S21 Bad Camera Quality

[Diminee]

Just recently got the S21 and I'm so disappointed with the camera. The photos it takes are grainy, blurry, low quality and look like something a phone in 2008 would've taken. My S8 took much better quality photos, even in poor lighting. Wish I could just get another S8 at this point.

Please compare the photos of my cat on the S21 vs S8. The S8 took those photos when its back casing was falling off, yet they still look a million times better than from my brand new phone.

My last issue is I often take photos of book text and documents, and the S21 camera blurs nearly the entire text! I have tried going into settings and turning scene optimiser on and off but nothing is working. I'm at the end of my rope here.

 S21

S8

 S21's attempt at book text... 

[LJ90]

Anyone find a solution for this horrid camera? I went from Samsung Galaxy S8 to S10. Returned the S10 because it looked like the camera in a 2005 flip phone.  Got a Pixel 3 and had that for a few years.  It was okay.  Now this week I upgraded to the regular Galaxy S21. The photos look better than Pixel 6 Pro at the store,  but now that I took it home, it also looks like crappy flip phone quality. The S8 still has the best camera I've seen on a phone.  This is ridiculous. A brand new, current phone shouldn't look this horrible.  I'm having the exact same quality issue as the OP. I like Samsung better overall,  but this camera is pure garbage. 

And yes,  I know how cameras work. I am a photographer. 

[Seana917]

I have to agree with you.  Having gone from the S8 to the S21 I had the same experience.  Many of my indoor photos are extremely grainy and or blurry. Terrible in low light. All photos are completely flat, wash out and need editing.  The problem seems to be in the software not the camera itself.  I suggest trying an alternative camera app to see if you get better results.  The latest upgrade on the camera has pushed me over the edge! I am a professional photographer so I do know what I am talking about.  You are dead on with your complaints. 

[HDubois]

I'm having the same issues with my phone. Every photo turns out blurry with the slightest movement it's so annoying. I switched from IPhone XR which have a awesome camara to S21 and I'm very disappointed. 

[arusoft]

Same problem here. It's complete garbage. My 5 years old Google pixel xl is taking better picture. I should have tested soon and returned this garbage.

[samoom]

Same problem as well.

I did compare 4 phones i own same time same conditions same situation same parameters :

S21 is the worst, note 20 ultra appears to be better, zfold 3 is correct, note 9 sometime outclass the S21

[samoom]

 

All pictures have been taken on automatic mode x1...s21 has a lots of noise picture is terrible when showing on a big screen like galaxy tab s7+ 

[Sansara15]

I have the same problem. The Galaxy s8 photos were so much better.

[Sansara15]

I have the same problem and i, like you, have been photographing for about 40 years, etc. The photos i took on my galaxy s8+ are far better than the Galaxy s21 ultra. 

[TT15]

I totally agree!   I just bought the s21 FE 5G.  The camera is awful!!!!   I had a Samsung many years ago.  The LG and the Huawei I bought after that had far better cameras than this Samsung with supposedly new and updated technology.  I'm very very very disappointed and now there's nothing to do but wait out my contract!  

[dilateyourmind]

Keep talking out your rear. I just bought the phone and am having the same issue.