Best iPhones for Camera Quality Ranked – 2022

Should You Upgrade to a Newer iPhone for Better Camera Quality?

One of the iPhone’s best-known features has always been its stellar camera quality. Apple has consistently pushed the envelope with camera tech, offering features that are often comparable to professional cameras, keeping users loyal to the brand. But, if you’re considering upgrading your iPhone just for the camera, it’s worth asking—is it really worth it?

Let’s break it down.

Are New iPhone Cameras Really THAT Much Better?

If you own an iPhone released after the iPhone X, you might not see a huge jump in camera quality by upgrading to the latest model. Here’s why:

In the past, the leap in camera performance was significant. For example, upgrading from the iPhone 8 (which had a single 12MP camera) to the iPhone X (which introduced dual rear cameras) was a game-changer. But as smartphone technology has matured, each new release is making smaller and smaller improvements.

Take the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The difference in camera performance between these two models is minimal. Sure, the iPhone 14 Pro Max has more megapixels on its main camera, but the lenses haven’t improved as much, and the size constraints of fitting the camera into a slim phone limit how much better the pictures can get.

So, if you’re thinking about upgrading just for the camera, the benefit might be marginal—especially if you already have a recent iPhone model. You might be better off getting a refurbished model that’s just a couple of generations old and saving some serious cash.

What Do All These Camera Specs Actually Mean?

Let’s break down what the different camera specs mean, so you can understand how they impact the photos you take:

• Megapixels (MP): This refers to the resolution of the camera. More megapixels can mean sharper photos, but only up to a point. In small devices like phones, the lens quality and sensor size often matter more.

• Aperture (f/number): The lower the f/number, the more light the camera lets in. This helps with low-light photography and creating a blurry background effect (bokeh). A wide aperture, like f/1.5, is great for capturing detail in dark conditions.

• Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): This feature reduces blur caused by shaky hands. Super helpful for taking steady shots, especially in low light.

• Optical Zoom: Unlike digital zoom, which crops your image, optical zoom uses the camera’s hardware to get a closer shot without losing detail. Phones with telephoto lenses, like the iPhone 13 Pro Max, can zoom in optically without sacrificing quality.

How does camera quality compare between models

1.      iPhone 13 Pro Max

• Rear Cameras: Triple-lens setup with 12 MP main, telephoto (3x optical zoom), and ultrawide lenses. Capable of macro photography—perfect for capturing close-up details.
• Why It’s Good: The triple-lens system means you’re covered for everything from wide shots to zoomed-in close-ups, and macro photography is a fun bonus.

2.      iPhone 13

• Rear Cameras: Dual-lens system with 12 MP wide and ultrawide lenses.
• Why It’s Good: The same software as the Pro Max without the telephoto lens, so it’s great for standard and wide shots.

3.      iPhone 12 Pro Max

• Rear Cameras: Triple-lens system with 12 MP main, telephoto (2.5x optical zoom), and ultrawide lenses. Also features LiDAR for better night mode portraits.
• Why It’s Good: LiDAR improves low-light shots and adds depth to portraits, and the telephoto lens is ideal for zoom.

4.      iPhone 12

• Rear Cameras: Dual-lens system with 12 MP wide and ultrawide lenses.
• Why It’s Good: Solid all-rounder with great low-light performance thanks to its f/1.6 aperture.

5.      iPhone 11 Pro Max

• Rear Cameras: Triple-lens system with 12 MP main, telephoto (2x optical zoom), and ultrawide lenses. Portrait mode with advanced depth control.
• Why It’s Good: One of the first models with a triple-camera setup, offering good portrait mode and depth control.

6.      iPhone 11

• Rear Cameras: Dual-lens system with 12 MP wide and ultrawide lenses.
• Why It’s Good: Major camera improvements over earlier models, offering solid performance in all lighting conditions.

7.      iPhone X

• Rear Cameras: Dual-lens system with 12 MP wide and telephoto lenses. Introduced Portrait Mode.
• Why It’s Good: The first iPhone with dual cameras, making it perfect for portrait shots and optical zoom.

8.      iPhone 8

• Rear Cameras: Single 12 MP wide camera with 2x optical zoom.
• Why It’s Good: A solid single-lens setup with great performance for a basic user.

When Should You Upgrade?

To maximize the benefits of upgrading your iPhone’s camera, we recommend upgrading every two to three generations. Camera improvements tend to slow down with each new release, so you won’t see much difference if you upgrade every year. By waiting a bit longer, you’ll get more significant improvements while saving money by not chasing the latest model—and when you buy refurbished at The Big Phone Store, you can save even more!