If you are in the market for a new phone, you might have considered getting one among high end models recently unveiled. There are many options in this segment including the iPhone 8 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 8. Considering the two mentioned, you might need to look deeper into the features of both phones to arrive at a conclusion, but this is not a difficult decision if you consider features like the camera.
Noelle Neff, a writer and tech enthusiast who has helped review different phones also has something to say about the camera options between the iPhone X and Note 8. This is a tight battle that reveals the positives of each model, so if you want to choose based on this criterion then pay attention.
Sensors
According to Apple, the iPhone 8 Plus comes with sensors which are physically bigger than previous models. But this information is not highlighted in the EXIF data. The camera of the iPhone 8 features a 28 mm lens that has a 3.99mm focal length as well as a fixed f/1.8 aperture. Its 2x lens is 6mm and offers f/2.8, but the reason its values are low is because this is a secondary sensor that is smaller than the primary. Its main lens relies on a 1/3-inch chip with the 2x sensor taking a 1/3.6-inch design.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 features a 4.3mm f/1.7 lens that works with its wide-angle camera. Its focal length is wider and has a wider field of view due to its main sensor that includes a 1/2.55-inch design. The second lens of the camera is a bit tighter. That means the main camera of the Note 8 offers a wider aperture. One advantage the Note 8 enjoys is that it comes with an optically stabilized secondary lens, which is not available on the iPhone 8.
Noise
To proceed with the noise test, you need to download the ProCam 5 app. It supports ISO control and manual shutter. The iPhone 8 offers raw support, but one issue is it does not support the feature on its own software. The Note 8 on the other hand is able to shoot in Raw if you are using the Pro mode on the standard camera app. However, you cannot use the 2x lens as it will only work in Auto mode. In dim light therefore, you achieve digitally zoomed shots that are 2x while shooting in low light.
The iPhone 8 comes with a base ISO setting of 20, but when shooting in Pro mode on the Note 8 the least you can work with is ISO 50. Basically, in a dark setting, the iPhone loses to the Note 8 as it has better focus. The Note offers better color saturation compared to the iPhone 8 especially when you are shooting JPGs. When you scrutinize the raw files of both phones, you will learn than the Note 8 is able to capture finer details. Although this is a negligible difference, it helps when you are in settings with unequal light distribution.
Video
You can record 4K quality videos on both phones, but with the iPhone you are able to select the frame rate. The Note 8 is fixed to shooting at 30fps, which can be boosted to 60fps while shooting at 1080p. On the iPhone 8, you can induce a cinematic effect by setting the frame rate at 24fps, and to match traditional video you are good with 30 fps. To achieve ultra-smooth videos, you can choose the 60 fps option. These are functionalities that you won’t get with the Note 8.
About the author
Noelle Neff is a professional photographer covering niche markets. She graduated from the University of Miami and is based in the same city. Noelle Neff is also a renowned blogger on topics such as photography and travel. You can also find some of her shots at various online stock photo sites.