Best Samsung camera phone: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra succeeds S23 Ultra as Samsung’s flagship model. Its main camera has the same headline-grabbing 200MP sensor that uses pixel-binning phone camera reviews   technology as its predecessor. However, the telephoto camera has been upgraded to a new 50MP 5x telephoto zoom from the previous 10MP 10x telephoto seen on the S22/S23 ultra.

Pros
Improved image quality (slightly)
Massively improved screen (reduced reflection and improved scratch resistance)
Added AI features
Reflection removal particularly useful

Cons
Macro mode lags behind others
Shutter lag really hurts for fast moving subjects
45W charging is looking slow
At a glance:

200MP f/1.7 main camera, with OIS, 1/1.3inch, 23mm
12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle camera (0.6x), 13mm
10MP f/2.4 3x telephoto camera, with OIS, 69mm
50MP f/3.4 5x telephoto camera, with OIS, 115mm
12MP f/2.2 PDAF selfie camera (same on all S24 models)
8K 30fps video, 4K 120/60/30fps
From $1299 / £1084 (256GB)

A new generation of AI technology is introduced with the S24 series, utilised during image capture and said to improve night photography, noise performance, zoom quality and HDR imaging among others. AI is also relevant in the new on-device and cloud-based editing features like its new Reflection removal tool. Speaking of reflection removal, which is really useful, the S24 Ultra also has one of the best screens on any phone, thanks to the anti-reflective coating on the screen.

10x zoom photo. Photo JW
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra can give some really impressive 10x zoom photos. Photo Joshua Waller
Galaxy S24 Ultra · f/3.4 · 1/169s · 18.6mm · ISO32

The S24 Ultra records video up to 8K 30fps, and with AI can also be used to create slow-motion videos by generating interim frames in a video, letting you create slow-motion videos after you record them.

Following our full review, we noted the incremental improvements to the cameras and features in Samsung smartphones, but there were some areas where we’d like to see some additional improvements, namely in macro. We did conclude, though, that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the best camera phones currently available in the mainstream, and we stick by that.