Rumors are circulating about Samsung’s next flagship, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, even though the phone is not expected to be released for another ten months. @IceUniverse, a reputable source for Samsung leaks, recently suggested that the company may eliminate one of the two zoom cameras on the phone, specifically the 3X zoom camera. If this is true, the S24 Ultra will only have three rear cameras instead of four, with the periscope zoom lens being the only zoom camera left.
It is important to note that the Galaxy S23 Ultra was only released two months ago, and substantial leaks regarding the S24 Ultra are unlikely to occur so soon. However, if the rumor is true, it raises questions about the potential consequences for the phone’s camera quality. Commenters on the post have speculated that Samsung may have found a way to achieve similar image quality through sensor cropping or another technique.
Another question is whether Samsung will continue to use the same 10X periscope zoom camera or opt for a shorter zoom range. No other phone on the market uses a 10X zoom periscope camera. Instead, most manufacturers use shorter zoom ranges, such as 3X to 5X, allowing faster apertures and better low-light performance.
Interestingly, Samsung used a single zoom camera in its Galaxy S20 and Note 20 Ultra models, featuring a 5X zoom periscope camera. The dual 3X to 10X zoom camera system was introduced in the Galaxy S21 Ultra and has been improved in subsequent models. If Samsung opts for a shorter zoom range, it will depart from its current strategy of prioritizing zoom quality.
Another possibility is that Samsung is responding to user feedback about the bulkiness and weight of its Ultra series phones. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, for example, weighs in at a hefty 229g.
Overall, it is still too early to determine the accuracy of these rumors. Still, they provide an exciting glimpse into the potential changes Samsung may make to its next flagship phone. We will update you on the latest developments as more information becomes available.