Galaxy S24 Ultra camera overview: can it keep up with a DSLR?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is finally here, and plenty of people are wondering: can the camera really keep up with a DSLR? In this overview, we look at the different aspects of the camera, from image quality to the software features. Read on to find out whether Samsung's new flagship can live up to expectations.
The image quality of the Galaxy S24 Ultra is impressive, but not quite at DSLR level.
The zoom on the S24 Ultra is strong, but more of a nice-to-have feature than a reason to buy on its own.
The selfie camera impresses with its level of detail and colour accuracy.
Software optimisations bring useful functions, but nothing revolutionary.
The value for money is good, but not outstanding.
Galaxy S24 Ultra camera quality compared with a DSLR
Detail and sharpness
The Galaxy S24 Ultra impresses with its ability to capture fine detail and
clear sharpness
in its shots. Thanks to the high megapixel count of the main sensor, the phone can capture even the smallest textures and patterns that would otherwise only be possible with a
DSLR
Even so, it remains an open question whether it can match a DSLR's precision in every situation.
Colour accuracy and contrast
Colours in Galaxy S24 Ultra photos look vivid and bold, sometimes even slightly oversaturated. Compared with a DSLR, which often produces a more neutral colour rendering, the phone tends to boost colours a little. This
colour accuracy
matters especially for landscape and portrait shots, where you want a realistic impression.
Low-light performance
Performance in low light is one of the biggest challenges for smartphone cameras. The Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers a solid showing here. With dedicated algorithms and a light-sensitive sensor, it can still produce usable images even in poor lighting conditions. A DSLR nonetheless remains superior in extreme low-light situations, since it can rely on larger sensors and better lenses.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra's camera delivers impressive results, though the DSLR remains unbeaten in a few respects. For everyday use and spontaneous shots, however, the phone is a strong choice.
Zoom capabilities of the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Optical vs digital zoom
The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a
fivefold optical zoom
, paired with an impressive digital zoom that goes up to 100x.
Optical
zoom uses the physical movement of the lenses to magnify the image, while digital zoom enlarges the image electronically, which often results in a loss of image quality. Although the optical zoom is limited, the digital zoom makes it possible to see details on distant objects, such as the time on a church clock tower.
Comparison with the predecessor
Compared with its predecessor, the S23 Ultra, the S24 Ultra shows improvements in sharpness and detail at maximum zoom. However, the optical zoom stays unchanged at 5x, which may disappoint some users who were hoping for an increase. The digital zoom, on the other hand, has gained in clarity, although it doesn't always keep colours looking natural.
Practical uses for the zoom
The Galaxy S24 Ultra's zoom isn't just a technical feature, it also has practical uses:
Nature photography
: animals in the distance can be captured without disturbing them.
City views
: details on buildings or landmarks become visible that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Sporting events
: action-packed scenes in the stadium can be captured from a distance.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra proves that a smartphone zoom isn't just a gimmick, but offers real added value. Whether on holiday or in everyday life, the zoom function opens up new photographic possibilities.
Galaxy S24 Ultra selfie camera
Detail and colour accuracy
The Galaxy S24 Ultra's selfie camera is a real eye-catcher.
It particularly impresses when it comes to detail
. Fine details, such as hair or skin texture, are captured precisely. Colour accuracy is also impressive, which shows above all in the natural rendering of skin tones. This is a plus point that many users appreciate.
Comparison with other smartphones
Compared with other top-tier smartphones, the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out in a few areas. While the iPhone has a slight edge when it comes to exposure, Samsung scores with a better colour balance. A short table shows the differences:
Feature
Galaxy S24 Ultra
iPhone
Detail accuracy
High
Medium
Colour accuracy
Very high
High
Exposure
Medium
High
Special features of the selfie camera
The S24 Ultra's selfie camera offers a few special functions that make taking photos even more exciting:
AI beauty mode: automatically adjusts the image parameters to get the best out of every selfie.
Wide-angle option
: lets you take group photos without cutting off anyone's head.
Night mode: produces clear, colour-accurate shots even in low light.
With these features, the Galaxy S24 Ultra's selfie camera becomes a versatile tool that's ready for any situation. Whether in daylight or in the dark, the device consistently delivers good results.
Software optimisations and AI functions
Improved image processing through AI
Image processing on the Galaxy S24 Ultra has reached a new dimension through the use of AI technologies.
The AI fills in empty areas creatively
when objects are moved, sometimes with surprising results. Objects in the background are filled in seamlessly, giving the image a natural sense of depth. But it isn't all perfect: sometimes unpredictable details appear that don't always fit the scene.
Nightography overview
Nightography is Samsung's answer to the challenges of night photography. In low light, the AI produces remarkably clear images. Take a few snapshots at night and you'll notice that the details
are noticeably
sharper than on many competing phones. The colours stay vivid even when lighting isn't ideal. That's particularly useful when you're out in the evening and want to capture spontaneous moments.
