The clash between the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, and even a blast from the past with the iPhone 1, results in a score of 6.5 to 3.5. Now, all eyes are on Samsung’s latest flagship, the AI-powered marvel of 2024, to see if it can redeem itself. And, in a twist, the stakes are sky-high as the loser of this showdown faces a shot from an actual tank.
Let’s kick things off with slow-motion capture. Just take a gander at the sheer joy on my face. This expression tells the tale of years spent imploring tech giants to embrace this feature, and finally, the S24 Ultra delivers. It flaunts the ability to record 4K footage at 120 frames per second, and let me tell you, this is bona fide 4K slow-motion without any compromise. Will you notice the difference compared to the iPhone when viewing on your phone screen? Probably not. But project it onto a TV, and the disparity becomes crystal clear. Moreover, the Samsung device takes it up a notch by allowing instant further slowdown of any video with just a tap and hold. It’s safe to crown Samsung as the reigning king of slow-motion once again.
While slow-motion alone might not warrant its own category, we lump it into the broader realm of special modes, which also encompasses portrait mode video and ultra-close-up macro shots. Yet, these features show remarkable similarity between the two contenders. Take portrait mode video, for instance, or delve into the macro shots—they’re neck and neck. The iPhone takes a slight lead in closeness, a nifty trait, but Samsung’s processing produces sharper shots. Thus, it’s only fair to hand over the crown for the overall special modes category to Samsung.
When it comes to taking selfies, Samsung’s latest phone has proven to outshine the iPhone, so it’s only natural to expect its successor to follow suit. In my view, the iPhone consistently earns an 8 out of 10 for selfie quality—not exceptional, but reliably good. On the flip side, Samsung tends to hit a nine most of the time, with its best shots noticeably surpassing the iPhone’s. However, there are occasional slips to a six, often due to slight blurriness or softer details. Overall, I find Samsung’s selfies better about 85% of the time. They’re crisper, more impressive, and can even rival rear camera photos. In contrast, iPhone selfies sometimes leave me feeling a bit rough, almost prompting me to edit them before sharing.
One of the most anticipated improvements in the rumored S24 Ultra is enhanced noise reduction, which could be a game-changer. Noisy videos have long been a weak spot for Samsung cameras, and if they’ve truly cracked this issue, it’s a significant leap forward. Overcoming this hurdle would allow users to fully appreciate the camera’s capabilities without being distracted by this persistent flaw. So, is it better? Yes, faces appear sharper compared to the S23 Ultra, and there’s noticeably less noise in videos. Sometimes, the S24 Ultra produces front camera footage so lifelike that it makes iPhone footage seem artificial. Samsung has clearly made commendable strides, but the problem of noise in darker areas still persists, especially when the camera is in motion. While it’s about 5% better than last year, it still lags about 50% behind the iPhone in this regard. Until Samsung addresses this and matches the iPhone’s dynamic range, I’d still lean towards the iPhone for vlogging. Currently, the score stands at 2 points to one in favor of the iPhone, making this camera comparison a different story from the last one. Today, we might just be shooting with an iPhone.
Samsung’s dominance is solidified by its revamped camera app, a significant departure from the S23’s debut last year. Visually, it’s a marked improvement with cleaner icons and updated animations, but its functionality is where it truly shines. Navigating between modes feels smoother, and zooming is now nearly as seamless as on the iPhone. It’s about time we reached this level of performance, and it feels great to finally be here. Changing photo resolution is now just a tap away, and tweaking video properties makes much more sense. This practical, compact menu design is something Apple could learn from. The iPhone aims for simplicity, but Samsung manages to declutter while still offering a plethora of camera options without forcing users to navigate to a separate menu. Samsung even offers ultra-niche settings, giving users unprecedented control over their photography experience. Plus, the S24 Ultra is faster at capturing photos, closing the gap with the iPhone and shedding its sluggish reputation. The only downside is its slightly challenging one-handed use, mainly due to the phone’s shape and fixed menu placement. However, Samsung’s screen brightness steals the show, especially with automatic adjustment, making outdoor shooting a breeze compared to the iPhone. Samsung has truly transformed its camera app from a weakness to a standout feature in this generation.
