S25 Ultra Vs S22 Ultra Camera Is The Upgrade Really Worth It For Moon Shots 2

The Samsung Galaxy S series has long set the benchmark for mobile photography, especially in low-light and zoom-heavy scenarios. The S22 Ultra made waves with its 100x Space Zoom and surprisingly credible moon photography — a feature that became as much a cultural meme as a technical marvel. Now, with the release of the S25 Ultra, Samsung claims significant upgrades across the imaging stack. But for enthusiasts who love capturing celestial objects like the moon, the real question remains: Is the camera upgrade from the S22 Ultra to the S25 Ultra actually worth it for moon shots?

This isn’t just about megapixels or marketing claims. It’s about tangible improvements in clarity, detail retention, noise handling, and AI processing that make a difference when pointing your phone at the night sky. Let’s dissect the evolution between these two flagships and determine whether upgrading delivers meaningful gains.

Sensor Evolution: From 108MP to Next-Gen Imaging

The S22 Ultra featured a 108MP main sensor (ISOCELL HM3) with pixel-binning technology, delivering strong detail in daylight and decent low-light performance. Its telephoto setup included dual zoom cameras: a 3x and a 10x periscope lens, enabling hybrid zoom up to 100x using AI enhancement.

The S25 Ultra takes a leap forward with an upgraded 200MP main sensor (likely ISOCELL HP5 or newer), offering finer detail capture and improved dynamic range. More importantly, the periscope telephoto lens has been refined — not just in magnification but in optical quality. While still capped at 10x optical zoom, the new sensor and lens coating reduce flare and improve light transmission, which is critical during nighttime astrophotography.

Crucially, the S25 Ultra uses advanced multi-frame stacking and AI-based super-resolution algorithms specifically tuned for astronomical subjects. This means that when you zoom in on the moon, the phone doesn’t just enlarge pixels — it synthesizes details based on learned lunar surface patterns, reducing artifacts and false textures.

Tip: Use a tripod or stabilize your phone against a solid surface when attempting moon shots — even slight hand movement can blur fine details.

Zoom Performance: Optical, Hybrid, and AI Realities

Moon photography relies heavily on hybrid zoom — combining optical reach with digital enhancement. The S22 Ultra’s 10x periscope lens provided a solid base, but beyond 30x, results were inconsistent. Images often showed over-sharpened halos around the moon’s edges and smudged crater details.

The S25 Ultra improves on this with a higher-resolution telephoto sensor and better thermal management during long exposure sequences. In practical tests, users report cleaner output at 50x–70x zoom, with more accurate tonal gradients and less “plastic” look in post-processing.

Moreover, the AI-powered Moon Mode has matured. On the S22 Ultra, Moon Mode was criticized for sometimes overlaying a pre-rendered texture rather than enhancing real detail. Early firmware on the S25 Ultra shows a more restrained approach — enhancing contrast and edge definition without fabricating features.

“Modern smartphone moon photography isn’t about replacing telescopes — it’s about making celestial observation accessible. The S25 Ultra gets closer to that balance.” — Dr. Lena Park, Computational Photography Researcher at MIT Media Lab

Camera Comparison: S25 Ultra vs S22 Ultra

Feature	S22 Ultra	S25 Ultra
Main Sensor	108MP (HM3)	200MP (HP5+)
Optical Zoom	3x & 10x periscope	5x & 10x periscope (improved optics)
Max Digital Zoom (AI-enhanced)	100x	100x (with better stabilization)
Moon Mode Processing	Aggressive AI, some synthetic detail	Refined AI, better noise control
Low-Light Detail Retention	Good up to 30x	Strong up to 70x
Video Moon Capture (1080p @ 30fps)	Possible with heavy grain	Sharper, stabilized, less jitter

Real-World Example: A Night Under the Stars

Consider Mark, an amateur astrophotographer in Colorado. He used his S22 Ultra for over two years, capturing monthly moon cycles from his backyard. While satisfied with initial results, he noticed recurring issues: inconsistent focus locking at high zoom, purple fringing around bright lunar regions, and soft textures in cropped exports.

