iPhone X vs. Galaxy S9+: Which Smartphone Has a Better Camera?

[christian_koehler]

The quality of smartphone cameras plateaus for two or three years now. The manufacturers add gimmicks like this ridiculous fake bokeh or portrait modes but seem to be unable to improve the actual image quality. Zoom in a bit and the mess becomes apparent.

Tony Northrups photography channel on Youtuibe has a series of videos aout the impact oft senor size on picture quality, noise, aequivalent apertures etc.
This was about larger sensors (MFT, APS, FullFrame), but it is probably the same for tiny sensors like phone cameras. One of the questions was: "Can better technology in newer sensors compensate for smaller size?".
He compared data about many old & new cameras and it seams like signal to noise ratio improves by "about half a stop every 5 years". So a new APS-C dSLR can compete with a FullFrame that is 10 years old.
If the trend continues it will take well into the 2050s until a 1/2.5'' phone sensor can match a 2018 APS-dSLR in terms of low light performance.
But Tony sais, progress is actually slowing down.

 

[0958400]

The major difference lies in metering modes.
These pictures are not identical and not taken under the same conditions.
The iPhone's metering mode is focused on a darker part of the picture, whereas the other's is on the lighter area - thus compensating for the overblown highlights in the iPhone's pictures.
Whoever did this intended to make the Samsung look more realistic.
Switch on HDR on the iPhone and adjust the light measure and you'll get similar, if not better results.

 

[mkldev]

I would have been nice to have a third set of pictures taken with a professional DSLR to compare. Both pics look good, but we can't tell which one is closer to reality.

This assumes a DSLR even approximates reality in terms of tone. Realistically, they don't, which is why everybody shoots RAW and adjusts color in post.

That's also why the Galaxy S9 stomped the iPhone X in my opinion. It produced a wider dynamic range without clipping, and contained more detail. Those are the only things you can't really fix in post-production. I could take the S9 photo and make it look nearly identical to the iPhone picture by brightening it until the highs blow out, adjusting the color balance, and applying a blur filter. I can't take the iPhone photo and make it look like the S9 photo, because too much information was lost.

This is unsurprising. What would be shocking would be if the iPhone X produced a technically better photo than a camera released half a year later.

 

[w5jck]

EVERY camera I've ever seen in any phone has been total garbage compared to even a somewhat decent, digital, purpose built camera. Any photographer, whether a pro or an enthusiast or hobbiest, who has a lot of experience will tell you the most important part of a camera is the lens. No camera with a tiny Cracker-Jack box prize lens and a tiny sensor is ever going to be worth more than a pound of poop. All the photos in this galley were terrible. If you want good photos, then buy a camera rather than using a smartphone with a pile of camera poop built into it. If you want Facebook, Instagram, etc. photos, then a smartphone camera will work, though it will look like garbage. If you want good photos, you need a better camera.

 

[henrikhelmers]

The processing done by Apple is appalling. Instead of "embracing the grain" Apple has chosen to sharpen and blur the images so hard they are simply painful to look at. I see Samsung is doing similar things with sharpening.

If you shoot RAW (DNG) you can tell why they do this, as even at base ISO there is significant noise. But noise is not a problem*. Yes, it is harder to compress. But too much of the image gets thrown out with the noise. I wish Apple would add options to:

a) Shoot RAW with the Camera app
b) Disable luminance noise reduction for JPEGs

Apple is usually commended for doing things tastefully. But their image processing is not tasteful. I think it could be. I am greatly enjoing VSCO filters for Lightroom. Apple should flex their financial muscle and do something amazing in this field, since they control the entire pipeline.

*If you want to be cynical, it is not unreasonable that the noise has been filtered away to give the impression of better camera performance. And after years of doing so Apple cannot stop or throttle back as that would suddenly make their images look "worse".

 

[janearmante]

I humbly disagree. I would bet that a significant proportion of Instagram/Facebook photos have filters applied post-production.

