The Galaxy S27 Ultra's biggest camera upgrade may not happen after all
It seems the iPhone 18 Pro vs Galaxy S27 camera showdown I've been hoping for might not happen.
Galaxy S26 Ultra for illustrative purposes. | Image by PhoneArena
It's been months since we first heard about an ancient Galaxy S9 camera feature that could make a comeback in the Galaxy S27 Ultra. But now, in a strange twist of fate, Samsung may have pulled back from its initial plans.
No variable-aperture camera, it seems
Whether the S27 Ultra offer a better camera performance remains to be seen. | Image by PhoneArena
According to industry insiders, Samsung might not add a variable aperture system to the main sensor of the Galaxy S27 Ultra after all. Supposedly, the company was thinking of reviving the feature first used in the Galaxy S9, which debuted in 2018, as a direct response to Apple's iPhone 18 Pro series.
However, the report indicates that after the initial evaluation, Samsung might have ultimately decided to abandon its plans. The main reason, it seems, is the ongoing RAMpocalypse, which has led to a sharp increase in component costs.
By implementing the variable-aperture tech, Samsung would have inevitably faced even higher manufacturing costs for next year's flagship. The fact that it would have made the whole camera module thicker also appears to have played a role in the company's decision.
The final 'nail in the coffin,' the report explains, is that Samsung might have analyzed that the functional benefits of a variable aperture main camera don't justify the additional complexity and cost.
However, the report indicates that after the initial evaluation, Samsung might have ultimately decided to abandon its plans. The main reason, it seems, is the ongoing RAMpocalypse, which has led to a sharp increase in component costs.
The final 'nail in the coffin,' the report explains, is that Samsung might have analyzed that the functional benefits of a variable aperture main camera don't justify the additional complexity and cost.
The recent sharp rise in memory semiconductor prices has increased price pressure on other components. Given that camera performance is no longer a priority for consumers when choosing a smartphone, and if it was determined that the utility of a variable aperture is not significant, it would have been difficult to decide to adopt technology that raises costs.
Unnamed official from the electronics components industry, August 2026
What would make a higher Galaxy S27 Ultra price easier for you to accept?
Apple leads the charge after all
It's no trade secret that Apple and Samsung are the biggest smartphone rivals. But with Samsung reportedly pulling back on its initial variable-aperture plans, Apple may now be the only one bringing the technology to its next-generation flagship.
The iPhone 18 Pro's variable-aperture upgrade is almost set in stone now, even though the lineup is expected to launch next month.
While I'm not sure that the technology would add a truly meaningful upgrade to the camera performance, it'll certainly give Apple an advantage on paper, giving the iPhone 18 Pro another camera feature that Samsung's flagship may not have.
The iPhone 18 Pro's variable-aperture upgrade is almost set in stone now, even though the lineup is expected to launch next month.
While I'm not sure that the technology would add a truly meaningful upgrade to the camera performance, it'll certainly give Apple an advantage on paper, giving the iPhone 18 Pro another camera feature that Samsung's flagship may not have.
Rumor has it we won't see a 10MP 3x telephoto sensor on the S27 Ultra next year. | Image by IceUniverse
This, combined with the South Korean tech giant's decision to ditch the 10MP 3x telephoto lens on the S27 Ultra, could actually make the upcoming flagship appear less impressive than the S26 Ultra.
Anyway, we'll have to wait for the official announcement in early 2027 before we can be 100% sure just what kind of upgrades (or downgrades) Samsung ultimately comes up with.
What about the price?
At this stage, it's too early to say. However, if Samsung somehow resolves its chip struggles (rumor has it the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro might cost $300 per unit), it's somewhat likely that the S27 Ultra remains at the same $1,299.99 price as the current flagship.
Not the best news
The S27 Ultra's camera may not look like this at all. | Image by PhoneArena
Honestly, I was hoping to see the big showdown between the two variable-aperture approaches. Sure, we're yet to see if Apple actually includes the feature in its upcoming flagship series. But given that rumors have been pointing in this direction for some time, it's safe to assume it'll make its way onto the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max.
And yet, I can see why Samsung might have decided to go against adding a variable aperture on its upcoming flagship device. If the feature's benefits indeed don't turn out to be as many as its downsides, and with the supposed extra cost of the phone itself, perhaps it's best not to go through the added cost and complexity.
And in case you want more Galaxy S27 Ultra news:
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