Apple and Samsung remain the biggest rivals in the smartphone industry, with both brands constantly pushing the boundaries of mobile photography. While Samsung’s Galaxy S and Ultra models are celebrated for their powerful zoom and versatile camera setups, Apple’s iPhones consistently impress with their image processing, natural colour accuracy, and industry-leading video performance.
If you’re wondering which iPhones can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Samsung’s top camera phones, here are five models that deliver exceptional results.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple’s newest flagship is its most advanced camera phone to date. The highlight is its exclusive 5x telephoto zoom lens, which directly challenges Samsung’s high-zoom capabilities. With a 48MP main sensor powered by the Photonic Engine, it excels in detail and low-light shots. ProRes 4K video recording and Log color encoding make it a go-to for content creators and mobile filmmakers.
Why it competes: Improved telephoto zoom and unmatched video quality put it head-to-head with the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro Max introduced Apple’s 48MP main sensor and Cinematic Mode in 4K HDR, setting a new benchmark for smartphone photography. It captures sharp, true-to-life images with outstanding dynamic range. While Samsung leads in zoom flexibility, Apple dominates in video stability and natural-looking shots.
Why it competes: Consistent image quality and best-in-class video rival Samsung’s oversaturated but vibrant style.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
Still a powerhouse, the iPhone 13 Pro Max delivers excellent results with its triple-lens system (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto). Its biggest leap was the introduction of Cinematic Mode, adding Hollywood-style depth of field to videos.
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Why it competes: Despite lacking a 48MP sensor, its computational photography matches the Galaxy S21 Ultra and challenges even newer Samsung devices.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
Apple’s first major leap into pro-level photography, the iPhone 12 Pro Max brought sensor-shift optical image stabilisation (OIS) for crisp shots even in motion. With LiDAR-assisted portraits and improved low-light performance, it remains highly competitive.
Why it competes: Night mode and video stability make it a match for Samsung’s Galaxy S20 Ultra, proving that older iPhones still deliver real-world excellence.
- iPhone SE (3rd Gen, 2022)
Though budget-friendly, the iPhone SE uses Apple’s A15 Bionic chip to deliver computational photography well beyond its single 12MP lens. It produces vibrant portraits, sharp details, and stable video that outshine many mid-range Samsung devices.
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