Galaxy S27 Ultra May Cost $1,499 as Samsung Plans Its Biggest Ultra Redesign Yet

Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra is shaping up to be one of the company’s most substantial flagship redesigns in years. Newly leaked CAD-based renders suggest that Samsung could abandon the rear camera design it has treated as a defining part of its Galaxy identity, replacing it with a large raised camera plateau that may draw immediate comparisons with Apple’s iPhone lineup.

The alleged redesign could arrive alongside a larger battery, Qualcomm’s next flagship Snapdragon processor and other hardware upgrades. However, the same wave of rumours has introduced a less welcome possibility: the Galaxy S27 Ultra may start at an eye-watering $1,499.

Samsung has not confirmed the Galaxy S27 Ultra, its design, specifications or pricing, so all current information should be treated as preliminary.

A new camera plateau replaces Samsung’s familiar look

CAD renders shared by OnLeaks and Android Headlines appear to show the Galaxy S27 Ultra with a wide rectangular camera plateau across the upper section of the rear panel. The arrangement represents a major shift from Samsung’s recent Ultra designs, which have used vertically aligned camera rings integrated directly into the back of the phone.

The change is particularly notable because Samsung recently described its vertical camera layout as part of the company’s “core identity.” If the renders are accurate, that identity may have lasted right up until Samsung decided it needed a camera island after all.

The new rear module resembles the approach used on recent iPhone models, with a larger raised section housing the camera hardware. That will almost certainly lead to comparisons with Apple, whether Samsung’s engineers have practical reasons for the new layout or not.

Slightly larger body, much larger camera bump

The leaked dimensions suggest that the Galaxy S27 Ultra could measure approximately 163.76 x 78.25 x 7.97mm. That would make it marginally larger than the Galaxy S26 Ultra in every direction, although the increase would likely be difficult to notice in daily use.

The bigger concern may be the camera bump. The full depth of the device, including the raised camera module, is reportedly 12.53mm. If correct, that would make the rear camera section significantly more prominent than on recent Samsung flagships.

A thicker camera module could indicate the use of larger imaging components, revised lens arrangements or additional internal space for hardware upgrades. It could also mean the Galaxy S27 Ultra will wobble enthusiastically on a table unless it is placed inside a suitably thick case.

The S Pen is still expected to remain integrated into the device, preserving one of the Ultra range’s key differentiating features.

Bigger battery, new Snapdragon and camera changes expected

The Galaxy S27 Ultra is expected to bring several important hardware changes beyond its design.

Previous reports have suggested that Samsung could increase battery capacity, although the exact figure remains unclear. The phone is also expected to use Qualcomm’s next-generation flagship Snapdragon processor, which could bring a new high-performance Oryon CPU architecture and stronger graphics capabilities.

Camera changes may be more controversial. Samsung is reportedly considering removing one of its telephoto cameras, potentially dropping the dedicated 3x sensor. That decision could free up internal space for a larger battery, a new camera sensor or improved cooling hardware.

The company may instead rely on a higher-resolution main sensor and computational cropping for shorter zoom ranges. Whether that would offer a genuine image-quality improvement or merely reduce hardware flexibility remains one of the most important questions surrounding the Galaxy S27 Ultra.

$1,499 price rumour raises concerns

The most alarming claim is that the Galaxy S27 Ultra could start at $1,499 in the United States. That would represent a $200 increase over the reported $1,299 starting price of the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

The pricing claim comes from tipster @phonefuturist, whose track record is not widely established. It should therefore be treated with considerable scepticism.

Still, the possibility is not impossible. Flagship smartphone prices face pressure from more expensive processors, higher memory costs, larger batteries, advanced camera hardware and increasingly elaborate cooling systems. Samsung may also use the new design and hardware upgrades to position the S27 Ultra as an even more premium product.

Even so, a starting price of $1,499 would move the Ultra into a difficult category. Buyers would expect not only the strongest Android hardware, but also a meaningful improvement in camera quality, battery life, software features and build quality.

Qi2 magnets may still be missing

Despite earlier rumours suggesting that Samsung could adopt built-in Qi2 magnets for charging and accessories, the latest claim says the Galaxy S27 Ultra may still lack integrated magnetic hardware.

If true, that would be a disappointing omission. Built-in magnets would make it easier to use compatible wireless chargers, stands, wallets and car mounts without relying on special cases.

Samsung already offers wireless charging, but its users often need a magnet-equipped accessory case to get a MagSafe-style experience. Skipping Qi2 magnets again while expanding the camera bump would be a peculiar decision, particularly if the device really does become more expensive.

Like the pricing claim, this detail remains unconfirmed.

Galaxy S27 Ultra: Rumoured specifications

A bold redesign needs a convincing reason

Samsung appears to be preparing more than a routine annual refresh. A new camera plateau, a potentially larger battery, a next-generation Snapdragon chip and camera restructuring could make the Galaxy S27 Ultra a significant evolution of the Ultra formula.

But the redesign will need to deliver practical benefits. If the raised module simply makes the phone thicker while resembling an iPhone camera island, Samsung may struggle to convince buyers that the change was necessary.

The potential $1,499 price tag makes the stakes even higher. At that level, Samsung cannot rely on benchmark gains and a new camera shape alone. Buyers will expect a clear advantage in imaging, battery life, durability, performance and the everyday experience.

For now, the Galaxy S27 Ultra remains months away from launch, and the available information is still speculative. The CAD renders may be close to the final design, but pricing, magnets and camera hardware are far less certain.