iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S21 Ultra: Camera Test

The flagship of Apple - iPhone 12 Pro Max and the flagship of Samsung - Galaxy S21 Ultra have arrived, both represent the top-end mobiles of each respective camp. Apple and Samsung are the two market leaders in the mobile industry, and as their highest-end mobile, iPhone 12 Pro Max and Galaxy S21 Ultra are both big and equip every feature you expected. However, between two phones, which is the ultimate productivity beast? Today, we gonna focus on their camera systems. Let's check it out.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max and Galaxy S21 Ultra battle largely hinges on the cameras, and both phones are very well armed. The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a main 12MP f/1.6 sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera, a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto zoom lens with 2.5x optical zoom, and a LiDAR sensor that helps measure distance and depth, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra, features a main 108MP f/1.8 sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera, a main 10MP f/4.9 main telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, a 10MP f/2.4 secondary telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and a ToF sensor that also helps measure distance and focus.

Both iPhone 12 Pro Max and Galaxy S21 Ultra take some of the best mobile photographs. Although the numbers might look less impressive on Apple's camera, we were still impressed in below review. Each phone delivers excellent cameras capable of capturing sweeping landscapes. Let's have fun in blind photos, and you can find the answer at the end of this blog. 

All photos labeled "A" were taken by iPhone 12 Pro Max, while "B" were taken by Galaxy S21 Ultra. Do you get the right answer? If you had observed closely, you will find that the Galaxy S21 Ultra has superior zoom, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max captures more true-to-life images. You will be wondering that a phone equipped with LiDAR sensor and a phone equipped with ToF sensor, which bokeh and portrait photo will be better? Let's check it out. 

All photos labeled "A" were taken by iPhone 12 Pro Max, while "B" were taken by Galaxy S21 Ultra. As you can see, in terms of portrait photos, the most obvious difference is that the white balance of the iPhone 12 Pro Max is warmer and softer when shooting indoor, which produces an unnatural skin tone. It is strange that once the iPhone 12 Pro Max is switched to portrait mode, the color accuracy will be reduced. Apple may think this appearance is more visually appealing. Samsung is more neutral in color processing and looks more accurate, especially when shooting in cold winter mornings.

When it comes to details, the iPhone 12 Pro Max captures better details and textures like hair and fabric than the S21 Ultra. The Galaxy S21 Ultra looks a bit fuzzy and soft, which may be the result of post-processing. In terms of bokeh and portrait, both phones have clear advantages and disadvantages. Samsung is better in color, HDR and bokeh accuracy, while Apple is better in portrait detail and bokeh quality.

However, what the Galaxy S21 Ultra really works is the zoom camera, which has a 3x optical zoom and a 10x optical zoom lenses. In contrast, the maximum optical zoom of iPhone 12 Pro Max is 2.5 times larger than the iPhone 11 Pro Max. Actually, a further focal length lens really does add a whole new option for composing your images that the iPhone simply can's provide and means that you can walk around with a more complete photography kit bag, and ready for any scene you come across. Because the huge gap between telephoto lenses of two phones, here will only post two photos for simple comparison.

iPhone 12 Pro Max, 2.5x zoom

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, 10x optical zoom

Conclusion

Which camera is the best is not an easy question to answer. They are both superb with excellent dynamic range, natural color and great details. If you care about detail, the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a good grasp of preserving details, as shown in both day and night shots. If you want the camera features a more comprehensive focal length, then the Galaxy S21 Ultra is undoubtedly a better choice. If you have enough budgets, you can own two mobiles in hands at once. If you are still wondering how to transfer data between iPhone and Samsung, you can click this link to view more details.