The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is generating significant buzz ahead of its expected January 2025 launch. However, recent reports suggest that some of the anticipated camera upgrades might not materialize, particularly with the 3x Telephoto camera.
Initially, it was speculated that the Galaxy S25 Ultra could feature a 50MP 3x Telephoto sensor, but the latest information indicates that Samsung may stick with the 10MP 3x Telephoto camera, similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. According to reliable sources like IceUniverse, the 3x Telephoto camera on the S25 Ultra will use Sony’s IMX754 sensor, the same one seen on the previous generation.
Camera Setup for Galaxy S25 Ultra: What to Expect
Despite the potential lack of an upgrade to the 3x Telephoto camera, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will still feature an impressive camera array. Here’s a look at the likely configuration:
- 200MP Primary Camera: Samsung’s 200MP HP2 sensor will return as the primary shooter, offering top-tier image quality and enhanced low-light performance.
- 10MP 3x Telephoto Camera: As mentioned, this camera will likely remain unchanged from the S24 Ultra, utilizing Sony’s IMX754 sensor. While not an upgrade, it still offers excellent performance for portrait photography and mid-range zoom.
- 50MP 5x Periscope Telephoto Camera: Introduced in the S24 Ultra, the 5x Periscope lens will carry over to the S25 Ultra, offering superior long-range zoom capabilities.
- 50MP Ultrawide Camera: One of the most significant upgrades in the S25 Ultra is the new 50MP ultrawide sensor, which is expected to deliver sharper and more detailed wide-angle shots compared to previous models.
Why No 3x Telephoto Upgrade?
Samsung’s decision to retain the 10MP 3x Telephoto sensor in the Galaxy S25 Ultra could be driven by several factors:
- Sufficient Performance: The current 10MP IMX754 sensor provides excellent results, and Samsung may believe that further upgrades would not significantly improve the user experience, especially when paired with their sophisticated software processing.
- Focus on Other Lenses: Samsung might be prioritizing other areas of the camera system, such as the ultrawide and periscope lenses, which are seeing more noticeable upgrades in the S25 Ultra.
- Future Upgrades: There’s speculation that Samsung might be reserving a 3x Telephoto camera upgrade for a future device, possibly the S26 Ultra or beyond.
The 5x Periscope Telephoto: A Key Feature
The 5x Periscope Telephoto camera debuted with the Galaxy S24 Ultra and has been a highlight of Samsung’s recent camera offerings. Unlike the 10x Periscope seen in older models, the 5x solution strikes a balance between zoom range and image quality, making it more versatile for everyday photography.
With the S25 Ultra, Samsung continues to refine the 5x Periscope camera, maintaining its 50MP IMX864 sensor, which ensures high-quality zoomed-in shots without significant distortion.
Ultrawide Camera Gets a Boost
The most notable upgrade in the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera system is the switch to a 50MP ultrawide sensor. The increase in resolution from the 12MP ultrawide camera found in previous models should result in sharper and more detailed wide-angle photos, especially in low-light conditions.
This new sensor is expected to enhance the phone’s performance in landscape photography, group shots, and close-up macro photography, where the ultrawide camera is frequently used.
Design Changes in the Galaxy S25 Ultra
Apart from the camera setup, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to feature some notable design changes, which have been long anticipated by fans. While specifics are still under wraps, early leaks suggest that Samsung may introduce a sleeker design with slimmer bezels and an even more refined camera module layout.
These design changes, combined with the incremental hardware improvements, could make the S25 Ultra a standout device in the premium smartphone market.
Launch and Variants
The Galaxy S25 series is likely to launch in January 2025, with three models expected: Standard, Plus, and Ultra. While the Ultra variant will be the flagship model, featuring the most advanced camera and performance upgrades, the other variants will also offer robust features at slightly lower price points.
Final Thoughts: Is the Lack of a 3x Telephoto Upgrade a Dealbreaker?
For many users, the lack of an upgrade to the 3x Telephoto camera in the Galaxy S25 Ultra may not be a major concern. The IMX754 sensor has proven its capabilities in the S24 Ultra, and combined with Samsung’s ongoing software enhancements, it will likely continue to perform well in the S25 Ultra.
That said, users who were hoping for more significant changes to the telephoto camera might be disappointed. However, the improvements in other areas, particularly the ultrawide camera and the continued excellence of the 200MP primary camera, ensure that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will remain one of the most advanced smartphones on the market.
