JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The upcoming release of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has generated concerns about potential downgrades to the camera capabilities compared to its predecessor, the S23 Ultra. However, newly released teaser videos from the company suggest that these fears may be unfounded. The videos, shared ahead of the Galaxy Unpacked event later this month, showcase innovative features of the AI-powered camera of the S24 Ultra.
In an official announcement titled “Zoom with Galaxy AI is coming,” Samsung reveals a sequence of images featuring a hot air balloon. The images demonstrate a camera zoom range of at least 10x and a unique effect that enlarges individual objects within a scene. It is believed that the S24 Ultra will feature a 5x optical telephoto lens, instead of the 10x lens found in the S23 Ultra. However, the new model will compensate for this with a higher sensor resolution of 50 megapixels compared to the current model’s 10 megapixels.
While the images captured in the teaser videos were taken in challenging low-light conditions, Samsung’s new AI processing and digital zoom capabilities will help bridge the gap between the 5x and 10x magnification. The videos also showcase a new “object zoom” feature, where objects can be enlarged in real-time by performing a pinch-to-zoom gesture.
These features bear resemblance to Samsung’s recently leaked Eureka AI software, which is expected to include functions such as “Nightography Zoom” and “Generative Edit.” It is worth noting that some of these AI-based features may require a Samsung account and an internet connection for cloud-based processing.
Industry rumors suggest that Samsung’s advancements in image processing algorithms have significantly improved the image quality of the S24 Ultra’s zoom camera. Recent sample photos taken at 10x zoom with the S24 Ultra have been touted as superior to those taken with the S23 Ultra. The leaker, Ice Universe, also indicates that Samsung is continuously optimizing the camera software before the official launch, leaving room for further improvements.
In terms of video capabilities, the Galaxy S24 Ultra will allow seamless switching between cameras, including the front-facing camera, while recording 4K 60 fps videos. This feature is crucial for maintaining the best possible quality while zooming in and out. However, it remains to be seen how well Samsung can implement this function and whether it will be available at higher frame rates.
The Galaxy Unpacked event on January 17 will unveil all the details about the highly anticipated Galaxy S24 Ultra. With its innovative AI-powered camera and improved image processing capabilities, the new flagship smartphone from Samsung promises to be an exciting release for photography enthusiasts.