Recently, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra hit the market, and it has quickly become a hot topic among photography enthusiasts. In this post, we will dive deep into a camera comparison between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Honor Magic7 Pro, as voted by the community. Both smartphones represent the pinnacle of their respective brands, with the S25 Ultra priced at approximately $1,500 and the Honor Magic7 Pro at around $1,300. However, savvy shoppers can find deals that significantly reduce these prices. For instance, I acquired my Honor Magic7 Pro for around $970, while the S25 Ultra came in at about $490 with a trade-in.
Understanding Photo Profiles
Both devices come equipped with multiple photo profiles, and the Honor Magic7 Pro is no exception. It features three distinct profiles: Natural, Vibrant, and Authentic. Let’s explore these profiles and see how they stack up against each other and the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Natural Profile
The Natural profile on the Honor Magic7 Pro tends to saturate colors more than you might expect. For instance, when capturing images of grass, the colors appear dramatically different compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra. While the Honor does offer a softer look with the 2x zoom, the S25 Ultra maintains consistency. However, when we reach the 5x shots, the S25 Ultra shines with its superior optical lens. Even at 10x zoom, the S25 Ultra’s quality is more reliable, showcasing its advanced optical capabilities.
Vibrant Profile
Switching to the Vibrant profile, the images appear less saturated compared to the Natural profile but brighter overall. The S25 Ultra continues to dominate, especially at greater zoom levels like 30x and 100x, where the AI Super Zoom feature comes into play. However, this feature has received mixed reviews due to its tendency to distort images, particularly at extreme zoom levels.
Authentic Profile
The Authentic profile takes a different approach, with colors appearing heavily oversaturated. While it delivers a brighter image, it may not appeal to everyone’s taste. A side-by-side comparison reveals that the Vibrant profile closely resembles the S25 Ultra’s output, especially in terms of brightness and accuracy.
Zoom Capabilities: A Closer Look
Now, let’s discuss the zoom capabilities of both devices, as this is a critical aspect for many smartphone photographers.
Optical vs. Digital Zoom
Both phones offer a range of zoom options, but the S25 Ultra’s optical zoom capabilities give it a significant edge. The Honor Magic7 Pro’s 2x and 3x zoom options perform reasonably well, but the S25 Ultra maintains superior quality at 5x and 10x zoom levels. The Honor’s lossless zoom between 3x and 6x is impressive, yet it struggles to keep up with the S25 Ultra’s optical performance.
AI Super Zoom: Pros and Cons
The AI Super Zoom feature is available for the Magic7 Pro, but it has received criticism for the authenticity of its outputs. While it can enhance image clarity at 30x and 100x, the results can often be misleading. The AI may sharpen images but can also add elements that weren’t present in the original scene, leading to a less authentic representation.
Portrait Photography: Who Does It Better?
Portrait photography is a vital area for smartphone users, so let’s compare how both devices handle this task.
Honor Magic7 Pro’s Portrait Modes
The Honor Magic7 Pro features three distinct portrait modes: Harcourt Vibrant, Harcourt Color, and Harcourt Classic. We can also utilize AI to enhance images. Harcourt Vibrant tends to produce brighter images, while with Harcourt Color we get warmer colors. The Harcourt Classic mode offers a more traditional black-and-white look. However, the S25 Ultra often captures more accurate colors and finer details, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
Selfies: A Showdown
When it comes to selfies, the Honor Magic7 Pro provides a wider field of view thanks to its default 0.8x zoom setting. However, the S25 Ultra offers superior color accuracy and detail. In portrait mode, the S25 Ultra excels at handling sunlight and focus, while the Honor may struggle to maintain clarity.
Video Capabilities: Front and Center
Both devices offer impressive video recording features, but how do they compare in real-world scenarios?
Front Camera Performance
Recording in 4K at 30 frames per second, the Honor Magic7 Pro offers a wider field of view, but the S25 Ultra’s colors appear more vibrant and true to life. The S25 Ultra also allows users to switch seamlessly between lenses while recording, a feature that enhances usability. The Honor offers noise reduction, which can help in loud environments, but this can sometimes lead to awkward audio quality.
Low Light Performance
Low light photography is where many smartphones falter, but both devices handle it differently. The S25 Ultra generally produces brighter images. at times with less noise, even in darker settings. The Honor Magic7 Pro, while capable, struggles with color accuracy and detail retention in low light, often leading to oversaturated images.
Final Thoughts: Which Is the Better Choice?
After extensive testing, the Galaxy S25 Ultra clearly emerges as the superior camera phone in this comparison. While the Honor Magic7 Pro offers some impressive features, it falls short in color accuracy, zoom capabilities, and low light performance.
Ultimately, both devices have their strengths and weaknesses, but if you’re serious about mobile photography, the S25 Ultra is the better investment. It offers a more authentic representation of colors, better optical zoom, and superior performance in low light conditions.
In conclusion, whether you prefer the vibrant colors of the Honor Magic7 Pro or the truer-to-life accuracy of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, both phones bring something unique to the table. Your choice ultimately depends on your photography style and preferences.
