It’s 2025, and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra is still making headlines — mostly because of its bold claim to be the ultimate camera phone. But does it truly deliver, or is it just marketing hype?
After weeks of daily use, testing it in bright daylight, low light, and even in tricky mixed lighting, here’s why the S24 Ultra deserves the title of camera beast — and where it might surprise you.
Design familiar, yet refined
At first glance, the S24 Ultra looks similar to its predecessor:
- Tall, squared‑off design with sharp corners
- Matte finish glass back that resists fingerprints nicely
- Armor Aluminum frame for extra durability
- Built‑in S Pen tucked at the bottom
What changed? It’s slightly lighter and thinner than the S23 Ultra, making it easier to handle though still big at 6.8 inches. If you love large phones, you’ll appreciate the refined feel.
Display Samsung’s crown jewel
Samsung’s screens rarely disappoint, and the S24 Ultra is no exception:
- 6.8‑inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Up to 120Hz refresh rate
- Peak brightness above 2500 nits
Colors are vivid, text looks razor‑sharp, and outdoor visibility is excellent. Watching Netflix, gaming, or editing photos feels premium.
Camera setup numbers alone are impressive
Here’s what makes the S24 Ultra stand out:
- 200MP main camera with improved AI detail enhancement
- 12MP ultra‑wide for sweeping shots
- Two telephoto lenses:
- 10MP 3x optical zoom
- 50MP 5x optical zoom (new in this generation)
- Laser autofocus and improved night mode
But let’s move past specs. What matters is real‑life photo and video quality and this is where the phone earns its “camera beast” title.
Real‑life camera performance
Daylight photos:
- Sharp, punchy colors without looking over‑processed
- High dynamic range keeps skies blue and shadows detailed
- 200MP mode captures insane detail if you crop in, but file sizes are huge
Zoom:
- 3x and 5x optical zoom give crisp results
- Even at 10x hybrid, images remain impressively usable
- At 30x or 50x, details soften but still beat most competitors
Ultra‑wide:
- Great for landscapes, though slightly softer in low light compared to the main camera
Night photos:
- Big upgrade thanks to improved AI Nightography
- Colors remain natural; highlights aren’t blown out
- Less noise than older Samsung models
Portrait mode:
- Clean edge detection, realistic background blur
- Works well even in less ideal lighting
Video:
- Up to 8K 30fps (still niche, but fun)
- More practically, 4K 60fps looks sharp, with good stabilization
- HDR video captures bright skies and shaded areas smoothly
Front camera selfie ready
The 12MP front camera keeps selfies balanced:
- Skin tones look natural
- Less aggressive smoothing than previous Samsungs
- Works well for vlogs and TikTok at 4K resolution
Performance & battery
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, performance is top‑notch:
- Heavy games run smoothly, even at highest graphics
- Multitasking with split‑screen feels instant
- Editing large 200MP photos is surprisingly fast
Battery life:
- 5000mAh keeps it running comfortably for a full day, even with camera‑heavy use
- Supports fast charging (up to ~45W), wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging
Software & AI features
Samsung’s One UI 6.1 adds smart AI tools:
- Generative Edit: remove unwanted objects or fill backgrounds in photos
- Instant slow‑mo: create slow‑motion clips from regular videos
- Circle to Search: draw a circle to search anything on‑screen
Samsung promises 7 years of updates, matching Google’s Pixel 8 series a big plus for long‑term buyers.
Price in 2025
Top features come at a cost:
- In Pakistan: PTA‑approved models around PKR 415,000–460,000, depending on storage
- Globally: launched at ~$1,299 (USD)
Not cheap but competitive for what it offers, especially if you really care about camera power.
Pros & cons summary
Pros:
✔ Stunning display, big and bright
✔ Incredible versatility with four rear cameras
✔ Great zoom up to 10x, usable at even higher levels
✔ Solid battery life & fast charging
✔ S Pen adds real utility
✔ Long software support
Cons:
✘ Large and heavy; not for small‑phone fans
✘ Price is still premium
✘ 200MP files can eat storage quickly
✘ Ultra‑wide camera still lags slightly behind main and zoom in low light
Verdict ultimate camera beast?
If you:
- Love mobile photography and videography
- Want true zoom versatility from 0.6x to 10x+
- Prefer editing and sharing directly from your phone
- Appreciate extras like S Pen and a top‑tier screen
Then yes Galaxy S24 Ultra is still the ultimate camera beast in 2025.
It’s not the cheapest phone, but it offers camera hardware and software no other brand quite matches right now.
For photographers, vloggers, or anyone who loves capturing moments it’s worth every rupee.
