Last yr, Samsung launched a 200MP sensor that did not fairly meet expectations. It wasn’t unhealthy, nevertheless it proved to be inconsistent as a rule. This yr, Samsung moved on to a brand new era 200MP sensor, swapped out the previous 10MP telephoto digicam with a 50MP one, and tweaked its picture processing for the higher.The result’s the very best digicam Samsung has ever made, even when it nonetheless struggles with some age-old Samsung issues. Telephoto high quality is healthier than ever — as long as you retain it beneath 20x, that’s — and low-light efficiency is downright unbelievable from all accessible cameras. Even video seize is healthier than ever, and Galaxy AI options like Instant Slow-Mo really feel like pure magic.In most circumstances, the Galaxy S24 Ultra beats the Google Pixel 8 Pro regardless of being the earlier champion for smartphone photograph seize. Google will not be giving freely the movement seize crown any time quickly, although, which means it is nonetheless a greater digicam alternative for folks.But, if that one specific area of interest is not one thing that bothers you, there isn’t any higher Android telephone digicam within the U.S. proper now. Here’s why you must contemplate upgrading to Samsung this yr.Software and Galaxy AI(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Galaxy AI is likely one of the greatest causes to improve to a Galaxy S24 Ultra from an older Galaxy telephone, and it opens up a set of enjoyable new prospects for photograph and video seize. Of all the brand new options, Instant Slow-Mo is, by far, my favourite one. To activate it, all you have to do is long-press any video whereas viewing it within the Samsung Gallery app.This can be utilized on a video captured by any digicam, not simply the Galaxy S24 Ultra. All processing is finished on-device, as properly, and this totally works in airplane mode. Long-pressing will use Galaxy AI to mechanically generate frames to create a 1/2 or 1/4-speed slow-motion video, and you’ll even save these slow-motion creations by enhancing your video of alternative.This is strictly the sort of factor I wish to see generative AI used for, proving how properly this sort of expertise can work when applied properly.Image 1 of two(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Samsung’s object eraser is healthier than ever this time round and remains to be the one collection of telephones that gives each shadow and reflection erasing with a single button press. Reflection eraser tones down specular highlights created from reflective glass or different related supplies, whereas shadow eraser brightens up darkened shadowed areas in an try to “erase” them.Both work extremely properly and could be very important in bettering a photograph beneath the suitable situations.The greatest draw back to each of those modes is that they are a bit hidden. You’ll must open the photograph within the Samsung Gallery app, edit it, hit the “more” grid button, faucet object eraser, after which choose both erase shadows or erase reflections.Samsung provides context-sensitive enhancing strategies just like what you will discover in Google Photos, however you will must faucet the “i” icon first. It’s bizarrely clunky and retains vital options hidden. I’d like to see Samsung erase the additional step right here and simply put the strategies on the row of buttons on the backside.(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Rounding out the instruments is Generative Edit, a brand new cloud-only enhancing mode that is discovered proper in Samsung Gallery. This one makes use of Google Bard to permit object choice, resizing, rotating, and even generative body straightening.As is the case with all related generative AI photograph enhancing instruments, some apparent artifacts come from AI era of real-world surroundings. I would not say that a majority of these edits are usually very convincing, however they make for a enjoyable new solution to edit pictures that is as easy as you possibly can think about.As with Google’s Magic Editor on the Pixel 8, you possibly can faucet or circle to focus on an object, then long-press to maneuver the thing across the body. You may also resize or rotate utilizing the body define across the object within the editor.Motion(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)I’ve lengthy highlighted movement seize as one of many weakest factors of any Samsung smartphone digicam, and the issue is worse than ever with the Galaxy S24 Ultra. I’m unsure why Samsung struggles with this specific class a lot however the movement seize efficiency of all the cameras on this telephone — ultrawide, principal, and each telephoto cameras — is downright horrible.The photograph above is one among many I took in the course of the assessment interval and helps spotlight the issue. Everything within the photograph seems to be crisp and clear apart from the rooster’s head. This was captured in broad daylight whereas it was sunny, so there isn’t any good excuse for this type of failed movement seize.Image 1 of 4Testing out movement seize capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra principal digicam sensor(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Testing out movement seize capabilities of the Google Pixel 8 Pro principal digicam sensor(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Testing the movement seize capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra utilizing the minimal processing possibility(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Testing out movement seize capabilities of the Google Pixel 8 Pro principal digicam sensor(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)The quick gallery above reveals a seize taken on the similar time from the Pixel 8 Pro and the Galaxy S24 Ultra. I held one telephone in every hand and tapped the shutter button on the similar time.As anticipated, the Pixel 8 Pro does an admirable job of capturing my son leaping off the sofa. