A recent rediscovery of my old Samsung ST72 compact digital camera, purchased almost a decade ago, prompted a fascinating comparison with the latest Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. This unexpected side-by-side test highlighted the remarkable advancements in mobile photography over the past ten years.
The side of the Samsung ST72 camera next to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The ST72, compact and easily pocketable, boasts a 16.2MP 1/2.3-inch sensor and a 5x optical zoom. While seemingly impressive on paper, especially when compared to the S25 Ultra’s 200MP main camera, 50MP wide-angle, and dual telephoto lenses, the real-world performance tells a different story.
Image Quality Comparison: A Stark Contrast
Comparison of photos taken with the Samsung ST72 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Comparison of photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Samsung ST72.
A simple daylight photo of a church reveals the ST72’s shortcomings: blurry foreground, unsteady focus, lack of detail, and noticeable noise. The S25 Ultra, in contrast, captures vibrant colors, a crisp image, and the brilliant blue winter sky.
Comparison of photos taken with the Samsung ST72 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Comparison of photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Samsung ST72.
Another scene, a sunset after rain, further emphasizes the difference. The ST72’s f/2.5 aperture struggles to capture the scene’s depth and color, while the S25 Ultra’s f/1.8 aperture excels in challenging lighting conditions. Despite some minor noise, the S25 Ultra effectively conveys the atmosphere and beauty of the sunset.
Telephoto Performance: A Clear Winner
Comparison of 5x zoom photos taken with the Samsung ST72 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Comparison of 5x zoom photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Samsung ST72.
Comparing 5x zoom photos of a bridge reveals a chasm in quality. The ST72’s zoom resembles a blurry digital zoom from an old phone, while the S25 Ultra delivers a sharp, detailed image, showcasing its superior optical zoom capabilities.
The Samsung ST72 camera next to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
A Surprising Exception and Final Verdict
Comparison of photos taken with the Samsung ST72 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Comparison of photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Samsung ST72.
Surprisingly, the ST72 performed slightly better in one indoor shot, capturing more natural colors and better white balance than the slightly oversaturated S25 Ultra. However, this single instance doesn’t redeem the ST72’s overall poor performance.
The Samsung ST72 camera next to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
This comparison underscores the dramatic progress in mobile photography. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s price point is significantly higher, even budget smartphones today likely outperform the decade-old ST72. This test serves as a reminder of the incredible camera technology we now carry in our pockets every day. The ST72, relegated back to its drawer, will remain a testament to how far we’ve come. As for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, its camera prowess is promising, and further comparisons with its contemporaries will determine its true standing in the current flagship smartphone market.
