John Holguin
Being a photography enthusiast, I always strive to capture the best moments with the best equipment. When it comes to smartphones, the camera quality plays a crucial role in my decision-making process. In this article, I will compare the camera capabilities of two flagship devices: the Samsung S8 and the iPhone 7 Plus.
The Samsung S8 boasts a 12-megapixel rear camera with a f/1.7 aperture, while the iPhone 7 Plus features a dual 12-megapixel rear camera setup with f/1.8 and f/2.8 apertures. Both devices offer optical image stabilization and 4K video recording, but the differences lie in the image processing algorithms and color reproduction.
Having tested both cameras extensively, I will delve into the details of their performance in various lighting conditions, dynamic range, portrait mode capabilities, and low-light photography. By the end of this comparison, you will have a better understanding of which smartphone camera suits your photography needs best.
Camera Comparison: Samsung S8 vs iPhone 7 Plus
When it comes to comparing the camera quality of the Samsung S8 and the iPhone 7 Plus, there are several key factors to consider. Both phones offer impressive camera capabilities, but they have some distinct differences that may sway your decision.
One of the standout features of the Samsung S8 is its dual-pixel 12-megapixel camera, which excels in low-light conditions and produces vibrant, sharp images. On the other hand, the iPhone 7 Plus boasts a dual-camera system with a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens, allowing for optical zoom and portrait mode effects.
- Low Light Performance: The Samsung S8’s camera performs exceptionally well in low-light situations, capturing clear and detailed photos with minimal noise.
- Zoom Capability: The iPhone 7 Plus’s dual-camera setup enables optical zoom, which provides better quality zoomed-in shots compared to digital zoom.
- Portrait Mode: The iPhone 7 Plus’s portrait mode allows for stunning depth-of-field effects, making subjects pop against a blurred background.
Sensor Size and Resolution
When comparing the camera specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the iPhone 7 Plus, one of the key factors to consider is the sensor size and resolution. The sensor size of a camera plays a crucial role in determining the amount of light it can capture and the quality of the images it produces.
In this aspect, the Galaxy S8 boasts a larger sensor size compared to the iPhone 7 Plus, allowing it to capture more light and detail in photos. This results in sharper images with better dynamic range and colour accuracy. The Galaxy S8 also features a higher resolution sensor, which translates to crisper and more detailed images, especially when viewed on larger screens or printed in high resolution.
- Samsung Galaxy S8: Larger sensor size and higher resolution for better low-light performance and sharper images.
- iPhone 7 Plus: Smaller sensor size but still capable of producing high-quality images, especially with its dual-camera setup.
Low Light Performance
When it comes to capturing photos in low light conditions, the camera on the Samsung Galaxy S8 really shines. The larger aperture and improved sensor allow for more light to enter the lens, resulting in brighter and clearer images even in dimly lit environments. The advanced image processing algorithms also help reduce noise and maintain detail in low light shots, producing impressive results.
On the other hand, the camera on the iPhone 7 Plus also performs well in low light, but it tends to struggle a bit more compared to the Samsung Galaxy S8. The smaller aperture and sensor size mean that the iPhone 7 Plus may produce slightly darker and noisier images in low light situations. However, the optical image stabilization on the iPhone 7 Plus helps to compensate for hand movements, resulting in sharper photos in challenging lighting conditions.
- Samsung Galaxy S8: Excellent low light performance with bright and clear images.
- iPhone 7 Plus: Good low light performance with slightly darker images but better stabilization.
Understanding Optical Image Stabilization in Smartphone Cameras
Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is a feature found in modern smartphone cameras that helps reduce the effects of camera shake when taking photos or recording videos. As a smartphone user, I rely on OIS to ensure my images are sharp and clear, especially in low-light conditions or when capturing fast-moving subjects.
With OIS, the camera lens and sensor work together to compensate for any unwanted movements, resulting in smoother and more stable shots. This technology allows me to take better photos without worrying about blurriness caused by shaky hands or sudden movements. Whether I’m shooting a scenic landscape or a close-up portrait, OIS helps me achieve professional-looking results.
One of the key advantages of OIS is its ability to improve image quality in challenging shooting conditions. By minimizing blur and distortion, OIS enables me to capture detailed and vibrant images with greater clarity. When comparing smartphone cameras like the Samsung S8 and iPhone 7 Plus, the presence of OIS can make a significant difference in the overall image quality and user experience.
Understanding Aperture and Depth of Field
When comparing the camera capabilities of the Samsung S8 and the iPhone 7 Plus, one important aspect to consider is the aperture size and how it affects the depth of field in your photos. Aperture refers to the opening in the lens that allows light to pass through to the camera sensor. It is measured in f-stops, with smaller f-stop numbers indicating a larger aperture and more light entering the camera.
