Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera Shootout A Detailed Comparison

The Galaxy S series has always been Samsung’s flagship lineup, pushing boundaries in design, performance, and most notably, camera technology. With the release of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, enthusiasts are eager to see how it stacks up against its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, in terms of camera performance. Let’s dive into an in-depth comparison to determine whether the latest iteration is a worthy upgrade or if the S24 Ultra remains a strong contender.


Camera Hardware Comparison

Both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra feature cutting-edge camera hardware, but there are some key differences that set them apart.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces a 250 MP primary sensor, an upgrade from the S24 Ultra’s already impressive 200 MP camera. This new sensor is built with a larger aperture, allowing more light to enter and improving low-light performance significantly. The telephoto lenses have also seen a boost, with the S25 Ultra offering a 6x optical zoom compared to the 5x optical zoom on the S24 Ultra. Additionally, Samsung has upgraded the ultra-wide sensor to 50 MP, enhancing detail and dynamic range.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is no slouch. Its 200 MP primary sensor still delivers stunning images, and the dual telephoto setup with 3x and 10x zoom ensures versatility. However, the S24 Ultra’s smaller aperture struggles slightly in dimmer environments, and its ultra-wide lens is capped at 12 MP, making it less effective for wide-angle shots with intricate details.

Daylight Photography Performance

When it comes to daylight photography, both phones excel, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the lead in terms of detail and dynamic range.

The S25 Ultra’s 250 MP sensor captures sharper images with vibrant colors, and Samsung’s advanced AI processing ensures that each shot is balanced with true-to-life tones. Landscapes appear more vivid, with intricate details retained even in the background. The upgraded ultra-wide sensor also makes a noticeable difference, producing wide-angle shots that are rich in color and texture.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its 200 MP sensor, still delivers exceptional performance. Its color reproduction is natural, and images are crisp, but side-by-side comparisons reveal that the S24 Ultra struggles slightly in high-contrast scenes. Details in shadows and highlights are less pronounced compared to the S25 Ultra. For casual users, these differences may not be drastic, but photography enthusiasts will appreciate the S25 Ultra’s superior output.

Low-Light and Night Photography

Samsung has significantly improved low-light capabilities with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, making it a standout performer in night photography.

The S25 Ultra’s larger aperture and enhanced Nightography mode deliver brighter and sharper images in dim settings. With advanced noise reduction algorithms and AI processing, the phone ensures minimal graininess and accurate color reproduction even in challenging lighting conditions. The improved ultra-wide sensor also contributes to nighttime photography, producing detailed wide-angle shots without compromising quality.

In comparison, the Galaxy S24 Ultra performs admirably but falls short of the S25 Ultra’s results. Its Night Mode is effective, but images sometimes exhibit noticeable noise, particularly in extremely low light. Furthermore, details in dark areas are not as well-defined, and the ultra-wide lens struggles to capture enough light, resulting in less vibrant night shots.

Telephoto and Zoom Capabilities

Zoom photography is where Samsung has always excelled, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra further solidifies its dominance.

The S25 Ultra’s 6x optical zoom provides more versatility than the S24 Ultra’s 5x zoom. It also offers sharper results at higher digital zoom levels, thanks to improved image stabilization and AI upscaling technology. The periscope lens delivers incredible clarity even at 100x Space Zoom, making it ideal for wildlife photography and capturing distant subjects.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra, while impressive with its dual telephoto setup, cannot match the sharpness of the S25 Ultra at extreme zoom levels. Although its 10x zoom still produces crisp images, the gap becomes apparent as you push beyond 50x digital zoom. The S24 Ultra’s stabilization is not as advanced, resulting in minor blurriness when shooting handheld at higher zoom levels.

Video Recording Capabilities

Both phones are equipped to handle professional-grade video recording, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces several enhancements that elevate the experience.

The S25 Ultra supports 8K video recording at 60fps, an improvement over the S24 Ultra’s 8K at 30fps. This higher frame rate results in smoother footage, making the S25 Ultra ideal for cinematic shots. Samsung has also added improved stabilization, ensuring that videos remain steady even during motion-heavy scenes. Additionally, the upgraded HDR10+ processing delivers better contrast and color accuracy, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 Ultra still holds its ground with impressive 8K capabilities and steady stabilization. However, its 30fps limit in 8K means videos are not as fluid as those shot on the S25 Ultra. While the S24 Ultra’s video quality is excellent for most users, professionals may find the enhancements on the S25 Ultra more appealing.

Selfie and Portrait Mode Performance

Samsung has also paid attention to front-facing cameras, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivering a more refined portrait experience.

The S25 Ultra’s 16 MP front-facing sensor uses improved AI algorithms to capture stunning selfies with accurate skin tones and natural bokeh effects. Portrait mode, enhanced by better depth-mapping technology, ensures that subjects are sharply focused while backgrounds are beautifully blurred.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 12 MP front camera that still delivers excellent selfies, but it occasionally struggles with edge detection in portrait mode. While the difference in resolution is not drastic, the S25 Ultra’s superior software processing gives it the edge in selfie and portrait photography.

Software and AI Enhancements

Camera hardware is only part of the story; software plays a crucial role in delivering top-tier results.

The S25 Ultra debuts Samsung’s latest One UI version with advanced AI features specifically designed for photography. Real-time scene optimization, enhanced subject tracking, and smarter auto-focus ensure that every shot is effortless and professional-looking. Additionally, the new Photo Remaster feature lets users fine-tune their images directly from the gallery, adding convenience for casual photographers.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra also boasts intelligent software, but its older AI algorithms occasionally lag in challenging scenarios, such as fast-moving subjects or dim lighting. While it remains an excellent performer, the S25 Ultra’s refined software gives it a noticeable advantage.

Conclusion: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra undeniably takes mobile photography to new heights, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their camera game. With its upgraded hardware, improved low-light performance, superior zoom capabilities, and enhanced AI features, it offers a compelling package for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike.

That said, the Galaxy S24 Ultra remains a formidable option. Its camera system is still among the best on the market, and for users who already own the device, the differences may not justify an immediate upgrade. However, for those seeking the absolute best in smartphone photography, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the clear winner.

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