Galaxy S27 Ultra Leaks Reveal Major Redesign, Potential $1,499 Price Tag

New CAD-based renders of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra have surfaced, offering a detailed glimpse into a substantial redesign for the flagship smartphone. The leaked images, originating from industry insider @OnLeaks and shared by Android Headlines, suggest a departure from Samsung's recent design language, moving towards a camera layout reminiscent of the iPhone 16 series. While leaks are not always perfect, the consistent reporting from these sources points to a device that could see a significant shift when it is expected to launch in January 2027.

The most striking change is the adoption of a camera plateau, a departure from the vertical arrangement that Samsung had previously championed as its "core identity." Although the overall shape of the device remains largely consistent with its predecessor, the Galaxy S27 Ultra appears to be slightly larger, with reported dimensions of 163.76 x 78.25 x 7.97mm. The camera bump itself is also expected to be more pronounced, extending to 12.53mm.

Camera and Performance Upgrades Expected

Beyond the aesthetics, the Galaxy S27 Ultra is anticipated to be a powerhouse, featuring upgrades to core components. Reports indicate it will pack a significantly larger battery, designed to address consumer demand for extended usage. Under the hood, the device is expected to be powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon flagship processor, promising a substantial boost in performance and efficiency. However, in a surprising move, the S27 Ultra may lose one of its telephoto cameras, a trade-off that could be a point of contention for photography enthusiasts.

The S Pen, a signature feature of the Ultra line, is expected to remain integrated into the device, continuing to offer productivity and creative capabilities. This combination of a refreshed design, enhanced battery life, next-generation processing power, and the continued inclusion of the S Pen positions the Galaxy S27 Ultra as a major contender in the premium smartphone market for 2027. The device aims to balance new stylistic elements with the robust feature set users have come to expect from Samsung's top-tier offerings.

However, these advancements may come at a considerable cost. A claim circulating on social media platform X, from account @phonefuturist, suggests that the Galaxy S27 Ultra could debut with a starting price of $1,499. This represents a substantial $200 increase over the current Galaxy S26 Ultra's launch price. While this particular claim should be approached with caution due to the source's unverified track record, it is not entirely outside the realm of possibility, given the scale of the rumored upgrades and the general trend of increasing flagship smartphone prices. Despite the potential design evolution, it's also noted that the device may still not include Qi2 magnets, a feature increasingly found in competing devices.

Samsung's strategy with the Galaxy S27 Ultra appears to be a bold one, seeking to refresh a successful formula with a daring new look while simultaneously pushing the envelope on specifications. The rumored price hike, if accurate, will undoubtedly be a significant factor for consumers considering their next high-end smartphone purchase. The company faces the challenge of justifying the increased cost through tangible improvements in design, performance, and user experience. The upcoming launch will be closely watched to see how the market responds to Samsung's latest premium offering and its associated pricing strategy.