Samsung might drop the 3x telephoto lens from next year's Galaxy S27 Ultra, according to tipster Ice Universe. The rumor claims the "often mocked" lens—described as "tiny and underwhelming"—is "simply gone" from Samsung's plans. The company may instead focus on upgrading other camera hardware.

The 200MP main camera could see an upgrade from the ISOCELL HP2 to the new ISOCELL HP6 sensor, sitting on a 1/1.3-inch format. Samsung might also boost the ultrawide lens, potentially using the same "new generation" component destined for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 this summer. Details on "new technologies" remain sparse.

Users on social media speculate whether Samsung will replace the 3x with something else or settle for just a 5x telephoto. Some argue the 200MP main and 5x telephoto already handle most shooting scenarios effectively. Removing the third lens could let Samsung allocate more resources toward meaningful upgrades to its remaining cameras.