iPhone 16e I am shocked! 16e "48MP Fusion camera" sensor size is same as iPhone XR back in 2018!

[drugdoubles]

That is absolute nonsense. Megapixels is a measurement of the number of pixels, and has absolutely nothing to do with the size of the pixels.

The only time the size of the pixels matter at the time of photon capture. Bigger pixels mean they're better at capturing light, so will perform better when there's less light. However, once the sensor data is written to an image file, every pixel is treated equally.

Megapixels might tell you how many pixels are crammed onto a sensor, but sensor size—surprise, surprise—plays a massive role in detail, especially when you zoom in. Bigger sensors, like full frame or APS-C, have larger photosites, even at the same megapixel count, compared to the tiny sensor in an iPhone Pro. Larger photosites capture more light and finer detail, which absolutely translates to better resolution and clarity in the final image—especially when you’re pixel-peeping or cropping.
The quality of the data captured by those pixels isn’t magically equalized because it’s saved as a JPEG or whatever. A bigger sensor with better dynamic range and less noise doesn’t just vanish in post-processing—it’s baked into the image. That’s why a 24MP full-frame camera will mop the floor with a 48MP iPhone sensor when you zoom in

 

[AlixSPQR]

The 16e is too pricey, regardless of its camera specs and performance.

 

[jagolden]

how about if you zoom in and see the detail?

How far do you want to zoom in?

 

[BenGoren]

Oh, man does this take me back to the early days of digital photography … the megapixel / format wars ...

… and the … well, the epithet we used for them isn’t family-friendly. Let’s just refer to them as the ones who focus their attention on a subset of numeric specifications.

Canon at one point had a pair of cameras that perfectly illustrate the silliness of the obsession. One, a “prosumer” model, had the highest megapixel count on the market at the moment. The other, their flagship professional (and most expensive) model, had the lowest megapixel count of all their full-frame offerings.

In a carefully-controlled studio setting, if you were making door-sized prints (not joking — you had to enlarge to at least that much), the prosumer very slightly outperformed the professional model.

In every other context, the professional model was marginally to substantially superior to the prosumer model.

(And, to be sure: it’s not like the prosumer model was in any way inadequate. Indeed, in the film era, it would have been the ultimate wet dream camera for everybody from sports photographers to architectural journalists to Ansel Adams.)

The exact same sensor size, the same manufacturer, both released at the same time. But the lower megapixel count almost always outperformed the higher megapixel count.

None of that, of course, silenced the shouting from those who … “focus their attention on a subset of numeric specifications.” They were still outraged that Canon would dare to “cripple” the professional camera with a lower megapixel count, and poured unimaginable energy into “proving” that the prosumer model was better in every conceivable way.

Incidentally, almost none of those who were making these complaints had portfolios worth a good gosh-darn. Indeed, the most common subject was — I kid you not — a brick wall photographed square-on. Go figure …

Cheers,

b&

 

[bousozoku]

If you're really worried about the camera sensors in a phone, especially in the least expensive iPhone, buy a camera.

There are other options, such as refurbished iPhone models that may give you more for your money.

 

[drugdoubles]

If you're really worried about the camera sensors in a phone, especially in the least expensive iPhone, buy a camera.

There are other options, such as refurbished iPhone models that may give you more for your money.

why not buy a samsung s25 plus? same new phone price compare to 16e over here

 

[bousozoku]

why not buy a samsung s25 plus? same new phone price compare to 16e over here

I wouldn't buy another Samsung product ever. If someone else does that, it's their business.

I was looking at a video of this new Xiaomi Laserlink add-on with Four-Thirds sensor. Supposedly, it's a 100 MP when the professional micro Four-Thirds models using that sensor size max out at 25.5 MP. The sensor is in the add-on, not in the phone.

The video seemed to show it working decently, but I wouldn't expect much given that the pixel density is four times normal. Then again, what phone's camera sensor isn't packed tight?

 

[BenGoren]

why not buy a samsung s25 plus? same new phone price compare to 16e over here

Because, for everybody on MacRumors who doesn’t post as “drugdoubles,” the 16e’s camera is plenty good enough and the fact that it’s an iPhone running iOS in the Apple ecosystem is far more important than whether or not some particular Android phone might or might not have a marginally better camera.

I will say this, though. You, “drugdoubles,” would be most well served by buying literally any other phone sold today other than the 16e. It most emphatically is the worst possible phone for you to buy. It’d be worse than a waste of money for you.

So please, please, please, do not buy a 16e.

You’ve also done your duty. You’ve warned the rest of us that it’s not the phone for anybody who shares your values. I’m pretty confident that nobody who shares your values who reads this thread will buy a 16e.

Message received, loud and clear.

Cheers,

b&

 

[drugdoubles]

Because, for everybody on MacRumors who doesn’t post as “drugdoubles,” the 16e’s camera is plenty good enough and the fact that it’s an iPhone running iOS in the Apple ecosystem is far more important than whether or not some particular Android phone might or might not have a marginally better camera.

I will say this, though. You, “drugdoubles,” would be most well served by buying literally any other phone sold today other than the 16e. It most emphatically is the worst possible phone for you to buy. It’d be worse than a waste of money for you.

So please, please, please, do not buy a 16e.

You’ve also done your duty. You’ve warned the rest of us that it’s not the phone for anybody who shares your values. I’m pretty confident that nobody who shares your values who reads this thread will buy a 16e.

Message received, loud and clear.

Cheers,

b&

Not planning to buy an iPhone with worse than $59 android phone hardware. No magic can make a 7 years old sensor size match with current top tier phone camera

 

[thefrost]

Parts bin phone

Tim Cook special

Refurb 15 Pro (or new on a carrier deal) is a far better use of a similar amount of money

Absolutely. The iPhone 15 Pro is much better to go for.

