Samsung's Galaxy S Series: A 15-Year Revolution in Smartphone Photography
Samsung's Galaxy S series has revolutionised smartphone photography over the past decade and a half. From a humble 5 MP camera in 2010 to a 200 MP DSLR-like setup in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the evolution has been remarkable.
The journey began in 2010 with the first Galaxy S, offering a 5 MP rear camera. By 2011, the Galaxy S II delivered an 8 MP camera with LED flash and 1080p video at 30 fps. The series saw significant improvements in 2013 with the Galaxy S4 Zoom, the first smartphone to offer 10x optical zoom.
In 2014, the Galaxy S5 introduced phase detection autofocus, a first for smartphones. The following year, the Galaxy S6 brought optical image stabilization for low-light shooting. The Galaxy S7 in 2016 featured dual pixel autofocus across the entire 12 MP sensor. The series reached new heights in 2020 with the Galaxy S20 Ultra, redefining resolution with a 108 MP main sensor and 8K video capture. Looking ahead, Samsung announced the NanoPrism technology in 2025, promising to enhance night light performance, reduce lens flare, and improve movie contrast.
From the Galaxy S III's introduction of zero shutter lag and HDR in 2012 to the Galaxy S8's improved front camera with autofocus and portrait mode in 2017, Samsung's commitment to camera innovation is clear. The company continues to push boundaries, making the Galaxy S series a leader in smartphone photography.
