iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: A Blind Test
In this blind test, we compare the camera capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
U.S.S. Maine National Monument (ultra-wide)
To start off the test, we captured photos of the U.S.S. Maine National Monument using the ultra-wide cameras of both phones. The Galaxy S24 Ultra's photo appeared more natural and accurately portrayed the wintry scene, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max delivered better dynamic range and more vibrant colors.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max especially stood out in capturing cloud details, rendering more clouds in its photo compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Overall, the winner in this category was the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
U.S.S. Maine National Monument (wide)
Next, we took wide shots of the U.S.S. Maine National Monument at night. Despite the Galaxy S24 Ultra having a higher megapixel count, the iPhone 15 Pro Max outperformed it in capturing detailed textures and presenting richer colors. The iPhone photo was more appealing to participants, making it the winner in this category.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra did excel in reducing lens flare and maintaining clearer tree details, but the overall preference went to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Columbus Circle Globe and Magnolia Bakery cake (3x telephoto)
Moving on to the telephoto capabilities, we used the 3x zoom to capture photos of the Columbus Circle Globe and a display cake at Magnolia Bakery. Once again, the iPhone 15 Pro Max emerged as the winner.
The iPhone photo displayed crisper details, sharper focus, and preserved more color compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Participants found the textures in the iPhone photo to be more pronounced and engaging.
Flowers (10x zoom)
In this category, we tested the phones' abilities to zoom in at 10x. Surprisingly, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra outshined the iPhone 15 Pro Max, capturing a sharper and more detailed shot with less noise. The iPhone's software appeared to overcompensate, resulting in an overly pink tone for the flowers.
Thus, the winner in this zoom category was the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