I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and with the release of the S24, it feels like the perfect time to introduce a new aspect to our camera comparisons: editing features. We’re at a juncture where the capabilities of artificial intelligence are revolutionizing not just the photos and videos we capture, but also what we can create from them. In essence, a camera’s value now extends beyond the moment of capture to what you can do with the shots afterwards. So, who’s leading the charge in this arena?
Let’s start with the iPhone. Its editing interface is straightforward, but it leaves something to be desired. For instance, I often find myself wishing for the ability to adjust video playback speed, a feature that’s noticeably absent. However, credit where it’s due, the editing process on the iPhone is lightning-fast, with no waiting around for actions to happen. Whether you’re cropping a photo while browsing or making quick tweaks, it’s as smooth as adjusting your device’s volume.
Now, onto Samsung. Here, you’re spoiled for choice. With just a swipe, you’re greeted with a host of editing suggestions powered by the Pro Visual Engine, which seems to understand photos better than ever. Features like background effects and style adjustments really elevate the editing experience. And let’s not forget about “remaster,” a tool that breathes new life into older photos, though it’s less impactful on already stellar shots. The ability to erase reflections is a particularly nifty addition, all just a tap away, eliminating the need to dive deep into a dedicated editing app.
But the real game-changer from Samsung is their new generative AI image editor. It’s a significant leap from traditional editing tools, allowing for advanced edits like subject relocation and object removal. While it does require an internet connection and isn’t the fastest, it’s akin to premium AI services without the hefty subscription fee, at least for now.
However, Samsung has hinted that these AI features will only be free until the end of 2025 due to server load concerns. This highlights the importance of pushing for offline AI features that don’t rely on external servers. Despite this caveat, Samsung’s editing suite outshines Apple’s, putting pressure on the iPhone to step up its AI game soon.
Now, let’s talk zoom. Samsung’s “Space Zoom” has been the talk of the town since the S20 Ultra, but Apple has quietly been upping its game too. With improvements in lens magnification and image processing, the iPhone 15 Pro Max now boasts a 5x zoom and excels in capturing clear, noise-free zoomed-in video, putting it on par with Samsung’s offerings for the first time in last year’s comparison.
It’s a bit baffling, really. Amidst all the technological advancements and upgrades, Samsung has taken a step back in one crucial aspect: zoom capability. They’ve ditched the previous combo of 10x and 3x zoom lenses in favor of a 5x and 3x setup. And let me tell you, it’s not exactly a cause for celebration.
Samsung argues that the 5x lens is superior because of its higher resolution, but when it comes to zooming in, it’s not quite up to par. Sure, the AI processing on the new phone is fancier, resulting in less grainy photos when you zoom in, but there’s a noticeable drop in detail and clarity compared to its predecessor, especially at extreme zoom levels like 100 times.
What’s even more surprising is that this regression in zoom quality puts the iPhone in a better light for capturing distant subjects. Despite not officially supporting zoom levels beyond 25 times, the iPhone consistently outperforms the S24 Ultra in retaining detail and clarity.
Samsung’s heavy reliance on software processing during zooming exacerbates the issue, often producing oversharpened or inaccurate images. While Samsung prides itself on being the go-to for long-distance photography, the reality is that it falls short, especially in low-light conditions where noise becomes a problem.
On the other hand, the iPhone may be hesitant to switch to its zoom camera, but it handles internal reflections and noise better, particularly at magnifications of 5x and beyond. So, while Samsung may claim superiority in long-distance photography, the actual performance of its latest phone leaves much to be desired, giving competitors like the iPhone an edge in this department.
