iPhone Camera Comparison
Last updated
Camera specifications and photography features across the iPhone lineup.
Camera System Overview
iPhone cameras range from single 8MP sensors to triple systems with 48MP main sensors. The table below shows how the models differ.
Best Camera Overall
iPhone 18 Pro Max
Variable aperture + 5x + LiDAR
Best Value Camera
iPhone 16 / 17
48MP main camera
Weakest Camera
iPhone SE
Single 12MP camera
Camera Specs by Model
| Model | Main Camera | Ultra-Wide | Telephoto | Front Camera | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | 48MP variable ƒ/1.48–ƒ/4.0 | 48MP | 48MP (5x) | 18MP | Best overall system |
| iPhone 18 Pro | 48MP variable ƒ/1.48–ƒ/4.0 | 48MP | 48MP (4x) | 18MP | Same system, 4x zoom |
| iPhone Duo | 48MP ƒ/1.6 | 48MP | — | 12MP | Dual Fusion, no telephoto |
| iPhone SE | 12MP | — | — | 7MP | Single camera |
| iPhone 11 | 12MP | 12MP | — | 12MP | Night mode |
| iPhone 12 / 13 | 12MP | 12MP | — | 12MP | Night mode, ProRAW |
| iPhone 11 / 12 / 13 Pro | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP (2x) | 12MP | LiDAR, ProRAW |
| iPhone 14 / 15 | 12MP | 12MP | — | 12MP | Smart HDR, Night mode |
| iPhone 16 / 17 | 48MP | 12MP | — | 12MP | Quad-Bayer sensor |
| iPhone 14 / 15 Pro | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP (3x) | 12MP | LiDAR, ProRAW, ProRes |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 48MP | 12MP | 12MP (5x zoom) | 12MP | 5x optical zoom |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 48MP | 12MP | 12MP (5x zoom) | 12MP | Best overall system |
Camera Feature Comparison
📸 Night Mode
Available on: iPhone 11 and later (except SE). It improves low-light photography by using longer exposures.
⚙️ LiDAR Scanner
Available on: iPhone 12 Pro, 13 Pro, 14 Pro, 15 Pro (and Pro Max variants). Improves focus speed and depth sensing for photography and AR.
🎬 Video Recording
Pro models: Up to 4K at 60fps. Standard models: Up to 4K at 60fps. Pro models also support ProRes video (up to 4K at 30fps).
🖼️ ProRAW & ProMax
Available on: iPhone 12 Pro and later. Offers maximum post-processing flexibility for professional photographers.
🔍 Optical Zoom
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Up to 5x optical zoom. iPhone 14/15 Pro: Up to 3x. Standard models have no optical zoom.
Best iPhone for Photography
Professional Photography: iPhone 18 Pro Max
Variable-aperture 48MP main, 5x 48MP telephoto, LiDAR, ProRAW, ProRes. See the 18 Pro vs 17 Pro comparison.
📸 Consumer/Travel: iPhone 16 / 17
The 48MP main camera captures more detail than older 12MP systems. The dual-camera setup covers everyday and travel photos without Pro-tier hardware.
🎯 Video Content: iPhone 16 Pro / 17 Pro
ProRes video support, stabilization, 5x zoom, and LiDAR for professional-quality content creation.
❌ NOT For Photos: iPhone SE
Single 12MP camera, no night mode, no ultra-wide. Only choose if budget is critical.