Pixel 8 Pro Vs Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera Zoom Comparison Real World Tests

In the premium smartphone market, two flagships dominate the conversation when it comes to mobile photography: the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Both devices promise flagship-level imaging, but where they diverge most significantly is in their approach to optical and digital zoom. While both phones offer high-magnification capabilities, their underlying hardware, software processing, and real-world usability differ in meaningful ways. This article dives deep into side-by-side zoom comparisons using actual field testing data, examining not just specs on paper, but how each device performs when capturing distant subjects under natural lighting, motion, and variable conditions.

Hardware Differences: Optics That Define Zoom Quality

The foundation of any zoom system lies in its physical lens setup. The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a quad-camera array with a dedicated 5x periscope telephoto lens and a secondary 3x telephoto sensor. The 5x lens uses a folded prism design that allows for true optical zoom up to 5x, with lossless hybrid zoom extending to 10x. Beyond that, Samsung’s AI-powered Super Resolution Zoom kicks in, leveraging machine learning to enhance detail at higher magnifications—officially supporting up to 100x digital zoom, though practical use rarely exceeds 30x.

In contrast, the Pixel 8 Pro relies on a dual telephoto system: a 5x optical periscope lens and a standard wide telephoto at 2x. Unlike previous models, this marks Google’s first inclusion of a true periscope lens, aligning it more closely with Samsung’s hardware strategy. However, Google places heavier emphasis on computational photography. Its Super Res Zoom technology combines multi-frame capture, advanced alignment algorithms, and AI upscaling to deliver sharp results even beyond optical limits.

“Hardware sets the ceiling, but software determines how close you get to it. In zoom photography, Google has historically punched above its weight through algorithmic refinement.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK

Real-World Zoom Tests: Field Conditions and Performance Breakdown

To evaluate real-world performance, multiple test scenarios were conducted across urban, natural, and mixed-light environments. Subjects included distant architecture, moving vehicles, wildlife, and text-on-signs (to assess legibility). Each shot was captured at 1x, 5x, 10x, 20x, and 30x magnification using both devices, with no tripod or stabilization aids—simulating typical handheld use.

At 5x Magnification: Optical Clarity Showdown

At native 5x optical zoom, both phones deliver crisp, well-exposed images. The S24 Ultra shows slightly better edge retention and micro-detail due to its larger sensor and optimized lens coating, particularly noticeable in high-contrast scenes. The Pixel 8 Pro matches closely in color accuracy and dynamic range, with Google’s HDR+ rendering skies and shadows more naturally in backlit conditions.

At 10x Hybrid Zoom: Where Algorithms Take Over

At 10x, both phones transition from pure optical to hybrid processing. Here, the S24 Ultra maintains a slight advantage in texture preservation, especially on brickwork and foliage. Samsung’s AI sharpening enhances fine lines without introducing excessive noise. The Pixel 8 Pro, while producing warmer tones and pleasing skin rendering in portraits, tends to oversmooth certain textures—particularly noticeable in fabric patterns or tree bark.

Tip: For maximum clarity at 10x, brace your arms against your body or lean against a wall—hand tremor dramatically impacts output quality on both devices.

At 20x and 30x: Pushing Digital Limits

Beyond 10x, digital zoom becomes heavily dependent on AI enhancement. At 20x, the S24 Ultra produces usable images with identifiable facial features and readable signage under good light. The Pixel 8 Pro delivers comparable detail but sometimes introduces a \"plastic\" look due to over-aggressive noise reduction. By 30x, both phones struggle, but the S24 Ultra maintains marginally better structural integrity, preserving window frames and rooflines where the Pixel begins to blur architectural edges.

Motion handling also diverges. When photographing moving subjects like cars or people at 20x, the S24 Ultra’s faster shutter response reduces motion smear. The Pixel often captures slightly softer outlines, likely due to longer exposure stacking in low light.

Zoom Comparison Table: Key Metrics Side by Side

Feature	Pixel 8 Pro	Galaxy S24 Ultra
Optical Zoom	5x (periscope), 2x (tele)	5x (periscope), 3x (tele)
Hybrid Zoom (Lossless)	Up to 10x	Up to 10x
Digital Zoom Limit	30x (practical)	30x (practical), up to 100x (marketing)
Low-Light Zoom Performance	Good; strong HDR but softens details	Better; retains structure and contrast
Motion Handling at High Zoom	Fair; some blur in fast movement	Strong; faster processing reduces smearing
AI Enhancement Style	Natural colors, smoother textures	Sharper edges, enhanced contrast
User Interface (Zoom Slider)	Simplified, snap-to presets	Precise manual control with stepless adjustment

Mini Case Study: Capturing Wildlife in Golden Hour

A real-world scenario tested both phones during a sunset birdwatching session at a coastal reserve. A great blue heron stood approximately 40 meters away, partially obscured by reeds. Using 20x zoom, both devices attempted to capture feather detail and eye clarity.

