The “Ultra” moniker, popularized by Samsung, signifies a smartphone with top-tier camera capabilities. While Samsung wasn’t the first to implement periscope zoom technology, their marketing solidified its association with premium smartphone photography. Oppo’s Find X8 Ultra, a recent contender, challenges this notion with its five-camera system, promising exceptional image quality across eight focal lengths. This article compares the Find X8 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, exploring their strengths and weaknesses to determine which camera reigns supreme.
Camera Specs Comparison
The rear camera on the Oppo Find X8 Ultra
Let’s start with a spec comparison:
| Feature | Oppo Find X8 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP, 1-inch sensor, f/1.6, OIS, 1.6µm | 200MP, 1/1.3-inch sensor, f/1.7, OIS, 0.6µm |
| Ultrawide Camera | 50MP, 120° FOV, f/2.0, 0.64µm | 50MP, 120° FOV, f/1.9, 0.7µm |
| Telephoto 1 | 50MP, 3x optical zoom, f/2.1, OIS, 1.0µm | 10MP, 3x optical zoom, f/2.4, OIS, 1.12µm |
| Telephoto 2 | 50MP, 6x optical zoom, f/3.1, OIS, 0.8µm | 50MP, 5x optical zoom, f/3.4, OIS, 0.7µm |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.8µm | 12MP |
| Other | 2MP True Chroma sensor | – |
Samsung employs a high-resolution 200MP primary sensor and two telephoto lenses (3x and 5x) with comparatively lower resolution. Oppo prioritizes consistency, equipping the Find X8 Ultra with four 50MP cameras, including a 1-inch main sensor and two telephoto lenses (3x and 6x). The Find X8 Ultra also features a unique 2MP True Chroma sensor for capturing a wider range of color temperatures. On paper, the Find X8 Ultra’s camera system appears more versatile, despite Samsung’s higher megapixel count.
Image Quality in Various Lighting
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Extensive testing across diverse lighting conditions reveals key differences. The Find X8 Ultra often produces more vibrant images, while the S25 Ultra sometimes prioritizes dynamic range, resulting in slightly darker exposures. Autofocus speed is another differentiating factor, with the Find X8 Ultra consistently demonstrating faster and more accurate focusing.
Camera sample captured on the Oppo Find X8 Ultra
In food photography, the Find X8 Ultra’s superior autofocus translates to sharper, more appealing results. While overall image quality in regular shots is subjective, the Find X8 Ultra holds a slight edge due to its vibrancy and autofocus performance.
Portrait Mode and Selfies
The back of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Oppo touts the Find X8 Ultra’s portrait capabilities. Both phones produce impressive portrait shots, but the Find X8 Ultra exhibits slightly better edge detection and detail retention, particularly in hair.
Selfie captured on the Galaxy S25 Ultra
For selfies, the Find X8 Ultra’s higher-resolution front camera captures wider shots with more detail. Its portrait selfie mode is less aggressive than the S25 Ultra’s, handling multiple subjects more effectively.
Zoom Performance
The camera on the Oppo Find X8 Ultra in White
Zoom performance is a crucial aspect of “Ultra” phones. The Find X8 Ultra generally outperforms the S25 Ultra at higher zoom levels, retaining more detail and vibrancy. While both phones deliver comparable results at lower magnifications, the S25 Ultra’s image quality deteriorates more noticeably as zoom increases.
120x camera sample captured on the Find X8 Ultra
Oppo’s more aggressive use of AI to enhance details at higher zoom levels contributes to its superior performance in this category. While this can occasionally result in oversharpening, it generally leads to more usable images, especially at extreme magnifications.
Low-Light Zoom
The Find X8 Ultra continues its strong performance in low-light zoom scenarios. Its True Chroma sensor aids in capturing more accurate colors, while the S25 Ultra occasionally struggles with color balance and detail retention.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Both the Find X8 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra possess impressive camera systems. However, the Find X8 Ultra emerges as the overall winner due to its superior zoom performance, consistent image quality, and enhanced low-light capabilities. While the S25 Ultra delivers excellent results in many situations, the Find X8 Ultra provides a more compelling and versatile photography experience, especially for those who prioritize zoom functionality.
