Samsung’s Galaxy S series is known for consistently pushing the boundaries of mobile photography, with each generation of the Ultra models setting new standards for mobile camera technology. The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is no exception, but recent rumors have raised questions about one of the device’s standout features: the 3x telephoto camera. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the potential changes—or lack thereof—surrounding the telephoto camera and explore what this means for Samsung’s flagship smartphone.
Samsung’s History with Telephoto Cameras
Samsung’s approach to telephoto cameras has evolved significantly over the years. Beginning with basic optical zoom capabilities, the company has now moved to feature-rich telephoto sensors that can deliver crystal-clear zoomed-in shots. The Galaxy S20 Ultra introduced the world to Space Zoom, offering up to 100x digital zoom and impressive results at intermediate zoom levels like 10x and 30x.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra and its successors further refined these features, especially in the telephoto lens department. The S21 Ultra was the first Samsung phone to come with two separate telephoto cameras, a 3x optical zoom and a 10x periscope zoom. These two cameras allowed users to zoom in on subjects with remarkable clarity, making the Ultra series a favorite among photography enthusiasts. The same dual-lens setup carried over into the S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra, solidifying Samsung’s leadership in mobile photography.
Rumors of No Upgrade: What We Know
As the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra draws closer to its expected launch, leaks and rumors suggest that the 3x telephoto camera might not receive a significant upgrade. This is surprising, given that fans and experts alike have come to expect each iteration of the Ultra series to build on its predecessor’s camera technology.
Specifically, reports indicate that the 3x telephoto camera could remain unchanged from the Galaxy S23 Ultra. If this holds true, it would mark the first time in years that Samsung hasn’t made notable improvements to one of its flagship camera lenses. This has left many enthusiasts wondering: why would Samsung stick with the same 3x telephoto setup?
Why the 3x Telephoto Camera Might Stay the Same
There are several possible reasons behind Samsung’s decision to keep the 3x telephoto camera unchanged:
- Market Maturity: The telephoto technology in the S23 Ultra is already highly advanced, offering stunning zoom capabilities with minimal distortion and high detail retention. Samsung might feel that the current setup is already good enough for most users, and any further improvements would yield diminishing returns.
- Focus on Other Areas: Instead of upgrading the 3x telephoto camera, Samsung may be prioritizing other aspects of the S25 Ultra’s camera system, such as the main sensor or the 10x periscope zoom lens. Recent leaks have suggested that the main camera could see a significant upgrade in terms of sensor size and low-light performance, which might justify the decision to leave the 3x telephoto unchanged.
- Software Enhancements: Another potential reason is that Samsung could be focusing more on software improvements rather than hardware upgrades. The company has made strides in AI-driven image processing, which has significantly enhanced zoomed-in shots. With better algorithms and image stabilization, the S25 Ultra might still deliver better telephoto results even with the same 3x telephoto hardware.
Impact of No Upgrade on Users
For most users, the lack of an upgrade to the 3x telephoto camera might not be a dealbreaker. The 3x optical zoom in the S23 Ultra is already excellent, and combined with software enhancements, it still delivers industry-leading results. However, for enthusiasts and professional photographers, the decision to stick with the same telephoto hardware could be disappointing.
Those who rely on their smartphone for portrait photography or mid-range zoom shots might have hoped for improved clarity, sharpness, or color accuracy in the S25 Ultra’s 3x telephoto camera. Still, the real-world difference may be negligible, especially if Samsung delivers on the rumored software upgrades.
What Could Change in the S25 Ultra’s Camera System
While the 3x telephoto camera may not receive an upgrade, the S25 Ultra is still expected to feature several camera improvements:
- Main Sensor Upgrade: Leaks suggest that the S25 Ultra could come equipped with a 200 MP main sensor, offering unprecedented detail and low-light performance. This could drastically improve the overall quality of photos, including those taken at 3x zoom, even without hardware changes to the telephoto lens.
- 10x Periscope Lens: The 10x periscope telephoto camera could see an upgrade, with rumors pointing to improved clarity and optical zoom performance. This would further enhance the Ultra’s appeal to users who need long-range zoom capabilities.
- AI and Image Processing: Samsung is expected to continue enhancing its AI-based image processing algorithms, which will improve image quality across all zoom levels, including the 3x telephoto camera. Improved HDR, better noise reduction, and more accurate color reproduction are all on the cards.
Will the S25 Ultra’s 3x Telephoto Camera Hold Up?
Even without an upgrade, the 3x telephoto camera in the Galaxy S25 Ultra is likely to perform admirably. Samsung has already set a high bar with the S23 Ultra, and the 3x telephoto camera is capable of capturing detailed and vibrant images. When combined with software optimizations, the S25 Ultra could still deliver improved telephoto shots even if the hardware remains the same.
For users who prioritize portrait photography or moderate zoom capabilities, the 3x telephoto lens will continue to be a powerful tool. However, it’s clear that Samsung is focusing more on overall camera performance, with other lenses and software improvements taking precedence.
