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The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, once the top camera phone, now faces stiff competition from 2025 models. Phones like the Oppo Find X7 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, Google Pixel 8 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and Vivo X100 Pro offer superior zoom, low-light performance, and image processing.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was once seen as the top camera phone, but it’s no longer the only one at the top. Several 2025 phones now match or even surpass the S24 Ultra in important areas like zoom, low-light shots, sensor size, and color accuracy. Here’s a look at the best alternatives for those who want more from their camera phone.
Camera System:
50MP main camera (1-inch Sony LYT-900)
50MP 3x telephoto
50MP 6x periscope telephoto
50MP ultrawide
Hasselblad color tuning
Why it’s great:
The Find X7 Ultra has two periscope zoom lenses, so you can easily switch between 3x and 6x zoom with clear, detailed shots. Its 1-inch sensor captures lots of detail, even in low light. With Hasselblad’s color tuning, the photos look bright and realistic.
Best for: People who want great zoom and professional-level detail.
Camera System:
50MP main camera (1-inch Sony LYT-900)
50MP 3.2x telephoto
50MP 5x periscope
50MP ultrawide
Leica optics & Master Lens modes
Why it’s great:
Xiaomi’s 4-camera setup with 50MP on each lens gives clear and sharp pictures at any zoom level. The Leica partnership makes the colors and contrast look great, especially for street or portrait photos. The 1-inch sensor captures fine details, and the dual telephoto lenses provide strong zoom.
Best for: People who love Leica-style photos and need strong zoom for portraits.
Camera System:
50MP retractable 1-inch main sensor
200MP periscope telephoto
40MP ultrawide
3.5x optical, 100x digital zoom
XMAGE imaging engine
Why it’s great:
Google focuses on photo software to enhance your pictures. The new Real Tone feature accurately captures skin tones, while Night Sight makes low-light photos bright and clear. The 5x telephoto lens zooms in without losing detail, and AI tools like Magic Editor give you more control over editing after taking the shot.
Best for: Extreme zoom and amazing night shots.
Camera System:
50MP main camera
48MP 5x telephoto
48MP ultrawide
Google Tensor G3 with AI-powered features
Why it's great:
Google is all about photo software. The new Real Tone feature gets your skin tones right, Night Sight captures bright clear photos in low-light conditions, the 5x telephoto lens is excellent for zooming in without losing resolution, and AI features such as Magic Editor provide greater flexibility with post-facto editing.
Best for: AI-enhanced photos and accurate skin tones.
Camera System:
48MP main camera
12MP 5x telephoto
12MP ultrawide
Smart HDR 5 + Photonic Engine
Dolby Vision video
Why it's great:
The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers fantastic consistency in various photography tasks. The portrait mode is excellent, with excellent edge detection and silky bokeh. The new periscope 5x lens manages zoom very well, and its video quality is class-leading, with silky-smooth stabilization and HDR support.
Best for: Balanced photo and video performance.
Camera System:
50MP main camera (1-inch sensor)
50MP 4.3x floating periscope
50MP ultrawide
Zeiss optics
Special modes for Astro, Night, and Portrait
Why it's great:
Vivo’s floating periscope lens gives clear focus and sharp details. Zeiss optics help capture realistic colors and reduce glare. Astro mode is perfect for capturing starry night photos, while Night mode ensures clean shots even in tricky lighting.
Best for: Astrophotography, low-light performance, and Zeiss color tuning.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is still a strong all-around camera phone, but it’s no longer the top choice in mobile photography. Brands like Oppo, Xiaomi, Huawei, Google, Apple, and Vivo have raised the standard with better zoom, improved low-light shots, and enhanced image processing. Whether you care most about zoom, night mode, or editing options, there are plenty of great alternatives that might suit your needs better.
