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Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra may not bring any exciting camera gains
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra may use a similar camera layout to its predecessor.
- This includes the use of two 10MP dedicated zoom lenses.
- The Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus may see the most dramatic camera improvements of the three.
Samsung has used the Ultra model in its S series range to push certain enthusiast technologies, camera zoom being one of its main focuses. However, the Galaxy S22 Ultra may not see any dramatic gains in this area. According to a new rumor, the Galaxy S22 Ultra may use similar camera hardware to the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Details from the Dutch site Galaxy Club suggest that Samsung’s next range-topper uses two dedicated zoom lenses. While this is echoed in previous leaks, the sensor details differ slightly. The site adds that the S22 Ultra will use 10MP sensors laid behind a zoom lens and a periscope lens, not 12MP sensors as initially believed. As for zoom range, one of the cameras would pack 10x zoom, which wouldn’t be a step up from its predecessor, either.
The end of Ultra camera innovation?
Samsung’s Ultra series has steadily pushed the zooming credentials of the company’s top tier. The S20 Ultra arrived with a 48MP telephoto camera enabling 10x hybrid optical zoom. It also used its 108MP sensor to enable 100x Space Zoom. It wasn’t terrific, though. The S21 Ultra saw a marked improvement, introducing two dedicated telephoto lenses. This massively stepped up its zooming performance over the S20 Ultra. However, it now seems that the S22 Ultra won’t see any noticeable zoom improvements or gains, at least not in terms of sensor hardware or zoom reach.
See also: Camera zoom explained — How optical, digital, and hybrid zoom work
Of course, this isn’t a bad thing. The Galaxy S21 Ultra is an admirable camera phone. But those who consider camera improvements as a core reason to upgrade could be left wanting. Samsung could nonetheless feel that its flagship’s zooming capabilities are adequate and turn its development focus elsewhere. Gaming performance buffs could come through the rumored Exynos 2200 SoC with AMD graphics.
Galaxy Club also echoed a 50MP primary and 12MP wide-angle camera to the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus models. This suggests that Samsung’s base flagship models may see more dramatic generational camera improvements.
The Galaxy S22 series is expected in early 2022, so there’s plenty of time for details to change. Samsung has yet to confirm any specs of its next flagship series, so as with all leaks, take these details with a pinch of salt.