Samsung’s Ultra Phones Trade Optical Zoom for Slimmer Designs, Sparking Debate Among Photographers
A growing chorus of voices express disappointment as Samsung’s Galaxy Ultra series shifts away from dedicated 10x optical zoom, prioritizing a sleeker profile over a key camera advantage. While the latest models offer impressive hybrid zoom capabilities, experts argue that the move sacrifices image quality and creative control.
Samsung’s zoom cameras haven’t been the same since the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and that’s a sentiment shared by many photography enthusiasts. The S23 Ultra boasted a maximum of 10x optical zoom, achieved through its 10-megapixel f/4.9 periscope telephoto lens.
The company altered its strategy with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, increasing the periscope lens resolution to 50-megapixels but reducing the optical zoom from 10x to 5x. This trend has continued with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and is projected to persist with the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is expected to feature a Sony IMX854 50-megapixel 5x optical zoom periscope lens.
The core of the issue lies in the fundamental difference between true optical zoom and the “fake” zoom employed by higher-resolution sensors. As one analyst noted, the 10x zoom sensor offered “true lens magnification” despite its lower resolution, relying on powerful optics – actual hardware – to deliver clear, sharp, and natural images at a distance.
In contrast, the newer 50-megapixel sensors effectively crop into the picture to mimic a closer view. While a digital crop can be employed due to the abundance of pixels, this process can lead to a degradation in image quality, particularly at longer ranges and in low-light conditions. “The software processing needs to be absolutely top-notch to compensate,” a senior official stated, “and even then, it’s not the same as dedicated optics.”
Both the newer and older devices utilize hybrid zoom, combining optical and digital zoom with extensive software processing to achieve magnification beyond 10x. However, the practical benefit of extreme hybrid zoom – 20x, 50x, or beyond – is limited. Users are “not going to take 20x or 50x photos all the time with a reasonable expectation of sharp, natural images,” according to a company release. The expectation of lifelike clarity is far more common when capturing subjects at 10x, such as during travel or at sporting events.
The decision to move away from the 10x periscope lens, despite its advantages, is largely attributed to Samsung’s focus on slimming down its flagship devices. 10x periscope lenses require more hardware and, consequently, more internal space. “Samsung’s been on a mission to slim down its flagship devices,” one source explained. “A bulkier camera setup would add to the device’s dimensions.”
The company appears to view this as a trade-off between a capable zoom solution and a slimmer device profile. It’s possible Samsung determined that most users didn’t frequently utilize 10x optical zoom, and a similar experience could be provided through hybrid zoom while simultaneously reducing the device’s size.
However, many argue that Samsung shouldn’t compromise on features that define its Ultra line. “Let’s not forget that the Ultra is meant to be Samsung’s camera flagship,” one analyst pointed out. “There is no other phone in the company’s entire lineup that offers the kind of camera capabilities that the Ultra does.”
The Ultra series is positioned as the pinnacle of Samsung’s camera technology. Why, then, leave room for improvement, especially considering the company has already demonstrated its ability to deliver a superior 10x optical zoom experience?
Camera specs remain a crucial factor for consumers comparing devices. Currently, few brands are actively pursuing 10x periscope lenses, presenting a unique opportunity for Samsung to gain a competitive edge. Not only could it further differentiate its flagship, but it could also attract photography enthusiasts who currently have limited options within the Samsung ecosystem.
The move also impacts creative flexibility. The 10x lens allows photographers to capture distant subjects with reduced reliance on digital interpolation, offering greater freedom in framing and composition. This is particularly valuable when photographing subjects like aircraft, architectural details, nature scenes, crowded events, and travel destinations – all popular subjects for smartphone photographers.
Ultimately, the debate highlights a fundamental tension between hardware innovation and design constraints. While Samsung’s hybrid zoom technology is impressive, the loss of dedicated 10x optical zoom represents a step back for those who prioritize image quality and creative control. .
