The Cameras of the Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra, Explained: DSLR Inspiration Takes the Spotlight

The Cameras of the Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra, Explained: DSLR Inspiration Takes the Spotlight

  • The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s ultra-wide-angle camera is significantly better than the S24 Ultra.

  • The virtual aperture feature offers more flexibility in controlling depth of field than ever before.

No comments Twitter Flipboard E-mail
Samsung Galaxy S25, cameras explained
juan-carlos-lopez

Juan Carlos López

Senior Writer

An engineer by training. A science and tech journalist by passion, vocation, and conviction. I've been writing professionally for over two decades, and I suspect I still have a long way to go. At Xataka, I write about many topics, but I mainly enjoy covering nuclear fusion, quantum physics, quantum computers, microprocessors and TVs. LinkedIn

For several years, AI tools have been at the forefront of consumer device launches. Today, they’re back in the spotlight with the unveiling of the Galaxy S25 lineup of smartphones. But that’s not the only exciting thing Samsung has revealed. In this article, we’ll explore the camera features of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25+, and S25.

The Galaxy S25’s camera lineup mirrors that of last year’s Galaxy S24. However, important software upgrades set the two apart. In some ways, the Galaxy S25 refines areas where the S24 needed improvement. A more in-depth analysis will determine if these updates live up to expectations.

Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra Specs


SAMSUNG GALAXY S25

SAMSUNG GALAXY S25+

SAMSUNG GALAXY S25 ULTRA

SIZE AND WEIGHT

146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm

5.7 ounces

158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm

6.7 ounces

162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm

7.6 ounces

DISPLAY

6.2 inches

FHD+ resolution

2340 x 1080 pixels

Dynamic AMOLED

120 Hz

Vision Booster

6.7 inches

QHD+ resolution

3120 x 1440 pixels

Dynamic AMOLED

120 Hz
Vision Booster

6.9 inches

Quad HD+ resolution

AMOLED LTPO

120 Hz

Gorilla Glass Armor 2

PROCESSOR

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite

3 nm

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite

3 nm

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite

3 nm

RAM + STORAGE

12 GB + 128 GB

12 GB + 256 GB

12 GB + 256 GB

12 GB + 512 GB

12 GB + 256 GB

12 GB + 512 GB

12 GB + 1 TB

FRONT CAMERA

12 MP Dual-Pixel sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and an 80-degree field of view

12 MP Dual-Pixel sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and an 80-degree field of view

12 MP Dual-Pixel sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and an 80-degree field of view

BACK cAMERAS

  • Ultra-wide-angle: 12 MP Dual-Pixel AF sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and a 120° field of view
  • Main camera: 50 MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, optical stabilization, and an 85° field of view
  • Telephoto: 10 MP sensor with an f/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom, optical stabilization, and a 36° field of view
  • Ultra-wide-angle: 12 MP Dual-Pixel AF sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and a 120° field of view
  • Main camera: 50 MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, optical stabilization, and an 85° field of view
  • Telephoto: 10 MP sensor with an f/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom, optical stabilization, and a 36° field of view
  • Main camera: 200 MP Super Quad Pixel AF sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, optical stabilization, and an 85° field of view
  • Ultra-wide-angle: 50 MP Dual-Pixel sensor with an f/1.9 aperture and a 120° field of view
  • Telephoto 1: 50 MP sensor with an f/3.4 aperture, 5x optical zoom, optical stabilization, and a 22° field of view
  • Telephoto 2: 10 MP sensor with an f/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom, optical stabilization, and a 36° field of view

BATTERY

4,000 mAh

25 W charging

15 W wireless charging

Reverse wireless charging

4,900 mAh

45 W charging

15 W wireless charging

Reverse wireless charging

5,000 mAh

45 W fast charging

15 W wireless charging

os

Android 15 based on One UI 7

Android 15 based on One UI 7

Android 15 based on One UI 7

CONNECTIVITY

5G

LTE

Wi-Fi 7

Bluetooth 5.4

eSIM

USB-C (USB 3.2)

GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo/GZSS

5G

LTE

Wi-Fi 7

Bluetooth 5.4

eSIM

USB-C (USB 3.2)

GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo/GZSS

5G (2x Nano + eSIM)

Wi-Fi 7

Bluetooth 5.4

GPS

NFC

UWB

USB-C

OTHER

IP68

Gorilla Glass

NFC

IP68

Gorilla Glass

NFC

UltraWide Band

IP68

Embedded S Pen

Samsung Dex

PRICE

From $799.99

From $999.99

From $1,299.99

SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 Cell Phone + $100 Amazon Gift Card, 128GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, Night Video, 50MP AI Camera, Fast Processor, ProScaler Display, Long Battery Life, 2025, Icyblue

SAMSUNG Galaxy S25+ Cell Phone + $100 Amazon Gift Card, 256GB, AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, 50MP AI Camera, Fast Processor, ProScaler Display, Long Battery Life, 2025, Navy

SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 Ultra Cell Phone + $200 Amazon Gift Card, 256GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, 200MP AI Camera, S Pen, Fast Processor, Long Battery Life, 2025, Titanium Silverblue

These Are the Cameras With Which the Galaxy S25 Lineup Wants to Stand Out in the High-End Range

Before diving into the software enhancements Samsung promises for the Galaxy S25’s photographic hardware, let’s review the cameras of the three phones in this lineup. The front camera is the same across all models: a 12-megapixel Dual-Pixel sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and an 80-degree field of view. These specs match those of comparable Galaxy S24 models.

The S25 Ultra upgrades its main camera to a 200-megapixel sensor with an f/1.7 aperture

Moving to the back cameras, the ultra-wide-angle lens on the S25 and S25+ models features a 12-megapixel sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and a 120-degree field of view, similar to last year’s Galaxy S24 and S24+. However, the S25 Ultra upgrades its main camera to a 200-megapixel sensor with an f/1.7 aperture—delivering exceptional brightness.

Samsung Galaxy S25 cameras

The S25 Ultra’s ultra-wide-angle camera is the only one that differs significantly from its predecessor. It now features a 50-megapixel dual-pixel sensor with an f/1.9 aperture and a 120-degree field of view. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra had a 12-megapixel sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. On paper, this upgrade enhances resolution and brightness. We’ll confirm these improvements after further testing.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra had a 12-megapixel sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. On paper, this upgrade enhances resolution and brightness.

The main camera on the S25 and S25+ includes a 50-megapixel sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, which performs well. The S25 Ultra, however, replaces this with a telephoto lens boasting a 50-megapixel sensor, an f/3.4 aperture, and 5x optical zoom. This feature is worth testing in detail. All three models share a second telephoto lens with a 10-megapixel sensor, an f/2.4 aperture, a 36-degree field of view, and 3x optical zoom.

The ProVisual Engine Brings These Smartphones Closer to a DSLR-Like Experience

The core of the Galaxy S25’s photography software is the ProVisual Engine, a suite of AI tools Samsung claims enhances creative options and image quality, particularly in challenging shooting conditions. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, this software theoretically surpasses the Galaxy S24’s engine.

The ProVisual Engine provides DSLR-level control over depth of field.

One standout feature is the virtual aperture, which Samsung says provides DSLR-level control over depth of field. Integrated into Expert RAW mode, it offers exciting creative possibilities. We’ll explore this feature thoroughly once we test these smartphones.

Samsung Galaxy S25 cameras example

During the launch event, Samsung highlighted the improved Nightography mode, promising better light recovery, enhanced detail, and reduced noise in low-light settings. AI algorithms play a key role here, making it interesting to test this mode in tough conditions.

Samsung Galaxy S25 cameras example

Another noteworthy feature is the Object-aware Engine, which detects ambient light, recognizes objects and people, and adjusts tones and textures accordingly. Skin tones, often challenging to recreate accurately, will be an essential aspect to evaluate in real-world use.

Finally, Samsung claims the ProVisual Engine significantly enhances color accuracy and detail. Comparing the Galaxy S25 to its predecessors will reveal the extent of these improvements.

Images | Samsung

Related | Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Edge, Project Moohan, and All the Highlights from Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025

Home o Index