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New rumors have started the chatter of a new Galaxy Pro flagship phone once again, and this immediately makes sense to me—but it’s not for flattering reasons. Samsung may be adding a fourth Galaxy S27 model next year, with a “Pro” variant expected to sit right below the top-of-the-line S27 Ultra.
This model essentially bridges the gap between the standard and Ultra Galaxy phones with high-end features, minus the S Pen. Some of these premium features could include the S26 Ultra’s new Privacy Display feature.
All of this sounds smart on paper, but it also sounds like acceptance.
After spending time with the Galaxy S26, I have a recurring thought. This compact phone has a solid software experience, reliable cameras, and is generally easy to recommend as a base flagship. But “reliable” is no longer enough when these devices carry flagship pricing.
The regular Galaxy S phones are where the problem is
Samsung’s own S26 comparison page shows the base S26 stuck at 25W charging, while the S26+ goes to 45W, and the Ultra got upgraded to 60W. The camera story lands the same way. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ share the same 12MP ultrawide, 50MP wide, and 10MP telephoto setup, while the Ultra gets the far more ambitious 50MP ultrawide, 200MP main, and 50MP + 10MP telephoto mix.
So apart from the Ultra, the other two models feel like an afterthought, but an expensive four-digit flagship one at that. This is why a Galaxy S27 Pro could make the S27 lineup feel less lethargic and more energetic. Just like the base Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro and the base iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, there could be a clear distinction in the intermediate model. Right now, the base and Plus models do just enough. The Ultra does everything.
The Galaxy S27 Pro needs to be a course correction, not a rebrand
But a Pro model only works if Samsung uses it to create a truly convincing middle. One with faster charging, stronger camera hardware, and a better reason to exist below the Ultra.
I think Samsung is definitely in need of this change. But the name alone won’t be enough. If Samsung wants the Pro phone to matter, it has to make this non-ultra Galaxy S phone feel like more than just a safe default and start making it feel worth the premium money again. Otherwise, the S27 Pro will just be another label slapped onto a lineup where all the excitement only lives at the top.
