A surprising rumor about the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has been confirmed, and it’s quite a shock. The new Ultra phone does not include the 10x optical zoom camera that was a prominent feature of the Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Galaxy S22 Ultra, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra. Instead, it is equipped with a 3x and a 5x optical zoom, along with an AI-enhanced hybrid 10x “optical quality” mode. This actually makes it more similar to the Galaxy S20 Ultra than any subsequent models. Despite this decision, I am not ready to dismiss the Galaxy S24 Ultra just yet, and neither should other photography enthusiasts.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera
The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera setup includes a 200-megapixel main camera, a 12MP wide-angle camera, and a pair of telephoto cameras. It features a 50MP telephoto camera providing 5x optical zoom, and a 10MP telephoto providing 3x optical zoom. Additionally, the camera promises “optical quality” shots at 2x and 10x zoom levels, using advanced software and higher megapixel count.
Although this decision deviates from the Galaxy S23 Ultra, it bears similarity to the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, which also features a 5x optical zoom and then uses digital zoom for higher levels.
I am disappointed with Samsung’s move towards numbers closer to Apple’s iPhone, but not entirely surprised. However, it will be missed once the Galaxy S23 Ultra disappears from the market, as its 10x optical zoom feature allowed for sharp, blur-free photos at a zoom level unmatched by any other phone.
Considering the S24 Ultra
Despite the absence of 10x optical zoom, I am not completely dismissing the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s telephoto camera. Although disappointing, I am cautiously confident in Samsung’s ability to make its 10x hybrid shots the best possible. Moreover, advancements in hybrid digital zoom quality and Samsung’s use of impressive AI in the S24 Ultra could further improve camera performance.
If Samsung’s software and AI, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and the updated camera sensors on the S24 Ultra can bring the hybrid shots really close to the S23 Ultra’s 10x optical zoom, I may be able to accept the change. However, previous experience shows that photos taken with digital zoom can still be of poor quality, which is something to consider.
Embracing new opportunities
I will withhold judgment on the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s telephoto camera until I see its real-world performance. I am confident in the phone’s tech and software to compensate for the lack of 10x optical zoom, especially with the improved main camera and AI editing tools that have impressed me. Furthermore, constraints and limitations may lead to greater creativity in photography, as we look for new ways to work around them.
While we bid farewell to the 10x optical zoom on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, I anticipate its triumphant return on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Therefore, I will cautiously explore and assess the 5x optical zoom on the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
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