RAW Photo Comparison: iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and DSLR Deliver Surprising Results

In the realm of photography, shooting in RAW format is a standard practice for professionals, allowing for maximum control and detail in images. While most smartphone users are content with JPEGs due to their smaller file sizes and compatibility, flagship smartphones are increasingly capable of shooting in RAW. This format preserves all the details captured by the sensor without significant compression or alteration.

Smartphone cameras, like those in the iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, have evolved significantly, but how do they compare to a traditional DSLR camera like the Canon EOS RP? This article explores a comparison between these devices when shooting in RAW mode.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, with its 48MP main camera and ProRAW options, offers impressive results. Similar to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it allows for capturing RAW images with significant detail. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, with its 50MP sensor, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with a 48MP sensor, also have RAW shooting capabilities. However, the key question is whether these smartphones can compete with a dedicated DSLR like the Canon EOS RP, equipped with a 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor.

In terms of image quality, the Canon EOS RP tends to outshine the smartphones in several areas. Its larger sensor, combined with a traditional lens setup, provides superior color accuracy, shadow detail, and overall image sharpness. The RAW images captured with the Canon exhibit more natural contrast and depth, especially in shadowed areas, which is something smartphone sensors often struggle with.

When comparing the iPhone 16 Pro Max to the Canon EOS RP, the iPhone holds its own in terms of detail and sharpness, especially when considering its smaller sensor. However, the smartphone tends to brighten shadows more aggressively, leading to a loss of natural contrast. This can result in a flatter image with less depth compared to the DSLR. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 performs similarly, with sharp images but more exaggerated colors, particularly in vibrant scenes. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold lags slightly behind in color accuracy, with more oversaturation and a loss of subtle details.

The results are clear: while smartphones have made impressive strides in RAW photography, they still fall short of matching the capabilities of a traditional DSLR. The Canon EOS RP consistently delivers images with better color fidelity, shadow detail, and depth. However, the convenience of smartphones, coupled with their increasing ability to shoot in RAW, makes them a viable option for casual photographers and even professionals in certain situations.

In conclusion, if you’re seeking the best possible image quality, a DSLR like the Canon EOS RP remains the superior choice. Yet, for everyday photography, the latest smartphones, particularly the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, offer impressive RAW capabilities that are closing the gap with dedicated cameras.