Order the just-launched Galaxy Fold7, Flip7, or Watch8 Classic – New deal Galaxy S25 Ultra
Last updated: September 19th, 2023 at 11:35 UTC+02:00
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The tech from high-end iPhones tends to trickle down to other models in the coming years. So even as the current Pro Max's lens moves down in the lineup, it still won't enable the iPhone 16 Pro to hold a candle to the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which would be an entire generation old by then.
We've already highlighted how Apple had the chance to match Samsung's zoom capabilities but blew it. The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a “tetraprism” zoom lens to provide 5x optical zoom. On the other hand, Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra provides 10x optical zoom that already outclasses the new iPhone.
Even iPhone owners have begun to realize that their Apple phones are no match for the zoom capabilities provided by Samsung's top-of-the-line flagship. This has become evident particularly to concertgoers who find the difference between the iPhone and Galaxy S23 Ultra as clear as night and day.
Famed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that next year's device, likely called the iPhone 16 Pro, will get the same tetraprism system that was introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro Max this year, so it will only manage 5x optical zoom. There's no word as yet if Apple will expand the Pro Max's capabilities next year to hit 10x, but considering how Apple likes to take its time, this may not happen for a couple of years.
Evidently, the only true option for customers who prioritize a good zoom camera on their smartphones is the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which is going to be replaced by the Galaxy S24 Ultra in a few months. One can only imagine how much better the camera on that is going to be.
Adnan Farooqui is a long-term writer at SamMobile. Based in Pakistan, his interests include technology, finance, Swiss watches and Formula 1. His tendency to write long posts betrays his inclination to being a man of few words.
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