Highlights
- The Galaxy S24 Ultra introduces a pioneering 5X 50MP zoom lens.
- Enhanced image quality with a larger sensor and increased pixel size.
- Advanced AI integration improves zoom and low-light performance.
- Balances between zoom range and sensor resolution for optimal photography.
Samsung has once again upped the ante with its latest offering, the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Unveiled during a high-profile event in San Jose, the device is grabbing headlines for its groundbreaking camera technology, particularly the shift from a 10X 10MP periscope lens to a new 5X 50MP zoom lens.
But isn’t this what some people might consider a downgrade? You are after all getting a lower amount of zoom than before.
The answer, as expected, is not so simple. Here’s what we mean.
The New 5X Optical Zoom Lens: A Game Changer?
At the core of the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s appeal is its new 5X optical zoom lens.
This lens is paired with a 50MP sensor, a significant leap from the 10MP sensor used in the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 10X optical zoom camera.
This upgrade is more than just a numerical increase; it represents a fundamental change in Samsung’s approach to camera design and functionality.
The 50MP sensor allows for higher-resolution images, which in turn enables more effective digital zooming or ‘cropping’ without a substantial loss in image quality.
This means that while the optical zoom is technically reduced to 5X, the end result is a zoom capability that still reaches the 10X mark, thanks to the higher resolution and smarter processing.
The Impact of a Larger Sensor
Another notable aspect of the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 5X camera is the sensor size.
Rumoured to be housing a Sony IMX854 sensor, the device reportedly features 1.6 times larger pixels than its predecessor.
This increase in pixel size, coupled with a larger overall sensor, allows for better light absorption, leading to improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Furthermore, Samsung’s integration of AI in the Galaxy S24 Ultra extends beyond standard features, playing a crucial role in image processing.
This AI not only enhances the user experience with functionalities like Circle to Search but also significantly boosts the camera’s zoom capabilities.
By intelligently processing images, the AI helps in maintaining clarity and detail even at higher zoom levels, something the Galaxy S23 Ultra could not achieve.
The Trade-Offs and Consumer Choices
Samsung’s decision to switch to a 5X 50MP zoom lens from the previous 10X 10MP setup might initially seem like a step back in terms of optical zoom capabilities.
However, this change is more than likely a balance between sensor resolution and zoom range.
The company’s focus on a higher resolution sensor with larger pixels and advanced AI processing gives you an understanding of modern smartphone photography and that it is not just about how far you can zoom, but also about the quality of the image you capture.
How good is the telephoto camera?
Only time will tell as tech reviewers spend more time with the device to give a final verdict on the matter.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S24 ULTRA SPECIFICATIONS
Key Specs
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 2200 |
| Rear Camera | 200 MP + 12 MP + 10 MP + 10 MP |
| Front Camera | 32 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Display | 6.8 inches (17.27 cm) |
General
| Launch Date | November 23, 2023 (Unofficial) |
| Operating System | Android v12 |
| Custom UI | Samsung One UI |
Performance
| Chipset | Samsung Exynos 2200 |
| CPU | Octa core (2.8 GHz, Single core, Cortex X2 + 2.52 GHz, Tri core, Cortex A710 + 1.82 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A510) |
| Architecture | 64 bit |
| Fabrication | 4 nm |
| RAM | 8 GB |
Display
| Display Type | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Screen Size | 6.8 inches (17.27 cm) |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 pixels |
| Pixel Density | 516 ppi |
| Bezel-less display | Yes with punch-hole display |
| Touch Screen | Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch |
Design
| Waterproof | Yes, Water resistant, IP68 |
| Ruggedness | Dust proof |
Camera
| MAIN CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Quad | |
| Resolution | 200 MP, Primary Camera 12 MP, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera 10 MP , Telephoto Camera 10 MP |
|
| Autofocus | Yes | |
| OIS | Yes | |
| Flash | Yes, LED Flash | |
| Image Resolution | 15500 x 13000 Pixels | |
| Settings | Exposure compensation, ISO control | |
| Shooting Modes | Continuous Shooting High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) |
|
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom Auto Flash Face detection Touch to focus |
|
| Video Recording | 7680×4320 @ 24 fps 3840×2160 @ 30 fps |
|
| FRONT CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Single | |
| Resolution | 32 MP, Primary Camera | |
Battery
| Capacity | 5000 mAh |
| Type | Li-Polymer |
| Removable | No |
| Wireless Charging | Yes |
| Quick Charging | Yes, Fast |
| USB Type-C | Yes |
Storage
| Expandable Memory | No |
| User Available Storage | Up to 128 GB |
Network & Connectivity
| SIM Slot(s) | Dual SIM, GSM+GSM |
| SIM Size | SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano |
| Network Support | 5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| SIM 1 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| SIM 2 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n) |
| Wi-Fi Features | Mobile Hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.2 |
| GPS | Yes with A-GPS |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | Mass storage device, USB charging |
Multimedia
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Audio Jack | USB Type-C |
Sensors
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes |
| Fingerprint Sensor Position | On-screen |
| Fingerprint Sensor Type | Ultrasonic |
| Other Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope |
FAQs
What is the major camera upgrade in the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a significant camera upgrade, shifting from a 10X 10MP lens to a new 5X 50MP zoom lens.
