The next generation of Samsung’s flagship smartphones is already at the center of leaks and speculation, as we turn our attention to the Galaxy S27 series of smartphones. The Galaxy S27 Ultra is going to be the next class of Samsung’s next top-tier flagships to be released and its leaked case renders make some people wonder if a change to its rear camera setup is possible.
The latest information comes from tipster Ice Universe, who shared images of several Galaxy S27 Ultra cases on X. According to the tipster, at least four different case versions have emerged, each of which seems to provide more precise details about the expected camera cutouts on the rear panel.
The first case apparently provides little information, mainly revealing the approximate size and position of the camera area. However, the other cases seem to be more clearly defined around the camera hardware. The third case appears to reveal a better understanding of the overall shape and arrangement of the camera module.
The fourth case is the most detailed of the renders shared by the tipster. It appears to show two large camera openings positioned vertically on the left side of the rear camera area. On the right, there is an elongated oval-shaped section and two separate openings.
According to Ice Universe's interpretation, the upper opening inside the oval area could be used by the third telephoto camera. The smaller circular opening below it could be the LED flash.
If that interpretation is correct, the leaked case design raises a question about the laser autofocus system. The Galaxy S Ultra models have previously used laser autofocus hardware as part of their camera systems. However, the latest case render does not appear to show an obvious separate opening that could accommodate a laser autofocus sensor.
This has led to speculation that Samsung could potentially remove laser autofocus from the Galaxy S27 Ultra. The leaked case renders do not necessarily indicate that the feature will be removed. Case designs may be based on incomplete information, hardware dimensions and interpretations of unreleased components, so the final retail phone could have a different camera arrangement.
But the possibility is interesting since the camera system is one of Samsung's Ultra-series phones' most important components. If the camera hardware were to be changed it would affect how Galaxy S27 Ultra will focus on subjects and shooting conditions.
Laser autofocus is designed to help a smartphone camera determine focus distance quickly, particularly in situations when conventional autofocus may not be able to lock onto a subject. Samsung could likely use improvements in its other autofocus technologies if it decides to remove the dedicated laser sensor.
The leak also adds to a growing number of rumours about Samsung's new flagship line. We expect the Galaxy S27 series to include the standard Galaxy S27, Galaxy S27 Plus and Galaxy S27 Ultra. There are also rumours of a Galaxy S27 Pro model and Samsung is still not saying anything about the device.
At this point in time, Samsung has not officially announced the Galaxy S27 series or confirmed the camera specifications of the Galaxy S27 Ultra. Details of the camera layout, telephoto configuration and laser autofocus should be treated as rumours and not confirmed specifications.
As Samsung’s next flagship launch approaches, we expect additional case leaks, component details and camera-related reports will provide a better picture of the final design. Official information from Samsung will ultimately determine whether the Galaxy S27 Ultra retains its laser autofocus system.
For now, the latest case renders suggest that Samsung could be considering a different approach to the rear camera arrangement. If the layout is correct, then no obvious laser autofocus cutout could indicate a change in the camera hardware. But it's too early at this stage to say that Samsung has definitely removed the feature from the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
The camera system will probably continue to be one of the most interesting areas of interest as more Galaxy S27 Ultra leaks get released. As Samsung doesn't officially reveal the phone yet, buyers and Galaxy fans will have to wait a bit more time to see if the purported camera redesign of Galaxy S27 Ultra also means the laser autofocus is going to end on the next Ultra flagship.