Samsung’s zoom cameras really stand out for their consistency. Unlike the iPhone, which tends to lose quality at around 3x or 4x zoom, Samsung maintains high-quality zoom from 0.5x to 5x, thanks to its separate 3x optical zoom lens. This means you get consistently sharp images throughout the zoom range, making it a tie between the two in the zoom department.
But where Samsung truly shines is in portrait mode. While the iPhone caused a bit of a stir by upgrading to a 5x zoom lens in the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung users get the best of both worlds with the option of 3x and 5x zoom portraits, all at top-notch quality. This makes Samsung the go-to choice for portrait photography, offering superb edge detection, flattering image processing, and that coveted DSLR-style background blur.
If I had to pinpoint one standout feature of this phone, it’s definitely its portrait capabilities. While the iPhone boasts a higher megapixel count for portrait mode shots (24MP compared to Samsung’s 12MP), this advantage is limited to 1x magnification, which isn’t always the most aesthetically pleasing.
Switching gears to audio, both Samsung and iPhone impress with their microphone quality. It’s clear that both companies prioritize this aspect of their phones, as their microphones are sensitive enough to capture even the faintest whispers in quiet environments. It’s amazing to see how far phone technology has come!
However, the real difference between them emerges in environments with a lot of background noise, like the rumble of a tank in the distance. Samsung manages this noise pretty well, but my voice quality takes a hit as the phone aggressively filters out the background noise. With the iPhone, my voice stays clear, but so does the tank noise.
But before we make a final decision, let’s tackle the three big questions: which one takes better photos, videos, and handles low-light situations better?
When it comes to photos, does the Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its hardware and software upgrades, and the new Pro Visual Engine, significantly improve the photo quality over the S23 Ultra? Well, there are definite improvements; shots have better contrast now, and it’s rare to get a washed-out photo with the S24. The color accuracy has also been refined, though it’s not perfect. There are still times when the phone struggles with odd lighting situations, affecting how the scene looks overall. For instance, photos taken with friends show the surrounding light bleeding onto our faces on the Samsung. And when zooming in, each level of zoom might have a slightly different color tone, resulting in inconsistent skin tones. But it’s not all bad; sometimes the iPhone goes overboard with colors while the Samsung gets it just right.
In the past, Samsung used to dominate in dynamic range, especially in handling overexposed skies. But that’s not always the case anymore. While Samsung still shines in some scenarios, the iPhone has caught up and sometimes even surpasses Samsung. For example, Samsung might overexpose faces while the iPhone handles it better. However, the iPhone’s ability to retain superior detail ultimately gives it the edge.
It’s quite interesting to note that just like the latest iPhones, Samsung’s S24 Ultra now has the ability to snap photos in a whopping 24-megapixel resolution, doubling its previous capability of 12 megapixels. However, there’s a catch. Unlike Apple, who seamlessly integrated the 24-megapixel option as the default in auto mode, Samsung’s 24-megapixel feature is only accessible through the Expert RAW camera app and not set as the default. Why they chose this route remains a bit of a mystery. It’s possible Samsung opted for quicker shutter times, something they’ve been striving for. Consequently, the mode Samsung recommends for everyday use is still the 12-megapixel one, which sometimes leads to slightly less detail compared to Apple. You can really notice the difference in clarity, especially since the iPhone allows for an extra level of zoom while maintaining clarity. Now, despite the Samsung device offering some versatility with its 200-megapixel sensor, including a 50-megapixel mode, the iPhone’s 48-megapixel high-res mode seems to have the upper hand in terms of image processing quality. When you venture into the higher-resolution modes on the Samsung, you start to see a noticeable decline in processing quality. Even though the idea of capturing breathtaking landscapes in maximum resolution sounds appealing, the 200-megapixel shots don’t always outshine the 50-megapixel ones. Moving from 12 to 50 megapixels already shows a drop in processing quality, and this decline becomes even more apparent when making the jump from 50 to 200 megapixels, sometimes resulting in overexposed brighter areas of the image.
