Samsung appears to be gearing up for a sweeping redesign with the Galaxy S27 Ultra, according to recent CAD-based renders. The flagship model, expected early next year, shows a dramatic shift from Samsung’s long-held vertical camera layout in favor of a flatter plateau-style module similar to what Apple uses in the iPhone 16 series. The flagship also retains its overall shape—with subtle size bumps—alongside several major hardware updates.
What’s new in design and specs
The leaked renders depict the S27 Ultra measuring around 163.76 x 78.25 x 7.97 mm, making it slightly larger than its S26 Ultra predecessor across all dimensions. While the body maintains familiar proportions, the camera module stands out, protruding roughly 12.53 mm. The S Pen remains integrated, signaling Samsung’s ongoing support for its stylus-loving users.
Under the hood, the upcoming model may pack several significant upgrades: a new, much larger battery, the latest Snapdragon flagship chip, and other enhancements. However, it’s also said to drop a telephoto camera—a notable regression for those who value optical zoom. Despite rumors, Qi2 wireless charging magnets are reportedly still not part of the package.
Price hike on the horizon?
Amidst the hardware shakeups, a potential price increase looms. A source on X claims Samsung will launch the Galaxy S27 Ultra at around $1,499—a full $200 above the current S26 Ultra. That said, this figure hasn’t been independently verified, and the account making the prediction has mixed credibility.
All this comes after Samsung had publicly defended its vertical camera design as a core part of the brand’s identity—underscoring how dramatic this redesign is. With rumors now pointing to a major aesthetic and technical shift, this S27 Ultra could mark a new chapter for Samsung’s premium line.
What this means & what to watch
This redesign signals Samsung’s bold reset at the high end, suggesting the company is willing to break with long-standing design norms to stay competitive. The price hike, if real, raises the stakes: it’ll need to offer enough innovation—battery life, camera performance, and materials—to justify the cost. In the coming months, we’ll be watching for official specs, image confirmation, and Samsung’s response on the telephoto camera and charging story.