comparisons

iPhone vs Samsung – which mobile camera is best in 2025?

When choosing between iPhone and Samsung The camera is often a decisive factor. The number of lenses, the quality of the sensor and the image processing software affect everything from everyday images to advanced photography.

Here we go over the differences between the latest models in the iPhone series (13–16) and the Samsung Galaxy S series (S23–S25 Ultra).

What are the differences in camera setup?

  • iPhone 13 (regular) → 2 lenses (wide + ultrawide)

  • iPhone 13 Pro – 16 Pro → 3 lenses (wide + ultrawide + telephoto) + LiDAR

  • iPhone 16 Pro → For the first time: 48 MP main camera, 48 MP ultrawide and 5× telephoto on the smaller Pro model

  • Samsung Galaxy S23–S25 Ultra → 4 lenses (wide + ultrawide + two telephoto lenses for different zoom levels)

In short:

  • Samsung is investing in more lenses → more flexibility and zoom capabilities.

  • Apple is investing in sensor quality and software → more natural colors, better video features and stability.

Camera comparison between iPhone and Samsung

Model Rear-facing cameras Selfie camera Strengths
iPhone 13 2 (12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide) 12 SM Simple but good everyday camera, night mode and OIS.
iPhone 13 Pro 3 (12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP telephoto) + LiDAR 12 SM First “Pro” level with optical zoom and ProRAW.
iPhone 14 Pro 3 (48 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP telephoto) + LiDAR 12 SM Introduced 48 MP main camera, Photonic Engine and strong night mode.
iPhone 16 Pro 3 (48 MP wide + 48 MP ultrawide + 12 MP telephoto 5×) + LiDAR 12 SM Powerful zoom (5×), advanced video (4K/120fps), improved macro.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 4 (200 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP telephoto 3× + 10 MP telephoto 10×) 12 SM Extremely good zoom (up to 100× digital), versatile camera for all situations.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 4 (200 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide + 10 MP telephoto 3× + 50 MP telephoto 5×) 12 SM Improved periscope zoom, AI support for better detail and HDR.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 4 (200 MP wide + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP telephoto 5× + 10 MP telephoto 3×) 12 SM Two telephoto lenses, incredibly flexible zoom, powerful AI processing.

Lenses vs image quality

  • More lenses (Samsung Ultra models) → provides more flexibility in zoom and detail shots. Two telephoto lenses allow you to shoot at both medium distance (3×) and long distance (5× or 10×) while maintaining quality.

  • Larger sensor & better software (iPhone Pro models) → delivers more lifelike colors, better dynamic range, and strong video performance. Apple also has a head start in filming with ProRes and Cinematic Mode.

  • Ultra wide angle → higher resolution in the iPhone 16 Pro (48 MP) allows it to compete better with Samsung's ultrawide, which has long had a high level of detail.

  • Telephoto → Samsung leads in terms of flexibility. The iPhone 16 Pro introduced 5x telephoto, but still lacks a separate 3x lens (which Samsung has).

Which phone should you choose between Samsung and iPhone?

  • Choose iPhone 16 Pro (or 15 Pro) if you want natural colors, stable video and reliable performance in all lighting conditionsPerfect for photo enthusiasts and filmmakers who want a mobile phone that replaces a camera in everyday life.

  • Choose Samsung Galaxy S24/S25 Ultra if you want maximum flexibility with zoom and variation, and appreciate more colorful, “social media-ready” images straight away without editing.

  • Choose iPhone 13 / 14 Pro if you want a more affordable option that still provides a strong camera experience.

  • Choose Galaxy S23 Ultra if you want an Ultra model but don't need the latest generation – you still get extreme zoom and versatility.