Samsung has just introduced the Galaxy S25 Ultra, featuring minute camera hardware changes but promising optimized performance through improved software and AI enhancements. While the ultra-wide-angle camera was a quite notable move, so far, most differences in image quality according to early tests still seem subtle when set against the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra replaces the old 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor with a 50-megapixel shooter sporting a brighter f/1.9 aperture, probably an ISOCELL JN3 sensor. This upgrade is matched with Samsung’s new “ProVisual Engine,” which makes use of the improved ISP of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, advanced noise reduction, default 10-bit HDR, and Night Video capabilities. To top it off, the ExpertRAW app features Virtual Aperture and LOG video to satisfy more advanced photographers and videographers.
Even with these upgrades, early reviews from GSMArena describe the improvements as incremental. In default 12-megapixel mode, the 200-megapixel main camera delivered results nearly identical to its predecessor in both daylight and indoor scenarios. Night photography showcased minor improvements, with warmer colors and reduced noise, but differences remain subtle.
The 10-megapixel 3x telephoto lens showed minor improvements, whereas the 10x zoom was visibly improved in detail, likely due to algorithm refinement. However, the much-hyped ultra-wide-angle sensor only saw minor improvements, with sometimes sharper detail and reduced noise in low-light situations. Interestingly, the older 12-megapixel sensor sometimes outperformed the new one in certain scenarios, but it did so with oversharpening and increased noise.
Samsung’s claim of superior picture quality through software optimization is promising, but reviewers caution that additional software updates may further refine performance before the official launch. GSMArena concludes that the Galaxy S25 Ultra marks “baby steps” forward, with changes being far from groundbreaking.
Despite initial mixed impressions, pre-order discounts and promotional offers may make early adopters interested in upgrading. However, the improvements may not be enough to justify a jump from the S24 Ultra if one is hoping for a large leap in camera capabilities.
