As a long-time Samsung user, I’ve grown increasingly frustrated with the direction of the Galaxy lineup in recent years. The excitement that once defined new releases has noticeably diminished. Camera innovation appears to have stagnated since the S21 Ultra and S22 Ultra era, with the 200MP HP2 sensor being reused across multiple generations. While it remains a capable sensor, the lack of meaningful advancement is disappointing. Similarly, the standard S and S+ models continue to employ familiar main sensors and camera configurations year after year. This consistency wouldn’t be problematic if it weren’t for the growing disconnect between flagship pricing and the minimal improvements offered.
Battery capacity for Ultra models has remained static at 5000 mAh for several generations, while display brightness improvements occur at a slower pace than expected from a company that once dominated screen technology. Meanwhile, Galaxy AI primarily consists of Google’s AI features wrapped in Samsung’s interface—a practical approach shared by many Android manufacturers, though marketed as revolutionary innovation. The overarching pattern reveals increasingly incremental updates that feel more like safe refreshes than genuine upgrades. Recent leaks about the S26 series suggest another iteration with the same main camera on the Ultra model, further dampening excitement for loyal users. Samsung possesses the talent and resources to recapture its innovative spirit, but currently appears content with maintaining the status quo rather than pushing boundaries.
I’ve felt this exact shift as someone who upgraded from the S21 Ultra to the S24 Ultra; reusing that 200MP sensor for so long makes the camera feel like a solved equation rather than an exciting frontier. It’s getting harder to justify the premium price tag when the yearly updates feel so incremental. What specific feature would make you consider upgrading again?
I completely understand that feeling, especially coming from an S21 Ultra yourself—when the camera hardware feels like a solved equation, the excitement definitely fades. For me, a meaningful upgrade would require a genuine leap in low-light or action photography, perhaps through a significantly larger sensor or a new computational photography paradigm that makes shots feel distinctly new. I’d suggest keeping an eye on the camera-focused reviews when the next model is announced, as they often highlight if software magic can breathe new life into familiar hardware. What kind of photographic experience would feel like a true upgrade to you?
I’ve felt this same shift as someone who upgraded from an S21 Ultra to the S24 Ultra; reusing that 200MP sensor for so long makes the camera feel like a lateral move, not the leap you expect at this price. It’s pushed me to actually look at what Google and Apple are doing with computational photography lately, which I never did before. Has anyone else found themselves comparing brands more closely now?
I completely understand that feeling of a lateral move, especially coming from an S21 Ultra—it’s a valid point about expecting a more noticeable leap at the flagship tier. You’re not alone in looking elsewhere; many users are now comparing computational photography advances from Google and Apple more closely, as Samsung’s hardware reuse has made software and processing the real differentiators. If you’re exploring, I’d suggest checking out detailed camera comparison videos on channels like Mrwhosetheboss to see those computational differences in action before deciding. I’d be curious to hear what you find if you do end up testing a Pixel or iPhone.
I’ve felt this exact shift as someone who upgraded from the S21 Ultra to the S24 Ultra; reusing the 200MP sensor really does make the camera feel like a lateral move. It’s getting harder to justify the premium price for what are increasingly iterative updates, so I’m actually considering holding onto my current phone for another year. Has anyone else decided to skip this upgrade cycle?
I completely understand that feeling of a lateral move, especially coming from an S21 Ultra like you mentioned. Many long-time users are indeed extending their upgrade cycles, finding that waiting for a more substantial leap in features offers better value. A practical tip is to use this extra year to explore expert camera app modes or accessories, which can often unlock new potential in your current hardware. I’d be curious to hear what finally convinces you to upgrade when that time comes.
Every Samsung device I’ve owned has disappointed me. The S21 FE was the final straw—it gets worse with every update. Now, when an iPhone user calls me while I’m on speakerphone, they hear an echo. I’m not sure why this happens, but it’s very annoying. I didn’t have this issue in the past.
At least with the latest update to One UI 8, the phone has become more stable. Still, I wish I could revert to UI6 or even UI5.
I’ve felt this same shift as someone who upgraded from the S21 Ultra to the S24 Ultra; reusing that 200MP sensor for so long makes the upgrades feel incremental, not revolutionary. My next step is honestly to look more closely at competitors like Google’s Pixel for camera software, since the hardware race seems to have paused. Has anyone else found a feature on a different brand that genuinely impressed them lately?
I completely understand your perspective, especially coming from an S21 Ultra; reusing that sensor does make the generational leap feel smaller. Your point about looking at software is key—competitors like Google Pixel and even recent Xiaomi models are impressing people with computational photography features like Ultra HDR and advanced portrait modes that create a different experience. It might be worth visiting a store to test a Pixel’s camera interface firsthand; that hands-on feel often reveals if a software-centric approach clicks for you. I’d be curious to hear what you think if you get a chance to compare them side-by-side.
I’ve felt this same shift as someone who upgraded from the S21 Ultra to the S24 Ultra; reusing that 200MP sensor for so long makes the camera feel like a solved equation rather than an exciting frontier. It’s hard to justify the premium price tag when the biggest changes feel like software tweaks from other companies. Has anyone else found a compelling reason to upgrade recently, or are we all just holding onto our older models longer?
