Comparing Camera Capabilities: Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max

In the realm of premium smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the iPhone 15 Pro Max stand out with distinct approaches to photography. Priced at $1,300 and $1,200 respectively, these titanium-clad devices boast impressive camera systems, each with its own strengths and nuances.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra flaunts a quartet of rear cameras, including two dedicated to zooming and a standout 200-megapixel sensor. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro Max features a triple-camera setup, with one zoom lens and a main 48-megapixel sensor. Both devices excel in capturing high-quality images, particularly in challenging lighting conditions such as sunsets or dimly lit environments like restaurants.

Before embarking on a photo comparison journey around San Francisco, expectations were high for the S24’s zoom capabilities. However, Apple’s reputation for exceptional photo processing left room for intrigue regarding how the two giants would fare against each other.

Equipped with cutting-edge camera hardware and feature-rich apps, both phones offer a plethora of shooting options and customization. The iPhone’s ProRes video recording capability and spatial videos cater to professional users, while Samsung’s camera app provides dedicated pro modes and flexibility in customization, including using the S Pen as a remote shutter button.

In a head-to-head photo comparison, both devices showcased their strengths and weaknesses. The S24 Ultra’s 200-megapixel main sensor and additional zoom lenses offered versatility and impressive detail, while the iPhone’s image processing prowess delivered natural-looking photos with balanced colors.

In particular, the S24 Ultra’s dedicated 3x zoom camera produced striking images with excellent detail and balanced highlights. In contrast, the iPhone’s digital zoom resulted in softer images with noticeable artifacts, especially at higher magnifications.

Despite its impressive zoom capabilities, the S24 Ultra faced challenges with autofocus and image quality at extreme zoom levels, whereas the iPhone maintained better focus and detail retention.

An intriguing feature of the S24 Ultra is its generative AI tools, allowing for post-processing adjustments and creative edits directly within the device’s Gallery app. However, these tools still exhibit some inconsistencies and experimental traits, unlike anything available on the iPhone.

Ultimately, both smartphones offer exceptional photography experiences, with the S24 Ultra impressing with its zoom capabilities and low-reflection screen, and the iPhone standing out with its refined image processing and video recording capabilities. However, the steep price tags of $1,200 or more may deter some users, making more affordable options like the iPhone 15 Pro or Google Pixel 8 Pro more appealing alternatives.