Samsung Galaxy S23 to get 2x zoom for portrait mode in upcoming update

Samsung Galaxy S23 users will soon have a new feature to enhance their photography experience, as the company is reportedly introducing a 2x zoom for portrait mode in an upcoming software update. This news was shared by a moderator on the official Samsung Korean forums in response to a user’s request for improvements to portrait photography on the flagship device. The software update, expected to be rolled out by the end of the month, will bring this new 2x zoom functionality.

The addition of 2x zoom in portrait mode is significant as it provides users with a versatile option for capturing portraits on their smartphones. The 1x zoom is ideal for wide-angle shots, while the 3x zoom works well for close-ups or capturing distant landmarks. However, neither of these options is optimal for portrait photography. With the introduction of 2x zoom, users will have a more suitable zoom level for capturing portraits with just the right amount of framing. This feature is similar to the one available on the iPhone 14 Pro, which received positive feedback for its camera capabilities.

It is currently unclear if the 2x zoom feature will be available across the entire Galaxy S23 lineup, as the moderator specifically mentioned the standard model. When asked about the possibility of the feature being included in the Galaxy S22 Ultra, the moderator acknowledged the potential but emphasized that it would first need to be rolled out to the Galaxy S23.

In addition to the 2x zoom feature, Samsung is also working on addressing an issue with the HDR (high-dynamic range) feature on the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Noted industry insider Ice Universe shared a leak on Twitter revealing that Samsung developers are actively working on a fix for a bug that causes a strange glow in pictures taken in low-light or indoor conditions. This glow effect is further amplified if the primary lighting source is included in the shot, resulting in a loss of object details and an unnatural appearance. The leak suggests that improvements to address this issue are underway and will be included in the next software update.

While Samsung has made efforts to address camera-related concerns for the Galaxy S23, such as stability enhancements for video recordings, there are still ongoing issues that need attention. Users have been reporting strange blurriness in photographs since March, and recent Reddit posts indicate that the problem persists. It remains uncertain if Samsung is actively working on a solution for this specific issue, but it is hoped that the company will address it in the future.

Samsung’s commitment to improving the camera capabilities of its flagship device is evident through these upcoming software updates. Users can look forward to the 2x zoom feature in portrait mode and the resolution of HDR-related problems, which will further enhance the photography experience on the Galaxy S23.