Smartphone photography in 2025 has reached a new level—and at the top of the game are the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. If you're wondering which phone shoots better photos and videos, you're in the right place. Whether you're an Instagram content creator, a mobile photographer, or a tech-savvy shopper, this blog by Trendy Micho breaks down the camera battle with a detailed camera test comparison, feature analysis, and side-by-side table.
Why Camera Quality Matters in 2025
Today’s users are creators. Whether you're capturing product shots for your Etsy store, filming Reels, or just documenting life’s moments, camera quality is one of the most important smartphone features. The iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung S24 Ultra promise industry-leading performance, but which one actually delivers?
Let’s dive into the iPhone vs Samsung camera comparison that truly matters.
Camera Specs Comparison Table: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung S24 Ultra
Feature | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
---|
Main Camera | 48 MP (f/1.78) | 200 MP (f/1.7) |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12 MP (f/2.2) | 12 MP (f/2.2) |
Telephoto Zoom | 12 MP, 5x Optical Zoom | 50 MP, 10x Optical Zoom |
Night Mode | Deep Fusion + Smart HDR 5 | Nightography with AI optimization |
Front Camera | 12 MP with Retina Flash | 12 MP with Dual Pixel AF |
Video Recording | 4K at 60fps, ProRes support | 8K at 30fps, Super Steady Video |
Photo Formats | HEIF, RAW, ProRAW | JPEG, RAW, Expert RAW |
AI Editing Tools | Photonic Engine, Smart HDR | Galaxy AI, Detail Enhancer |
Stabilization | Sensor-shift OIS | Optical + AI Video Stabilization |
Daylight Photography: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung S24 Ultra
In bright light, both phones perform exceptionally well. However:
iPhone 15 Pro Max captures more natural, balanced tones. Its Smart HDR 5 technology ensures consistent colors, perfect for portraits and everyday shots.
Samsung S24 Ultra boosts sharpness and contrast, ideal for scenic photography with vibrant colors.
Winner for color accuracy:iPhone 15 Pro Max
Winner for detail and sharpness:Samsung S24 Ultra
Night Photography Test: Who Rules the Darkness?
Night mode is where differences start to show:
The iPhone 15 Pro Max delivers low-light images with minimal noise and realistic shadows thanks to its Photonic Engine.
Samsung S24 Ultra is more aggressive with brightness and detail due to AI-enhanced Nightography, but sometimes overexposes highlights.
Best for natural low-light shots:iPhone 15 Pro Max
Best for brighter, enhanced night images:Samsung S24 Ultra
Zoom & Detail Comparison
If zoom is your priority:
Samsung S24 Ultra easily leads with its 10x optical and up to 100x digital zoom. Details remain clear even at long distances.
iPhone 15 Pro Max maxes out at 5x optical zoom, with cleaner transitions but lower zoom range.
Best for wildlife or faraway subjects:Samsung S24 Ultra
Video Performance: The Creator’s Showdown
Both phones offer cinematic experiences:
iPhone 15 Pro Max supports ProRes video, 4K Dolby Vision, and extremely smooth stabilization. A dream for content creators and vloggers.
Samsung S24 Ultra gives you 8K resolution, slow motion, and Super Steady Video, ideal for sports and action scenes.
Best for cinematic storytelling:iPhone 15 Pro Max
Best for ultra-high-resolution video:Samsung S24 Ultra
Front Camera: Selfies and Vlogging
For selfies and video calls:
Trendy Micho Recommends:If you're a beauty or lifestyle vlogger, go with the iPhone for natural skin rendering.
AI & Editing: Smarter Photos, Faster Posts
Samsung S24 Ultra introduces Galaxy AI tools that suggest edits, enhance portraits, and even erase unwanted objects.
iPhone 15 Pro Max keeps things subtle with Photonic Engine and machine learning for auto-enhancement.
Best for quick auto-edits:Samsung
Best for manual creators who want control:iPhone
Final Verdict: Which Phone Shoots Better?
So, which smartphone camera is better in 2025?
Choose the iPhone 15 Pro Max if you value:
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want:
At Trendy Micho, we believe the best choice depends on your creative goals. For professional content creators and brands focused on aesthetic, iPhone wins in overall tone and video. For travel bloggers and tech lovers who want control and versatility, Samsung S24 Ultra might be your best friend.
Final Tip from Trendy Micho:
“Your creativity is your power—let your phone camera support your vision, not limit it.”