S24 Ultra Vs S23 Ultra Are The Camera Upgrades Really Worth It

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra arrives as the flagship successor to the already impressive S23 Ultra, promising refined design, stronger AI integration, and—most notably—enhanced camera capabilities. But for users who already own the S23 Ultra or are considering an upgrade, a critical question emerges: are the camera improvements substantial enough to justify the cost? With both devices delivering top-tier photography in nearly every lighting condition, the differences may seem subtle at first glance. Yet, under closer inspection, several key upgrades suggest a meaningful evolution in mobile imaging.

Camera Hardware: What’s Changed?

The core camera setup on both phones remains remarkably similar: a 200MP main sensor, dual telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom), and a 12MP ultrawide shooter. However, Samsung has made targeted hardware refinements in the S24 Ultra that contribute to better image processing and low-light performance.

Feature	S23 Ultra	S24 Ultra
Main Sensor	200MP ISOCELL HP2	200MP ISOCELL HP3 with Tetracell 2.0
Pixel Size (Default Bin)	0.6µm → 2.4µm (16-in-1)	0.6µm → 2.4µm (16-in-1) + improved light fusion
Telephoto Lenses	3x (70mm), 10x (230mm)	3x (70mm), 5x (100mm), 10x (230mm)
Digital Zoom	Up to 100x	Up to 100x with enhanced AI upscaling
Video Recording	8K@30fps, 4K@60fps	8K@30fps, 4K@60fps + improved stabilization & HDR

The most significant change is the shift from the HP2 to the newer HP3 sensor, which brings faster readout speeds, reduced rolling shutter, and better dynamic range. While both sensors default to 12.5MP output via pixel binning, the HP3’s Tetracell 2.0 technology improves light capture efficiency and reduces noise, especially in dim environments.

Tip: For the cleanest night shots, use Expert RAW mode on either device—it captures multiple exposures manually and gives you more editing flexibility.

Real-World Photo Performance: Where the Difference Shows

In daylight, both phones produce near-identical results. Colors are vibrant but natural, detail retention is excellent, and dynamic range handles high-contrast scenes gracefully. The real divergence occurs in challenging conditions—low light, backlit scenes, and extreme zoom scenarios.

The S24 Ultra’s updated image signal processor (ISP) and tighter integration with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip allow for faster multi-frame processing. This translates into quicker shot-to-shot times and less blur in handheld low-light photography. In side-by-side tests, the S24 Ultra consistently delivers slightly cleaner shadows and more accurate skin tones in indoor portraits.

Zoom performance sees one of the most tangible improvements. The addition of a dedicated 5x telephoto lens (100mm equivalent) fills the gap between the 3x and 10x optics, allowing for crisper mid-range zoom shots without relying on digital interpolation. Wildlife photographers and event shooters will appreciate this added versatility.

“Mobile zoom used to be a gimmick. Now, with true periscope lenses and AI-assisted sharpening, we’re seeing DSLR-like framing on a phone.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechScope Review

AI Enhancements: Beyond Pixels

The S24 Ultra leverages its on-device generative AI tools to elevate photo quality post-capture. Features like “Photo Assist” can remove unwanted objects, enhance blurry faces, or relight poorly exposed images—all without needing cloud processing.

One standout feature is “Nightography Zoom,” which combines long-exposure stacking with AI denoising across all zoom levels. In practical use, this means you can take a 10x zoom shot at dusk and still get usable detail—something the S23 Ultra struggled with unless perfectly stabilized.

Additionally, the S24 Ultra introduces “Adaptive Pixel,” a real-time adjustment system that dynamically changes binning patterns based on lighting. In bright sunlight, it maximizes resolution; in darkness, it prioritizes light sensitivity. This adaptive behavior results in fewer manual adjustments needed when moving between environments.

Mini Case Study: Concert Photography Test

A music journalist tested both phones at a recent indoor concert with uneven stage lighting and constant motion. Using the 10x telephoto lens from a balcony seat, the S23 Ultra captured usable shots, but many suffered from motion blur and color banding. The S24 Ultra, using Nightography Zoom and faster sensor readout, produced sharper images with better facial detail and consistent white balance. Post-processing in Samsung’s Gallery app was also smoother thanks to AI-powered “Enhance Once” suggestions.

While neither phone replaces a mirrorless camera, the incremental gains in speed, stability, and AI correction make the S24 Ultra noticeably more reliable in fast-paced, low-light scenarios.

Video Upgrades: Subtle but Meaningful

Both phones support 8K video at 30fps and 4K at 60fps, but the S24 Ultra introduces HDR10+ recording across all lenses—a first for Samsung flagships. This ensures richer contrast and color depth, especially when viewed on compatible displays.

Stabilization has also been fine-tuned. The S24 Ultra uses predictive motion tracking to anticipate hand movements, reducing jitter during walking shots. Audio is clearer too, with upgraded wind suppression and directional focus in “Director’s View” mode.

For content creators, the ability to record log-profile video (via Pro mode) with extended dynamic range makes the S24 Ultra a more viable option for professional-grade editing workflows.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

• ✅ You frequently shoot in low light or at night
• ✅ You rely on zoom photography (e.g., wildlife, sports, concerts)
• ✅ You value AI-powered editing tools for quick fixes
• ✅ You want future-proof video capabilities (HDR10+, log profiles)
• ❌ You’re satisfied with S23 Ultra photos in good lighting
• ❌ You rarely use zoom beyond 5x
• ❌ Budget is a primary concern

If three or more of the positive points apply to your usage, the camera upgrades likely justify the upgrade. Otherwise, the S23 Ultra remains a formidable device, and the differences may not be noticeable in everyday use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 200MP difference visible between S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra?

Not directly. Both phones default to 12.5MP output through pixel binning. The improvement lies in how the S24 Ultra processes those pixels—better light capture, reduced noise, and faster processing make the final image cleaner, especially in challenging conditions.

Does the S24 Ultra have better portrait mode?

Yes. Thanks to improved depth mapping and AI skin tone recognition, the S24 Ultra produces more natural bokeh edges and better background separation. It also preserves finer details like eyelashes and hair strands more accurately than its predecessor.

Can I notice the camera upgrade without being a photographer?

Most casual users won’t see dramatic differences in daylight snapshots. However, if you often take photos indoors, at night, or while zooming, the S24 Ultra’s enhancements in clarity, speed, and consistency become apparent over time.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The camera upgrades from the S23 Ultra to the S24 Ultra aren’t revolutionary, but they represent a thoughtful refinement of an already outstanding system. The new 5x telephoto lens, smarter AI processing, and improved low-light performance collectively enhance usability in real-world situations. For professional users, hybrid shooters, or mobile photography enthusiasts, these changes add up to a more capable and confident tool.

However, if your current S23 Ultra meets your needs—and you don’t regularly push the limits of zoom or night shooting—the upgrade may feel incremental rather than essential. Samsung has optimized rather than reinvented, which speaks to maturity in their camera development.

🚀 Ready to test the limits of mobile photography? Whether you keep your S23 Ultra or move to the S24 Ultra, explore its full potential by experimenting with Pro mode, AI editing, and manual zoom techniques. Share your best shot in the comments below!