Considering upgrading to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra from the S24 Ultra? One of the biggest deciding factors is often the camera. We put the S25 Ultra’s camera head-to-head against its predecessor to see if the upgrades are truly significant. This in-depth comparison analyzes each camera mode, highlighting the key differences and helping you decide if the S25 Ultra’s camera warrants the investment.
Camera Specifications: A Closer Look
Both phones boast impressive camera hardware, with much of it remaining consistent between generations. Both feature a 200MP main sensor with f/1.7 aperture, PDAF, and OIS. The dual telephoto setup is also identical, offering a 10MP 3x optical zoom and a 50MP 5x optical zoom, both with OIS.
The key hardware difference lies in the wide-angle camera. The S24 Ultra sports a 12MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, while the S25 Ultra upgrades to a 50MP sensor with a wider f/1.9 aperture. Both retain a 120-degree field of view. Processing power also varies, with the S24 Ultra utilizing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the S25 Ultra powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, both optimized for Galaxy devices.
Main Camera Performance: A Surprising Draw
Despite identical hardware, subtle differences emerge. While image quality is remarkably close, the S24 Ultra consistently delivered sharper images with a wider focal area. The S25 Ultra exhibited minor blurring in some areas, noticeable upon close inspection.
The S25 Ultra countered with improved noise reduction, particularly evident in low-light conditions. Ultimately, choosing between the two comes down to personal preference. Neither significantly outperforms the other, resulting in a draw for this category.
Wide-Angle: S25 Ultra Takes a Slight Lead
The upgraded 50MP wide-angle sensor on the S25 Ultra offers a marginal improvement over the S24 Ultra. While differences are subtle in daylight, the S25 Ultra shows better low-light performance with less noise and improved edge clarity. However, the S24 Ultra often produced images with more vibrant colors.
The S25 Ultra’s wide-angle advantage, while present, is not groundbreaking. The improvements are subtle and may not be immediately noticeable to the average user.
Telephoto: A Clear Win for the S25 Ultra
The S25 Ultra demonstrably outperforms the S24 Ultra in the telephoto department. Across all zoom levels (3x, 5x, and 10x), the S25 Ultra delivers sharper, less noisy images. The improvements are readily apparent, especially at higher zoom levels.
Conclusion: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra undoubtedly offers camera improvements over the S24 Ultra, particularly in telephoto and low-light performance. However, the upgrades are incremental rather than revolutionary. Unless you frequently utilize the telephoto lenses or prioritize low-light photography, the S24 Ultra’s camera remains highly capable. Consider your individual needs and budget before making the switch.
