Smartphone vs. Dedicated Camera: Samsung S25 Ultra Takes on the Fuji X-M5

Today, we're diving into a classic showdown: the power of a smartphone camera versus a dedicated interchangeable lens camera. In one corner, we have the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, a smartphone powerhouse packing an impressive camera that can even shoot in 8K. And in the other corner, the Fuji X-M5, a dedicated camera designed for photography and videography, capable of shooting in 6K open gate.   

One of the less glamorous parts of doing comparison videos like this? Constantly trying to avoid security guards who get a little suspicious of a two-camera setup. But once I managed to snag all the shots I needed, a few key questions started burning in my mind.

Here you can find the FREE PROJECT FILES for both cameras so you can dive in and explore for yourself. If you're still on the fence after you read this blog, you can take my free "Which Camera Should I Buy?" quiz.

I also made a YOUTUBE VIDEO on this comparison so you can watch it after you read this blog. 

Introduction

First and foremost: does the 8K resolution on the Galaxy's smaller sensor actually deliver better image quality than the 6K resolution from the Fuji's larger sensor? I captured one shot in 8K and the other in 6K. Take a look – can you tell the difference?

You can see that Camera A (Samsung 25 Ultra) tends to lift the midtones, while Camera B (Fuji X-M5) exhibits a wider dynamic range with more separation between highlights and shadows.

It's honestly quite impressive how well the Galaxy S25 Ultra holds its own against a dedicated camera in terms of skin tone reproduction. With most smartphones I've used, it's usually pretty obvious which camera is which.

Now, let me be clear – I'm not biased towards either Samsung or Fuji. Neither company is sponsoring this video (or this blog post, for that matter!). This comparison is entirely independent. If you find this helpful and want to support the channel, you can go to Youtube and subscribe.

As a thank you for your support, I've included free project files in the description below for you to download. You can play around with the footage I captured with both cameras in your own editing software. I've included 8K and 6K shots, along with low-light examples and more. Just make sure to give this post a like so I know you enjoy this type of content!

This comparison is going to be a deep dive into the image quality of both cameras. We'll be looking at low-light and night shots, testing their autofocus capabilities, seeing how their images look for street photography, doing a real-world vlogging test while walking, examining their exposure transition in program auto mode, checking out some wildlife shots, comparing their performance in a green screen setup, doing a sliding product shot, and finally, looking at their video smoothness with a side-by-side stabilization test.

Alright, we have a lot to unpack, so let's jump right in!

Price and Value

Let's talk about the cost. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at $1,194.99 for the 256GB model. You can also get it with 512GB of storage. Remember, you're not just paying for the camera; you're getting a full-fledged smartphone with all its features.

The Fuji X-M5, on the other hand, is a dedicated camera. The body alone costs around $1,000. If you want a lens, which you absolutely need, you'll have to factor in that additional expense. A decent kit lens can easily add another few hundred dollars to the total cost.    

So, if budget is a primary concern, the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a very compelling package.

Image Quality Deep Dive

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of image quality.

Resolution and Detail: As we saw earlier, while the Samsung shoots in 8K and the Fuji in 6K, the larger sensor on the Fuji generally provides better detail and dynamic range. The 8K on the Samsung can look impressive on paper, but the smaller sensor size means it often struggles to capture the same level of nuanced detail as the Fuji.

Low Light Performance: This is where the Fuji X-M5 really shines. Its larger sensor gathers more light, resulting in cleaner images with less noise in low-light conditions. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra has made significant improvements in low-light photography, it still can't quite match the performance of a dedicated camera with a larger sensor. In the low-light footage, the Fuji clearly retains more detail in the shadows and has less visible noise.

Color Science: As noted in the initial comparison, the color science differs significantly between the two cameras. The Samsung tends to produce slightly more saturated and sometimes less accurate colors. The Fuji, on the other hand, aims for more natural and realistic color reproduction. This is often a matter of personal preference, but for those who prioritize color accuracy, the Fuji has the edge.

Autofocus: Both cameras offer excellent autofocus systems. The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts incredibly fast and reliable autofocus for both photos and videos. The Fuji X-M5 also has a very capable autofocus system, although in some fast-paced scenarios, the Samsung's might have a slight advantage due to its computational photography capabilities. In our vlogging test, both cameras performed well, keeping the subject in focus while walking.

Street Photography: For street photography, both cameras have their pros and cons. The Samsung's compact form factor and inconspicuous nature can be a real advantage for capturing candid moments. The Fuji, while still relatively small, is more noticeable. However, the Fuji's superior image quality and the ability to use different lenses offer more creative control.

Vlogging Test: In our real-world vlogging test, both cameras produced usable footage. The Samsung's built-in stabilization did a decent job of smoothing out movements, although the Fuji, even without in-body image stabilization on this model (relying on lens stabilization if available), also held up surprisingly well. The audio quality (recorded separately for this test) would be a crucial factor in a real vlogging scenario, and that can vary greatly depending on the smartphone and any external microphones used.

Exposure Transition: When testing the exposure transition in program auto mode, both cameras reacted smoothly to changing lighting conditions. However, the Fuji seemed to handle drastic changes in light a little more gracefully, maintaining better detail in both the highlights and shadows.

Wildlife Shots: The surprise appearance of a Red-tailed Hawk provided an interesting test! While both cameras could capture the scene, the limitations of the Samsung's digital zoom became apparent when trying to get a closer shot. The Fuji, with the ability to use telephoto lenses, would be much better suited for serious wildlife photography.

Green Screen Setup: In our green screen test, both cameras performed reasonably well. However, the Fuji's cleaner image with better separation between the subject and the background made keying out the green screen a slightly easier process in post-production.

Sliding Product Shot: For the sliding product shot, both cameras delivered smooth and detailed footage. The difference in sensor size wasn't as noticeable in this controlled lighting environment.

Stabilization Test: In our final stabilization test, the Samsung's digital stabilization showed its strength, producing very smooth footage, even with deliberate shaking. The Fuji, again relying on lens stabilization (if present), performed well but didn't quite reach the same level of digital smoothness as the Samsung in this particular test.

Conclusion

So, which camera is the winner? Well, it depends on your needs and priorities.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is an incredibly versatile device that offers a fantastic camera experience alongside all the features of a top-tier smartphone. It's an excellent choice for everyday photography and videography, especially if convenience and portability are key. The starting price of $1,194.99 for the 256GB model makes it a compelling option for many.

The Fuji X-M5, on the other hand, is a dedicated camera that excels in image quality, particularly in low light and dynamic range. While the body costs around $1,000, you'll need to factor in the cost of lenses, which can significantly increase the overall price. It's a better choice for those who prioritize image quality above all else and want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses for more creative control.   

Ultimately, both cameras are capable tools. The best one for you depends on how you plan to use it, your budget, and your personal preferences.

Thanks for reading, and I'll see you in the next one!