Nope. Please follow the context of the conversation.
[doublepost=1521388879][/doublepost]

I suspect that the prevalence of camera brand used in social media is tied to phone market share and that alone. After all, most people don't have a second handset specifically for this purpose. Q4'17 showed Apple had 19.2% and Samsung had 18.4% - ref: https://www.statista.com/statistics...by-smartphone-vendors-since-4th-quarter-2009/

No. It is based on demographics. Please expand your research.

 

[DNichter]

Funny how up in arms people get over this. It’s okay if the X pictures look better to some people, it’s still surprising though. I expected the S9 to blow it away, but it doesn’t at all. The Pixel line is the only competition out there for Apple.

 

[cupneverempty]

I prefer the iPhone X photos. I reviewed them on my iPhone X only. Perhaps a large monitor may make a difference, I’d like to think not.
Thanks

Over the course of this week, we've been taking a look at Samsung's new flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S9+, as these two devices are the iPhone X's biggest competition.

In our latest video, available on the MacRumors YouTube channel, we compared the Samsung Galaxy S9+'s dual-lens camera with variable aperture to the vertical dual-lens camera in the iPhone X.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

Samsung decided to focus heavily on image quality in its latest devices, and the S9+ has a 12-megapixel f/1.5 to f/2.4 variable aperture lens as its main camera, which is paired with a 12-megapixel f/2.4 telephoto lens, similar to what's available in the iPhone X.

A variable aperture is unique to Samsung's new devices, and it offers some benefits that are going to improve image quality. With a variable aperture, it's easier to find a balance between light and image quality.

Click to enlarge​

At the wider f/1.5 aperture, the Galaxy S9+ camera can let in more light in low light situations, but a wider aperture tends to compromise image sharpness at the edges of the photo. In conditions where the lighting is better, the narrower f/2.4 aperture will provide a crisper higher-quality image. The Galaxy S9+ can automatically select the proper aperture for the best image.

The iPhone X has two lenses like the Galaxy S9+, but no adjustable aperture, and that gives the S9+ a bit of an edge. As you'll see in the images below, though, both the iPhone X and the Galaxy S9+ have fantastic cameras that are capable of taking some amazing images.

In these photos, we used an automatic mode to capture the images, and no editing was done. This image of a sunset demonstrates some key differences between the two cameras. The S9+ offers a crisper image with more definition, but the colors in the iPhone X image are warmer and more true to life.

Click to enlarge​

The Galaxy S9+ has a "Live Focus" mode that's similar to Portrait Mode on the iPhone X, and the photo below compares Live Focus with Portrait Mode. Both of these modes have some issues, but making adjustments to blur is easier on the Galaxy S9+, which gives it the win over the iPhone X. In general, the Galaxy S9 also has more built-in image editing tools with its Pro Mode for taking manual photos.

Click to enlarge​

In addition to images, we also took a look at video modes. Samsung's Galaxy S9 can record in slow motion at 960 FPS, a unique feature because the iPhone X's slo-mo maxes out at 240 FPS. Both devices can also record in 4K video with optical image stabilization, but the Galaxy S9+'s video was less jittery. The iPhone X did win out when it came to suppressing outdoor wind sound, though.

Both of these cameras, as mentioned before, are great and can capture images that are on par with DSLRs in some situations, but there are definitely some features that make the Galaxy S9+ ever so slightly better than iPhone X when it comes to image and video quality.

Click to enlarge​

Of course, Apple is going to be introducing the successor to the iPhone X in about six months, and with the camera improvements that come with every new upgrade, it's likely iPhones coming in 2018 will outshine the Galaxy S9+.

Which images do you prefer? iPhone X or Galaxy S9+? Let us know in the comments.

Make sure to check out our other videos, which have compared the Galaxy S9 to the iPhone X and pitted Animoji against Samsung's new AR Emoji.