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, not a lot. The first set of pictures (inexperienced shirt) makes use of out-of-the-box auto mode, whereas the second set (crimson shirt) makes use of Samsung’s “minimal processing” possibility. This possibility is meant to help in movement seize, however as you possibly can see, it does comparatively nothing to assist.Image 1 of 2A digicam pattern from the primary digicam on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Testing out movement seize capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra ultrawide digicam sensor(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)The above may be my favourite instance of how funky issues can get when any movement is launched. This photograph was taken at 13:55 on a sunny day. Again, I’m unsure why Samsung’s algorithm cannot determine that it should not be combining two HDR bracketed pictures that do not match up, however alas, it definitely struggled.The second picture was of one among my pet rabbits getting her ears petted. I took a number of pictures, and all of them turned out simply as poorly relating to movement seize. Her left ear is totally blurry in each single photograph.This specific photograph comes from the automatically-activated macro digicam since I used to be taking the picture intently. It additionally showcases how poor the general picture high quality could be from this digicam when the lighting is not perfect.Telephoto camerasSamsung made a controversial change this yr, swapping out the 10MP 10X optical digicam with a brand new 50MP 5X optical digicam. That 50MP sensor is 60% bodily bigger than the previous 10MP one, although, which means its efficiency must be so much higher at native zoom ranges.True to expectation, I can declare that Samsung supplies the very best telephoto expertise of any telephone accessible within the U.S. in the present day. Zooming between 2x and 10x supplies a surprising degree of element that is a large improve from the Galaxy S23 Ultra, holding true to Samsung’s claims of “optical quality up to 10x zoom.”We see the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s telephoto benefit begin to peter out round 20x, and past that, the S23 Ultra sometimes wins. It’s not going you will be happy with any picture taken past 30x from both telephone, although. They usually aren’t very helpful for making a handsome image.20x and above zoomAt 20x, you can begin to see the restrictions of the lowered optical lens on the S24 Ultra. In each examples — a snowy, cloudy morning within the first shot and broad daylight within the second — the S24 Ultra sports activities much less element and a few apparent digital zoom artifacts.Image 1 of 6A 20x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 20x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 20x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 20x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 50x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 50x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)However, the brand new sensor does a greater job with colour stability in each conditions. In the primary shot, the S23 Ultra is much too heat. This is a snowy, cloudy day. It’s chilly wanting, and the cooler tones of the S24 Ultra are extra correct. Likewise, the S23 Ultra’s second photograph is a bit too inexperienced.The final shot is taken at 50x and reveals precisely what you must anticipate in most conditions. The S23 Ultra’s distinction ratio and high-quality particulars are higher, however blacks get crushed, and the photograph does not look all that nice, anyway. It’s nonetheless much better than another collection of telephones would produce, nevertheless it’s clear that zoom distance past 30-40x is little greater than a advertising and marketing gimmick.The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s actual power is between 20-30x, however I doubt that most individuals will repeatedly use and even take pleasure in pictures taken from these zoom ranges fairly often.(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)With that mentioned, 100x zoom can have its makes use of at instances. While penning this, as an example, I observed an unfamiliar chicken land within the treetops on a neighbor’s property. The 100x zoom from the Galaxy S24 Ultra revealed it was some sort of falcon, although it is inconceivable to inform what form from this shot.Still, that is much better than my eyes can see, regardless that I’ve glorious distance imaginative and prescient.10x zoomImage 1 of 4A 10x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 10x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 10x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 10x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)My first response upon seeing the 10x zoom outcomes was “WOW.” This is a considerable enchancment in each doable space, from element to white stability and colour accuracy. Every photograph I took appeared higher on the S24 Ultra between 6-10x with out exception.The Galaxy S23 Ultra had fairly poor zoom efficiency between 5-9.9x, which matches to point out that Samsung made an excellent resolution when it swapped out the 10x digicam for a 5x one.3-5x zoomImage 1 of 12A 3x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 3x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 3x telephoto digicam pattern from the Google Pixel 8 Pro(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 5x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 5x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 5x telephoto digicam pattern from the Google Pixel 8 Pro(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 3x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 3x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 3x telephoto digicam pattern from the Google Pixel 8 Pro(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 5x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 