As we anticipate the potential unveiling of the iPhone 16 on Monday, I decided to compare Apple’s current Pro iPhone with Samsung’s top-of-the-line Galaxy S24 Ultra to see how their cameras stack up. Both phones, the titanium-clad Galaxy S24 Ultra and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, boast exceptional camera capabilities, capturing stunning photos even in challenging conditions like high-contrast scenes and low-light environments.
Apple and Samsung have distinct approaches to photography. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, priced at $1,300, features four rear cameras, including two dedicated to zooming and one with a 200-megapixel sensor. On the other hand, the $1,200 iPhone 15 Pro Max houses three rear cameras, one for zooming and a main camera with a 48-megapixel sensor.
Before putting these phones to the test in San Francisco, I expected the S24 Ultra’s array of zoom cameras to outperform the iPhone in capturing distant subjects. However, I also acknowledged Apple’s expertise in photo processing and video image quality, which could potentially surpass Samsung’s efforts.
Both phones offer cutting-edge camera hardware and apps. The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lens, with the main camera sporting a 48-megapixel sensor. The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a similar lens setup but adds a second telephoto lens with a 3x zoom level.
The S24 Ultra’s main camera boasts a 200-megapixel sensor, while the 5x telephoto camera has a 50-megapixel sensor. Apple and Samsung utilize high-resolution sensors to enhance image quality, with the ability to capture brighter, detailed photos with less noise. Both phones also offer unique features in their camera apps, such as ProRes video capture on the iPhone and customizable pro modes on the S24 Ultra.
In my photo comparisons, both phones delivered outstanding results. Each excelled in different scenarios, showcasing their strengths and weaknesses. The S24 Ultra’s 3x zoom camera produced impressive images with excellent detail and highlights, while the iPhone’s digital zoom fell slightly short in comparison.
Overall, both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the iPhone 15 Pro Max offer exceptional camera performance, with each phone showcasing its strengths in different shooting conditions. Whether you prefer Apple’s refined photo processing or Samsung’s innovative camera hardware, both phones deliver impressive results for capturing memorable moments.