The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra remains one of 2025’s most advanced camera phones, boasting a 200MP main sensor, advanced AI processing, and powerful zoom capabilities. However, several competitors have emerged with superior camera performance across photography, videography, and computational imaging. For users prioritising ultimate camera capabilities over brand loyalty, here are six phones that experts argue deliver better results than the S24 Ultra.
1. Google Pixel 9 Pro Max
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Max, launched in May 2025, has redefined computational photography with its enhanced Tensor G4 imaging pipeline.
Key Camera Strengths:
- 50MP main sensor with f/1.6 aperture for exceptional low-light clarity
- Upgraded Night Sight Ultra, offering clean exposure stacking for natural night shots without overprocessing
- Dual telephoto lenses (5x and 10x optical zoom) producing sharper long-range portraits than Samsung’s hybrid zoom
- Best-in-class skin tone accuracy aided by Google’s Real Tone AI suite
2. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max continues its tradition of leading in video quality and reliable stills across conditions.
Key Camera Strengths:
- 48MP triple sensor array with a 1/1.2” main sensor size
- Spatial Video recording (Apple Vision Pro integration) with lifelike depth capture
- Cinematic mode upgrades enabling real-time HDR bokeh transitions during 4K recording
- Superlative colour consistency across main, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses
3. Vivo X100 Pro+
Vivo’s flagship leverages its Zeiss partnership to outperform most competitors in optical clarity and natural colour rendering.
Key Camera Strengths:
- One-inch IMX989 main sensor with f/1.57 aperture, capturing exceptional detail and depth
- Zeiss T coated lenses* reducing glare and ghosting in backlit conditions
- 4K night video with minimal noise, a feature where Samsung still trails
- Dedicated portrait lens simulating multiple Zeiss bokeh styles with natural separation and falloff
4. Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Xiaomi has aggressively improved its Ultra series, with the 15 Ultra emerging as a computational and hardware powerhouse.
Key Camera Strengths:
- Quad-camera setup featuring a dual telephoto array (5x and 10x) and a 50MP ultra-wide
- Leica co-engineered imaging system, optimised for authentic tones and pro-level controls
- HyperOIS stabilisation enabling steady 8K recording without external gimbals
- Advanced RAW shooting pipeline for photographers demanding maximum post-processing flexibility
5. Sony Xperia Pro II
Sony’s Xperia Pro II is built for professional photographers and videographers who demand native sensor output and manual controls.
Key Camera Strengths:
- Three 48MP Exmor T sensors, each offering identical performance across focal lengths
- Full manual control in Photo Pro and Cinema Pro apps, mimicking Alpha camera interfaces
- 16-bit RAW capture with minimal in-camera noise reduction for unprocessed clarity
- Eye AF and object tracking inherited from Sony’s flagship mirrorless cameras
6. Oppo Find X8 Pro
The Oppo Find X8 Pro combines Hasselblad’s imaging profile with new sensor technology to deliver stunning results.
Key Camera Strengths:
- Newly introduced LYT-900 sensor with dual-layer transistor architecture for increased light sensitivity
- Hasselblad Portrait Master mode for natural skin tones and colour harmony
- 10-bit colour capture supported across photo and video for professional grading
- Dynamic range improvements providing balanced shadows and highlights even in extreme backlit scenarios
Comparative Overview
| Phone Model | Main Sensor & Aperture | Zoom Capability | Special Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 9 Pro Max | 50MP f/1.6 | Dual (5x, 10x) optical | Unmatched computational processing & Night Sight Ultra |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | 48MP f/1.78 | 5x optical | Best video recording, Cinematic HDR bokeh |
| Vivo X100 Pro+ | 1-inch 50MP f/1.57 | 4.3x optical | Zeiss optical clarity, excellent portraits |
| Xiaomi 15 Ultra | Quad 50MP | Dual (5x, 10x) optical | Leica colours, HyperOIS for 8K |
| Sony Xperia Pro II | Triple 48MP | 6x hybrid | Professional manual controls, Eye AF |
| Oppo Find X8 Pro | LYT-900 50MP | 6x optical | Hasselblad tuned dynamic range & portraits |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | 200MP f/1.7 | 10x optical | High megapixel detail, reliable AI zoom |
Why Are These Phones Preferred Over S24 Ultra?
- Sensor Size vs Megapixels: Phones like Vivo X100 Pro+ with their one-inch sensor outperform Samsung’s 200MP smaller sensor in natural depth and dynamic range.
- Computational Leadership: Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Max AI stack surpasses Samsung’s image processing in exposure blending and skin tone accuracy.
- Video Recording Superiority: iPhone 16 Pro Max continues to dominate mobile videography for creators.
- Professional Controls: Sony Xperia Pro II remains the only true hybrid phone-camera device with industry-level manual settings.
Potential Limitations
- Some models are not globally available or lack comprehensive service networks compared to Samsung.
- Prices for Vivo X100 Pro+ and Sony Xperia Pro II are higher than the S24 Ultra in several markets.
- iOS ecosystem limitations on file transfer may affect creators who prefer Android’s open file management.
Conclusion
While the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a spectacular flagship with powerful camera hardware and seamless Samsung ecosystem integration, camera enthusiasts, professional creators, and users seeking absolute photographic supremacy may find the above six models a better fit for their needs. Each device carries its own unique imaging philosophy, offering more natural processing, superior sensor technologies, and pro-level video features that push mobile imaging boundaries beyond what Samsung currently offers.
Disclaimer: This news analysis is based on expert reviews, manufacturer specifications, and industry comparisons at the time of publication. Camera performance is subjective to user preference, firmware updates, and regional device variants. Readers are advised to check local availability and technical support networks before making purchase decisions.
