With the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung is now breaking the 200 MP camera barrier. In the video we show you whether the big bang is followed by good results.
The camera highlights of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has two big camera highlights with which it tries to outshine the competition. Firstly, Samsung’s own Isocell HP2 camera sensor, which is said to be even better than its predecessor and takes photos with a resolution of up to 200 MP. On the other hand, a 10x zoom in periscope design is also installed in this generation, thanks to which distant objects can also be photographed.
However, a little doubt is appropriate: As is well known, a resolution of 200 megapixels does not necessarily mean that photos are much better, as we have already seen in other tests.
A good first impression
A first test of the camera in everyday life shows that possible worries are unjustified. The photos are usually successful, the zoom options help to find the right subject and the night mode can also take photos in the moonlight.
The colors appear comparatively “gaudy” and rich in contrast. This is particularly evident when compared to Google’s camera flagship, the Pixel 7 Pro.
S23 Ultra vs Pixel 7 Pro
Shot with the Google Pixel 7 Pro
Shot with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Sometimes a day in winter turns into a day in spring. If you prefer more upbeat colors to the more realistic representation, you will like the shots of the S23 Ultra.
But: When dim lighting and movements meet, the software obviously still reaches its limits. In the following photo, the nudge was again captured in comparison with the Pixel 7 Pro:
S23 Ultra vs Pixel 7 Pro: At night in the bar
S23 Ultra: Slightly blurred
Pixel 7 Pro: Everything sharp on the first try
As it turns out, the Galaxy S23 Ultra doesn’t quite get along with the movement in the picture, the subject looks blurred. Instead, the Pixel 7 Pro produced a sharp photo on the first attempt.
200 megapixel recordings
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra can take photos with a resolution of 16,320 × 12,240 pixels. The level of detail is quite impressive.
In a direct comparison with the lower-resolution images, it is positive that the integrated sharpening of the photos with the 200-megapixel resolution is either weaker or simply no longer particularly noticeable.
Closer: The 10× optical zoom
Once again, a 10× optical zoom in periscope design is integrated into a Galaxy S smartphone. The result looks as good as can be expected: With the 10× zoom, details can be captured that are no longer visible to the naked eye. In addition, the strong image stabilization ensures that you can also record videos in the same zoom level without shaking.
In addition, photos can be taken with a hybrid 30× and 100× ultra zoom, which are enlarged and added together using the software. The 30× zoom actually leaves a decent impression. You can see that a digital zoom was used here, but many details are still recognizable. With the 100× zoom, we’re still not sure what it’s supposed to do – apart from the obvious marketing gimmick – these pictures simply can’t convince.
We have put together more photos, test videos and the complete summary of the camera of the Galaxy S23 Ultra for you in the video.