5x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 5x telephoto digicam pattern from the Google Pixel 8 Pro(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)In low mild, the Galaxy S24 Ultra handily beats the S23 Ultra and slays the Google Pixel 8 Pro between 3-5x zoom. That’s a bit stunning for a lot of causes, and it is fascinating to see Samsung make such an enchancment at 3x regardless of each Galaxy telephones sporting the identical 10MP 3x telephoto digicam.The solely exception is the second 5x picture of the drum equipment, the place the S24 Ultra’s shot has much less element than the opposite two telephones, notably in shadowed areas.It’s probably that Samsung is making a hybrid picture composed from a number of of the telephone’s cameras on the S24 Ultra, particularly within the low mild pattern of the image body. The consequence is a photograph that is considerably cleaner, clearer, and higher lit. Things like this are one of many causes it is vital to consider a processor improve as extra than simply higher efficiency in video games.Image 1 of 6A 5x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 5x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 5x telephoto digicam pattern from the Google Pixel 8 Pro(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 3x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 3x telephoto digicam pattern from the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A 3x telephoto digicam pattern from the Google Pixel 8 Pro(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)However, issues get rather less apparent in the course of the day, and the consequence may be all the way down to choice. The Galaxy S23 Ultra showcases extra high-quality element at 3x and 5x than the Galaxy S24 Ultra nevertheless it achieves this by over sharpening the picture. This results in fringing and different nasty artifacts across the edges of objects on the S23 Ultra’s photograph, particularly the place excessive distinction naturally exists. Look on the edges of the Orchid petals to see what I imply.Main digicamAs we noticed within the 3-5x daytime examples, pictures taken from the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s principal sensor provide much less high-quality element however look extra pure, as in the event that they have been taken from a DSLR reasonably than a telephone sensor. I choose this look over the oversharpened, extremely digital look of the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s pictures.But I can perceive how this might be seen as a detrimental, particularly for high-quality element hounds. Samsung additionally appears to have toned down its HDR algorithm to make pictures look extra pure. That means shadow element is “lost,” however the captured scene additionally seems to be extra just like how our eyes understand it.As earlier than, I choose this look over the ridiculously sturdy HDR algorithms we have seen from firms like Samsung up to now, because it tones down noise in shadowed areas and makes a photograph look extra like a photograph and fewer like a pc’s approximation of a captured scene.The instance beneath illustrates this fairly properly, because the bushes within the S23 Ultra’s shot are unnaturally shiny, and elements of the scene are oversharpened, particularly in case you zoom in. The Pixel 8 Pro’s shot is properly lit as properly, nevertheless it lacks the element of the S24 Ultra’s shot.Image 1 of 3A digicam pattern from the primary sensor of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A digicam pattern from the primary sensor of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A digicam pattern from the primary sensor of the Google Pixel 8 Pro(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)The samples beneath assist showcase how Samsung nonetheless boosts saturation a bit an excessive amount of, though it will definitely be all the way down to choice. The colour of the purple flowers seems to be gorgeous on each Galaxy telephones, regardless that they are not really that vibrant in actual life. The Pixel 8 Pro’s photograph (third within the carousel) reveals you ways they actually look.It’s fascinating to see the high-quality element downside crop up on this shot, although, and it seems to be prefer it’s a facet impact of the denoise algorithm. The S23 Ultra’s shot is sort of noisy throughout, nevertheless it’s additionally very detailed, pulling out all of the little flecks within the pedals. Meanwhile, the S24 Ultra’s photograph is extremely clear however, once more, lacks high-quality element. The Pixel 8 Pro did the very best general right here.Likewise, the bamboo forest scene is barely oversaturated on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The S23 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro get the colours proper, however the S23 Ultra is overexposed, whereas the Pixel 8 Pro’s shot is a little bit darkish. I’d give the S24 Ultra the win right here.Image 1 of 6A digicam pattern from the primary sensor of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A digicam pattern from the primary sensor of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A digicam pattern from the primary sensor of the Google Pixel 8 Pro(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A digicam pattern from the primary sensor of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A digicam pattern from the primary sensor of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A digicam pattern from the primary sensor of the Google Pixel 8 Pro(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)UltravastImage 1 of 3A digicam pattern from the ultrawide sensor of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A digicam pattern from the ultrawide sensor of the Google Pixel 8 Pro(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)A digicam pattern from the ultrawide sensor of the OnePlus 12(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)The ultrawide