Looks like Xiaomi, POCO and Redmi phones aren’t the only ones that are moving towards Apple nomenclature. Less than a year after we saw a spurt of Pros and Pro Maxes coming from the house of Xiaomi, it seems like Apple’s closest rival is also adopting the monikers that iPhones have been traditionally known to carry till date.
Reports had suggested Samsung had explored replacing its middle child, the Plus model, with a new Pro variant in the Galaxy S26 family before ultimately sticking with its existing lineup. Now, fresh leaks point to the Galaxy S27 series will introduce a Galaxy S27 Pro model that sits just below the Ultra. The report from Android Headlines claims the Galaxy S27 Pro may not simply be a rebranded Plus model. Instead, Samsung could use it to offer a distinct camera experience, with one area potentially giving it an advantage over the flagship Galaxy S27 Ultra.
Galaxy S27 Pro tipped to get Samsung’s ALoP zoom camera
According to the report, the Galaxy S27 Pro will reportedly feature a 50MP telephoto camera based on Samsung’s All Lenses on Prism (ALoP) technology. The Galaxy S27 Ultra, meanwhile, is expected to use a more conventional 50MP telephoto sensor with 5x optical zoom.
The Pro model’s ALoP camera is said to offer 3.5x optical zoom, which is lower than the Ultra’s rumoured 5x reach. However, Samsung has previously claimed that its ALoP design allows for a more compact camera module while also improving light capture. Because the lens array sits on top of the prism rather than between the prism and sensor, the design can help deliver brighter images, particularly in lower-light conditions. If this is accurate, then the Pro model would be the better option for everyday telephoto photography, while reserving longer zoom capabilities for the Ultra.
The report adds that both the Galaxy S27 Pro and Galaxy S27 Ultra could share a 200MP primary camera as well as the same ultrawide sensor. That would leave the telephoto system as one of the main differentiators between the two devices.
Previous leaks suggest the Galaxy S27 Pro could arrive with a 6.47-inch OLED display and several other specifications borrowed from the Ultra model. The biggest omission may be S Pen support, which is expected to remain exclusive to Samsung’s top-tier flagship. If Samsung follows through with this strategy, the Pro could occupy a similar space to devices such as Apple’s iPhone Pro models or Google’s Pixel Pro handsets. Rather than focusing on a larger display like previous Plus variants, the emphasis would shift toward premium features and flagship-level cameras without the full Ultra package.
For buyers, the approach could make the Galaxy S lineup easier to navigate. Many users rarely use extreme zoom levels or an S Pen, but still want a top-end camera system. A Pro model with the same main camera as the Ultra and potentially stronger low-light telephoto performance could appeal to that audience. Samsung has not confirmed any details about the Galaxy S27 series. The lineup is expected to launch early next year.
