Galaxy S24 Ultra Vs iPhone 15 Pro Which Has Better Low-Light Photography
When it comes to low-light photography, the choice between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the iPhone 15 Pro can be crucial for those who frequently capture images in dimly lit environments. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which phone excels in this critical aspect.
Camera Hardware and Settings
Both phones boast impressive camera setups, but their approaches differ significantly.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: This phone features a 200MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens. Despite the high-resolution sensor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra defaults to 12MP shots, which can affect low-light performance.
- iPhone 15 Pro: The iPhone 15 Pro is equipped with a 48MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone captures 24MP photos, providing twice the detail of the Galaxy S24 Ultra's default setting.
Low-Light Performance
Main Camera Comparison
In low-light conditions, the iPhone 15 Pro tends to perform better due to its superior image processing and higher native resolution.
- iPhone 15 Pro: The iPhone 15 Pro excels in low-light scenarios by capturing images with better detail retention and less noise. This is partly because of its higher contrast and saturation, which help in bringing out more details from the shadows.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: While the Galaxy S24 Ultra can produce brighter images in low light, it sometimes compromises on realism. The phone's tendency to boost shadows can introduce noise, especially in the sky, which may appear as an inky blue rather than a natural dark blue.
Zoom and Detail
When it comes to zooming in low light, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has an advantage with its 5x telephoto lens, but the iPhone's image processing still holds its ground.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: The 5x telephoto lens on the Galaxy S24 Ultra provides sharper images at higher zoom levels, but this can come with over-sharpening that might not always be desirable.
- iPhone 15 Pro: The iPhone 15 Pro's 3x telephoto lens, while not as powerful as the Galaxy's 5x lens, still manages to capture more detail at the same distance due to its superior image processing. This results in a more natural look without excessive sharpening.
Practical Scenarios
Real-World Examples
To illustrate the differences, consider the following scenarios:
- Street Photography: In a cityscape at night, the iPhone 15 Pro tends to capture more detailed images of streetlights, building facades, and people, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra might produce a brighter but noisier image.
- Indoor Photography: Inside a dimly lit restaurant, the iPhone 15 Pro will likely capture more natural colors and better detail in shadows, whereas the Galaxy S24 Ultra might introduce more noise and an unnatural brightness.
Additional Features and Considerations
Camera Interface and Controls
The camera interface can also play a significant role in low-light photography.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a more comprehensive Pro mode with controls for shutter speed, focus, ISO, and more. This can be beneficial for manual adjustments in low light.
- iPhone 15 Pro: The iPhone 15 Pro's native camera app lacks these advanced controls, requiring users to rely on third-party apps for more manual control.
Video Recording
For those who also consider video recording, both phones offer advanced features but differ in their approach.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Galaxy S24 Ultra provides a Pro video mode, giving users more control over video recording settings.
- iPhone 15 Pro: The iPhone 15 Pro offers Cinematic mode for video recording, which provides a shallow depth of field effect but lacks the advanced manual controls of the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Conclusion
In the realm of low-light photography, the iPhone 15 Pro generally outperforms the Galaxy S24 Ultra due to its superior image processing, higher native resolution, and better detail retention. However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra's ability to produce brighter images and its advanced Pro mode controls make it a strong contender for those who prefer more manual control and a warmer tone.
When deciding between these two phones, consider your specific needs: if you prioritize natural colors and detailed low-light images, the iPhone 15 Pro might be the better choice. If you prefer more manual control and a brighter, though sometimes noisier, image, the Galaxy S24 Ultra could be the way to go.