Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera Test: 200MP Photos & 5x Zoom vs. iPhone 16 Pro

Can the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra camera outshine the iPhone 16 Pro in 2025’s camera showdown? Launched on January 22, 2025, the Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a 200MP main sensor and dual telephoto lenses, while the iPhone 16 Pro counters with a 48MP fusion camera and advanced computational photography. This S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro camera test compares 200MP photos, 5x zoom, video quality, and more, based on real-world tests and expert reviews. We’ll dive into side-by-side samples to determine which flagship delivers superior imaging. Ready to find the ultimate camera phone? Let’s break it down!

What Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera Test and Why Is It Important?

A Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra camera test evaluates its imaging capabilities against competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro, focusing on photo quality, zoom performance, and video recording. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, with its 200MP main camera and 50MP 5x telephoto, aims to set a new standard for flagship photography. The iPhone 16 Pro, with a 48MP main and 12MP 5x telephoto, relies on Apple’s computational prowess. With 85% of smartphone buyers prioritizing camera quality (per GSMArena), this comparison helps photographers and enthusiasts choose the best device for stunning visuals in 2025.

Key Benefits of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera

The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera system offers:

• High-Resolution Photos: 200MP main sensor captures intricate details, ideal for cropping or large prints.
• Versatile Zoom: 3x and 5x optical zoom with 100x hybrid zoom for distant subjects.
• Enhanced Low-Light: ProVisual Engine reduces noise, improving night shots.
• Advanced Video: 8K@30fps and 4K@120fps with HDR for cinematic footage.
• AI Features: Galaxy AI enhances editing, including Sketch to Image for creative effects.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Camera Specs

Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera

• Main: 200MP (ISOCELL HP2, f/1.7, 1/1.3″, OIS).
• Ultrawide: 50MP (f/1.9).
• Telephoto: 10MP (3x, f/2.4), 50MP (5x, f/3.4).
• Selfie: 12MP (f/2.2).
• Video: 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, 10-bit HDR.

iPhone 16 Pro Camera

• Main: 48MP Fusion (f/1.78, 1/1.28″, OIS).
• Ultrawide: 48MP (f/2.2).
• Telephoto: 12MP (5x, f/2.8).
• Selfie: 12MP (f/1.9).
• Video: 4K@120fps, ProRes, Log capture.

Camera Test: 200MP Photos

The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 200MP sensor produces 12MP or 50MP default outputs, with full 200MP mode for detailed shots. In daylight, it captures vibrant colors and sharp textures, like intricate woodgrain or distant signage, outperforming the iPhone’s 48MP sensor in fine detail when zoomed in (Digital Trends). However, the iPhone’s warmer tones and better shadow detail make its photos more inviting indoors. For example, a park scene showed the S25 Ultra’s 200MP mode revealing moss details on a bench, while the iPhone’s 24MP output offered richer contrast but less sharpness.

• Winner: Galaxy S25 Ultra for detail, iPhone 16 Pro for color balance.

Camera Test: 5x Zoom Performance

Both phones feature 5x optical zoom, but results differ:

• Galaxy S25 Ultra: The 50MP 5x telephoto delivers cleaner details and better dynamic range, especially in bright conditions (DXOMARK). At 10x hybrid zoom, it maintains clarity with minimal noise.
• iPhone 16 Pro: The 12MP 5x telephoto struggles with focus on distant subjects like flowers, but its colors are more natural (CNET). Digital zoom to 25x shows noise, unlike the S25 Ultra’s 30x usability.

A test shot of a distant building showed the S25 Ultra’s sharper windows and less haze, while the iPhone’s warmer tones were less realistic but visually appealing (Amateur Photographer).

• Winner: Galaxy S25 Ultra for zoom clarity and range.

Camera Test: Low-Light and Night Mode

In low-light, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s ProVisual Engine reduces noise, delivering brighter, sharper images, like a nighttime street scene with vivid string lights (Tom’s Guide). The iPhone 16 Pro produces brighter images but with more noise in shadows, especially at 5x zoom. For ultrawide shots, the S25 Ultra’s 50MP sensor captures more detail and better exposure than the iPhone’s 48MP ultrawide, particularly in dim conditions (PhoneArena).