Article Link: iPhone X vs. Galaxy S9+: Which Smartphone Has a Better Camera?

 

[wigby]

IMO, I prefer the iPhone X photos in these examples...

This is the first time I prefer Samsung's photos over all iPhone photos. iPhone has become notorious for blowing out highlights so it's an easy spot. Overall, contrast seems to be bit more aggressive on iPhone while Samsung has pulled back. They've actually flip flopped compared to past comparisons.

But in the end, these difference are only noticeable in side by side comparisons so who really cares? They are both good enough to the point of these comparisons being totally meaningless. It's all about the overall experience and value of device. That is something that Samsung and their customers never seem to fully grasp.

 

[9081094]

In normal daylight they’re close. I like the colors of the iPhone more but the Samsung is definitely showing more detail.

If those phones were similar priced it wouldn’t be a problem. But the Samsung offers so much more for less it’s an embarrassment for Apple.

After you’ve seen this video below from an Pro Apple oriented site you’ll understand what I mean:

 

[The Game 161]

In normal daylight they’re close. I like the colors of the iPhone more but the Samsung is definitely showing more detail.

If those phones were similar priced it wouldn’t be a problem. But the Samsung offers so much more for less it’s an embarrassment for Apple.

After you’ve seen this video below from an Pro Apple oriented site you’ll understand what I mean:

You’ve posted a video for a speed test in two threads now..seriously?

You think people buy devices over another based one one phone bring half a sec faster?

Samsung software is still below par even if the hardware is great. So no it isn’t an embarrassment for Apple as for many IOS is a far better experience

 

[citysnaps]

The ones that pick the S9 over the X in these comparision are mostly the ones that knows more about photography and knows about "dynamic range" and such and probably own a Dslr and take photos as a hobby. And the ones that pick the X probably use that as their main camera. I bet most of the people that pick the X probably doesn't even know what dynamic range is.

The “ones” that really know about photography and produce strong images as photographers know that with respect to the X vs S9, it makes no difference.

 

[9081094]

You’ve posted a video for a speed test in two threads now..seriously?

You think people buy devices over another based one one phone bring half a sec faster?

Samsung software is still below par even if the hardware is great. So no it isn’t an embarrassment for Apple as for many IOS is a far better experience

Yes I did. iPhone has lost the crown in quality, user friendliness, speed and price. The video shows it and iphone’s Cameras, one of the last key selling points, has lost its crown too. Want me to post a video of the evidence?

 

[The Game 161]

Yes I did. iPhone has lost the crown in quality, user friendliness, speed and price. The video shows it and iphone’s Cameras, one of the last key selling points, has lost its crown too. Want me to post a video of the evidence?

What evidence?

Only area iPhone you could say is bad and that’s price

Everything else it’s top of the pile in quality

iPhone camera in most tests show it was only beaten by the pixel

What’s embarrassing is note 8 is only just getting android 8.0 software update while the new android P is out for developers

Now that’s embarrassing

Samsung make amazing phones but the software is so embarrassing. Updates matter and it’s a joke how slow it is.

Compare the cameras with 2018 device vs 2018 device instead of 2017 vs 2018

Not really apples issue Samsung brings out their new flagship a lot earlier.

 

[Applemaniac7]

That’s the reason iPhone wins in general. The average user doesn’t care about post editing whatsoever. They want photos that are readily instagrammable - photos that look accurate and natural. In fact, iPhone remains the most popular camera in terms of usage in social media.

Instagram and accurate and natural in the same sentence lol.. its filter heaven!!

 

[Synchromesh]

Generally, I hate taking pictures with a passion. It's just the way I am. I only do it for business (I sell things) or occasional pleasure use (cool cars on the street or similar). So to me any picture quality that's iPhone 6 or better is more than adequate. With that said, I strongly dislike anything Android. I owned an HTC before and it turned me off Android completely. So clear winner is always an iPhone in my book. Can't stand even looking at anything Android without cringing.

