Head to head

GoPro Hero 13 Black vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

A direct, no-fluff comparison: specs, pros and cons, pricing, and the scenarios where each one earns its keep.

Spec snapshot

GoPro Hero 13 BlackSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Price (USD)$399$1299
Our rating4.4/54.5/5
Categorycamerassmartphone-cameras
Pros44
Cons33

The case for each

GoPro Hero 13 Black

4.4

Pros

  • +Best-in-class stabilization
  • +Truly rugged and waterproof
  • +Magnetic lens mod ecosystem
  • +Big battery standard

Cons

  • Low-light still mediocre
  • Subscription pushed hard
  • Touchscreen sluggish in cold
Full review →

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

4.5

Pros

  • +Two optical telephoto lengths
  • +200MP main delivers real cropping room
  • +Best zoom range in any phone
  • +Excellent OIS across all lenses

Cons

  • Color processing still warmer than neutral
  • Heavy and large
  • f/3.4 periscope needs light
Full review →

Winner by use case

Vlogging & videoSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Low-light photographyGoPro Hero 13 Black
Value for moneyTie
Pro & enterprise useTie
BeginnersTie

Inferred from each camera's pros and review focus. Treat as a starting point, then read the full reviews for nuance.

Common questions

Is the GoPro Hero 13 Black better than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

It depends on what you shoot. GoPro Hero 13 Black scores 4.4/5 in our review, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra scores 4.5/5. See the spec table and use-case breakdown above for our verdict.

Which is cheaper, the GoPro Hero 13 Black or the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

GoPro Hero 13 Black sells around $399, and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra around $1299. The GoPro Hero 13 Black is the cheaper of the two.

Which one is better for beginners?

Both are capable, but beginners usually do better with whichever has the simpler interface and more forgiving autofocus. Read the "Winner by use case" section above for our specific call.

Should I upgrade from the GoPro Hero 13 Black to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

Only if the gap in features you actually use is wide. If you already own one, the marginal upgrade is rarely worth the cost unless a specific shortcoming is blocking your work.

More in this category