The Press Stories
It took Apple seven years to radically transform its music. In fact, the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, the Cupertino company didn’t change the definition of its photo sensors, which remained unchanged at 12 megapixels. Then came the iPhone 14 Pro 14 Pro Max New main sensor of 48 Mpx! “It’s a Revolution”Obviously.
As always in the world of Apple, the sensor manufacturer that will fit the iPhone 14 Pro is unknown. Not surprisingly, the company laments the functionality of the more limited sensors found in modern smartphones.
48 to 12 MP in minutes
So, naturally, when you shoot With the main module (24mm f/1.78 at 24×36), the photos taken are always at 12 megapixels, the terminal uses the now well-known practice. Pixel pinning. In each scene, the device integrates pixels and delivers an image that is certainly less defined, but with a lot of software grub, it makes it possible to get more successful images in low light, and less weight on your gut. Telephone.
to do Digital, you know, every technological innovation piques our curiosity. And, as soon as we could get our hands on Apple’s new high-end smartphones, we put them to the test on our test benches.
A really relevant increase in definition?
This analysis covers that Full resolution RAW files. Because yes, a little coquetry Made in Apple, to access 48 Mpx, you need to capture an image in its proprietary ProRaw format. We wanted to compare the displays of the main module of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max with their most suitable competitors.
In a very classic way, we multiplied the tests in our scenario by focusing on the main module of each mobile. We also used their default mode, from which we only analyzed files Pixel pinning During the day, in low light, in “night mode” and without. Let’s save the high definition battle for the next battle.
during the day
Versus the iPhone 13 Pro Max
Day by day, the similarity between the two Apple products is obvious. Differentiating the iPhone 14 Pro Max from the iPhone 13 Pro Max is complicated by an increase in definition, a combination of pixels, a change in focal length, or a variation in aperture. However, if you look closely, you can see differences here and there.
If the color gamut is close, the management of micro-contrasts allows the iPhone 14 Pro Max to offer a slightly more detailed display. It’s still slim, but the new baby offers a slightly richer image than its elder. That being said, the leap forward is not as pronounced as one might imagine with such an update.
Vs Google Pixel 6
Google specializes in its photo editing software. The Pixel 6’s visuals are richer, almost richer, but it brings out most of the hidden details in our display. Consider for example the lines of cards in the center or lower left.
In contrast, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is terrible at managing micro-contrasts, but it has a better controlled color gamut and is closer to reality. In fact, Google’s 2021 vintage smartphones exaggerate colors that are not representative of what our eyes can actually observe.
Vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Samsung takes the opposite view of American manufacturers. Despite the very limited main sensor, the South Korean manufacturer has opted for a softer treatment. It’s a little less flattering on a smartphone screen, but within the framework of the banknote at the center of the image, the S22 Ultra’s rendering is, in our view, more elegant, because less compelling, compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Nevertheless, this less advanced treatment pays off as one moves away from the “hypercenter” of the shot. The image presented by Samsung is clearly lower, almost too “thin”, perhaps proof that the management of the 108 Mpx sensor is not always easy. Apple does a bit better, offering a consistent image from start to finish.
at night
Versus the iPhone 13 Pro Max
When the light is significantly reduced, the contribution of the new sensor can be seen compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The fusion of pixels makes it possible to recover more light and the scenes produced by the 14 Pro Max are sharper and brighter.
The most recent model has a clear advantage when night mode is disabled, which is always interesting for flying photos.
Vs Google Pixel 6
The Google Pixel 6 does everything to make the display as bright as daylight, even without a night mode. Oranges are low, whites are less clear, micro-contrasts are less Google, and the center of the image is overall a successful shot.
However, Apple retains a slight advantage in the photo periphery.
Vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
As we’ve already noticed during our testing of the S22 Ultra, images aren’t very flattering, except for night mode. The rendering is very soft, almost blurry, forcing the user to use night mode only.
At the same time, the 14 Pro Max offers a more uniform image, more usable and more readable details.
Night position
Versus the iPhone 13 Pro Max
With Night Mode off, it’s pretty easy to notice a real difference between the two vintages of Apple, but once this mode is activated, the differences become much weaker, accounting for longer exposure times and captured images. Even deciding which version of the iPhone is superior to the other is too complicated. In detail, the 13 Pro Max seems to do a little better, shame!
In addition, the color scale during the day turned out to be very similar, with the night mode, at the discretion of the author, we notice an unequal treatment of colors that leans in favor of the old in the two devices. .
Vs Google Pixel 6
Unsurprisingly, once in night mode, Google’s Pixel 6 lives up to its reputation. If it wasn’t a little underexposed, you’d think the photo was taken in our daylight. Admittedly, our display is too dark and has a light orange tint under 3 lux, but we’re still amazed at the software work Google has put into delivering such a vivid and detailed display.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the most economical in this area. If there’s a draw without Night Mode, Apple still has work to do to catch up with its American rival once the latter’s “Night Vision” is enabled.
Vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
From the beginning of our article, the S22 Ultra offers a smooth image that does not necessarily leave us dissatisfied. But even in night mode, many details are lost and the scene becomes too dark.
With the iPhone, compared to the Samsung’s shot, the display was better exposed, almost seeming to turn on a light. Color processing is not very accurate, but the photo is very flattering and usable.
A small difference between the two generations of Apple
After our various comparisons, this new version of the iPhone makes us a bit skeptical. Like other manufacturers, Apple is taking its time, but we expect significantly better photos. Admittedly, there is an improvement at night compared to the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, but for the rest, in our lab, the differences are at the edges and not always in the right direction.
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