 

[henrikhelmers]

Attaching an example of how iPhone process images. Make sure to look at 100%.

 

[Andretti]

That’s the reason iPhone wins in general. The average user doesn’t care about post editing whatsoever. They want photos that are readily instagrammable - photos that look accurate and natural. In fact, iPhone remains the most popular camera in terms of usage in social media.

I agree that without post edit I would choose iPhone over Samsung with these examples. But like someone wrote a 10 second edit would do it

 

[grkm3]

What evidence?

Only area iPhone you could say is bad and that’s price

Everything else it’s top of the pile in quality

iPhone camera in most tests show it was only beaten by the pixel

What’s embarrassing is note 8 is only just getting android 8.0 software update while the new android P is out for developers

Now that’s embarrassing

Samsung make amazing phones but the software is so embarrassing. Updates matter and it’s a joke how slow it is.

Compare the cameras with 2018 device vs 2018 device instead of 2017 vs 2018

Not really apples issue Samsung brings out their new flagship a lot earlier.

Lol android p doesn't even have a name yet and it's in it pre beta beta development.

It wont be out officially on the pixel until Thanksgiving time line.

 

[The Game 161]

Lol android p dont even have a name yet and it's in it pre beta beta development.

It wont br out officially on the pixel until Thanksgiving time line.

Doesn’t change the fact a 6 month old phone has only just started to get last years android update

 

[grkm3]

Doesn’t change the fact a 6 month old phone has only just started to get last years android update

And that 6 month old phone has more features than android p.

Samsungs version of oreo is 10x better than vanilla oreo on the pixel.

Half the features on the pre beta have been on samsung phones already

 

[kemal]

The Samsung seems more to the murky and the iPhone seems to be over adjusted in contrast. Seems fake. Neither is all that good.

*I have a S9+*

 

[pl1984]

EVERY camera I've ever seen in any phone has been total garbage compared to even a somewhat decent, digital, purpose built camera. Any photographer, whether a pro or an enthusiast or hobbiest, who has a lot of experience will tell you the most important part of a camera is the lens. No camera with a tiny Cracker-Jack box prize lens and a tiny sensor is ever going to be worth more than a pound of poop. All the photos in this galley were terrible. If you want good photos, then buy a camera rather than using a smartphone with a pile of camera poop built into it. If you want Facebook, Instagram, etc. photos, then a smartphone camera will work, though it will look like garbage. If you want good photos, you need a better camera.

While I do not disagree with most of what you said I decided to respond because you're missing something important: A decent, digital, purpose built camera is not as readily available as the one in a smartphone. As someone who has a couple of dSLR cameras and decent glass I can say I have more memories from my smartphone than I ever have with my dSLR. Why? Because I don't carry a dSLR around with me like I do my smartphone.

There's a saying that goes something to the effect of "The best camera for a photo is the one you have with you". With the advent of high quality smartphone cameras I've abandoned every type of point and shoot camera I've ever owned. I use the dSLRs when I want (or need) to its ability to take the best photo possible.

 

[T-R-S]

Don't know about everyone else, but I buy my phone ONLY for its ability to take photos. Making calls, browsing internet, and apps all take a back seat. iPhone X seems to be the better choice here.

My iPhone also vacuums my house, books flights, schedules my limo, monitors my house environment, camera, alarms, and even powers up and lights my recording studios ....

 

[pl1984]

Generally, I hate taking pictures with a passion. It's just the way I am. I only do it for business (I sell things) or occasional pleasure use (cool cars on the street or similar). So to me any picture quality that's iPhone 6 or better is more than adequate. With that said, I strongly dislike anything Android. I owned an HTC before and it turned me off Android completely. So clear winner is always an iPhone in my book. Can't stand even looking at anything Android without cringing.

So you tried one Android phone who knows how many years ago and you've lumped them all into the "can't stand" category? Don't you think a rational course of action is to examine all your options at the time you need to buy a new smartphone?