Camera comparison: Samsung Galaxy S7 vs Apple iPhone 6s Plus
2 min read . Updated: 31 Mar 2016, 04:15 AM ISTThe most consistent camera phone so far goes up against the newest Android kid on the block
There are a lot of reasons why the camera on the Apple iPhone 6s Plus (approx. ₹ 58,990 onwards) has turned out to be the most consistent so far, among the recent crop of smartphones. Apple did not succumb to the pressure and simply increase the megapixel count, and retained the 12-megapixel sensor, but instead focused on refinement of the image processing software as well as features including hybrid IR filter and five-element lens. But, things are changing, and finally there is an Android flagship smartphone that not only keeps up but also takes the performance a step further. The Samsung Galaxy S7 ( ₹ 48,990) does all this thanks to some nifty work with regards to the camera package. In the Galaxy S7, Samsung has a new 12-megapixel camera sensor with each pixel that is almost 56% larger than those on the Galaxy S6’s camera. The company also claims that this is capable of capturing up to 96% more light in the same environment, which means a significant improvement in the quality of low-light photos. The Dual Pixel system improves focus lock speed, which again improves low light performance.
Here is some comparative photographic evidence of how the Apple iPhone 6s Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S7 cameras perform.
From dusk…
Everything Samsung has done to make the camera better makes its presence felt here. The Galaxy S7’s capture looks better lit up, differentiates a lot better between the shadow and non-shadow areas and also captures details a lot better—you’ll notice this if you zoom into the Maruti S-Cross banner advertisement.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S7
Vibrant sky
While both photos look very similar at first glance, a closer inspection reveals that the Galaxy S7 does some things slightly better. Case in point, the sun—it is more subdued on the iPhone, while the extra energy of warm light is more apparent in the Galaxy S7. Also, at the very top of the photo, notice how the clouds in the iPhone’s photo miss out on a bit of sharpness, while the Galaxy S7 reproduces them crisply while distinguishing the blue sky quite clearly.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S7
Filling the room with light
This is where the Galaxy S7’s extra aggressive noise reduction algorithm becomes very apparent. In the iPhone 6s Plus’s photo, the candle looks natural, both in terms of colour as well as texture. The Galaxy S7 is cleaning out the surface of the candle, making it look unreal and a bit too smooth. There are some smudges on the glass, to the left of the flame—the iPhone recreates that, while the Galaxy S7 smudges it out.
Winner: Apple iPhone 6s Plus
Blooming flowers
While the scene looks better illuminated in the Galaxy S7’s photo, the overall colour tone is more natural in the iPhone 6s Plus’s photo. Both cameras have their strengths, which are apparent here.
Winner: Too close to call
The Doctor’s bike
The Galaxy S7’s depth of field prowess is on better show here, as the entire focus is on the subject. For some reason, the iPhone 6s Plus has reproduced a slightly warmer tone here, which spoils the overall colours.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S7
While the Apple iPhone 6s Plus still remains a very capable and consistent smartphone camera across a variety of lighting environments, the Samsung Galaxy S7 turns out slightly more vibrant images and is better in low light shots most of the time. For the time being, the iPhone 6s Plus gets relegated to second place, and there is a new camera stakes winner in town.
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