digicam hasn’t modified in any respect, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra sporting the identical 12MP digicam that is on the remainder of the Galaxy S24 and S23 household telephones. The digicam is ok sufficient, nevertheless it tends to wrestle in areas with a number of distinction.This greenhouse scene above, as an example, was fairly darkish on a wet day. The result’s a blown-out set of home windows on the S24 Ultra and underexposed greenery on the OnePlus 12. The Pixel 8 Pro did the very best of the bunch however had some bizarre fringing points on the leaves across the home windows.Portraits and selfiesFor years, Samsung has maintained a number of the greatest portrait mode photographs within the enterprise. For no matter purpose, Samsung’s software program is extraordinarily good at figuring out objects and creating glorious, crisp definition between them and the background.Image 1 of 10Testing out the portrait mode on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s front-facing digicam(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Testing out the portrait mode on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra’s front-facing digicam(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Testing out the portrait mode on the Google Pixel 8 Pro’s front-facing digicam(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Testing out the portrait mode on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s front-facing digicam(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Testing out the portrait mode on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra’s front-facing digicam(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Testing out the portrait mode on the Google Pixel 8 Pro’s front-facing digicam(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Testing out the portrait mode on the OnePlus 12’s front-facing digicam(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Testing out the portrait mode on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s principal rear digicam(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Testing out the portrait mode on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra’s principal rear digicam(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Testing out the portrait mode on the OnePlus 12’s principal rear digicam(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Unfortunately, Samsung appears to have taken a slight step backward with the S24 Ultra’s portrait mode, which struggles to outline the topic from the background a bit greater than the Galaxy S23 Ultra.It’s nonetheless not as unhealthy because the Pixel’s portrait mode — which usually does a horrible job of making a clear define of a topic — however the OnePlus 12 and even Motorola Edge Plus (2023) do a greater job of portrait mode than the Galaxy S24 Ultra.On the intense facet, Samsung’s enhancements to white stability and publicity administration are positively higher when in comparison with the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and it does not crush black ranges just like the Pixel typically will.VideoSamsung has been king of video recording on Android for fairly some time now and that is not altering with the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Samsung’s newest telephone introduces a brand new 4k 120FPS seize functionality discovered completely in Pro Video mode — probably as a result of all stabilization is turned off when capturing, so you will wish to use a gimbal or one thing related with this mode.Overall video high quality has been improved, with higher distinction, extra practical colours, and a slight enchancment to element in any respect zoom ranges.The new telephoto digicam {hardware} makes an enormous distinction in high-quality element when capturing movies, simply because it does with pictures. Presets for 3x, 5x, and 10x are extraordinarily helpful for fast zoom degree changes, though Samsung hasn’t but solved the “popping” problem when the telephone switches between cameras.ConclusionSamsung’s telephoto digicam modifications had me anxious going into the assessment, however fortunately, the corporate utterly assuaged my fears and has delivered outstanding digicam zoom element on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. There have been quite a lot of moments the place the outcomes of this assessment stunned me, as Samsung has clearly leapfrogged Google in most respects.Every degree of zoom in each photograph and video seize is healthier on the Galaxy 24 Ultra in comparison with the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and Samsung was even in a position to iron out a number of the bizarre moments when the S23 Ultra’s digicam would overexpose a scene. The result’s a digicam that appears and operates higher on each degree.As I mentioned within the intro, although, capturing objects in movement — largely youngsters and pets — remains to be fairly unhealthy on the Galaxy S24 Ultra and stays one of many solely weak factors of the telephone’s digicam system. Samsung’s efforts to cut back this by permitting customers to tweak picture processing ranges do not appear to have produced any fruit. I might nonetheless advocate a Google Pixel 8 Pro over this telephone for folk who primarily take pictures of their squirmy youngsters or pets that simply will not maintain nonetheless.Outside of that, although, that is the very best digicam you will discover on any telephone in North America. The Vivo X100 Pro, as an example, gives you a greater digicam expertise in areas the place it is formally accessible, however you will be lacking out on Samsung’s glorious One UI expertise. Barring the supply of a scant few different telephones, although, that is going to fulfill even the pickiest of digicam lovers.
The smartphone world has a brand new digicam champ! The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will blow your thoughts each time you employ it, notably when zooming in.