Why the Galaxy S27 can’t afford to skip built-in Qi2: A Practical Look
Samsung’s stubborn rear camera placement is holding its smartphones back. But that could finally change next year, and it’s about damn time!
New patents spotted by SammyGuru reveal a new horizontal arrangement, with all three rear lenses extending across the top of the phones. It’s not the first time this design has leaked, and makes comparisons to Google Pixel phones inevitable.
SammyGuru
But this is one of those occasions where copying a rival isn’t a lazy choice; it’s a necessity. If (as is rumoured) Samsung finally ditches its long-standing vertical camera layout, the only question I’ll be asking Samsung is why it took so long.
Qi2, where are you?
Samsung is understandably reluctant to deviate from its signature rear camera design. But it simply can’t ignore the logistical nightmare that it continues to cause.
With the cameras currently extending around a third of the way down the back of the phone, there’s no room to accommodate built-in magnets. It means that even ultra-premium devices such as the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra lack dedicated support for Qi2, and it’s really holding the phones back.
Luke Baker
To access the wide-ranging wireless charging and magnetic accessory ecosystem (including devices designed for Apple’s MagSafe and Google’s Pixelsnap), Samsung phones need a case. This is far from ideal, especially if your favourite case doesn’t offer it or you prefer to go case-free.
By contrast, all eight phones from the Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 series have it built-in. This can be excused on cheaper phones such as the Pixel 10a, but it’s fast becoming a must-have feature on Android flagships.
Samsung could easily make room for Qi2 magnets without making any compromises to the camera hardware. If it skips yet another generation, prospective buyers will inevitably look elsewhere.
An upgrade on the Pixel?
The Galaxy S27 might not just match the Pixel’s signature design; it could surpass it.
Firstly, it’ll almost certainly be free of any LED lights. Google added its new HiLight feature on Pixel 11 Pro models to much fanfare, but it’s basically a glorified call and Gemini indicator. Without it, the Galaxy S27 series has the opportunity for a much cleaner, streamlined look that many will enjoy.
Also, the patent above suggests the lenses will be much flatter than currently, and may even sit almost flush with the back of the phone. It might be thicker to accommodate this, but would look much sleeker as a result. By contrast, Pixel flagships are known for their huge, protroding rear camera bars, and there’s no sign of that changing anytime soon.
By moving the cameras and introducing built-in Qi2, the Galaxy S27 series would be an instant, significant upgrade. Without it, and with potential price rises on the way, Samsung’s next flagships could be easily skippable.