This change enhances the camera’s ability to capture high-resolution images, allowing for effective digital zooming with minimal quality loss.
How does the new sensor in the Galaxy S24 Ultra improve image quality?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is rumoured to feature a Sony IMX854 sensor, which brings 1.6 times larger pixels than its predecessor.
This larger sensor size contributes to superior light absorption, resulting in improved image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
What role does AI play in the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera performance?
AI in the Galaxy S24 Ultra extends beyond conventional features, significantly enhancing image processing.
It contributes to maintaining clarity and detail in zoomed images and elevates the overall photography experience, especially in complex lighting situations.
Is the new 5X zoom lens a downgrade from the previous 10X lens?
While the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 5X zoom lens offers a lower optical zoom than the previous 10X lens, it’s not a downgrade.
The higher-resolution 50MP sensor allows for effective digital zooming, reaching similar zoom capabilities without compromising on image quality.
How does Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Unleash Creativity to Discover the World in New Ways?
Galaxy S24 series’s ProVisual Engine is a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools that transform image capturing abilities and maximize creative freedom every step of the way, from setting up a shot all the way to sharing it on social.
Gone are shaky, pixelated images taken from far away. Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Quad Tele System, with new 5x optical zoom lens, works with the 50MP sensor to enable optical-quality performance at zoom levels from 2x, 3x, 5x to 10×10 magnification thanks to Adaptive Pixel Sensor. Images also show crystal clear results at 100x with enhanced digital zoom.
With upgraded Nightography capabilities, photos and videos shot on Galaxy S24 Space Zoom are brilliant in any conditions, even when zoomed in.
Capture more light in dim conditions with Galaxy S24 Ultra’s larger pixel size, now 1.4 μm, which is 60% bigger compared to the previous model.
Blur is reduced on Galaxy S24 Ultra with wider optical image stabilizer (OIS) angles and enhanced hand-shake compensation.
When recording videos, both front and rear cameras are equipped with Dedicated ISP Block for noise reduction, and Galaxy S24 analyzes gyro information to distinguish between the filmer’s movement and the subject’s.
This allows more effective noise removal and clear videos in the dark, even from far away.
After great shots are captured, innovative Galaxy AI editing tools enable simple edits like erase, re-compose, and remaster.
For easier and more efficient optimizations, Edit Suggestion uses Galaxy AI to suggest perfectly suitable tweaks for each photo. To give users even more creative control and freedom, Generative Edit can fill in parts of an image background with generative AI.
When a picture is crooked, AI will fill in the borders. When an object needs to be slightly moved to be in the perfect position, AI lets users adjust the position of the subject and generates a perfectly blended background in its original spot.
Anytime Galaxy S24 deploys generative AI to amplify an image, a watermark will appear on the image and in metadata.
And if an action-packed video needs to be slowed down, new Instant Slow-mo can generate additional frames based on movements to smoothly slow down action-packed moments for a more detailed look.
To ensure every image stuns at every stage, Super HDR reveals lifelike previews before the shutter is ever pressed. And while capturing memories is an essential phone feature, sharing memories with the world is just as meaningful. Now, third-party social apps make the most of Galaxy’s AI-powered camera system.
Premium Galaxy S series camera features now integrate directly with mobile apps in HDR to level up social sharing.14 When it’s time to find an image in Gallery or Instagram feed and reels, photos and videos are also shown in Super HDR for a more lifelike range of brightness, color and contrast by analyzing highlighted section of the images.
How does Galaxy S24 Ultra give creative freedom?
Galaxy S24 series’ ProVisual Engine is a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools that transform image capturing abilities and maximize creative freedom.
The Quad Tele System on Galaxy S24 Ultra now comes with a new 5x optical zoom lens that works with the 50MP sensor to enable optical-quality performance at zoom levels from 2x, 3x, 5x to 10x, thanks to Adaptive Pixel Sensor.
Images also show crystal clear results at 100x with enhanced digital zoom.
With upgraded Nightography capabilities, photos and videos shot on Galaxy S24 Space Zoom are brilliant in any conditions, even when zoomed in.
Galaxy S24 Ultra’s larger pixel size, now 1.4 μm, is 60% bigger, helping capture more light in dim conditions.
Wider optical image stabilizer (OIS) angles and enhanced hand-shake compensation help reduce blur. Both front and rear cameras are equipped with Dedicated ISP Block for noise reduction.
Galaxy AI editing tools on Galaxy S24 series enable simple edits like erase, re-compose, and remaster.
Edit Suggestion uses Galaxy AI to suggest perfectly suitable tweaks for each photo, while Generative Edit can fill in parts of an image background with generative AI. Anytime Galaxy S24 deploys generative AI to amplify an image, a watermark will appear on the image and in metadata.
The new Instant Slow-mo can generate additional frames based on movements to smoothly slow down action-packed moments for a more detailed look. Super HDR reveals lifelike previews before the shutter is ever pressed.
Also Read: Galaxy S24 Ultra May Drop 10X Periscope Lens: Latest Camera Leaks
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Could Snap 24MP Shots From its 200MP Lens To Rival iPhone 15 Pro
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra To Reportedly Keep The 10X Periscope Lens After All