If you’re serious about smartphone photography, there are only two names in 2025 worth considering:
Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
These two flagships are pushing the boundaries of mobile camera technology—but which one truly dominates when it comes to photo and video performance?
We’ve put both devices to the test in this ultimate iPhone 15 Pro vs Samsung S24 Ultra camera comparison.
iPhone 15 Pro vs Samsung S24 Ultra – At a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 15 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.78) | 200MP (f/1.7) |
| Ultra-Wide | 12MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto | 12MP (3x optical zoom) | Dual Telephoto: 10MP (3x) + 50MP (5x) |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K 60fps ProRes, Log, Dolby Vision | 8K 30fps, 4K HDR10+, Director’s View |
| Sensor Type | Sony Quad-Bayer | ISOCELL HP2 (main sensor) |
| Software Features | Photonic Engine, Smart HDR 5, ProRAW | Expert RAW, Nightography, AI Zoom |
Photo Quality – Detail, Color, and Sharpness
iPhone 15 Pro:
- Apple’s 48MP main sensor delivers incredible dynamic range and natural color tones.
- Skin tones appear accurate, and Smart HDR 5 handles harsh lighting with ease.
- The new Photonic Engine helps retain details even in shadows.
Samsung S24 Ultra:
- Samsung’s 200MP camera is unmatched in terms of resolution and sharpness.
- The images are more vivid, with punchy colors—perfect for those who love bold contrast.
- AI-powered processing offers stunning results, especially in daylight.
Verdict: If you’re after natural-looking photos, go with iPhone 15 Pro. If you want high-detail shots and vibrant colors, the S24 Ultra takes the crown.
Low-Light & Night Photography
- iPhone 15 Pro: Performs excellently in low light, with minimal noise and realistic lighting thanks to Night Mode and LiDAR-enhanced focus.
- S24 Ultra: Samsung’s Nightography mode continues to impress with bright, clear images even in pitch-dark environments.
Verdict: S24 Ultra edges ahead in extremely low-light scenes. But iPhone delivers more balanced results without over-processing.
Zoom Capabilities
Samsung takes the lead here—without question.
- S24 Ultra features two telephoto lenses: one with 3x zoom and another with 5x optical zoom, capable of going up to 100x digital zoom.
- iPhone 15 Pro sticks with a single 3x optical zoom lens. The 15 Pro Max does offer a 5x zoom, but that’s a different model.
Verdict: For zoom enthusiasts and wildlife photography, Samsung S24 Ultra is the better choice.
Video Recording – Apple’s Cinematic Strength
Apple still leads the video game.
- iPhone 15 Pro shoots ProRes 4K 60fps, supports Dolby Vision, and even offers Log video for pro editors.
- With USB-C and external SSD support, it’s ideal for creators.
- Samsung S24 Ultra can record up to 8K, and it has unique modes like Director’s View and Super Steady, but it doesn’t match Apple’s consistency in video stabilization and color grading.
Verdict: For mobile filmmakers and content creators, the iPhone 15 Pro is unmatched.
Camera App Experience
- Apple keeps things clean and simple, with a native app that’s fast and intuitive.
- Samsung’s camera app is loaded with features, including Expert RAW for pro-level control and AI-based tools like Object Eraser.
Verdict: iPhone is best for point-and-shoot ease. Samsung wins for advanced manual control and customization.
Final Verdict – Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on your priorities.
| Use Case | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Best for Photography | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Best for Videography | iPhone 15 Pro |
| Best for Zoom & Detail | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
| Best for True-to-Life Colors | iPhone 15 Pro |
| Best for Pro Editing | iPhone 15 Pro |
| Best for AI Features & Flexibility | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
Both phones are camera powerhouses in 2025, but they excel in different areas.
- Choose iPhone 15 Pro if you’re a video-first creator or prefer clean, accurate shots with smooth workflows.
- Go with Samsung S24 Ultra if you want the highest resolution photos, more zoom options, and greater camera flexibility.
What matters more to you—photo sharpness or video quality? Let us know in the comments.
Stay tuned to TechandGadgets for more in-depth reviews and comparisons of the latest tech trends in Kenya and beyond.