Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra has swapped out the 10X optical zoom for a 5X optical zoom, a change noted in camera performance comparisons. While the sharpness is nearly matched using the S24 Ultra’s 10X digital zoom, there is a slight decrease in clarity. Color reproduction, contrast, and white balance also show minor discrepancies when compared to the S23 Ultra’s 10X optical zoom capabilities. Despite this change, the 5X optical zoom on the S24 Ultra still delivers sharp images, often outperforming the 5X zoom on the Google Pixel 8 Pro. Samsung continues its trend of vibrant color enhancement in its photos.
In other camera aspects, the Google Pixel 8 Pro’s ultrawide camera is preferred for its sharper details and more natural colors with improved white balance over the S24 series ultrawide lens. The 3X zoom on the S24 series appears to offer a marginal sharpness improvement over previous Samsung models. The S24 series continues to boast high-quality selfie cameras.
Video recording on the S24 series remains excellent, with a standout software addition being Instant Slow-Mo. This feature, accessible within the Gallery app, allows users to convert any part of a video into slow motion by simply pressing and holding. It generates interpolated frames to create a smooth slow-motion effect, suitable for social media content when regular slow-motion recording is missed, though the quality is not on par with footage originally shot in slow motion.
Adding to its software capabilities, the Galaxy S24 series incorporates a Generative Edit feature, akin to Google’s Magic Editor. This tool enables users to manipulate photo subjects by resizing and repositioning them, with AI intelligently filling in the altered areas.
Overall, the Galaxy S24 series merges premium Android hardware with intelligent software features, drawing comparisons to Google’s Pixel phones. While Google’s Pixel devices are perceived to have more immediately useful software features, Samsung excels in hardware. The pricing for the S24 ($800) and S24+ ($1,000) is considered reasonable, but the $1,300 price point for the Ultra model is seen as less justified. Potential buyers may find better value by waiting for sales on the S24 Ultra.
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