The anticipated Galaxy S24 Ultra is preparing to bid farewell to its iconic 10x optical zoom camera, a decision that has stirred quite a debate among tech enthusiasts. The renowned tipster, Ice Universe, has revealed that Samsung’s flagship for 2024 will embrace a 10MP camera with 3x zoom and introduce a fresh 50MP camera with 5x zoom. This change signifies a departure from the three-year reign of the 10x optical snapper.
Samsung’s decision to transition to a 5x zoom camera in the Galaxy S24 Ultra is not only intriguing but also likely to evoke varied responses. The competition in the smartphone camera arena has been fierce, with brands like Apple and OnePlus making remarkable strides in enhancing their zoom capabilities. In a surprising twist, the OnePlus Open, equipped with a 3x optical camera, is able to capture superior zoom photos compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra at various zoom levels, including 10x.
While the 10x optical zoom camera once granted the Galaxy Ultra a unique selling point, its competitive edge has dwindled. The rise of computational photography and advanced image processing has made shorter focal lengths, such as 3-5x zoom, increasingly practical for everyday photography, especially in Portrait mode. The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s proposed 5x zoom camera, with a larger sensor and wider aperture, could potentially provide superior image quality and adaptability for various scenarios.
Samsung had three primary options when altering the zoom camera. The first was to enhance the existing 10x zoom by increasing sensor size and widening the aperture, a complex undertaking given the long focal length. The second option was to push for an even more ambitious 15-20x optical lens while retaining the small sensor and aperture or making them smaller, a risky path. The third, and the one Samsung is leaning towards, is transitioning to a more conventional focal length with a larger sensor, leveraging computational photography for enhanced performance.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 50MP 5x zoom camera is expected to offer superior quality compared to the 10x zoom of its predecessor, the S23 Ultra. This shift comes with a more substantial sensor and a considerably wider aperture, which promises improved low-light performance and better image quality.
The removal of the beloved 10x zoom camera might face initial criticism, as it is considered one of the key differentiators for Samsung’s Ultra flagship. However, in the long run, the shift to a 5x zoom snapper with superior optics could prove advantageous. The camera’s sensor-cropping capabilities and prowess in low-light conditions make it a promising choice. Moreover, the 5x zoom camera can excel in long-range Portrait mode photography, a domain where the iPhone 15 Pro Max currently leads.
In essence, Samsung’s decision to part with the 10x optical zoom camera may raise eyebrows, but it reflects the brand’s commitment to staying at the forefront of smartphone photography. The future will reveal whether this bold move proves to be a masterstroke.
