Samsung's zoom cameras haven't been the same since the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and that's sad. The handset provided a maximum of 10x optical zoom on its 10-megapixel f/4.9 periscope telephoto lens. The company switched up its approach the following year with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, with the periscope lens resolution being bumped up to 50-megapixel while the optical zoom was dropped from 10x to 5x.This particular lens remained practically unchanged for the Galaxy S25 Ultra this year as it has the same resolution and optical zoom. The specifics are expected to remain the same for next year's Galaxy S26 Ultra as well, with the device likely featuring a Sony IMX854 50-megapixel 5x optical zoom periscope lens.Without going into a lot of technical detail, let's first understand why one is better than the other. The 10x zoom sensor offered true lens magnification despite the lower resolution. It had more powerful optics, that is actual hardware, which allowed for clear, sharper and more natural image quality at range. Higher resolution sensors, like the one on the Galaxy S24/25 Ultra, effectively “fake” the zoom by cropping into the picture. There are still plenty of pixels left even after a portion of the image is cut out, so a digital crop can be employed to mimic a closer view. This could lead to degradation in image quality at long range, particularly if the software processing isn't up to the mark, and in low-light performance as well.It's important to note that both devices have hybrid zoom that allow for magnification far beyond 10x. This is achieved through a mix of both optical and digital zoom with plenty of software processing in the background to deliver a suitable result. However, you're not going to take 20x or 50x photos all the time with a reasonable expectation of sharp, natural images. You're more likely to take 10x images when traveling or at a sports event with the expectation of lifelike clarity.It's a bit sad to see the 10x periscope lens being put on the back burner just because a similar effect can be achieved with a hybrid solution. There's absolutely a place for the distinct hardware solution that it provides, the longer focal length and dedicated optics deliver meaningful magnification with true to life detail over heavy cropping.The solution provides more flexibility for creativity. You can capture subjects in the distance with reduced reliance on digital interpolation. There's more creative freedom at your disposal to frame and compose the pictures without digital cropping.This is very handy if you're taking photos of aircraft, architectural details, nature, crowded scenes, and travel destinations, some of the most frequently snapped objects for all budding smartphone photographers. It's understandable why Samsung has stuck with the approach chosen after the Galaxy S23 Ultra. 10x periscope lenses have more hardware and thus require more space. Samsung's been on a mission to slim down its flagship devices. A bulkier camera setup would add to the device's dimensions as more internal space will be required for all of that optical hardware.It may also view this as a delicate balance between a capable hybrid zoom solution and a slimmer device profile. Perhaps it found that most users didn't need 10x optical zoom frequently, so a somewhat similar zoom experience could be provided while also slimming down the device. That doesn't mean it shouldn't try, though. Let's not forget that the Ultra is meant to be Samsung's camera flagship. There is no other phone in the company's entire lineup, not even in its $2,000 Galaxy Z Fold series, that offers the kind of camera capabilities that the Ultra does. If you want the best camera experience that Samsung has to offer in any given year, buy the latest Galaxy S Ultra phone. Why must it then leave room for improvement on the table, particularly when it has already done it before?Camera specs are one of the key details that consumers look at when comparing devices. There aren't a lot of brands that are pushing 10x periscope widely and therein lies an advantage for Samsung to score an easy win. Not only could it differentiate the flagship but also win the hearts and minds of photography enthusiasts who have no other option in its lineup to suit their needs.The post One Galaxy S23 Ultra camera feature that I wish Samsung brought back appeared first on SamMobile.