New range, new models and partly new cameras. Samsung is launching a series of Galaxy S21 phones, and this, of course, requires several things. In particular, testing the most powerful and equipped it has to offer. The new ruler of the Samsung galaxy, therefore model S21 Ultra, I submitted a few days ago detailed testing. However, I deliberately kept one part of the content for a more detailed analysis in a separate article. It’s about taking photos and assessing the pictures taken. This article will not only outline how the new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra handles photography on its own, but whether and how much it surpasses last year’s predecessor S20 Ultra. I will reveal in advance that quite often and significantly.
Shooting with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Galaxy S20 Ultra
All photos were taken with the scene optimizer turned on to give the phones a chance show what sensors + software can do. This year’s Ultra model has one very interesting extra feature in this regard. You can find her description almost at the end of the article. Unless otherwise stated in the galleries, the pairs always have a picture from the older Galaxy S20 in the first place (top / left) and a photo from the new Galaxy S21 Ultra in the second place (bottom / right). We will soon add a link to the images used in the original resolution.
What do phones have?
| sensors | Galaxy S20 Ultra | Galaxy S21 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| main | 108 MPx, f/1.8, 26mm, 1/1.33″, 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS | 108 MPx, f/1.8, 26mm, 1/1.33″, 0.8µm, PDAF, Laser AF, OIS |
| periscope / telephoto 1 | 48 MPx, f / 3.5, 103mm, 1 / 2.0 ″, 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 4x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom | 10 MPx, f/4.9, 240mm, 1/3.24″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 10x optical zoom |
| periscope / telephoto 2 | – | 10 MPx, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.24″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 3x optický zoom |
| ultra wide | 12 MPx, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚, 1/2.55″ 1.4µm | 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF |
| deep | 0.3 MPx, TOF 3D, f/1.0 | – |
| front | 40 MPx, f/2.2, 26mm, 1/2.8″, 0.7µm, PDAF | 40 MPx, f/2.2, 26mm, 1/2.8″, 0.7µm, PDAF |
In addition to the basic table values, it is definitely necessary to mention the better automatic focus of the ultra-wide lens, the ability to shoot in 12-bit RAW format and the improved Zoom Lock function, which can maintain focus even when changing the position of the phone or subject.
Standard photo (car, 12 mpx)
There are no extreme differences in this section. The same sensor takes care of the primary photo shoot. With the new Ultra model, however, you can see better work with contrast.
