The Galaxy S27 series could bring major changes to its camera system, and the Galaxy S27 Ultra is expected to lead the way. So, will it include the features fans have been asking for? It seems that one long-requested feature may finally be here: a flexible environment.
The Galaxy S27 Ultra may have a triple camera setup with a flexible aperture
According to Chinese tipster SmartPikachu, the Galaxy S27 Ultra will have a triple camera setup, led by a 200MP sensor (presumably ISOCELL HP6) with variable aperture. Based on some recent reports, the other two cameras in the setup are expected to be a 50MP ultrawide camera and a 50MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom.
How can a flexible port be useful?
A variable aperture allows the camera to adjust its aperture (lens opening) based on lighting conditions and the scene.
For example, a narrow aperture is useful in bright situations or landscape photography, as it keeps the scene in focus and prevents highlights from popping out. In low-light situations or long-distance shooting, the wide area allows more light to reach the sensor, which reduces noise, and creates a natural background blur.
Abhijeet Mishra / SamMobile
Galaxy S9 dual aperture camera – Source: Abhijeet Mishra / SamMobile
This wouldn’t be the first time Samsung has used a flexible surface in its phones. The Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S10 series used a dual aperture system (F1.5 and F2.4). However, the company later abandoned it to chase ultra-high-resolution cameras (like 200MP). The Galaxy S27 Ultra can offer more than two unlock settings.
Even Apple is expected to have a variable aperture camera setup in the iPhone 18 Pro series.
LOFIC camera sensor
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Samsung ISOCELL GN5 – Source: Abhijeet Mishra / SamMobile
In addition to dynamic aperture, the 200MP main camera can use Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC) technology. This technology is designed to improve dynamic range, allowing the camera to capture more detail in both the bright and dark areas of the scene.
It works by pairing the capacitor with the pixels. When the light fills the pixel volume of the source, it is collected in the capacitor. Then the image processing pipeline captures the data from the pixel and the capacitor to create images with a very wide dynamic range.
With the combination of LOFIC and variable aperture, the Galaxy S27 Ultra can deliver a noticeable improvement in both photography and video recording.
It switches to a triple camera setup on Ultra phones
Abhijeet Mishra / SamMobile
Galaxy S26+ Cameras – Source: Abhijeet Mishra / SamMobile
Starting with the Galaxy S22 Ultra, Samsung has been using the phone’s 10MP camera with 3x optical zoom. However, the company is rumored to be ditching the Galaxy S27 Ultra, instead relying on the basic camera zoom. This can free up internal space for other components, such as built-in magnets for Qi2.x wireless charging.
There is currently no information on whether Samsung will improve the front-facing camera with the Galaxy S27 series. A larger and higher resolution sensor would be a welcome improvement. Some rumors say it could introduce a front-facing 3D face-viewing camera for improved security.
It would also be interesting to see Samsung use a front-facing sensor with a square format, similar to Apple’s approach, allowing users to capture landscape and portrait photos without changing the orientation of the phone.