• Winner: Galaxy S25 Ultra for low-light sharpness and exposure.

Camera Test: Video Quality

Both phones excel in video, but differences emerge:

• Galaxy S25 Ultra: Offers 8K@30fps and 4K@120fps with 10-bit HDR, providing richer colors and editing flexibility. Stabilization is solid but trails the iPhone slightly (DXOMARK).
• iPhone 16 Pro: 4K@120fps with ProRes and Log capture offers cinematic quality, with superior stabilization and sharper 1x footage. Low-light videos are brighter but noisier (Tom’s Guide).

A 5x zoom video of a park fountain showed the S25 Ultra with better detail, while the iPhone’s stabilization smoothed motion better (Tom’s Guide).

• Winner: iPhone 16 Pro for stabilization, Galaxy S25 Ultra for zoom and 8K.

How to Use the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera Effectively

• Maximize 200MP Mode:
  • Enable in Camera Settings for detailed shots; use for landscapes or prints.
  • Process in Pro Mode for RAW output.
• Optimize Zoom:
  • Use 3x or 5x for portraits; 10x for distant subjects in good light.
  • Avoid 100x unless capturing record shots.
• Enhance Low-Light:
  • Activate Night Mode for automatic noise reduction.
  • Use tripod for long exposures in Pro Mode.
• Leverage Video:
  • Shoot 8K for cropping flexibility; 4K@60fps for daily use.
  • Use Galaxy Log for post-processing.
• AI Tools:
  • Experiment with Sketch to Image for creative edits (TechRadar).

Check our smartphone photography guide for more tips.

Best Practices for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera in 2025

• Use 50MP for Balance: Offers detail without 200MP’s storage demands.
• Leverage AI Sparingly: ProVisual Engine enhances shots but can oversharpen; adjust in settings.
• Shoot in Good Light: Maximizes 200MP and 5x zoom performance (DXOMARK).
• Update Software: One UI 7 patches improve camera algorithms.
• Compare Retail Samples: Check Flipkart or Apple Store for real-world images.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera

• Overusing 200MP: Fills storage quickly; use 50MP for most scenarios.
• Ignoring Manual Controls: Pro Mode offers better ISO and shutter speed adjustments.
• Over-Reliance on 100x Zoom: Produces blurry results; stick to 10x.
• Skipping Stabilization: Use a tripod for 8K video to avoid shake.
• Neglecting Updates: One UI updates fix noise and bokeh issues (GSMArena).

FAQs About Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera

Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra camera better than the iPhone 16 Pro?

The S25 Ultra excels in zoom and low-light detail, while the iPhone offers better stabilization and natural colors. It depends on your priorities.

How good is the 200MP camera on the Galaxy S25 Ultra?

It captures exceptional detail in daylight, ideal for cropping or prints, but requires good lighting for best results (Digital Trends).

Does the S25 Ultra’s 5x zoom outperform the iPhone 16 Pro?

Yes, the S25 Ultra’s 50MP 5x telephoto delivers sharper, cleaner images, especially at 10x (PhoneArena).

Can the Galaxy S25 Ultra shoot 8K video?

Yes, it supports 8K@30fps on main, ultrawide, and 5x cameras, offering more editing flexibility than the iPhone’s 4K@120fps.

How does the iPhone 16 Pro perform in low-light compared to S25 Ultra?

The iPhone produces brighter but noisier low-light shots; the S25 Ultra offers better exposure and detail (Tom’s Guide).

Conclusion

This Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra camera test reveals it edges out the iPhone 16 Pro in 200MP photo detail, 5x zoom clarity, and low-light performance, thanks to its 50MP telephoto and ProVisual Engine. The iPhone 16 Pro shines in video stabilization and natural color tones. For zoom and high-resolution enthusiasts, the S25 Ultra is the winner; for video creators, the iPhone holds strong. Ready to capture stunning shots? Explore the Galaxy S25 Ultra on Flipkart or compare with the iPhone 16 Pro on Apple today!