Samsung is gearing up to unveil its next-generation Galaxy S24 flagship smartphone series later this month, and leaks suggest the devices will be packed with advanced AI-powered camera features to take mobile photography to the next level.
The star of the show is expected to be the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung’s ultimate imaging powerhouse. According to recent reports, the S24 Ultra will be capable of recording high-frame-rate 4K videos at 120fps using its quad rear camera system. This technology will allow users to capture extremely smooth, sharp videos even when shooting fast moving subjects or action scenes. Slow motion effects can also be applied in post for dramatic cinematic results.
While 4K 120fps video is rare in smartphones, the S24 Ultra may push boundaries even further by offering this high frame-rate capacity on all its rear cameras, not just the main sensor. If Samsung can pull this off, it would provide unprecedented flexibility for mobile videography. Only one other device, the niche ZTE Nubia Z60 Ultra, currently boasts similar 4K 120fps capabilities across three rear cameras.
But the innovation does not stop there. The S24 Ultra is also rumored to feature a 5x optical zoom camera, allowing users to zoom in significantly while maintaining image quality, paired with AI enhancements tailored for low light zoom photography. Samsung’s so-called “Nightography Zoom” could change the game for zoom photography in dim conditions.
On the still photography side, the S24 Ultra will stick with the same quad camera array found in its predecessor, the S23 Ultra, including a massive 200MP primary sensor, 12MP ultrawide, two 10MP telephoto lenses with 3x and 5x optical zoom, and a 12MP selfie camera. But Samsung is doubling down on software-based imaging improvements to further leverage this hardware.
Most notably, the S24 Ultra is tipped to offer an AI-powered ‘Generative Photo Editor’ that can not only erase unwanted objects from images, similar to Google’s Magic Eraser on Pixel phones, but also fill in negative space by generating artificial content to complete the image. This could make for more seamless photo editing and enable new creative possibilities.
The entire Galaxy S24 series, including the S24 and S24+, will also feature this Generative Photo Editor according to reports, extending Samsung’s AI photo editing push across its flagship lineup. While the lower-end models won’t boast the S24 Ultra’s class-leading camera specs, this AI engine could help them punch above their weight in terms of image editing versatility.
Other AI enhancements like improved Night Mode performance and better portrait mode segmentation are also in the cards across the S24 range. And new software tricks like the ability to capture 8K video while zoomed 5x on the S24 Ultra will further leverage camera hardware innovations.
On the whole, Samsung seems laser-focused on optimizing its software to push mobile imaging boundaries, even while using familiar camera hardware foundations. The strategy makes sense—with sensors and lenses reaching maturation, robust AI and programming stand to unlock the next level of smartphone photography.
If Samsung can combine best-in-class hardware like the S24 Ultra’s optically stabilized quad camera array with its new wave of AI imaging enhancements, the Galaxy S24 series could be a major moment for phone cameras. The previous S23 range already topped DXOMark’s authoritative camera rankings, and with powerful new tricks like 120fps video across all lenses, 5x zoom night photography, and intelligent photo editing, the S24 series looks primed to widen Samsung’s imaging lead over rivals like Google, Apple, and Huawei.
Of course, some practical upgrades will cater to everyday users, not just photography pros. All models will likely see bumps to battery capacity, faster charging, and the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, though European versions may retain Samsung’s Exynos SoC. Design and display changes appear minor, but modest improvements to durability and brightness are likely.
And Samsung is reportedly bolstering pre-order incentives like bundles with the Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Watch to boost S24 series sales. With discounts on Samsung’s wearables paired with S24 pre-orders, there are financial perks to buying early as well.
The Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra are shaping up to be an ambitious refinement of Samsung’s flagship formula rather than a major overhaul. But with AI-enhanced mobile imaging now in focus, the S24 series could still push the boundaries of what a smartphone camera can do, especially for video, zoom, and editing. If Samsung’s hybrid of software smarts and hardware excellence pays off, the Galaxy S24 range might just set a new bar for mobile photography when it launches later in January 2024.
