Apple went too far (back). These new Android flagships might embarrass the iPhone 16 Pro’s tired camera system.
When Apple announced the iPhone 16 Pro, I was really hoping for some major camera upgrades. But after having seen what Tim & Co have Cook-ed, I’m starting to feel like they forgot to hit “save” on some of those groundbreaking new features.
Some examples are the ultra-wide camera, which finally got a new 48MP sensor, but instead of wowing anyone, the photos have this weird dark vignetting around the edges, and the sensor size didn’t even change?! It’s like Apple’s sprinkled more megapixels on the same old sensor.
Oh, and remember how iPhone 15 Pro fixed the infamous oversharpening issue with the iPhone 14 Pro? Yeah, well, it’s sort of back – and worse in Night mode.
So, there’s nothing left but to dive into what’s gone wrong with the iPhone 16 Pro’s camera, and why Apple really needs to step it up with iPhone 17 Pro before Android fans start making memes again.
Spoiler alert: It might be too late now…
Lazy iPhone 16 Pro camera upgrades prove Apple took some obvious steps back, and played it too cheapThe new ultra-wide-angle camera is not the upgrade iPhone users deserve after waiting for years
Weird vignetting effect in the new 48MP ultra-wide-angle camera, which was expected to be much better than the 12MP UWA snapper Apple’s been using for ages. However, as it turns out, the gains are minimal, which isn’t that surprising when you realize the sensor size has stayed the same. Very cheap move, Tim.
Oversharpened photos make a return with iPhone 16 Pro – please, tell me it’s a “bug”
I’m noticing the return of oversharpened photos on iPhone 16 Pro compared to the likes of the Pixel 9 Pro and even the iPhone 15 Pro, which is hugely disappointing after Apple received so much praise from every reviewer for finally dialling down the sharpening with iPhone 15.
It’s not that bad as it used to be with older iPhones but the oversharpened look is especially noticeable in Night Mode photos – particularly those taken with the primary camera.
