Samsung’s upcoming flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, is rumored to feature a downgraded periscope lens with a 5x optical zoom. This may seem like a step back from the previous model, which had a 10x optical zoom. However, the decision to reduce the zoom capabilities was made to improve image stabilization.
Apple’s VP of camera software engineering, Jon McCormack, recently mentioned that Apple limited the optical zoom on the iPhone 15 Pro Max to 5x due to difficulties in stabilizing the camera at the higher zoom levels. He stated that it can be challenging to use the 10x zoom without the steadiest hands or a tripod.
Samsung has taken this feedback into account and made a similar adjustment to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. By eliminating the 10x optical zoom, the company aims to provide users with better stabilization. Despite the downgrade, Samsung plans to compensate for the reduced optical zoom through software enhancements. Users can still expect to enjoy 100x digital zoom capabilities on the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
This news shouldn’t come as a surprise since previous smartphones, like the Galaxy S20 Ultra and Huawei’s P60 Pro, have demonstrated that software processing plays a crucial role in achieving higher zoom levels. Even with lower optical zoom capacities, these devices have managed to capture photos at 100x digital zoom thanks to well-optimized software.
According to a renowned tipster on X, the rumored camera array for the Galaxy S24 Ultra will include the following lenses: a 200MP main camera with a 1/1.3″ sensor and 0.6μm pixel size, a 12MP ultra-wide camera with a 1/2.55″ sensor and 1.4μm pixel size, a 10MP 3x telephoto camera with a 1/3.52″ sensor and 1.12μm pixel size, and a 48MP 5x telephoto camera with a 1/2.25″ sensor and 0.8μm pixel size.
These specifications indicate that Samsung is still committed to delivering exceptional photography capabilities on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, even with the adjustment in zoom levels. Users can look forward to incredible image quality and zoom capabilities, thanks to the combination of advanced hardware and software optimizations.
Source: RGcloudS (Twitter)
