SAMSUNG

Galaxy S27 Ultra may feature an exclusive Qualcomm processor

Samsung appears to be preparing a significant shift in the processor strategy for its next generation of smartphones. New commercial filings associated with the Galaxy S27 series suggest that the South Korean manufacturer may reserve the most powerful version of Qualcomm’s upcoming processor exclusively for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, while other models will feature different configurations.

This information was reported by Gadgets360, based on a discovery by Notebookcheck on the trade data platform NBD. The filings identify four devices—including the as-yet-unannounced Galaxy S27 Pro—and reveal a potential split between Exynos and Snapdragon processors for the European market.

If these details are confirmed, Samsung could establish a clearer performance hierarchy among its high-end smartphones, at a time when competition in the premium segment remains particularly intense.

The key development concerns the processor identified for the Galaxy S27 Ultra. The device is linked to the model number SM-S958B/DS and the Qualcomm chip SM8975, which is expected to correspond to the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6.

Meanwhile, the purported Galaxy S27 Pro—identified as SM-S957B/DS—is equipped with the Qualcomm SM8950, associated with the standard version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6.

This distinction suggests that Samsung might reserve the most advanced variant of the processor for the Ultra, creating an additional point of differentiation between the two premium models in the lineup.

Naturally, the presence of different processors does not yet reveal what the actual differences in performance, power consumption, or artificial intelligence processing capabilities will be. These characteristics will depend on the final specifications of the chips and how they are integrated into the devices.

However, the newly surfaced documents introduce an important detail: the possibility that the Galaxy S27 Pro could utilize a Snapdragon processor, even in its European variants. Until now, rumors regarding processor distribution suggested that Samsung might keep Exynos chips in Europe while reserving specific Snapdragon variants for other markets.

The emergence of references specifically linked to European devices reinforces the hypothesis of a more nuanced strategy, although these commercial filings do not constitute definitive confirmation of the configurations that will ultimately reach retail shelves.

Four models with varying screen sizes...In addition to the processors, the documentation provides details on the screen sizes for each device.

Model | Screen Size | Indicated Processor

Galaxy S27 | 6.3 inches | Exynos 2700

Galaxy S27+ | 6.7 inches | Exynos 2700

Galaxy S27 Pro | 6.5 inches | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6

Galaxy S27 Ultra | 6.9 inches | Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6

All four models are also associated with configurations featuring 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage.

These figures do not necessarily mean that every commercial variant will feature the same configuration; the records may simply represent specific versions used for import, testing, or certification processes.

Another detail yet to be confirmed concerns the cameras. Rumors point to 200-megapixel main sensors for both the Galaxy S27 Pro and the Ultra, which could bring the photographic capabilities of the two devices closer together.

Even so, sensor resolution alone does not determine the final quality of photographs, nor does it imply that both devices will feature equivalent camera systems.

The potential introduction of a Galaxy S27 Pro could represent a significant shift in the structure of the Galaxy S lineup.

To date, Samsung has primarily relied on the distinction between the base, Plus, and Ultra models to differentiate features, dimensions, and photographic capabilities.

By offering four devices, the manufacturer could provide a more compact premium alternative, positioned between the Galaxy S27+ and the Ultra. The processor could become one of the key differentiators, alongside cameras, build materials, and exclusive features.

Interestingly, rumors also point to differences in charging capabilities. As we previously reported, the base Galaxy S27 may remain limited to 25W, while the Pro and Ultra models have been linked to charging speeds of up to 60W.

If this scenario holds true, Samsung will be opting for a more distinct separation between the various tiers of its premium lineup.

The official unveiling of the Galaxy S27 family is expected to take place in early 2027, during a Galaxy Unpacked event.

Until then, several questions remain unanswered, including whether a "Pro" model will definitely exist, the differences between the new processors, and the specific configuration intended for the Portuguese market.

It is also worth noting that previous reports had suggested a potential return of the Exynos chip to the Galaxy S27 Ultra. The latest findings point to a different scenario, though they do not entirely rule out the possibility of additional variants.

For now, all signs suggest that Samsung is exploring a more diverse product lineup. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will offer tangible benefits to consumers or if it will primarily serve to further distinguish the various price tiers.

What sets the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 apart from the "Extreme" version? The Extreme Gen 6 features eight cores built on a 2nm process: two "Prime" cores at 5.0 GHz, three at 4.0 GHz, and three at 3.7 GHz, along with an Adreno 850 GPU clocked at 1.45 GHz. Qualcomm has also included matrix calculation units for AI-driven upscaling and frame generation—features absent from the standard Gen 6 chip, which is expected to power the Pro model.

A similar segmentation already exists among competitors; for instance, Xiaomi opted for the standard Gen 6 in its 18 Pro, while reserving the Extreme version for the 18 Pro Max. If Samsung follows this same logic, the Pro model will feature the 2nm chip but will fall short of the Ultra in terms of GPU and AI capabilities.

Back in June, the expectation was that both the Pro and Ultra would share the same Snapdragon processor. Since then, according to the *Seoul Economic Daily*, Samsung reportedly raised concerns with Qualcomm regarding overheating issues with the Extreme Gen 6—claims that Qualcomm has denied.

If the filing is accurate, the Ultra has retained the high-end chip, while the Pro has been positioned a step lower. The Galaxy S27 Pro sits between the S27+ and the Ultra—and this hierarchy extends to the processor as well. With a 6.5-inch display, a 5,200 mAh battery, and rumored 200 MP camera, the S27 Pro occupies the tier previously held by the "Plus" model, with the chip selection following that same structure.

It ranks above the S27+ (which uses an Exynos chip) and below the Ultra (which uses the Extreme version). This allows Samsung to offer three distinct price points, each corresponding to a different level of performance.

For now, none of this is official, as Samsung typically unveils its S-series lineup in late January or early February. In reality, Brazil is likely to receive the same "B" variant mentioned in the filing. The S27 and S27+ sold here are expected to come with the Exynos 2700, while the Pro will feature the Gen 6.

If this difference in chips is reflected in the price, the Pro becomes the more rational choice for those who don’t need the S Pen or the Ultra’s zoom capabilities. Does paying more for the "Extreme" model—just to get AI-powered frame generation—seem worth it to you?

by mundophone