Depth of field, on the other hand, refers to the range of distance in a photograph where objects appear sharp and in focus. A wider aperture (lower f-stop number) results in a shallower depth of field, with the background being more blurred, while a narrower aperture (higher f-stop number) increases the depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus.
Comparison of Aperture and Depth of Field in Samsung S8 and iPhone 7 Plus
- The Samsung S8 has a wider aperture of f/1.7, allowing it to capture more light and create a shallower depth of field for stunning portrait shots with blurred backgrounds.
- On the other hand, the iPhone 7 Plus features a dual-camera system with one telephoto lens and one wide-angle lens, each with different apertures. The wide-angle lens has an aperture of f/1.8, while the telephoto lens has a narrower aperture of f/2.8.
- With its dual-camera setup, the iPhone 7 Plus offers a unique depth of field effect called “Portrait Mode,” which simulates a shallow depth of field similar to what you would achieve with a DSLR camera.
Camera Features and Modes
When it comes to camera features and modes, the Samsung S8 and iPhone 7 Plus offer a variety of options to enhance your photography experience. The Samsung S8 boasts a Pro mode that allows you to manually adjust settings such as ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, giving you more control over your shots. On the other hand, the iPhone 7 Plus offers a Portrait mode that uses a dual-lens system to create a depth effect, blurring the background for stunning portrait shots.
Both phones also come with a range of filters and effects to add creative flair to your photos. The Samsung S8 offers a selective focus mode that lets you blur the background or foreground of your images, while the iPhone 7 Plus features a range of filters such as Vivid and Noir to give your photos a unique look. Additionally, both phones come with HDR (High Dynamic Range) modes to help capture more detail in high-contrast scenes.
- Samsung S8: Pro mode, selective focus, HDR
- iPhone 7 Plus: Portrait mode, filters, HDR
Video Recording Quality
When it comes to capturing videos, both the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the iPhone 7 Plus offer excellent quality. The Samsung S8 boasts smooth 4K video recording with vibrant colours and sharp details, making it a great choice for users who want to create professional-looking videos on the go.
On the other hand, the iPhone 7 Plus also delivers impressive video recording capabilities, with its dual-lens camera system providing optical zoom and enhanced image stabilization. The videos captured on the iPhone 7 Plus are well-balanced in terms of colour accuracy and sharpness, making it a reliable option for those who value consistency in their video recordings.
- Samsung Galaxy S8: Offers smooth 4K video recording with vibrant colours and sharp details.
- iPhone 7 Plus: Provides impressive video recording capabilities with optical zoom and enhanced image stabilization.
Front Camera Comparison
When comparing the front cameras of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the iPhone 7 Plus, there are some key differences to consider.
One notable feature of the Samsung Galaxy S8’s front camera is its higher resolution, which results in sharper and more detailed selfies. The iPhone 7 Plus, on the other hand, offers a wider angle lens, allowing for more people or background to be included in the shot.
- Low-light Performance: The Samsung Galaxy S8’s front camera performs better in low-light conditions, producing clearer and brighter selfies compared to the iPhone 7 Plus.
- Beauty Mode: Both phones come with a beauty mode feature on their front cameras, but the Samsung Galaxy S8’s beauty mode is more customizable, allowing users to adjust the level of skin smoothing and other enhancements.
| Front Camera Features | Samsung Galaxy S8 | iPhone 7 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 8 MP | 7 MP |
| Aperture | f/1.7 | f/2.2 |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
In conclusion, both the Samsung Galaxy S8 and iPhone 7 Plus front cameras have their strengths and weaknesses. The Samsung Galaxy S8 excels in resolution and low-light performance, while the iPhone 7 Plus offers a wider angle lens and beauty mode customization. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities when it comes to front camera features.
Overall Performance and User Experience
Both the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the iPhone 7 Plus offer excellent overall performance and user experience. The Samsung Galaxy S8 packs a powerful processor and ample RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and lag-free performance. The iPhone 7 Plus, on the other hand, is known for its seamless integration between hardware and software, resulting in a fluid user experience.
When it comes to user experience, both devices have their strengths. The Samsung Galaxy S8’s sleek design and vibrant display make it a pleasure to use, while the iPhone 7 Plus’s intuitive interface and robust app ecosystem provide a seamless experience for Apple enthusiasts.
- Camera: The Samsung Galaxy S8 excels in low-light photography, while the iPhone 7 Plus offers impressive dual-camera capabilities.
- Battery Life: Both devices offer decent battery life, with the iPhone 7 Plus having a slight edge in terms of longevity.
- Operating System: The choice between Android (Samsung Galaxy S8) and iOS (iPhone 7 Plus) ultimately comes down to personal preference.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the iPhone 7 Plus both deliver stellar performance and user experiences, with each device catering to different preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize camera quality, battery life, or operating system, both smartphones offer a premium experience that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning users.
Best camera samsung s8 vs iphone 7 plus