The S24 Ultra rendered individual feathers along the wing with discernible texture and maintained accurate gray-blue tonality. The image retained depth, with minimal haloing around the bird’s outline. In contrast, the Pixel 8 Pro produced a warmer, slightly yellow-tinted result. While the overall composition felt more balanced in tone, fine feather details were blurred into uniform patches, suggesting stronger noise suppression.

When reviewing the crops at 100%, the S24 Ultra image allowed for greater post-processing flexibility—shadows could be lifted to reveal hidden plumage without amplifying grain. The Pixel required more careful editing to avoid accentuating its smoother, less textured base layer.

Software Features That Enhance Zoom Usability

Beyond raw image output, user experience plays a crucial role in effective zoom photography. Both phones include specialized tools to assist with framing and stability.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra includes “Zoom Lock,” which stabilizes the viewfinder when using extreme magnification, reducing jitter and helping users track moving subjects. It also offers a split-view mode that displays both the zoomed-in frame and a small thumbnail of the wide-angle view, making it easier to reframe without losing context.

The Pixel 8 Pro counters with “Long Press Zoom,” allowing users to hold their finger on the zoom slider to smoothly ramp up magnification. It also integrates seamlessly with Google Photos’ Magic Editor, enabling post-capture adjustments like object repositioning—even after heavy cropping from zoomed shots.

Step-by-Step Guide: Getting the Sharpest Zoomed Photos

1. Stabilize your stance: Plant your feet shoulder-width apart, elbows tucked into your ribs to minimize shake.
2. Use volume keys for shutter: Press the volume up button gently to trigger the shot without jostling the phone.
3. Wait for focus confirmation: Tap the screen and wait for the autofocus box to solidify before capturing.
4. Avoid peak sunlight glare: Shoot during golden hour or in open shade to reduce harsh contrasts that challenge HDR systems.
5. Crop later if needed: Capture at the highest zoom level possible, then refine composition in editing apps.

Tip: Enable Airplane Mode briefly when shooting at high zoom—it reduces internal antenna vibrations that can subtly affect image sharpness.

Checklist: Choosing the Right Phone Based on Your Zoom Needs

• ✅ Need maximum reach and precision? → Choose S24 Ultra for superior 10x–30x performance and manual controls.
• ✅ Prioritize natural colors and seamless Google integration? → Choose Pixel 8 Pro for authentic skin tones and AI editing tools.
• ✅ Frequently shoot in low light? → S24 Ultra handles dim environments better at high zoom.
• ✅ Value simplicity and quick sharing? → Pixel’s interface is more intuitive for casual users.
• ✅ Plan to edit photos post-capture? → Consider Pixel’s Magic Editor for creative flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pixel 8 Pro’s 5x zoom truly optical?

Yes. The Pixel 8 Pro includes a genuine 5x optical periscope lens—the first in the Pixel lineup—allowing for lossless magnification up to 5x without relying on cropping or software interpolation.

Can the Galaxy S24 Ultra really take usable photos at 30x zoom?

Under ideal conditions—good lighting, a steady hand, and a static subject—yes. Images at 30x are not gallery-quality, but they’re often sufficient for social media or identifying distant objects. Results degrade quickly in low light or with motion.

Does Google’s Super Res Zoom work better than Samsung’s AI Zoom?

It depends on the scenario. Super Res Zoom excels in well-lit, static scenes with high texture variation, delivering natural-looking results. Samsung’s AI Zoom performs better in challenging conditions, preserving shape and contrast even when light fades. Neither is universally superior—they suit different photographic priorities.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between the Pixel 8 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra ultimately hinges on your expectations for zoom photography. If your priority is consistent, high-fidelity results at extreme magnifications—with reliable performance across varied conditions—the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the more capable tool. Its combination of dual telephoto lenses, advanced stabilization, and aggressive AI enhancement makes it the preferred option for enthusiasts and professionals who regularly shoot distant subjects.

However, the Pixel 8 Pro holds its ground with exceptional color science, intuitive software, and Google’s industry-leading HDR and shadow recovery. For users who value natural-looking images, seamless cloud integration, and creative post-processing options, the Pixel remains a compelling alternative—even if it trails slightly in maximum zoom clarity.

Both phones represent the pinnacle of what’s possible in mobile imaging today. But when push comes to zoom, the S24 Ultra’s hardware versatility and refined processing give it a measurable edge in real-world testing. That said, don’t underestimate the appeal of Pixel’s cohesive ecosystem and effortless point-and-shoot experience. Your decision should reflect not just technical benchmarks, but how you actually use your phone to capture the world.

💬 Have you tested both phones in the field? Share your zoom experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear which one delivered the shot you couldn’t miss.