iPhone 16 Macro Photo Differences May Be Software, Not Hardware

With outdoor photography off the table due to inclement weather, I decided to evaluate the macro photography features of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, while also comparing it to its predecessor.

In theory, the macro images produced by this year’s model should exhibit significantly greater detail, thanks to the new 48MP sensor. That said, the differences observed between the two devices are not as pronounced as one might expect, suggesting that the processing algorithms may play a more critical role than the sensor resolution itself.

Grasping the Megapixel Dilemma

For many years, Apple refrained from participating in the megapixel race. While numerous Android manufacturers proudly showcased cameras with 50MP or even 100MP capabilities, Apple remained steadfast with its 12MP approach.

This resistance had solid reasoning behind it. Higher resolution images mean packing more pixels into the same sensor size. Smaller pixels can lead to an increase in noise, which is why high-end DSLRs often had lower resolutions compared to some smartphones, as brands prioritize pixel quality over quantity.

However, Apple had to come to terms with consumer preferences that often equate higher numbers with better quality. This shift resulted in Apple adopting a 48MP main sensor, a change echoed in this year’s Pro models, which also feature 48MP sensors for the ultra-wide camera employed in macro shots.

A Brief Note on 1:1 Crops

For the entirety of the comparison images, you have the option to click or tap to view full-size versions, including 100% crops, which allow you to assess quality at 1:1 scale.

Nonetheless, it’s worth mentioning that a 1:1 examination often lacks practical relevance. Even when creating large prints, people typically view them from a distance, so few would lean in closely to inspect details.

Comparison Shots

iPhone 15 Pro Max:

iPhone 16 Pro Max:

Now presenting the 1:1 crops—first from the iPhone 15, followed by the 16:

This year’s model indeed captures finer details, and I personally believe this is noticeable even from a normal viewing distance.

The second image also caught me off guard; the older model seems to present more noise than the new one.

iPhone 15 Pro Max:

iPhone 16 Pro Max:

And here are the 100% crops, showcasing the iPhone 15 first:

I strongly suspect that the iPhone 16 employs more aggressive noise reduction and sharpening. Therefore, it seems the differences here stem less from the sensor and more from varying photo processing techniques.

Apple has a history of enhancing the level of default processing applied with each new iteration of its devices. This generally results in sharper images, elevated HDR settings, more saturated colors, and increased noise reduction. Personally, I’m not entirely pleased by these shifts.

In this specific compensation, however, the latest processing methods do yield a more visually appealing result.

I have similar suspicions regarding the next image as well, where I believe the crispness of the iPhone 16 Pro Max pertains more to processing than to hardware advancements.

iPhone 15 Pro Max:

iPhone 16 Pro Max:

And for the usual pixel-peeping: here are the 100% crops with the older model first:

You might start seeing a pattern as we shift to the next example of a canvas print.

iPhone 15 Pro Max:

iPhone 16 Pro Max:

And here are the 1:1 crops from each device:

At first glance, it appears that the newer model captures more detail, though I feel it mainly represents the effects of sharpening and enhanced noise reduction.

Similarly, we find the following: iPhone 15 Pro Max:

iPhone 16 Pro Max:

Hungry for the standard pixel inspection below:

Looking at the results, I conclude that aggressive processing appears to have led to a muddier image from the 16 model.

Finally, examining the last comparison; iPhone 15 Pro Max:

iPhone 16 Pro Max:

Let’s check the 1:1 crops in the same sequence:

Final Thoughts

I’d like to believe the 48MP sensor is providing more detail than the previous 12MP, but the truth seems to reflect a scientific limit. The continued use of smaller pixels leads to increased noise and necessitates more processing to manage that better. The observed differences largely stem not from hardware but from the processing techniques employed.

Indeed, preferences vary widely, and what Apple ultimately delivers caters to the majority’s preferences. In the realm of smartphone photography, everyday users typically desire sharp, vibrant images with optimal shadow details and minimal noise, which the iPhone adeptly provides.

However, if you are keen to explore macro photography, the increase in detail isn’t as significant as one might anticipate.

Photo: 9to5Mac