After upgrading to the S25 Ultra, he tested both phones side-by-side during a full moon. Using identical settings — manual focus via Camera FV-5 app, ISO 50, 1/4s shutter speed, and a mini tripod — he compared outputs at 50x zoom. The S25 Ultra image showed clearer rim definition along the terminator line, reduced chromatic aberration, and better preservation of subtle gray-scale variations. When enlarged to 200%, the S22 Ultra image began to pixelate; the S25 Ultra retained usable detail.

Mark concluded that while the difference wasn’t revolutionary, it was *meaningful* — especially if he planned to print or share high-resolution captures.

Step-by-Step Guide to Capturing Better Moon Shots

Whether you’re using an S22 Ultra or S25 Ultra, technique plays a bigger role than hardware alone. Follow this sequence for optimal results:

1. Wait for clear skies – Check weather and moon phase apps. A waxing gibbous moon offers the best contrast.
2. Clean your lens – Smudges become glaring at high zoom. Wipe gently with a microfiber cloth.
3. Use a stable base – Rest your phone on a railing, tripod, or window sill to minimize shake.
4. Enable Pro mode – Lower ISO (50–100), adjust shutter speed (1/4s to 1/8s), and manually focus on the moon’s edge.
5. Avoid touching the screen – Use a Bluetooth remote or timer (2s delay) to trigger the shot.
6. Zoom gradually – Tap to zoom to 10x first, then increase slowly to 30x–50x depending on model.
7. Shoot multiple frames – Take 5–10 shots to increase chances of a sharp one.
8. Edit carefully – Use Lightroom Mobile to fine-tune contrast and clarity — avoid oversharpening.

Tip: Turn off HDR in Pro mode when shooting the moon — it can wash out highlights and reduce local contrast.

Is the Upgrade Worth It for Moon Photography?

If your primary reason for upgrading is better moon shots, the answer depends on your expectations. For casual users, the S22 Ultra still produces impressive results — especially with proper technique. Its Moon Mode delivers shareable images on social media, and the 10x optical zoom remains capable.

However, the S25 Ultra brings measurable improvements: higher native resolution, better telephoto optics, enhanced thermal regulation for longer processing, and smarter AI that enhances instead of inventing. These translate into more reliable, higher-fidelity captures — particularly when pushing beyond 50x zoom or shooting in suboptimal conditions.

For serious hobbyists or content creators who value consistency and detail, the upgrade is justified. But if you’re happy with your S22 Ultra’s performance and don’t plan to crop heavily or print large, waiting another cycle may be wiser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S25 Ultra really show craters on the moon?

Yes — under ideal conditions and with proper stabilization, the S25 Ultra can resolve larger lunar craters like Tycho or Copernicus as visible dark spots with defined edges. However, they won’t match telescope-level detail. The phone enhances contrast and texture using AI, so perceived detail exceeds raw optical capability.

Does Moon Mode still \"fake\" the image on the S25 Ultra?

Samsung has reduced overt manipulation. While AI enhancement is still active, recent firmware updates prioritize real captured data. Independent analyses show that disabling AI processing results in similar structural outlines, confirming that the base image is authentic before enhancement.

Should I upgrade just for better night sky photos?

If moon photography is a niche interest, consider accessories like a phone-mounted telescope adapter first. But if you also value overall camera performance, battery life, and future software support, the S25 Ultra offers broader benefits beyond astrophotography.

Final Thoughts: Progress, Not Perfection

The journey from S22 Ultra to S25 Ultra reflects incremental yet thoughtful progress in computational photography. Samsung hasn’t reinvented moon shooting — but it has refined it. The S25 Ultra delivers sharper, cleaner, and more trustworthy lunar images thanks to better hardware and smarter software synergy.

For those captivated by the night sky, every improvement counts. Whether you're documenting phases, teaching kids about the moon, or simply chasing beauty in the dark, having a tool that captures more truth with less effort matters.

🚀 Ready to test the limits of your phone’s lens? Grab your S25 Ultra or S22 Ultra tonight, find a dark spot, and aim for the moon. You might be surprised what modern smartphones can do — one click at a time.