The competition for the top spot in the smartphone market has intensified this year, especially in the premium segment dominated by camera capabilities. Brands are racing to launch devices that can rival the remarkable camera performance of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. What’s particularly enticing is how this smartphone stacks up against its rivals. With a robust camera setup featuring a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and dual telephoto lenses, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is poised to impress photo enthusiasts.
Having traveled across several countries and capturing thousands of images with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, I can confidently say that while competitors like the Oppo Find X8 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 Ultra may excel in specific environments, the Galaxy S25 Ultra holds its own in most scenarios. Here, I’ll share some of the standout photos I’ve taken along with insights that highlight why this device continues to shine.
The Best Phone for Varied Portrait Modes
Samsung has enhanced its portrait mode significantly. The Color Point feature is a personal favorite, allowing for artistic portraits by isolating the subject in color while rendering the background in grayscale. This technique can produce striking images suitable for social media profiles or keepsakes.
Alongside Color Point, other portrait modes like Studio and Low-key Mono allow users to experiment with diverse lighting effects. The flexibility to adjust these settings both before and after capturing images adds to the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s charm, making it an ideal choice for creative photography.
Rich Colors and Detail in Every Shot
Samsung is renowned for its vibrant post-processing that delivers visually striking images, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is no exception. Its color accuracy and richness can make photos look more appealing than those shot on devices like the Pixel 9 Pro, which aim for natural tones. This characteristic is particularly appealing for social media sharing, where a little extra vibrance goes a long way.
How Do the Telephoto Cameras Perform?
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is its dual telephoto cameras, allowing for various focal lengths. While it may not top the charts against contenders like the Oppo Find X8 Ultra and OnePlus 13, the built-in AI still delivers impressive shots across multiple distances. You’ll find that, while it captures excellent images in medium ranges, rivals have edged ahead when it comes to extreme zoom capabilities.
More and more users are asking, “Does the Galaxy S25 Ultra have the best zoom capabilities on the market?” While it excels in many areas, other brands, especially the OnePlus 13 and Oppo Find X8 Ultra, have offered stronger zoom performance in recent tests, particularly at 30x and beyond. Yet for most everyday users, the S25 Ultra’s zoom features remain a delight.
The Versatility of the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Camera
The Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out as one of the most versatile smartphones available today. Despite the stiff competition for superior zoom capabilities, it retains its status as a reliable camera choice for diverse photography needs.
After capturing around 4,000 photos and testing numerous features, it’s clear that while the Galaxy S25 Ultra excels in many areas—especially portrait photography—it may not be the ultimate zoom device anymore. However, for those who prioritize portrait photography, this smartphone remains a strong contender worth considering.
If you’re interested in exploring more about smartphones and their camera capabilities, check out the insights and updates on Moyens I/O (https://www.moyens.net) for the latest trends and tests.