| Price history for Apexel High Power 36X HD Telephoto Lens with Phone Tripod for iPhone Samsung Pixel One Plus Huawei Lens Attachment black | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|

hohem iSteady Mobile+ Kit Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone, 3-Axis Phone Gimbal with Fill Light, Ultra-Wide-Angle Mode, 600° Inception, YouTube Vlog...
Features
| Part Number | iSteady Mobile+ 2024 kit |
| Model | iSM5K |
| Warranty | hohem provides 12-month warranty for all products. If you have any problem, please feel free to contact us. Our customer service team will reply within 24 hrs |
| Color | Black |
| Language | English |

| Price history for hohem iSteady Mobile+ Kit Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone, 3-Axis Phone Gimbal with Fill Light, Ultra-Wide-Angle Mode, 600° Inception, YouTube Vlog Stabilizer for Android and iPhone 15,14,13 PRO Max | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|



APEXEL High Power 60X HD Telephoto Lens, High Power Telephoto Mobile Cell Phone Lens with Extension Tripod and Wireless Remote for iPhone 15 Pro/14 Pro/13...
Features
| Part Number | APL-60XFR50 |
| Warranty | 1 Year Warranty |
| Size | 60X Telephoto Lens |



| Price history for NEEWER HD 60mm Telephoto Lens Only for 17mm Thread Backplate, 2X Magnification Compatible with SmallRig NEEWER iPhone Samsung Phone Cage Case with 17mm Lens Adapter, LS-41 | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|

APEXEL High Power 36X HD Telephoto Lens, Telephoto Mobile Cell Phone Lens with Tripod for iPhone 15/14/13 Pro, Samsung and Most Smartphone
Features
| Part Number | 36X-New |
| Warranty | 1 year warranty |


Professional Diving Waterproof Phone Case, Outdoor Swimming Snorkeling Surfing Underwater Touch Screen Photo Video Housing for iPhone 15 Pro Max Samsung S24...
Features
| Part Number | XBK-4DQSK-240412BO |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
| Color | Black Orange |



| Price history for NEEWER Upgraded Phone Rig Vlogging Kit, Video Stabilizer with Dual Handle, Wireless Mic Clip Slot for Tiktok/YouTube, Compatible with SmallRig iPhone 15 14 Pro Max 13 Pro Max Galaxy S23, PA009 | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|

NEEWER 1.55X Anamorphic Phone Lens Only for 17mm Thread Backplate Compatible with NEEWER iPhone Samsung Phone Cage, 2.4:1 Widescreen Cinematic Blue Flare...
Features
| Part Number | 10103418 |
| Model | LS-43 |


3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer for iPhone 15 14 13 Pro Max XS X XR Samsung s23 s22 Android Smartphone, Handheld Gimble with Focus Wheel, Phone Stabilizer for Video...
Features
| Part Number | CAPTURE2S-BLACK |
| Model | CAPTURE2S-BLACK |
| Warranty | If the item arrives damaged or defective, you may request a refund or replacement. |
| Color | Black |
| Size | Capture 2S |


Q&A:
Which phone has a better camera, Samsung S8 or iPhone 7 Plus?
Both the Samsung S8 and iPhone 7 Plus have excellent cameras, but the Samsung S8 generally has a slight edge in terms of image quality and low-light performance.
Does the Samsung S8 or iPhone 7 Plus have a higher megapixel count in their cameras?
The Samsung S8 has a 12 MP rear camera and an 8 MP front camera, while the iPhone 7 Plus has a dual 12 MP rear camera setup and a 7 MP front camera.
Which phone offers better video recording capabilities, Samsung S8 or iPhone 7 Plus?
Both phones can shoot high-quality 4K video, but the iPhone 7 Plus is known for its superior video stabilization and overall video performance.
