Buzz
Firstly, let's announce the winner of the photo prediction game from the last round: it's you! The correct answer is 'Samsung S22 Ultra - iPhone 13 Pro - Pixel 6 Pro.' The results align perfectly with the article's title. Feel free to revisit the article
*The images below are unaltered, resized using Lightroom Classic, and merged using Photoshop.
All three devices will be captured using their default telephoto lenses: S22 Ultra at 3X or 10X, Pixel 6 Pro at 4X or 10X digital zoom, and 13 Pro at 3X or 10X digital zoom.
Check out the full-size images here.
*All photos are taken from the same position, but the shooting times may vary by 10-30 seconds as I held each phone for capturing.
In terms of order, it will be S22U - 13 Pro - Pixel 6 Pro for all the visuals.
Optical 3X telephoto camera
Testing in daylight conditions, specifically comparing 3X and 10X, none of the three devices exhibit significant differences with the 3X camera.
In the bustling market area, I experimented with a 3X telephoto camera.
Even when zoomed in at 300%, you'll notice minimal differences among the three devices.
Under well-lit conditions, whether up close, at a medium range, or far away, the image quality shows only subtle variations in color.
In this section, we'll delve deeper into the S22 Ultra and iPhone 13 Pro. For a more detailed comparison between the Pixel 6 Pro and 13 Pro, I invite you to explore our additional article.
However, as I ventured further into the market, where the lighting conditions were dimmer, I immediately noticed the shortcomings of the iPhone.
Zooming in at 300%, the iPhone 13 Pro exhibits the same old issues – lost details, virtually nothing retained, and the text, well, the algorithm recognizes it and redraws the characters seamlessly.
Upon closer inspection of the iPhone, you'll notice that the individual components are seamlessly fused together, forming a cohesive unit. The intricate details on each component are subtly blended, eliminating any distinct separations.
Zoomed in at 300%.In another low-light scenario, the iPhone still falls short in capturing details compared to the S22U and Pixel 6 Pro.
In low-light scenarios, the iPhone's contrasty cloud region also loses its intricate details.
I captured this photo in the evening, a distant landscape, yet both S22 Ultra and Pixel 6 Pro performed admirably, maintaining clarity in the valley between them.At 10X zoom
The noticeable distinction becomes evident when examining all three devices in 10X mode. Even by simply looking at the main photo, without zooming in, you can still discern the tilt of the iPhone.
Despite a somewhat gloomy atmosphere, the brightness remains striking. Upon cropping at 300%, additional details become apparent. Observing the leafy part, the iPhone shows complete breakage, while the S22U and Pixel 6 Pro maintain details. However, scrutinizing the left side of the Pixel 6 Pro's leaf reveals slight blurriness and a minor break compared to the rest. On the S22U, a casual glance may suggest less sharpness, but closer inspection reveals more detail and accurate depth of field, avoiding excessive software influence.
Even under ample lighting conditions, the iPhone struggles to keep pace with its two competitors.
In this mesmerizing shot, I stand atop the staircase overlooking the bustling market. Even with a 10X zoom, the S22 Ultra performs exceptionally well. Firstly, the details are sharper, more pronounced, allowing a clear view of people. Secondly, the handling of the light on the right side is noticeably superior, free from distortion and excessive flare, unlike the iPhone 13 Pro and Pixel 6 Pro.
Captured amidst the vibrant market of Da Lat, this photo features a statue at a distance of approximately 5-6 meters. Notably, there's a distinct difference in color representation. Pixel accurately renders the green hue under the overcast sky. However, Pixel exhibits a slight deviation, whereas the iPhone maintains a more stable look, especially in close-up shots with its telephoto lens.
In this instance, the 13 Pro falls short in every aspect, rendering it practically unusable. Even when zoomed in by 300%, the issues persist. Examining the cropped section, particularly the focused area, reveals some inexplicable artifacts on the Pixel. While overall details remain satisfactory, a closer look at the road surface reveals a slight blur. On the contrary, the S22 Ultra provides a clearer distinction between near and far, ensuring a more defined outcome.
In the case of the S22 Ultra, the color accuracy and beauty are unparalleled. There is a subtle difference in the contrast between the S22 Ultra and Pixel 6 Pro. You can vaguely notice a difference in dirt or smudges on both the front and rear sides, although not extremely clear, the distinction is there.
This scenario follows a similar pattern.Conclusion
When it comes to the telephoto modes of 3X and 4X, all three phones perform well under ample light conditions, exhibiting minimal differences. The only distinction lies in personal preference for the focal length of S22 Ultra and 13 Pro, as they strike a balance, unlike Pixel, which makes capturing a bit challenging. However, in low-light scenarios, the dynamics change completely. Depending on the distance between the device and the subject, there might be slight variations, but in most cases, the S22 Ultra outshines the others, delivering satisfactory details. Following closely is the Pixel 6 Pro.
In the realm of the 10X telephoto mode, the S22 Ultra stands out as the top performer, which is understandable given its 10X optical telephoto camera, surpassing the 13 Pro and Pixel 6 Pro. Pixel, on the other hand, tends to retain some details in most cases, avoiding complete loss. In situations where necessary, you can still utilize the 10X mode on the Pixel 6 Pro and obtain a detailed image. Perhaps being introduced a bit earlier than the S22 Ultra and Pixel 6 Pro, the 13 Pro falls behind in display performance.
