Roman GłogulskiThe Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has made a surprising change in its camera setup, departing from its predecessors that featured a distinct 10x optical zoom camera. Instead, the Galaxy S24 Ultra now offers a 3x and 5x optical zoom, along with a hybrid 10x “optical quality” mode powered by artificial intelligence. While some may find this decision disappointing, there are reasons to remain hopeful about the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera capabilities.
The camera setup of the Galaxy S24 Ultra includes a 200-megapixel main camera, a 12MP wide-angle camera, and two telephoto cameras. One of the telephoto cameras provides a 5x optical zoom with a 50MP sensor, while the other offers a 3x optical zoom with a 10MP sensor. Additionally, the device utilizes software optimization of the 50MP telephoto camera to deliver “optical quality” shots at 2x and 10x zoom levels.
Although the absence of a 10x optical zoom may disappoint some, Samsung’s expertise in creating high-quality hybrid shots using AI should not be overlooked. With advancements in digital zoom technology, along with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and sophisticated camera sensors, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has the potential for exceptional hybrid zoom capabilities. However, it’s important to note that previous experiences with digital zoom have not always produced the best results compared to other devices like the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Google Pixel 7 Pro, and Galaxy A54.
While we await real-world performance results, it is crucial to recognize the new possibilities and opportunities that arise with the introduction of different technologies. Sometimes limitations can foster creativity as users adapt to new circumstances. Additionally, Samsung has a track record of reversing seemingly unusual hardware decisions, as seen with the reintroduction of the rotating bezel in the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic after its absence in the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.
Therefore, while we say goodbye to the 10x optical zoom, consumers can look forward to its return in future models like the Galaxy S25 Ultra. In the meantime, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 5x optical zoom, along with other camera improvements and advanced AI editing tools, are expected to deliver a versatile and enjoyable photography experience.