Samsung has introduced a new feature that allows users to capture photos in HDR, enhancing brightness and contrast for vibrant images. Notably, you can now preview shots in HDR while shooting and seamlessly share them to social media platforms like Instagram.
Personally, I’ve found myself drifting away from HDR. There are times when I deliberately keep brightness low to ensure a good night’s sleep, so HDR becomes a bit of a nuisance. I tend to switch it off whenever I can. While HDR might appeal to some, it’s not particularly attractive to me.
When it comes to overall photo quality, the iPhone generally takes the lead, except for its ultra-wide cameras. Both phones sport well-matched 12-megapixel sensors in this department. While the iPhone’s lens is slightly wider and sometimes produces more balanced colors, Samsung’s image processing often cleans up scenes better. So, that’s one important consideration addressed.
Last year, Samsung really upped its game with the video capabilities of the S23 Ultra. I remember the excitement of taking that phone out for the first time and feeling genuinely impressed. The improvements in noise reduction, dynamic range, and the ability to shoot 8K video without any major issues were all quite remarkable. Now, with the S24, it feels more like a refinement rather than a revolutionary leap. It’s like an S23.5 Ultra, if you will.
The noise reduction is a tad better, and day-to-day stabilization has seen some slight improvements, thanks to the phone’s gyro sensors getting smarter about how you move it. However, it still doesn’t quite match up to the level of detail you get with an iPhone. In well-lit scenes, they’re pretty much on par, and even in typical low-light scenarios, there’s not a huge gap, which is impressive in itself. But when you start zooming in or watching on a big screen, that’s where the iPhone’s clarity really shines through.
I do appreciate Samsung’s approach to keeping things dark in low-light situations, but sometimes it feels like they go overboard. It’s like diving into a black hole, especially when something passes by and the screen suddenly goes pitch black for a moment. It throws off the balance and makes it feel less refined compared to the iPhone. On a lighter note, yes, that’s actually me driving the tank – a fun nod to Armageddon. This whole experience has been pretty wild.
When you try to chase after the tank, like any sane person would, both phones impress with their video stabilization capabilities, handling the motion incredibly well. But if you really push the limits with their Super Steady and Action modes, the iPhone takes the lead without breaking a sweat. I don’t know what kind of magic Apple worked into this feature, but since its launch, no other phone has come close to matching its ability to capture smooth, high-resolution action scenes.
Now, onto the night photography showdown, which Samsung seems to have focused on quite a bit. And let me tell you, both phones perform admirably, producing very similar results. It’s like you’re getting the same photo but with two different editing styles. Samsung tends to go for cooler tones with lots of sharpening, while Apple leans towards warmer tones with less sharpening. Neither is necessarily better than the other. Although, I must say, Samsung totally nails moon shots if that’s your thing. The iPhone struggles to figure out which camera to use in those situations. But let’s not dwell on that too much because it’s not something you’ll be doing regularly. On the flip side, the iPhone edges ahead in night portraits, making them look more natural compared to Samsung’s more filtered look.
And here’s a little something we’ve noticed throughout the comparison, especially noticeable at night—the iPhone handles colors better. Take that shot of me on the bench, for instance. We took it under various colored lights, and every time, the iPhone nailed it with better exposure control and more realistic colors.
So, where does that leave us? Samsung gets a solid 6.5, while the iPhone gets a respectable 4.5. Samsung has really stepped up its game this time around, not just in terms of photo quality but also in providing a smoother photography experience overall, with a faster camera app and better editing tools. This doesn’t mean Samsung wins in every aspect though; the iPhone still shines in some important areas. But hey, a promise is a promise. The choice is yours. Oh, and if you’re enjoying this video, don’t forget to subscribe to the channel!
As for the tank firing a 100 mph paint grenade, trust me, you don’t want to be in its line of fire. And now, we take aim and fire. Did we hit it? Nope, the phone came out unscathed. Your move next time!