With the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung will switch to using a 5x telephoto camera instead of 10x to improve the device's video recording capabilities.
Although there are still four months until the Galaxy S24 series will be launched, however, much information about them has been leaked. Accordingly, the biggest upgrade will be related to the processor and camera. Galaxy S23 Ultra has the ability to change the 10x telephoto lens to 5x. While it may look like a downgrade, this change could help improve users' filming experience.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra can switch between all cameras while recording 4K60 movies
According to the leak, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 200 MP main camera, a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 3x 10 MP telephoto camera, and a 5x 50 MP telephoto camera. This looks like a downgrade when it comes to zoom capabilities. However, due to the higher resolution of the sensor, zoom capabilities may not be affected at all. More importantly, this change also brings the ability to switch between cameras when filming, even at 4K60 quality.
Currently, no Samsung phone model can switch between ultra-wide, wide-angle, and telephoto cameras when recording 4K60 movies. The highest quality is only 4K30. However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra will change this, possibly due to an improved processor plus a higher-quality telephoto camera.
Why is using a 5x telephoto camera instead of a 10x an upgrade?
The iPhone has long been able to switch between all cameras even when recording 4K60 movies. Therefore, this move by Samsung will help them catch up with Apple. Switching to a 5x telephoto lens instead of a 10x seems like a downgrade. However, since Samsung is rumored to use a larger size and higher resolution sensor, zoom capabilities may not be affected.
More importantly, results in low light conditions will also be improved. Switching between cameras will also be smoother.