The Apple iPhone XS does not quite beat the Pixel 2 camera

Since their beginnings, Google's Pixel smartphones are distinguished by the camera. Google remained ahead of the race with its Pixel 2 device lineup, but recently, Apple has been trying to challenge this with some major improvements on its new iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Now the critics are in and, Google is still ahead of the curve …

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Where the iPhone XS has tried to improve

First of all, where did Apple actually try to improve its offering on the latest generation of iPhone? The iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max both offer hardware similar to that of the iPhone X that preceded it, but with great improvements.

There is always a dual camera equipped with a 12MP telephoto sensor and a 12MP wide angle sensor, but this wide angle primary sensor is now much larger than that of the iPhone X. More precisely, they are bigger than 1.4μm pixels and deeper than 3.5μm pixels. Apple also indicates that there are twice as many pixels of focus for better autofocus.

Apple has also focused on improving the camera's power supply software on the iPhone XS. The company has introduced a Smart HDR feature that uses the new A12 Bionic chip to enhance photos. It takes several shots with different levels of contrast and zero shutter lag to create the best shot possible. Sound familiar? It's quite similar to what Google does on Pixel 2 with HDR +.

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The results? The iPhone XS and Max capture photos of much better quality than those of the previous iPhone X. However, that does not mean it's better than Pixel 2.

A review of the iPhone XS mentions that Apple's approach is superior because Google's HDR uses the cloud to process a photo. In other words, it is not true. Google does all the processing for HDR + on the device and has even integrated a chip into the phone to allow third-party applications to use this same feature. The reviewer might have confused Google Photos with device processing, but in any case, Pixel 2 does all the processing for HDR + with the device chipset.

Reviews iPhone XS are online and they admit the victory of the Pixel

If you watch or read a handful of reviews on iPhone XS, you will discover that the common denominator is that Pixel 2 still has a head start on Apple in photography. Reviewers note that Pixel 2 captures even more detail and more accurate color despite Apple's Smart HDR feature.

Summary of the iPhone XS / Max on the 9to5Mac network

Personally, my favorite note about it comes from James Bareham, also from The edge, which shows how the performance in low light differs. When the Pixel 2 of Google displays excellent contrast and details in the dark, the iPhone spoils the colors and contrasts significantly.

iPhone XS

Pixel 2 XL

The Verge The full review of the iPhone XS is another notable example. Here we can see a clear difference in the way Apple treats the details of the iPhone XS camera compared to Google on the Pixel 2. On the face of the woman, the Pixel 2 displays more precise details while the iPhone.

Do not get me wrong: most people will love the pictures they receive from the iPhone XS. It has a solid camera, and I prefer it to the Galaxy S9. But compared to Pixel 2, the XS does not really do it for me.

Personally, I prefer the colors on the snapshot of Apple, but the additional details of Google compensate if you ask me. It is interesting to note that this is also mentioned in the review. Nilay Patel mentions how Apple has long strained Samsung in terms of smoothing details and color saturation of photos on its phones, but the iPhone is now doing the same thing at this point.

sample iPhone XS

Pixel sample 2 XL

The iPhone XS does not give up the Pixel 2 completely, but it allows it to make money. As Tom's Guide mention, the Pixel 2 often ends up with more detail in a photo and a more natural aspect compared to Apple, and this includes the portrait mode. Their detailed review shows an excellent example of portrait mode shooting where the iPhone XS takes an extremely hot shot. In addition, the shooting of Pixel 2 is natural with good colors, better details in the hair and a brighter face.

I strongly encourage you to check out the side-by-side comparison of Tom's Guide's review.

iPhone XS

Pixel 2

Apple still plays catch-up while Google advances

Of course, many differences will be subjective, and that's good. The Pixel 2 and the iPhone XS both incorporate incredible cameras – there is simply no argument. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that Apple continues to catch up with Google in this category. The company's newest and best-selling phones still have not passed the 2017 version of Google.

Now we are fast approaching the release of Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. We already know that Google does not add another sensor, but there is no reason not to expect more dramatic camera enhancements from the company, and this will only push Apple's boundaries .

Which one do you think is the best?

I am curious to know what you think. Does the iPhone XS beat Google to its own game or is Pixel 2 still sitting? Vote in the poll below!

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