The Galaxy S24 Ultra: A Camera Disappointment?

Samsung's Decision to Not Include a 10x Optical Zoom Camera in the Galaxy S24 Ultra Confirms My Worst Fear about the Phone.

My worst fear about the Galaxy S24 Ultra has become a reality. | ENBLE

The side of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera module.

A concerning rumor about the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has actually come true, and I’m quite shocked. The new Ultra phone does not have the 10x optical zoom camera that made its predecessors unique. Instead, it has a 3x and a 5x optical zoom, plus an AI-enhanced hybrid 10x “optical quality” mode. It’s disheartening to see Samsung take a step back in this aspect.

But wait! Don’t dismiss the Galaxy S24 Ultra just yet. There are still reasons why photo enthusiasts shouldn’t give up on it. Let’s dive deeper into the camera and explore what this device has to offer.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Camera: What’s Inside?

A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera setup consists of a 200-megapixel main camera, a 12MP wide-angle camera, and a pair of telephoto cameras. One telephoto camera provides a 5x optical zoom, while the other offers a 3x optical zoom. The phone also includes a 10x digital zoom.

Now, this configuration may seem different from its predecessors, but it’s not too dissimilar from the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max’s setup. The iPhone relies on a 12MP telephoto camera for 5x optical zoom and then utilizes digital zoom for anything beyond that. So, while Samsung’s decision is disappointing, it’s not entirely unexpected.

Should You Forget the S24 Ultra’s Camera?

A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra showing the screen.

Does this mean I’m completely dismissing the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s telephoto camera and saying it won’t be as good as its predecessor? Not so fast. While I’m disappointed by the lack of 10x optical zoom, I’m also confident in Samsung’s ability to deliver impressive hybrid shots.

Over the years, hybrid digital zoom quality has improved, and Samsung has invested heavily in AI enhancements on the S24 Ultra. During some hands-on time, I had the chance to try out the 5x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom, and the results were promising. While not quite on par with the 5x optical shots, the 10x photos were of good quality.

It’s important to note that digital zoom can still have its drawbacks, as we observed when comparing the S23 Ultra to the Google Pixel 7 Pro. However, with Samsung’s software, AI capabilities, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it’s likely that the S24 Ultra will come close to matching the 10x optical zoom performance of its predecessor.

New Tech, New Opportunities

Someone holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Before we jump to conclusions, let’s wait and see how the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s telephoto camera performs in real-world scenarios. I have confidence that the phone’s technology and software will compensate for the lack of 10x optical zoom. Additionally, the improved main camera and AI editing tools hold promise for a superb, versatile, and fun-to-use camera experience.

On a more philosophical note, limitations and constraints can sometimes ignite creativity. The S24 Ultra’s 5x optical zoom may inspire us to explore new ways of capturing stunning photos. Keep in mind that prior to using a 10x optical zoom, many of us were unaware of its potential. Let’s embrace the evolving landscape of smartphone photography and see what possibilities await us.

Is There Hope for a 10x Optical Zoom Comeback?

With the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra bidding farewell to a 10x optical zoom telephoto camera, it’s undoubtedly a loss for photography enthusiasts. However, let’s not forget that Samsung has a history of making puzzling hardware decisions and then reversing them later. Just look at the lack of rotating bezels on the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, which made a triumphant return on the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic.

So, as we explore the capabilities of the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 5x optical zoom, let’s also remain hopeful for a future comeback of the 10x optical zoom on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Remember, it’s not just about the hardware; it’s about the creativity and joy that photography brings. So, give the S24 Ultra a chance, and who knows, you might discover new opportunities for breathtaking shots.


📚 References: 1. Buy Galaxy S23 or wait for Galaxy S24? 2. iPhone 15 Pro Max’s camera feature 3. iPhone 16 and Qualcomm’s latest 5G modem 4. Best Google Pixel deals 5. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and Watch 6 Classic


🤔 Q&A:

Q: Why did Samsung choose to remove the 10x optical zoom from the Galaxy S24 Ultra? A: While the exact reason behind Samsung’s decision is not mentioned, it’s possible that they wanted to explore alternative camera configurations and prioritize other features. However, Samsung has a history of revisiting hardware decisions, so we may see the return of a 10x optical zoom in the future.

Q: Can the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s hybrid 10x “optical quality” mode match the performance of a true 10x optical zoom? A: While hybrid modes have improved over the years, they may not deliver the same level of clarity and detail as a dedicated optical zoom. However, Samsung’s software advancements, AI enhancements, and powerful hardware on the S24 Ultra might bridge the gap and provide a satisfying photography experience.

Q: What other features should I consider when choosing a smartphone for photography? A: The camera is just one aspect to consider. Look for features like image stabilization, low-light performance, dynamic range, and overall image processing capabilities. Additionally, consider the user interface, editing tools, and the ecosystem of apps and accessories that can enhance your photography experience.

Q: Are there any alternative smartphones with similar or better camera capabilities? A: There are several smartphones on the market with impressive camera systems. The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 7 Pro, and Huawei P50 Pro are known for their exceptional photography performance. However, each device offers a unique camera setup, so it’s essential to research and compare based on your specific needs and preferences.


📢 Share your thoughts! What do you think about the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera? Are you disappointed by the lack of 10x optical zoom, or do you think the hybrid zoom and AI enhancements will make up for it? Share your opinions and join the conversation! ✨✨✨