The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has been put to the test by DXOMARK, and the results are disappointing. Despite being one of Samsung’s most anticipated flagship smartphones, its camera performance has failed to break into DXOMARK’s top 20 list. Ranked at the 24th position, the Galaxy S25 Ultra shares its spot with the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and Motorola Edge 50 Ultra—devices that are considerably older.
So, what went wrong with Samsung’s latest Ultra smartphone? Let’s dive deep into the camera performance, strengths, weaknesses, and how it compares to the competition.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s DXOMARK Ranking
The DXOMARK rankings for smartphone cameras are often considered a benchmark for camera quality and innovation. Unfortunately, the Galaxy S25 Ultra did not make the cut for the top 20, ranking at #24.
How Does It Compare to the Competition?
At the top of the DXOMARK list is the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, which scored an impressive 163 points. Close behind are the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the HONOR Magic6 Pro, both earning 158 points. Other flagship devices, including Apple’s latest iPhones and OPPO’s high-end models, also secured top spots.
Interestingly, the Vivo X200 Pro, a phone widely praised for its exceptional camera performance, is also absent from DXOMARK’s top rankings. This raises questions about the consistency of these rankings, but it still doesn’t change the fact that the Galaxy S25 Ultra underperformed.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera Strengths
Despite its lackluster ranking, the Galaxy S25 Ultra does have some strong points in its camera system. DXOMARK highlighted several areas where the device excels:
1. Impressive Zoom Capabilities
The Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers exceptional detail in zoom shots, especially at longer distances. Samsung’s periscope technology allows for high-quality telephoto shots.
2. Excellent Exposure and Dynamic Range
In bright lighting conditions, the phone provides well-balanced exposure and a wide dynamic range. This ensures that images capture details in both highlights and shadows effectively.
3. Natural Color Rendering in Videos
DXOMARK praised the device for its neutral white balance and natural color tones when shooting videos in both bright light and indoor conditions.
4. Consistent Photo & Video Detail
The S25 Ultra maintains good levels of detail across different lighting environments, delivering high-quality images in most standard scenarios.
Major Drawbacks of the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Camera
While the Galaxy S25 Ultra has some strengths, DXOMARK pointed out several notable weaknesses that impacted its ranking.
1. Autofocus Issues in Video Mode
One of the most concerning issues is autofocus instability, which results in frequent shifts in focus while recording videos. This can be frustrating for users who rely on their smartphones for video content creation.
2. Exposure Adaptation Problems
Another major issue is inconsistent exposure adjustments, particularly when transitioning between different lighting conditions in video mode.
3. Noise in Low-Light Photography and Videos
DXOMARK noted that the S25 Ultra struggles in low-light environments, producing noticeable noise in both photos and videos, particularly in high-contrast scenes.
4. Occasional White Balance Casts
Under artificial and low-light settings, the camera sometimes introduces unnatural color tones, affecting the overall accuracy of the shot.
5. Unreliable Bokeh Mode
Portrait mode doesn’t always activate correctly, resulting in missed opportunities for high-quality depth-of-field shots.
How Does the Galaxy S25 Ultra Compare to the S24 Ultra?
Many users were expecting a significant upgrade from the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, but the results suggest otherwise. The camera system on the S25 Ultra does not show any substantial improvement over its predecessor, which may be disappointing for users looking for an upgrade.
Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Display More Impressive?
While the camera might not be the highlight of the S25 Ultra, DXOMARK was far more impressed with its display. The phone boasts a high-resolution AMOLED panel with excellent color accuracy, brightness, and HDR capabilities, making it one of the best screens in the market.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra for Its Camera?
If you prioritize camera performance above all else, the Galaxy S25 Ultra may not be the best choice. With strong competitors like the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offering better camera performance, Samsung’s latest flagship struggles to stand out. However, if you’re looking for a well-rounded device with an excellent display and powerful internals, it’s still a strong contender.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why did the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra rank so low on DXOMARK?
DXOMARK cited issues such as autofocus instability, exposure adaptation problems, and noticeable noise in low-light conditions as major reasons for the low ranking.
2. Which smartphone currently has the best camera according to DXOMARK?
The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra currently holds the top spot with 163 points on DXOMARK’s camera ranking.
3. Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra still worth buying despite its camera performance?
Yes, while the camera may not be industry-leading, the Galaxy S25 Ultra still offers a top-tier display, powerful hardware, and long battery life, making it a great all-around smartphone.
4. Does the Galaxy S25 Ultra have good zoom capabilities?
Yes, DXOMARK noted that the phone’s zoom shots are among its best features, particularly at long distances.
5. How does the Galaxy S25 Ultra compare to the iPhone 15 Pro Max?
While the iPhone 15 Pro Max delivers better low-light performance and color accuracy, the Galaxy S25 Ultra excels in zoom photography and display quality.
