The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts the best camera on an iPhone to date. To substantiate this claim, it doesn’t need to outperform the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or any other Android phone; it must surpass the iPhone 14 Pro, which, until very recently, held the title of having the best iPhone camera.

In order to determine if the iPhone 15 Pro Max can claim this title, extensive photo comparisons were conducted between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 14 Pro. The findings indicate significant improvements in various aspects. Let’s delve into the details.

Comparing the Camera Specs: The iPhone 15 Pro models feature a 48-megapixel main camera, a 12MP wide-angle camera, a 12MP telephoto camera, and a 24MP default image size. They also include a new Smart HDR feature and the Photonic Engine, which now functions in Night mode. Additionally, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is equipped with a 120mm or 5x optical telephoto zoom and a new optical image stabilization system designed specifically for it. Apple’s new A17 Pro chipset plays a crucial role behind the scenes.

On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Pro has a 48MP main camera with a lower default image size of 12MP, resulting in fewer pixels in photos. The wide-angle and telephoto cameras are both 12 megapixels. While both phones are similar on paper, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a few noteworthy improvements.

Main Camera: In the first set of photos, the iPhone 15 Pro Max captures stronger, more vivid colors with less noise. Details are sharper, and contrast levels are more favorable, resulting in overall improvements in photo quality.

In the second set, the iPhone 15 Pro Max once again excels, producing sharper and less noisy images with fewer jagged edges along straight lines, improved white balance, and less harshness.

In the third set of photos, the iPhone 15 Pro Max provides sharper, more defined trees on the horizon and smoother, less noisy long grass. The overall scene appears more natural and pleasing.

In the fourth set, the iPhone 15 Pro Max exhibits a more realistic approach with better contrast and exposure.

The final set demonstrates the improvements in the Smart HDR feature. The iPhone 15 Pro Max captures a more balanced and colorful sky, enhancing the overall image.

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

Wide-Angle Camera: The wide-angle camera on the iPhone 15 Pro Max showcases improved colors and reduced edge distortion, resulting in photos with more detail and less noise.

In contrast, the iPhone 14 Pro’s wide-angle camera, while not bad, falls short in terms of edge distortion and overall photo quality when compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

5x Zoom: The 5x optical zoom on the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a significant advantage over the iPhone 14 Pro’s digital 5x zoom. However, the iPhone 14 Pro’s digital zoom still performs well in certain scenarios.

In both example photos, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers sharper and more detailed images, making it the superior choice.

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

Night Mode: In low-light conditions, the iPhone 15 Pro Max captures less noisy photos compared to the iPhone 14 Pro, resulting in improved image quality. However, there are specific instances where the iPhone 14 Pro’s photo appears better exposed and more realistic.

Winner: Draw

Portrait Mode: Portrait photos taken with the rear cameras show little improvement in the iPhone 15 Pro Max compared to the iPhone 14 Pro. While the former offers deeper colors and slightly better exposure, both phones deliver similar color accuracy and edge recognition in most situations.

Winner: Draw

Conclusion: The iPhone 15 Pro Max emerges as the winner in three categories, with two draws in the remaining two categories. Overall, it proves to be Apple’s best camera to date, offering notable improvements, including multiple focal lengths, improved zoom modes, and enhanced Smart HDR. These enhancements make it a worthwhile upgrade from the iPhone 14 Pro.

Nevertheless, the iPhone 14 Pro continues to be a strong contender, capable of capturing stunning shots when in the right hands. For those considering a new iPhone, the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max will undoubtedly satisfy photography enthusiasts.