The Galaxy S25 Ultra, following closely in the footsteps of its predecessor, the S24 Ultra, hasn’t introduced significant changes in camera hardware. Tech outlets like GSMArena have already provided early camera comparison insights, noting that the improvements in the S25 Ultra are modest at best. The 200-megapixel main camera, when switched to its default 12-megapixel mode, shows little to no differences indoors compared to the S24 Ultra. It’s in the finer details and specific conditions that the S25 Ultra begins to edge forward.
During daylight, the S24 Ultra occasionally delivers sharper images, though it sometimes suffers from oversharpening—a trait not uncommon in previous Samsung models. At night, however, the S25 Ultra presents warmer colors and slightly improved quality across its other sensors, including the 10-megapixel 3x telephoto lens. The enhancements are more pronounced at 10x zoom, suggesting Samsung’s tweaks to its zoom algorithm have borne fruit.
The Ultra-Wide Angle Camera Face-off
Interestingly, while one might expect significant upgrades in the ultra-wide-angle camera, here too, the changes are just incremental. The older 12-megapixel sensor of the S24 Ultra at times reveals more detail but also brings more noise and oversharpening, especially noticeable in low-light environments.
Comparing with the iPhone 16 Pro Max
When it comes to comparing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the choice boils down to personal preference. Influential YouTubers like SuperSaf and MrWhosetheBoss have highlighted how each model has its strengths. The Galaxy S25 Ultra often outperforms in 3x to 5x zoom shots, thanks to its dual telephoto cameras. Apple, however, excels in delivering sharper images under night conditions and has an edge with its Cinematic Video feature.
SuperSaf’s reviews reveal some surprises with Apple’s zoom capabilities delivering sharper images at night. Meanwhile, MrWhosetheboss appreciates the improvements in Samsung’s new camera app in One UI 7, noting better video quality and enhancements for social media postings directly through the camera app.
While the iPhone 16 Pro Max maintains a slight lead in this high-stakes camera showdown, the gap has indeed narrowed compared to previous years. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra has stepped up its game, particularly in the zoom and night photography arenas. Both devices offer robust AI editing tools, with Samsung receiving nods for better skin tone accuracy and portrait shots.
For consumers, the decision between Samsung and Apple will likely hinge on specific needs and brand loyalty. As the technology evolves, the differences are becoming more about nuanced preferences rather than clear-cut victories, making this one of the most exciting times to be in the market for a top-tier smartphone camera.
