Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra was reported to feature a new telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. It turns out this particular shooter could still get the same 3x optical zoom level as its predecessor, but the 5x zoom can be achieved due to the significantly higher megapixel count in the sensor itself.
At the moment, the Galaxy S23 Ultra (review) utilizes a 10 MP telephoto camera with 3x lossless zoom, which was unchanged from the Galaxy S22 Ultra. However, if the new rumor from reliable leaker Ice Universe is to be believed, Samsung could finally upgrade this component on next year’s Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra extended zoom images with comparable optical zoom quality
According to the rumor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra will arrive with a 50 MP telephoto camera. The aforementioned sensor is said to measure 1/2.52-inches wide. While the sensor is notably bigger compared to the 1/3.52-inch sensor that is also found in the Galaxy Ultra S23 shooter, the pixel size will be reduced to 0.7μm.
Instead, Samsung is expected to leverage on pixel binning technology where it will combine several pixels into a single larger pixel that eventually captures more light and details. This technique is similar to how it takes advantage of the 200 MP main sensor. Furthermore, it would also allow Samsung to achieve extended zoomed shots with comparable image quality as with the standalone telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom.
Samsung’s in-house Isocell Zoom sensors may arrive on the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Interestingly, news about Samsung using a new telephoto camera is congruent with the recent filing by the company in its trademark application for Isocell Zoom and Isocell Zoom Pro in the UK and South Korea as spotted by Galaxy Club. Hence, the 50 MP sensor on the Galaxy S24 Ultra might be Samsung’s in-house component which will mark a departure from using Sony’s telephoto sensor in its existing handsets.
In addition to the telephoto sensor, it is tipped that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will rely on the same 200 MP wide, 10 MP periscope, and 12 MP ultrawide cameras. At the same time, the 12 MP selfie camera could also be retained considering this is new in this year’s Galaxy S23.
Apart from the camera, the upcoming premium Galaxy phone should arrive with One UI 6 that is based on Android 14 and powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC alongside a new display panel, bigger memory, and possibly a battery with a stacked design. It remains unclear what are the other improvements in other departments.
Which parts of the Galaxy S24 would you like to see an upgrade happen? Share your suggestions with us in the comments.