 

[jntdroid]

Absolutely. The iPhone 15 Pro is much better to go for.

Unless battery life is your #1 priority and other perks are not, it's hard to argue with this assuming the same or similar cost.

The problem is they're still harder to come by, you'll have no (or very limited) warranty, and you won't always know the history of where it came from or what its been through.

 

[JuicyGoomba]

Exactly... if the camera is THE most important part, buy an actual camera! No smartphone will ever better a dedicated large sensor and high quality glass.

Bro we get it, you bought a 16e and you're upset that someone wanted to have a discussion about simple facts relating to Apple's latest scam.

Trying to deflect over and over again whenever OP proves you wrong is not a good look. Put your phone down and step outside.

 

[thefrost]

Unless battery life is your #1 priority and other perks are not, it's hard to argue with this assuming the same or similar cost.

The problem is they're still harder to come by, you'll have no (or very limited) warranty, and you won't always know the history of where it came from or what its been through.

It definitely depends on what you prioritise. If you can find one in a good condition, that's not bad.

 

[jntdroid]

It definitely depends on what you prioritise. If you can find one in a good condition, that's not bad.

The other thing that's interesting about the 15 Pro is the size. Don't get me wrong, it's miniscule. But technically speaking the frame of the 15 Pro is smaller than the 16 line, standard 15, 16e, 14, etc.... the camera protrusion is massive and kind of offsets that. But if you're looking strictly at the length/width, it's technically slightly smaller than all of them over the past few years.

 

[thefrost]

The other thing that's interesting about the 15 Pro is the size. Don't get me wrong, it's miniscule. But technically speaking the frame of the 15 Pro is smaller than the 16 line, standard 15, 16e, 14, etc.... the camera protrusion is massive and kind of offsets that. But if you're looking strictly at the length/width, it's technically slightly smaller than all of them over the past few years.

Good point.

 

[RRC]

Bro we get it, you bought a 16e and you're upset that someone wanted to have a discussion about simple facts relating to Apple's latest scam.

Trying to deflect over and over again whenever OP proves you wrong is not a good look. Put your phone down and step outside.

Makes no odds to me, I’ve got a 6k Leica sat next to me hence I bought the 16e but could have bought any phone I wanted. OP has not proved me wrong once.

 

[vvvvvv]

The other thing that's interesting about the 15 Pro is the size. Don't get me wrong, it's miniscule. But technically speaking the frame of the 15 Pro is smaller than the 16 line, standard 15, 16e, 14, etc.... the camera protrusion is massive and kind of offsets that. But if you're looking strictly at the length/width, it's technically slightly smaller than all of them over the past few years.

This is a huge factor. I tried to move away from my 13 mini size multiple times, the 15 Pro is narrower than the 16 line but the weight is obnoxious and it's mostly at the top with the absurd camera bumps.

 

[UpsideDownEclair]

Not planning to buy an iPhone with worse than $59 android phone hardware. No magic can make a 7 years old sensor size match with current top tier phone camera

...Then go get a $59 android? Yes the 16e feels weird at that high of a price but what’s the point of this thread? Not that Apple isn’t being run by bean counters [which they are], but this phone’s target market frankly isn’t photog enthusiasts, it’s moreso whoever simply wants A Phone.

 

[drugdoubles]

...Then go get a $59 android? Yes the 16e feels weird at that high of a price but what’s the point of this thread? Not that Apple isn’t being run by bean counters [which they are], but this phone’s target market frankly isn’t photog enthusiasts, it’s moreso whoever simply wants A Phone.

Why not get a $599 Android? S24 plus ( not s25) is that price range as long as not in USA or Europe.

 

[drugdoubles]

Bro we get it, you bought a 16e and you're upset that someone wanted to have a discussion about simple facts relating to Apple's latest scam.

Trying to deflect over and over again whenever OP proves you wrong is not a good look. Put your phone down and step outside.

Even Apple makes a phone without camera, lets call it 16e max, some people still can argue it is the best, look how people happily lived without a phone camera 50 years ago.

 

[UpsideDownEclair]

Why not get a $599 Android? S24 plus ( not s25) is that price range as long as not in USA or Europe.

So let me get this straight. A $599 android is a valid choice, but an iPhone 16e that’s identically priced, isn’t, even though neither of those is a flagship offering with zero compromises whatsoever?

 

[throAU]

How bad is 1/2.55? The latest Xiaomi 15 Ultra phone has 1 inch sensor, which is around 487% sensor size of 1/2.55

48MP photo is nothing. When you zoom in is just some "pattern" without any detail. 1/2.55 photo is not even clear without any zoom in.

You're looking at the cheapest spec iPhone and comparing it to a third party flagship.

 

[drugdoubles]

So let me get this straight. A $599 android is a valid choice, but an iPhone 16e that’s identically priced, isn’t, even though neither of those is a flagship offering with zero compromises whatsoever?

I honestly like the Apple logo, it does make me feel better, I am replying you with a pro phone.

The city I live in is a realistic one, and some people would treat you badly or bring up none sense agreement or bully you if they guess you are poor. Bringing a 3 camera pro phone is practical over here for a more peacful living.

 

[vvvvvv]

I honestly like the Apple logo, it does make me feel better, I am replying you with a pro phone.

The city I live in is a realistic one, and some people would treat you badly or bring up none sense agreement or bully you if they guess you are poor. Bringing a 3 camera pro phone is practical over here for a more peacful living.

This whole thread makes so much more sense now.

 

[Azzurro]

lmao I knew it the moment the portrait mode didn't work on pets/objects...it took me back to my Xr days already.