Samsung accidentally confirms the Galaxy S27 Pro months ahead of launch

Samsung has unintentionally confirmed the development of a new flagship tier with the upcoming Galaxy S27 series. Regulatory filings discovered in the GSMA database, a mobile industry verification system, reveal the existence of a Galaxy S27 Pro, effectively expanding the lineup to four distinct models.

The GSMA documents, first identified by Ovrplus and reported via SamMobile, list the following devices and their corresponding model numbers:

The Galaxy S27 Pro is positioned to sit between the S27+ and the S27 Ultra. While Samsung has utilized four-tier lineups in other product families, this marks the first time such a structure has been applied to the Galaxy S series. This strategic addition appears designed to target consumers who find the Ultra model too expensive or physically oversized, but who view the standard and Plus models as too significant a compromise in specifications.

Current leaks describe the Pro as a more compact alternative to the Ultra, offering flagship hardware in a design suited for smaller hands. It is expected to feature a 6.47-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. To maintain its "premium" status despite the smaller footprint, the device is rumored to include a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset, 12GB or more of RAM, and a 5,000mAh battery. Storage specifications may include 256GB or more of UFS 5.0, and charging is expected to be 45W or faster.

The camera system on the Pro model is expected to closely mirror the Ultra's capabilities. Reports suggest a 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultrawide with autofocus, and a 50MP telephoto lens providing 3.5x optical zoom. For comparison, the Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 5x optical zoom. A 12MP front-facing camera is also rumored.

A central point of contention regarding the Pro's "Pro" designation is whether it will include the Privacy Display. This technology, first introduced on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, utilizes specific pixel structures to reduce viewing angles without sacrificing brightness, preventing bystanders from seeing the screen. According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Samsung is targeting both the S27 Ultra and the S27 Pro for this feature. This would be a notable distinction, as reports indicate the technology will not be included in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, despite that being the company's most expensive phone.

Despite its high-end specifications, the Galaxy S27 Pro will likely differ from the Ultra in two key ways: size and functionality. Leaks indicate the Pro will omit S Pen support. Additionally, it will likely be priced below the Ultra. While the S26+ retails for $999 and the S26 Ultra for $1,299, a potential price point for the S27 Pro is estimated between $1,099 and $1,149.

Other rumors surrounding the S27 family include the potential use of a LOFIC sensor in the main camera to improve performance and the possible removal of the 3x telephoto camera from the selection. There is also speculation that Samsung may follow the initial flagship launch with a Galaxy S27 FE later in 2027.

The Galaxy S27 series is expected to launch around January or February 2027.