The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra was marketed as the pinnacle of mobile photography—a device equipped with cutting-edge camera sensors, advanced AI processing, and high-performance optics designed to rival professional gear. However, for some users, the real-world experience has not lived up to the promotional hype, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra autofocus and camera have been suffering from some issues
Across community forums such as Reddit’s and Samsung’s official community, users are voicing growing frustration over a specific issue: inconsistent autofocus and underwhelming image quality, particularly in low-light scenarios or when capturing motion. The problem has become widespread enough that it’s drawing comparisons to older models, such as the Galaxy S22 Ultra or S23 Ultra devices, which some claim performed better in the very areas the S25 Ultra was supposed to lead.
If you’ve been struggling with blurry photos, slow focus, or disappointing night shots, you’re not alone. Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s causing these issues and what steps you can take to fix them.
What’s the Problem with the S25 Ultra’s Camera?
The camera complaints fall into two main categories:
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Autofocus Struggles – The camera occasionally fails to lock onto the subject quickly or accurately, particularly when shooting video, capturing moving objects, or scenes with mixed lighting conditions. Users report “hunting” (a back-and-forth focusing motion) or complete failure to focus.
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Poor Low-Light Performance – In dim environments, the S25 Ultra sometimes produces soft, noisy, or washed-out images, lacking the sharpness and clarity expected from a flagship device. Night Mode is available, but doesn’t always salvage the situation.
While some performance dips are expected in challenging lighting conditions, the S25 Ultra’s camera has faced unusually high scrutiny because its hardware, featuring a 200MP main sensor and sophisticated AI enhancements, is designed to excel in these conditions.
Possible Causes of Galaxy S25 Ultra Autofocus and Camera Issues
Based on user reports and expert breakdowns, the problem may stem from:
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Software bugs in Samsung’s camera app or One UI
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Third-party app interference (e.g., camera mods or overlays)
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Poor focus calibration, especially out of the box
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Firmware-related focus algorithm issues
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In rare cases, defective camera sensors or lenses
Samsung has acknowledged some of these issues indirectly through incremental firmware updates that aim to “improve camera stability and image quality.”
How to Fix Galaxy S25 Ultra Autofocus and Camera Issue
Thankfully, several users have reported partial or full resolution through a series of troubleshooting steps. Here’s what you can try:
1. Clear the Camera App Cache and Data
Temporary files and settings can sometimes cause issues in core apps, such as the camera.
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Go to Settings > Apps > Camera > Storage
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Tap Clear Cache, then Clear Data
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Restart the phone and test the camera
Note: Clearing data will reset camera settings to their default values, but will not delete your photos.
2. Install the Latest Software and Camera Updates
Samsung regularly releases updates to improve camera performance. Make sure your system and apps are up to date.
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Go to Settings > Software Update > Download and install
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Open the Galaxy Store, go to My apps, and update the Camera and Photo Editor apps if available
Some users have noticed improvements in autofocus after firmware patches were released in recent months, which targeted camera tuning and stability.
3. Test in Safe Mode to Rule Out App Conflicts
Third-party apps, especially those with camera access, can interfere with autofocus or low-light processing.
To enter Safe Mode:
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Press and hold the Power button
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Tap and hold Power off until the Safe Mode prompt appears
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Tap OK
Once in Safe Mode, open the camera app and test autofocus. If it performs better, a third-party app is likely the cause of the problem. You can then uninstall recent or suspicious apps one by one to identify the culprit.
4. Calibrate Galaxy S25 Ultra Autofocus with Real-World Testing
Try using different camera modes (e.g., Pro, Portrait, Night) to assess how focus behaves in each. In well-lit conditions, use the manual focus slider in Pro Mode to verify that the sensor is focusing properly across distances.
Also, try these tips:
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Tap to focus manually on your subject, especially in low light
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Keep the lens clean; fingerprints can interfere with focus accuracy
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Test focus at different distances (close-up vs. landscape)
5. Run Diagnostics Using Samsung’s Built-in Tools to Diagnose Galaxy S25 Ultra Autofocus and Camera Issues
Use the Samsung Members app to check for sensor or software-related camera issues.
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Open Samsung Members > Support > Phone diagnostics
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Select Camera, then follow the on-screen instructions
If any anomalies are detected, Samsung will guide you to the appropriate service options.
When to Contact Samsung Support
If the issue persists even after trying all troubleshooting steps, it may be a hardware fault. Some users reported that their units required:
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Camera module recalibration
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Hardware replacement
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Full device exchange under warranty
Visit a Samsung Service Center or contact support via the Samsung Members app. Devices under warranty are eligible for free inspection and repair.
A Note on Expectations
It’s essential to recognize that even with premium hardware, smartphone cameras can struggle in extremely low-light conditions or when capturing fast-moving subjects. That said, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to outperform its predecessors in these scenarios, and for many users, it’s currently falling short.
The issue appears to be a mix of software tuning and occasional hardware inconsistency. Samsung has shown a pattern of releasing camera updates in stages, so ongoing improvements are likely. Stay current with updates and continue to monitor your device’s behavior after each patch.
Final Thoughts
A flagship smartphone like the Galaxy S25 Ultra should deliver a reliable and high-quality camera experience. If you’re facing blurry images, slow autofocus, or disappointing night shots, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options.
From simple software fixes to in-depth diagnostics and professional repairs, users have found various ways to address the issue. While not every unit is affected, the volume of complaints suggests this is more than just a few isolated cases.
The bottom line: Don’t settle for subpar performance. With a few focused steps, you can either improve your camera experience or get the support needed to make it right.
