Recently, I conducted a blind test between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Google Pixel 8 Pro, examining the photography preferences of iPhone users. This time, I decided to conduct a similar test with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra to compare it with the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
During the test, I directed both phones to popular spots in New York City, such as the U.S.S. Maine National Monument and Columbus Circle. Using different lenses and night modes, I compared the results of photos taken by both phones.
U.S.S. Maine National Monument (ultra-wide angle)
At first glance, both photos showcase a wintry scene with the U.S.S. Maine National Monument. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra captures more natural colors and conveys the somber atmosphere of the place. However, thanks to its software, the iPhone 15 Pro Max provides a wider dynamic range and richer colors. When looking at the sky, the iPhone 15 Pro Max captures more clouds compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. In this category, I award the win to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
U.S.S. Maine National Monument (wide angle)
Now it’s time to compare photos taken with the wide-angle lens. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 200 MP lens, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max has 48 MP. Despite Samsung’s technical advantage, the iPhone still wins the hearts of participants. The monument photo shows more details and richer colors on the iPhone 15 Pro Max than on the Samsung. Once again, the iPhone 15 Pro Max secures the win in this category.
Columbus Circle Globe and Magnolia Bakery cake (3x zoom)
Now let’s focus on close-up shots. The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 12 MP telephoto lens, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has two telephoto lenses, including a 50 MP lens. After comparing the close-up photos, participants once again choose the photos taken by the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The photos are sharper, richer, and capture more details. The iPhone 15 Pro Max excels at rendering textures, providing greater depth. The iPhone 15 Pro Max takes the win in this category.
Flowers (10x zoom)
The final category is optical zoom. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers optical zoom up to 10x, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max goes up to a maximum of 5x. Unfortunately for the iPhone, Samsung outperforms in this case. The zoomed-in photo taken by the Galaxy S24 Ultra is sharper, more detailed, and less noisy. The exaggerated colors in the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s photo did not impress the test participants.
To summarize, the iPhone 15 Pro Max won in most categories, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra proved superior in optical zoom. Interestingly, some participants did not evaluate all five categories, emphasizing the importance of conducting research with an adequate number of people.
FAQs:
1. Which phones were compared in the test?
Answer: The phones compared were the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
2. What were the included locations in New York City for the test?
Answer: The included locations in the test were the U.S.S. Maine National Monument and Columbus Circle.
3. What lenses and night modes were used in the test?
Answer: Various lenses and night modes were used to compare the results of photos taken by both phones.
4. Which phone has a wider dynamic range and richer colors in photos?
Answer: The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a wider dynamic range and richer colors in photos.
5. What lens does the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra have compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max?
Answer: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 200 MP lens, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 48 MP lens.
6. Which phone renders textures better and provides greater depth in close-up photos?
Answer: The iPhone 15 Pro Max renders textures better and provides greater depth in close-up photos.
7. Which phone has a better optical zoom?
Answer: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra performs better in optical zoom compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Definitions:
1. Lens – An optical element in a camera responsible for collecting and focusing light to create an image.
2. Resolution – The number of pixels per unit of length in a digital image, determining its level of detail.
3. Dynamic range – The tonal range between the brightest and darkest areas in an image.
4. Optical zoom – A technique that allows for zooming in on an image on a camera without sacrificing quality.
Related Links:
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The source of the article is from the blog smartphonemagazine.nl