By making its new smartphones official, Apple emphasized the new photo capabilities of all iPhone 16s, in particular the Pro and Pro Max which benefit from a new ultra-wide-angle module supporting macro mode. But are the photos really better than with the iPhone 15? We compared the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max. And here are our results.
On September 9, Apple presented four new smartphones. The iPhone 16 and its three usual versions: “Plus”, “Pro” and “Pro Max”. There are many new things to discover there. Here are the main ones:
- The bouton « Action » for more economical models
- The touch photo shutter for the entire range
- THE larger screens for “Pro” models
- The new processors A18 and A18 Proreplacing the A16 Bionic and A17 Pro
- The new steam chamber to keep Pro models cool
What are the photo improvements of the iPhone 16?
Photography is obviously not left out, since all models benefit from a new ultra wide-angle module to create light, but above all to capture good quality macros. However, the improvement of this module is not identical for the two iPhone ranges. The standard and Plus models incorporate the same 12 megapixel sensor. But here it is accompanied by a larger aperture lens (f/2.2 against f/2.4) and it is adorned with a double autofocus phase detection to focus.
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On the Pro and Pro Max side, the ultra wide-angle module benefits from a new 48 megapixel sensoras on the main module. Its opening remains the same. And autofocus, already present in 2023, is renewed in 2024. In addition, the Pro and Pro Max models can now film in Dolby Vision, 4K and 120 frames per second simultaneously. For a considerable weight of 900 mo/s. Latest addition which only concerns the iPhone 16 Pro: it benefits from the same 5x optical zoom (and no longer 3x) than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: the match of the photo giants
The Phonandroid editorial team wanted to know if all of its new features had an impact on improving the quality of the photos. So we compared the iPhone 15 Pro Max with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Note that the iPhone 15 Pro Max is set to the “intense” tone, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is set to the “standard” style, which explains the differences in brightness.
Main sensor: iPhone 15 Pro Max on the left, iPhone 16 Pro Max on the right
5x optical zoom: iPhone 15 Pro Max on the left, iPhone 16 Pro Max on the right
We note that the results are generally quite similar, with good respect for colors and a high level of detail. The autofocus is very precise and allows you to play with depths. There is ultimately very little difference between the two smartphones when the photos are taken during the day, with bright sunshine. It is therefore not during the day that you will notice a difference. Even with the ultra wide-angle sensor: the iPhone 16 Pro Max continues to capture its photos by default in 12 megapixels with this module (compared to 24 megapixels with the main module).
iPhone 16 Pro Max, main sensor, rear focus
iPhone 16 Pro Max, main sensor, front focus
iPhone 16 Pro Max, capteur principal, zoom lossless 2x
iPhone 15 Pro Max, capteur principal, zoom lossless 2x
In the evening, there are not many differences either. Night mode is always automatic, with artificial intelligence increasing exposure time depending on needs and subject. However, we do notice an improvement in the brightness of the ultra-wide-angle sensor. Remember that, by default, it captures in 12 megapixels, using the “Pixel Bining” technique to increase the influx of light and improve contrasts.
iPhone 16 Pro Max, main sensor, automatic night mode
Main sensor, night mode: iPhone 15 Pro Max on the left, iPhone 16 Pro Max on the right
This change in the ultra wide-angle module also has an impact on the quality of the macros: they are very good during the day and remain much better than with other cameras in the evening. Unlike previous iPhones, you can get close enough to the subject to capture plenty of detail. This applies to both photography and video.
iPhone 16 Pro Max, ultra wide angle sensor, automatic macro mode
iPhone 16 Pro Max, ultra wide angle sensor, auto macro mode, auto night mode
We therefore agree with the conclusions of the DXOMark laboratory which estimates that the iPhone 16 Pro Max is better than the iPhone 15 Pro Max in photos. But the differences mainly concern points of detail. We haven’t tested the new Photographic Styles that replace Tones here, to focus on the raw capabilities of the two phones. But we invite you to our complete test of the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max to discover them in detail. They will be available on Phonandroid in October 2024.
