The iPhone 5 vs. the iPhone 15 Pro Max: A Camera Showdown
Is a 2012 iPhone Camera Still Worth It in 2023? My Surprising Discovery | ENBLE
Checking in on the 2012 iPhone camera’s performance in 2023 | ENBLE
I recently stumbled upon an old, forgotten gem in my drawer at home – the Apple iPhone 5. To my surprise, this smartphone from yesteryear was still in perfect working condition. Intrigued, I decided to conduct a rather unusual camera test to see how its photos would compare to those taken by its modern counterparts, such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Setting the Stage: A Glimpse into the Past
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s set the stage. The iPhone 5, released by Apple in September 2012, was a $650 flagship device of its time, competing with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S3, Nokia Lumia 920, and HTC One S. Fast forward more than a decade later to the end of 2023, and we now have the $1,200 iPhone 15 Pro Max battling it out with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the OnePlus 11 for attention.
The iPhone 5 is a tiny device compared to its modern counterparts, sporting a 4-inch, 1136 x 640-pixel screen. With its large bezels and physical Home button, it’s a nostalgic sight to behold. The iPhone 5 packs a single 8-megapixel camera on the back and a 1.2MP selfie camera on the front. No wide-angle lens, no portrait mode, and absolutely no AI or fancy camera technology like Deep Fusion. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are loaded with features and boast multiple cameras, offering vastly different specifications.
It’s safe to say that the newer phones will undoubtedly take far superior photos. However, the question remains – just how much have things changed in the world of smartphone photography over the past 11 years?
Night Mode: Shedding Light on the Differences
Let’s start with Night mode, as it highlights the key differences between the iPhone 5’s lowlight performance and that of today’s smartphones. Over the past decade, smartphone cameras have made significant advancements, especially in lowlight photography.
Unsurprisingly, photos taken in the dark with the iPhone 5 fall short compared to their modern counterparts. The Christmas tree in the iPhone 5’s photo is recognizable but lacks definition, with blown-out lights and a noisy, detail-lacking background. In stark contrast, the photos captured by the newer phones exhibit definition, clarity, and detail throughout.
Interestingly, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s photo in Night mode bears similarities to the iPhone 5’s photo, as both images have a more subdued brightness. On the other hand, the OnePlus 11 and the Galaxy S23 Ultra crank up the brightness, offering a more vibrant result. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Main Camera: Capturing the Essence of the Scene
Let’s examine how the iPhone 5 performs in various environments, keeping in mind that it only has a single camera. In a photo taken on a rather gloomy day, the image of the church appears murky and lacking in color and detail. The OnePlus 11 also falters in this scenario, with poor exposure washing out the sky and shadowing the details. The iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Galaxy S23 Ultra, however, capture quite similar, well-balanced photos that offer a far more accurate depiction of the scene compared to the iPhone 5.
How about something more vibrant? The iPhone 5’s photo of the fruit lacks punch, with the yellow shades appearing dull. With its lower pixel count, the iPhone 5’s images (3264 x 2448 pixels) pale in comparison to the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s photos (5712 x 4284 pixels) in terms of detail and texture.
But here’s where it gets interesting. In a photo of a lake, the iPhone 5 surprises by delivering a more natural and appealing contrast, exposure, tone, and color, outshining the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s attempt. However, both the OnePlus 11 and the Galaxy S23 Ultra nail it with great photos that are even more appealing and natural than both iPhone shots.
In brighter daylight, photos taken with the iPhone 5 resemble paintings rather than photographs, with minimal detail and inherent fuzziness. Skies appear less blue, greens less vibrant – the world seems slightly drearier through the lens of the iPhone 5. Modern smartphone cameras, on the other hand, boost colors, contrast, and saturation to make the surrounding world visually exciting in our photos. Indeed, the world appears happier when captured through a modern phone’s camera.
More Than Meets the Eye
After examining the iPhone 5’s photos, it became clear to me that it wasn’t just the image quality that stood out. While it’s no surprise that a modern phone would outperform a device from a decade ago, what struck me was the emotional impact of the photos.
If the iPhone 5 were the pinnacle of smartphone cameras in 2023, I would be less motivated to take and share photos. Creative freedom would be limited, and the opportunity to capture and enhance special moments would be diminished. The iPhone 5 simply couldn’t match the capabilities we enjoy today. It’s incredible how much photos can evoke emotions, and the iPhone 5’s images fall short in this regard.
The evolution of phone cameras over the past decade has been shaped by various factors, including technological advancements, the rise of social media, and faster data speeds for instant image-sharing. While modern cameras may sometimes go overboard with HDR, manufacturer-specific tuning, and countless filters, I still prefer them. Why? Because they help shape memories connected with emotions in a way the iPhone 5 simply cannot.
So, as we reminisce about the past, let’s appreciate how far we’ve come. The iPhone 5’s camera serves as a reminder that some things truly change for the better.
What are your thoughts on the iPhone 5 vs. the iPhone 15 Pro Max camera showdown? Have you come across any unexpected surprises in a similar comparison? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