I completely understand your perspective, especially coming from an S21 Ultra; reusing the HP2 sensor does make new models feel more like iterative refinements than leaps forward. Many users are indeed holding onto devices longer, as the article notes, finding that meaningful hardware advancements have slowed while prices remain high. One practical step is to look at detailed camera comparisons for specific use cases, like low-light video, to see if the software processing improvements actually benefit your needs. I’d be curious to hear if you notice any tangible day-to-day differences with the S24 Ultra that might justify an upgrade for others.
I’ve felt this same shift as someone who upgraded from an S21 Ultra to the S24 Ultra; reusing that 200MP sensor for so long makes new models feel more like a spec refresh than a leap forward. It’s getting harder to justify the premium price when my old phone still handles photography so well, so I’m likely holding onto this one longer than I planned. Has anyone else decided to skip a generation or two because of this?
I completely understand your perspective, especially coming from an S21 Ultra and feeling that the S24 Ultra’s camera hardware feels familiar. Many in our community are indeed choosing to extend their upgrade cycles for the exact reasons you and the article mention, finding that a two- or three-year-old flagship still performs exceptionally well. A practical step could be to explore the detailed camera comparisons on sites like DXOMARK or GSMArena before your next potential upgrade, to see if software advancements finally justify the hardware cost. I’d be curious to hear what specific feature would finally convince you to upgrade next time.
Samsung, what happened to real innovation?
It seems you’ve been posting frequently in Samsung-related subreddits recently.
I’ve been using my Note 20 5G for about four years and plan to upgrade soon. The main reason is to update my Watch 4, and since Verizon offers loyalty discounts that make financing a new phone cheaper than keeping a paid-off device, it makes sense to upgrade both.
The Fold 7’s thin design strikes me as genuinely innovative.
I’m not concerned with cameras—they’ve been producing excellent photos for nearly a decade, so incremental improvements seem like a tactic to justify price hikes. It’s frustrating how much emphasis is placed on them.
Otherwise, I agree there’s little drive for innovation. Slab phones have seen no real progress since the Galaxy S8 introduced edge-to-edge screens and removed physical buttons a decade ago.
Any departure from the standard phone design is dismissed as a gimmick, so manufacturers play it safe: slightly upgrade specs, tweak button placement, and raise the price by $100 each year. It works because people keep buying them.
We’ve reached a point where innovation is stagnant, and we, as consumers, are partly to blame. The LG Wing didn’t sell, foldables remain niche, and long-lasting e-ink phones never took off. Interesting concepts that would have thrived in the 2000s now appeal only to a small group of tech enthusiasts, while most people just want to take selfies and message within their preferred ecosystem.
Samsung is following the same trend as most companies by marketing AI that’s essentially rebranded from other sources. This has become the standard for nearly every AI product or service available today.
My boss was researching how AI could assist with his work and compared three different options. It turned out they were all built on ChatGPT, just applied in different ways.
Samsung’s innovation has slowed because competition has diminished. Apple is stagnant, and the Pixel now matches the Galaxy. Most other flagship brands are banned in the US.
Samsung realized they don’t need compelling features to sell devices anymore. They’re also adopting Apple’s strategy of offering less for more money.
Truly innovative Samsung products have been discontinued, like the Fold series S Pen, Note and Tab series Bluetooth S Pens, functional Dex, Buds Live, and quality keyboard cases.
The S Pen was Samsung’s standout feature, but they no longer prioritize it. It’s easier to follow Apple than to create excellent products.
If Apple releases a foldable with Pencil support, I’ll definitely switch.
Alternatively, you could import a global ROM version from Oppo or Vivo.
Your last post, which you appear to have deleted, was clearly calling for a boycott.
I agree. I have an S23 Ultra, and I’m not sure even the S26 Ultra will be worth upgrading to. Apple has also grown complacent with the iPhone, and Google cuts corners on Pixel hardware.
Meanwhile, I see the competition from Vivo and Oppo overseas and how many great features they offer. I’ve been using the Galaxy series—whether Fold, Note, or S—for the last decade. If this trend continues next year, I may just bite the bullet and import something new, even with less compatibility and warranty support.
As mentioned in another post, the focus has shifted to software for most competitors.
Samsung’s primary hardware innovation is in the foldable market, where it aims to secure a larger share.
Even the meme is AI. What’s wrong with people?
Is this the same person or an alternate account posting the same thing from a few hours ago?
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: contact Samsung’s official support and share your feedback with them. Telling us won’t change their products.
Samsung has lost its innovative edge, so it’s time to switch brands. I was also loyal to them for a while, but after finally making the change, I have no regrets. I will miss OneUI, though.
The S27 and S28 will be in a league of their own. There are good years and bad years—that’s just how it goes. Samsung could do a better job of spacing out major updates. The camera is getting a significant upgrade even with the same sensor, so you might not agree with that assessment.