The software's influence on image quality
The Galaxy S24 Ultra's software plays a decisive role in improving image quality. Photos are optimised through the combination of hardware and AI-driven algorithms. The software automatically recognises scenes and adjusts the settings to get the best out of every shot. That means even inexperienced photographers can achieve impressive results without having to worry about manual adjustments.
The integration of AI into the Galaxy S24 Ultra's photography shows just how far technology and creativity can go hand in hand. It's fascinating to see how software optimisations are changing the way we take and edit photos.
Comparing the camera hardware with the predecessor
Compared with its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has undergone some notable changes to its sensor size. The main sensor still comes with an impressive 200 megapixels, but through
pixel binning
technology, groups of four pixels work together to achieve an effective 50 megapixels. This improves light capture and results in better images in difficult lighting conditions.
Changes to the lenses
Alongside the sensor size, Samsung has also reworked the lenses. The telephoto lens has been replaced, which has a direct impact on image quality. The new lenses are said to deliver sharper, more contrast-rich images, which is a particular benefit for zoom shots.
Impact on image quality
The Galaxy S24 Ultra's hardware improvements have a direct effect on image quality.
Thanks to the new sensor and lens technology, the phone can deliver impressive results even in poor lighting conditions.
Users report clearer, more detailed shots compared with the previous model.
The ongoing improvement of the camera hardware shows that Samsung is working to further close the gap between smartphone and DSLR cameras. For many users, this could be a decisive reason to choose the new model.
Using the camera in everyday life
Taking photos in different lighting conditions
With the Galaxy S24 Ultra, taking photos in different lighting conditions is child's play.
The camera adjusts automatically
and delivers impressive results both in daylight and at dusk. Here are a few tips for getting the best out of different lighting conditions:
Daylight
Avoid shooting directly into the sun to prevent glare. Use the soft morning or evening light instead.
Dusk
Turn on night mode to boost image quality. The long exposure captures more detail.
Indoors
Pay attention to artificial light sources. The camera can adjust the white balance automatically, but sometimes it helps to fine-tune it manually.
Using the camera apps
The Galaxy S24 Ultra's pre-installed camera apps offer a wide range of functions that make taking photos easier.
Pro mode
is ideal for anyone who wants more control over their shots. Here are a few functions that are particularly useful:
Pro mode
Allows manual settings for ISO, shutter speed and white balance.
Portrait mode
Uses AI to blur the background and make the subject stand out.
Panorama
Perfect for landscape shots that capture more of the surroundings.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra's camera isn't just a technical marvel, it's also a practical tool for everyday life. It offers the flexibility and quality that meet most users' needs.
Value for money of the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Cost-benefit analysis of the camera
The Galaxy S24 Ultra's camera is a real highlight. The fivefold optical zoom and the ability to film in 8K are features that appeal to photographers and videographers alike. For the price, you get one of the best cameras currently available in a smartphone. That said, the price is high, and buyers should consider whether they'll actually use these features.
Optical zoom: ideal for detailed shots without any loss of quality.
8K video recording
: future-proof, but needs a lot of storage.
Night mode: impressive in the dark, but not always perfect.
A long-term investment in photography
Anyone looking to invest in mobile photography for the long term makes a good choice with the Galaxy S24 Ultra. It offers not just an outstanding camera, but also regular software updates that can further improve the camera features.
Overall, the Galaxy S24 Ultra's value for money is well balanced, especially for users who place importance on a strong camera. But as always, the actual benefit depends on individual needs.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra impresses with a camera that can keep up with a DSLR in many situations. The Expert RAW mode in particular shows what the device is capable of, provided you know how to use it. The fivefold optical zoom and the digital zoom of up to 100x are impressive, even if they serve more as a fun extra than a reason to buy. The selfie camera impresses with its detail and colour accuracy, which stands out especially when compared with other smartphones such as the iPhone. Overall, the S24 Ultra offers a strong camera package that should appeal to hobbyist photographers and professionals alike. At a price of 1,449 euros, though, the question remains whether the performance on offer justifies the high price. Still, for tech enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their smartphone camera, it's worth considering.
Frequently asked questions
How good is the Galaxy S24 Ultra's camera compared with a DSLR?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra's camera can keep up with a DSLR in many situations, especially for daylight shots. In difficult lighting conditions, however, the DSLR often has the edge.
How does the zoom work on the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a fivefold optical zoom and a digital zoom of up to 100x. The optical zoom produces clearer images, while the digital zoom is useful for subjects further away.
Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra's zoom better than on the predecessor?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra's zoom is similar to that of the predecessor, but software optimisations give it somewhat better results in places.
What are the special features of the Galaxy S24 Ultra's selfie camera?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra's selfie camera impresses with high levels of detail and vivid colours. It also offers special functions such as beauty modes and AR filters.
How does the software affect the Galaxy S24 Ultra's image quality?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra's software uses AI to improve images by bringing out detail and optimising colours. This can significantly boost image quality.
Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra a good investment for photography enthusiasts?
Yes, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a good choice for photography enthusiasts, as it offers a versatile camera with plenty of functions suited to both beginners and experienced photographers.
