Buzz
In a different scenario, still capturing portraits at the largest telephoto focal lengths of both cameras.
So, let's switch to portrait mode right from the start. iPhone 15 Pro Max offers up to 5X portrait shots (12MP - 120mm) for users, whereas S23 Ultra maxes out at 3X (10MP - 70mm).
A bit hesitant, but let's zoom in a bit and see. Details on the S23 Ultra seem slightly sharper and have a touch of pinkish hue, whereas iPhone, as usual, tends to lean towards a yellowish tone.
Switching over to a regular indoor shot with ambient lighting and a 1X focal length (both at 24mm on both devices), Samsung still pushes brightness quite high, the blues in the background lamp are more intense, while the iPhone tends to have a slightly warmer tone, but compensates by maintaining a normal surrounding space.
Greenery is essential, and both cameras excel in their roles (zooming in closely on the flowers, both transition to macro mode). Sunlight on the flowers in the 15 Pro Max image feels warmer, but the Galaxy S23 Ultra reveals slightly sharper details, allowing viewers to observe the vein patterns on the petals.
To be fair, let's compare the telephoto lenses of the S23 Ultra with the iPhone's 5X. As mentioned in my earlier review of the S23 Ultra at the beginning of the year, color consistency is something Samsung's device hasn't quite mastered yet, as you notice richer, more vibrant colors with the 3X camera, while the iPhone maintains consistent color accuracy across all three of its cameras.
Here's a clear example of that: the S23 Ultra tends to overexpose with its promising lens, whereas the iPhone maintains excellent contrast, coherence, and a good dynamic range.
Even in slightly dimmer conditions, even when focusing on brighter areas, the S23 Ultra still tends to brighten the overall image and introduce quite a bit of noise.
Zoom in at 100% for a clearer view.
In addressing Samsung, let's give a nod to iPhone as well. When viewing photos on the mobile screen, the brilliance of iPhone 15 Pro Max shines through, thanks to its screen quality. Despite the distant subjects, the 3X camera feels a bit too wide, 5X falls short, and 10X is just right.
However, in various conditions, the 5X demonstrates better balance. In a shot of a female friend reading a book, taken with me standing close to the wall, unable to step back further, the iPhone's photo remains decent, while the 10X on the S23 Ultra is too close.
Comparing the main cameras, I prefer not to delve too deeply. Both perform well, producing pleasing colors, swift autofocus, and rich details regardless of lighting conditions. iPhone renders lighter photos (even with editing) compared to Samsung, which tends to post-process for immediate beauty.
Testing out portrait shots with these two wide-angle cameras (from my perspective) to make it easier for everyone to compare the background blur effect of the two devices. Even though I've maximized the background blur on the S23 Ultra, it still doesn't quite match up to the iPhone's. However...
Background blur is a whole different story.
Trying a shot with a person, from foreground to background, the iPhone significantly blurs out the background compared to the S23 Ultra (both devices set to default for this shot).
The white balance of the iPhone consistently leans towards a yellow tone, while Samsung tends to have a bluish hue.
Honestly speaking, if Apple were to bring the 77mm sensor from the iPhone 15 Pro to the 15 Pro Max, the comparison would be much easier, and we would have a truly worthwhile iPhone. As for the S23 Ultra, it still reigns as the top camera phone in the Android world, whether it's for photography or even video recording, newer models like the Pixel 8 or Xiaomi 13 Ultra would find it difficult to surpass. Drop your comments below, folks!
