iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: A Comprehensive Camera Comparison

In the latest rivalry between two powerhouse smartphones, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra go head-to-head, showcasing advanced cameras, high-powered specs, and significant price tags. Both models aim to set benchmarks in mobile photography, but the results reveal a clear winner across several categories. Here’s an in-depth look at how the cameras of these flagship devices perform.

Camera Specifications

The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a triple-camera setup featuring a 48MP main lens with optical image stabilization and 2x zoom, a 12MP telephoto with 5x zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide camera. In comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with four lenses: a 200MP main camera, a 10MP 3x zoom, a 50MP periscope with 5x zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide. Notably, the Galaxy S24 Ultra can achieve high-quality 10x zoom results, typically rivaling optical zoom.

Main Camera Performance

The main camera of the iPhone 16 Pro Max consistently produces balanced, visually appealing shots. However, it struggles with exposure under certain conditions, where the Galaxy S24 Ultra shines with vibrant colors. Notably, the iPhone’s attention to sharpness becomes evident in photos like the Aston Martin Valkyrie image, where its clarity allows for details as precise as the VIN on the windscreen. Samsung’s attempts at vibrancy sometimes lead to image noise, less prominent in the iPhone’s crisp captures. For capturing warm tones and intricate details, such as in a church interior or close-up shots like foam on coffee, the iPhone maintains an edge.

Main Camera Winner: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Ultrawide Camera Comparison

Despite its technical advantage, the iPhone 16 Pro Max struggles with noise and blur in ultrawide shots. Samsung’s S24 Ultra delivers sharper images with fewer noise issues, especially in indoor settings. Even outdoors, the S24 Ultra’s vivid color reproduction and clarity stand out, showing a balance in detail that the iPhone sometimes lacks.

Ultrawide Camera Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Short Zoom (2x and 3x)

With distinct “short zooms,” the iPhone uses a 2x mode while the Galaxy S24 Ultra relies on 3x zoom. While both handle detail and focus well, the S24 Ultra’s 3x zoom provides additional sharpness and a more refined image at this level. The iPhone occasionally introduces noise in its 2x shots, while Samsung’s zoom maintains versatility without sacrificing quality.

Short Zoom Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

5x Zoom Analysis

Samsung’s dominance in zoom continues at the 5x level. The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 5x images often lack sharpness and show increased graininess, while the S24 Ultra preserves detail and texture better. The wood grain in a detailed close-up, for instance, reveals subtle differences, with the S24 Ultra providing more realistic colors and a clearer depth of field.

5x Zoom Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Evaluating 10x Zoom

Although neither phone offers a true 10x optical zoom, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 10x “optical quality” shots consistently outperform the iPhone. The S24 Ultra’s enhanced zoom capabilities are evident in photos like a detailed pub sign, capturing greater clarity in textures and backgrounds. The iPhone maintains a natural look in some situations but cannot match Samsung’s detail retention at this zoom level.

10x Zoom Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Night Mode Performance

Low-light conditions reveal strengths and weaknesses in both models. The Galaxy S24 Ultra occasionally shows inconsistencies in preview versus actual captures but often outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max in harsh lighting. While the iPhone tends to overexpose, particularly with brighter light sources, the S24 Ultra maintains a balance that highlights details like street lighting and sunset hues, making it the preferred choice in most challenging lighting scenarios.

Night Mode Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Overall Verdict

In this face-off, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra takes a commanding lead over the iPhone 16 Pro Max, outperforming it in zoom and ultrawide capabilities while holding its own in night mode. The iPhone still has a slight edge with its main camera for specific shots, particularly for those favoring warmth and detail in portrait settings. Yet, for the vast majority of photography needs, Samsung’s flagship demonstrates a superior balance, precision, and vibrancy that make it a standout choice for mobile photographers.