paired with equally bold advancements under the hood.
