Keeping that in mind, DxOMark has some exciting news for iPhone fans. DxOMark has given the iPhone XR a 101 rating, just four points below the dual camera iPhone XS Max. In fact, most of the positive aspects of the iPhone XS apply to the iPhone XR, with the exception of anything involving the zoom lens on the iPhone XS. However, because Apple foolishly crippled the zoom lens sensor, the difference isn’t as substantial as it should be.
In This Article:
How it Compares to the iPhone XS
Portraits and Bokeh
The human field of view is best represented by a (35mm equivalent) 50mm focal length. This means that the most accurate view of a person is around 50mm. The iPhone XS zoom lens, conveniently, is a 52mm equivalent focal length. This makes people look “right” in portraits. Headshots will often use a higher focal length, like 82mm, which can make the face look fuller. This is the way a person with two eyes would see you, and it’s also why you likely prefer the appearance of yourself in a mirror over your photos. For realistic looking portrait shots, the 52mm focal length of the zoom lens on the iPhone XS does nicely though.
Which is a problem for the iPhone XR, as it doesn’t have a zoom lens. The portrait shots are taken with the 28mm wide angle lens. This makes people’s faces look unnaturally narrower. Furthermore, the depth effect uses machine learning on the iPhone XR, to identify a person in the shot and blur the background. Because of this, it can’t use true depth detection, and doesn’t work with objects. The portrait mode on the iPhone XR is more realistic. However, since Apple decided to give the zoom lens a small sensor, the shots are often not as good in poor lighting, and wash out fine details.
Technically, the iPhone XS is better for portraits. But in a low light situation, Apple’s horrible decision to equip the iPhone XS with a tiny zoom sensor makes the difference less noticeable.
Zoom
DxOMark still hasn’t reviewed the Google Pixel 3 yet, so we don’t yet know if “Super Res Zoom” will be enough for the Pixel 3 to match the iPhone XS and other dual camera systems yet. Until then, it’s plain to see that zoom clarity benefits from a zoom lens.
How it Compares to the Google Pixel 2
What About the Rest of its Competition?
Where’s the Pixel 3?
DxOMark has—inexplicably—not released a review for the Google Pixel 3 yet. The Google Pixel 3 was released before the iPhone XR, yet DxOMark hasn’t published a review yet. For the Google Pixel 2, Google developed the camera with DxOMark’s help, both gaming the system to match their ratings, but also allowing them to release a rating they day the phone was revealed. Why didn’t they do the same for the Pixel 3?
There are a few explanations for this. First, the Pixel 3 may not have performed as well as expected, and Google wanted time to improve the software that makes its photos look great. The second possibility is that Google wasn’t done working on their night mode, and didn’t want the Pixel 3 to be judged before they could release it. Thanks to arrangements with DxOMark, they complied with Google’s wishes.
DxOMark announced today that the iPhone XR was their top-rated single lens smartphone so far. It seems strange to announce that, only to announce the Pixel 3 beat it just a day later. Therefore, I think we may be a few days if not a week or more away from a full Pixel 3 review.
And the Rest?
The iPhone XR, with its score of 101, beats out many dual lens systems. For example, it beat Samsung’s Galaxy S9 Plus, which not only has a dual lens system, but also has variable aperture, a first in a flagship smartphone. This is truly surprising because the Galaxy S9 can reduce its aperture in bright settings to take a sharper photo. It should beat out any other wide angle lens that can’t do that. But here we are. Apple’s doing more with its sensor and glass, and, likely, it’s machine learning than Samsung is, and that shows.
It also outperformed the iPhone X, which scored 97. However, notable smartphones above it include the iPhone XS, at 105, and the Huawei P20 Pro, with 109. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 also beats the iPhone XR, with a score of 103.
For a single lens smartphone, this is incredibly impressive. DxOMark scores are far from everything, and you may prefer the photos taken with a different camera. Being technically the best camera does not mean it provides the best looking photos. However, one of the things DxOMark does is provide the photos they used to make their judgements. I highly recommend looking at these and making the decision for yourself.
iPhone XS vs iPhone XR
Of course, if you’re an iPhone user, your choice is between the iPhone XS and iPhone XR. Though I love photography, I still see little reason to pick the iPhone XS over the iPhone XR, unless you’re frequently in the habit of taking portrait shots with studio lighting, but don’t have a camera that’s more appropriate for this. Or, perhaps you, like me, love 3D Touch and can’t imagine an iPhone without it. The only final reason could be its screen, which does have better color and deeper blacks. Otherwise, until Apple improves their telephoto sensor and the battery life of the XS line, go with the iPhone XR, it’s the smarter choice for the money.
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