Hi all,
Leaks have indicated that the Vanilla S series (S20 and later, excluding the “Ultra”) has used the same camera hardware for four years, with no upgrades. This continues with the S25 and S25+. All hardware improvements seem reserved for the Ultra models. I prefer the Vanilla series for its size, but why does Samsung ignore this? Not everyone wants a bulky Ultra model—some of us want smaller phones with top-tier cameras.
Doesn’t Samsung listen to feedback on this?
Even the Ultra upgrades are disappointing. My X100 Ultra uses a zoom sensor almost as large as Samsung’s main sensor, and Samsung is still far from using 1-inch sensors for the main camera. They’ve stuck with the same 5000mAh battery and slow charging since the S20 Ultra, while competitors are launching flagships with 6000mAh silicon-carbon batteries. It feels like Samsung stopped innovating after Huawei’s ban. If you want real hardware advancements, look into the X100 Pro or Ultra from a company that’s still pushing the limits.
The S20 didn’t have a real telephoto camera. It was just a 64 megapixel camera. Ever since the S21 fe, Saumsung has included real telephoto cameras on the base and + S series.
The funniest part is that iPhones now have a 48MP primary camera that outputs 24MP, while the Vanilla S series is still stuck at 12MP, and even the Ultra only outputs 12MP unless there’s an excessive amount of light.
I’m waiting for the S25 to release to decide if I’ll switch from my S22 or go for the S24. I’m hoping for camera improvements, especially for the ultrawide (fingers crossed the rumors are true) and maybe an upgrade beyond 10MP for the 3x zoom, though that’s unlikely. If Samsung doesn’t deliver, I’m seriously thinking about switching to an iPhone.
There is nothing wrong with the base s series camera. I had s21 plus now s23 base, not a single time I wished my camera was better or that it needs upgrade. So I guess that could be the reason.