To provide a comprehensive comparison of the OnePlus 13's camera with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, first, the OnePlus 13's camera system will be detailed, followed by the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's camera features, then an in-depth comparison will be drawn based on specifications, photo quality, video capabilities, and user experience.
OnePlus 13 Camera Overview
The OnePlus 13 is equipped with a triple camera system that positions it strongly in the flagship smartphone segment, especially emphasizing collaboration with Hasselblad for camera tuning. The primary sensor is a 50MP Sony LYT-808 with a 1/1.4" sensor size and an f/1.6 aperture, supported by optical image stabilization (OIS) and phase detection autofocus. This wide lens offers a 23mm equivalent focal length with an 85° field of view.
Complementing the main camera is a 50MP telephoto lens featuring a Sony LYT-600 sensor with a 1/1.95" size, f/2.6 aperture, and 3X optical zoom via a periscope design that utilizes a triprism to reduce the camera module footprint. This telephoto lens also has OIS and autofocus, offering a 73mm equivalent focal length.
The third camera is a 50MP ultra-wide lens with an ISOCELL JN5 sensor, 1/2.75" size, f/2.0 aperture, and a notably wide 120° field of view, allowing broader scene captures than previous models. Unlike the main and telephoto, the ultra-wide lacks optical stabilization but supports electronic image stabilization (EIS). The front camera is a 32MP Sony IMX615 with fixed focus and f/2.4 aperture.
The phone supports advanced software features including Hasselblad's fifth-generation color tuning and Master Mode for manual controls. It is also the first OnePlus phone capable of recording 4K Dolby Vision video on all lenses, enhancing cinematic video capture with wide color gamut and HDR.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera Overview
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra continues the legacy of Samsung's top-tier camera technology. It typically features a high-resolution primary camera sensor, rumored to be a 200MP sensor with advanced pixel binning to improve low light performance and detail capture.
This device is also expected to have multiple telephoto lensesâa primary telephoto with 3X optical zoom and a secondary periscope telephoto offering up to 10X or even 100X enhanced zoom capabilities, with superior OIS to stabilize zoomed shots.
The ultra-wide camera on the S24 Ultra is generally wide enough to accommodate expansive scenes, often around 12MP to 50MP, with autofocus and improved dynamic range technology.
Samsung's front camera for this series boosts resolution significantly, typically around 12MP or higher, and includes autofocus for sharper selfies at varying distances.
Software-wise, the Galaxy S24 Ultra integrates Samsung's advanced image signal processor (ISP), AI-driven scene optimizations, and pro-grade video enhancements including HDR10+ recording, super steady stabilization, and improved color science.
Camera Hardware Comparison
OnePlus 13:
- Main: 50MP, 1/1.4" sensor, f/1.6, OIS, 23mm
- Telephoto: 50MP, 1/1.95" sensor, f/2.6, 3X optical zoom, OIS, periscope
- Ultra-wide: 50MP, 1/2.75" sensor, f/2.0, 120° FoV, no OIS
- Front: 32MP, f/2.4, fixed focus
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (based on typical flagship specs and rumors, as exact specs may vary):
- Main: ~200MP sensor, large sensor size, f/1.7 or similar, OIS
- Telephoto 1: 10MP - 12MP with 3X optical zoom, OIS
- Telephoto 2: 10MP - 12MP periscope with 10X or greater zoom, OIS
- Ultra-wide: 12MP - 50MP, f/2.2 or similar, autofocus, no OIS
- Front: 12MP+, autofocus
The OnePlus 13 offers an all 50MP camera setup with Hasselblad tuning, but Samsung's S24 Ultra pushes the pixel count significantly on the main sensor, impacting resolution and detail potential, especially in daylight conditions. Samsung's addition of dual telephoto lenses with higher zoom ranges offers better versatility for long-range photography.
Image Quality and Photography Experience
The OnePlus 13 produces images with strong sharpness but sometimes with a tendency to over-process, yielding slightly unnatural colors and exaggerated contrast. Dynamic range is generally good, but some shots can look overly HDR-processed. The ultra-wide delivers excellent detail with wide angles, and the telephoto performs well within its 3X limit but may lack some sharpness expected in comparison to higher-zoom devices.
User reports note OnePlus's camera excels in portrait photography aided by Hasselblad's color science. The telephoto lens's 3X zoom is particularly praised for portraits and general telephoto shots. Daytime photography offers vibrant colors and decent detail but can sometimes veer towards over-saturation.
On the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, the high-resolution main sensor captures extraordinary detail, giving users significant cropping and enlargement flexibility. The dynamic range and color accuracy tend to be more natural with precise AI adjustments. Samsung's superior zoom capabilities extend photographic reach far beyond OnePlus 13's 3X telephoto, making it better suited for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects.
In low-light conditions, the S24 Ultra generally has an edge due to the larger sensor pixels and advanced night mode algorithms, producing brighter, noise-free images. OnePlus 13 captures good night photos but with softer details and less low-light resilience.
Video Capabilities
OnePlus 13 supports 4K video recording at 60fps on all cameras and even 8K on the main lens, with Dolby Vision HDR for enhanced dynamic range and color fidelity. It also features a 4-microphone array for improved audio capture and directional sound technology. Video stabilization is solid though some minor shakiness occurs in handheld walking videos.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers high-end video recording including 8K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps with Super Steady stabilization, HDR10+ recording, and advanced autofocus systems. The video produced is extremely sharp with good color reproduction and reliable stabilization across zoom ranges. Audio capture quality is also professional-grade.
Software and Features
The OnePlus 13 benefits from Hasselblad tuning, which influences natural color reproduction in photos and videos, alongside a Master Mode offering manual control over settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance. Features like Live Photos and portrait simulation lenses help in creative photography.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a feature-rich camera app with Single Take AI, Director's View, Pro Video modes, and Scene Optimizer, allowing users to leverage AI for superior scene detection and shot enhancement. The phone also supports advanced computational photography techniques like 100X Space Zoom, Live Focus video, and more.
Summary
The OnePlus 13 camera system is a strong contender in the premium smartphone market with versatile 50MP cameras, Hasselblad collaboration, and favored portrait shooting, delivering punchy, vivid images well-suited for most photography scenarios. Its strengths lie in balanced photo sharpness and user-friendly software enhancements, although some processing choices result in less natural colors.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra surpasses the OnePlus 13 in sensor resolution, zoom capabilities, low light performance, natural color fidelity, and video stabilization. It caters to photography enthusiasts who require the highest detail and versatility, especially at longer zoom ranges or in challenging lighting.
In conclusion, users prioritizing telephoto zoom range, ultimate image detail, and video capabilities may prefer the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Those looking for an excellent all-around camera experience with Hasselblad's color tuning and balanced image processing might find the OnePlus 13 more appealing. Both phones deliver flagship-level camera experiences but emphasize different strengths.
This detailed comparison is based on available specifications, expert reviews, and user feedback up to 2025.