The new Google Pixel 3 XL launched recently, and now we have a video putting the Pixel 3 XL camera against the iPhone XS Max camera.
Apple’s iPhones and Google Pixel phones are known for having some of the top cameras available on smartphones, so it will be interesting to see how the two perform.
Camera Specifications and Features
The iPhone XS Max is equipped with a dual camera on the back, which comes with one 12-megapixel wide-angle lens and one 12-megapixel telephoto lens. This dual-camera setup allows for 2x optical zoom and enhanced portrait mode capabilities, providing users with more versatility in their photography.
On the other hand, the Pixel 3 XL is equipped with a single-lens 12-megapixel camera. Despite having only one lens, Google has leveraged advanced software and machine learning to deliver exceptional photo quality. The Pixel 3 XL’s camera features include Night Sight for low-light photography, Super Res Zoom for improved digital zoom, and Top Shot, which captures multiple frames to ensure you get the best possible shot.
Performance Comparison
Let’s see how the two devices perform in various photography scenarios.
As we can see from the video, both handsets are capable of taking impressive photos. The iPhone XS Max excels in scenarios where optical zoom is beneficial, such as capturing distant subjects with clarity. Its portrait mode also produces natural-looking bokeh effects, thanks to the dual-camera system.
The Pixel 3 XL, however, shines in computational photography. Google’s software enhancements allow the Pixel 3 XL to produce stunning photos even in challenging lighting conditions. Night Sight, for example, can brighten up dark scenes without the need for a flash, making it ideal for nighttime photography. Additionally, the Pixel 3 XL’s HDR+ technology ensures well-balanced exposures, even in high-contrast scenes.
Real-World Examples
To provide a more comprehensive comparison, let’s look at some real-world examples of photos taken with both devices.
1. Daylight Photography: In bright daylight, both cameras perform exceptionally well. The iPhone XS Max tends to produce warmer tones, while the Pixel 3 XL captures more natural colors. The level of detail in both photos is impressive, but the Pixel 3 XL’s HDR+ often results in better dynamic range.
2. Low-Light Photography: This is where the Pixel 3 XL truly stands out. Night Sight mode can illuminate scenes that would otherwise be too dark to capture. The iPhone XS Max also performs well in low light, but it relies more on its hardware, whereas the Pixel 3 XL leverages software to enhance the image.
3. Portrait Mode: The iPhone XS Max’s dual-camera system allows for more accurate depth mapping, resulting in more precise subject separation and bokeh effects. The Pixel 3 XL, using a single lens, relies on software to create the portrait effect. While it does a commendable job, there are instances where the edge detection is not as accurate as the iPhone’s.
4. Zoom: The iPhone XS Max’s telephoto lens provides 2x optical zoom, which is superior to the Pixel 3 XL’s digital zoom. However, Google’s Super Res Zoom technology helps mitigate the loss of detail when zooming in digitally.
As we can see, both the iPhone XS Max and the Pixel 3 XL have their strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the user’s preferences and priorities in a smartphone camera.
For more detailed comparisons and to see additional photos taken with both of these new flagship smartphones, you can visit MacRumors at the link below.
Source & Image Credit: MacRumors
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