Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series started shipping earlier this month, but early adopters have reported a concerning camera issue—banding artifacts in photos, especially in Night Mode. Users on Reddit and the Samsung Community forum have raised complaints about visible unnatural stripes appearing in long-exposure shots, particularly in low-light conditions.
Banding Issues and User Complaints
The problem, described as horizontal or vertical bands disrupting smooth color transitions, has been observed in images taken during sunrise, sunset, and other scenarios requiring enhanced exposure. This issue appears to affect all three models in the Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup, including the S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra.
Many users shared side-by-side comparisons of Night Mode photos, highlighting significant quality drops due to the banding effect. While Samsung’s latest camera hardware promises superior low-light performance, it appears that post-processing algorithms are causing the unwanted artifacts, affecting image quality in challenging lighting conditions.
Fortunately, other camera modes, such as standard and portrait modes, do not appear to be affected, leading to speculation that the issue is software-related rather than a hardware defect.
Samsung’s Response and Software Fix
Samsung has acknowledged the issue, stating that it has received a “limited number of reports” regarding the banding artifacts. The company has assured users that the problem is being addressed and confirmed that it has already deployed a software update to resolve the issue.
The update was first rolled out in South Korea, and Samsung has promised a global release soon. Users who have encountered banding in their Night Mode photos are advised to keep their devices updated to the latest software version.
How to Fix the Samsung Galaxy S25 Banding Issue
While waiting for the global update, users can try these temporary fixes to minimize banding artifacts:
- Avoid Night Mode: If possible, use Pro Mode and manually adjust the exposure settings instead of relying on Samsung’s Night Mode processing.
- Lower ISO Settings: A high ISO can contribute to artificial noise and banding. Adjusting it in manual mode may help reduce the effect.
- Keep Software Updated: Samsung’s fix is rolling out gradually. Check for software updates regularly by going to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install.
- Use Third-Party Camera Apps: Some users have reported that third-party camera apps produce better Night Mode shots without visible banding.
Samsung’s Camera Reputation and Impact on the Galaxy S25 Series
Samsung has long been recognized for its cutting-edge smartphone cameras, particularly in its flagship S series. The Galaxy S25 was marketed as featuring advanced AI-powered photography enhancements, yet the Night Mode banding issue has sparked disappointment among early buyers.
Despite this setback, many users remain optimistic that Samsung’s software-based approach to image processing will enable a complete fix. If the company successfully resolves the problem, it may reinforce consumer trust in its camera capabilities.
Should You Buy the Galaxy S25?
While the Samsung Galaxy S25 camera banding issue is an unfortunate flaw, it’s reassuring that Samsung has quickly acknowledged and addressed the problem. For users considering purchasing the S25, S25 Plus, or S25 Ultra, the upcoming software updates should resolve the issue, ensuring a better camera experience.
If you prioritize low-light photography and rely heavily on Night Mode, you may want to wait for Samsung to complete the global rollout of the fix before making a purchase decision. However, for those who use other camera modes more frequently, the Galaxy S25 still remains one of the best smartphones in the market today.
