I have an iPhone 5 and an S4 - Comparisons & Observations

[Assault]

original quote shortened for brevity ..

Sir Ruben,

A nicely done review, however can I point out that you are using a Touchwiz version of Android and not Google's vanilla version. Issues like lag, app fc's and that sort of thing are because of Touchwiz, not Android. Cut through all that TW bs, and you get a very fluid, fast and crisp piece of kit.

I hate what Samsung have done with Android and their layers of excessive crap U/I. I use a custom AOKP ROM on my S3, and there is a night and day difference. I love Samsung's hardware and coupled with a professionally done and optimized ROM or Vanilla Android, you will be in heaven. Once there is a stable ROM for the S4, i highly recommend dumping Touchwiz and all the crap Samsung adds with it.

Good luck and thanks again for a nice review/comparison. Cheers.

 

[Sir Ruben]

Sir Ruben,

A nicely done review, however can I point out that you are using a Touchwiz version of Android and not Google's vanilla version. Issues like lag, app fc's and that sort of thing are because of Touchwiz, not Android. Cut through all that TW bs, and you get a very fluid, fast and crisp piece of kit.

I hate what Samsung have done with Android and their layers of excessive crap U/I. I use a custom AOKP ROM on my S3, and there is a night and day difference. I love Samsung's hardware and coupled with a professionally done and optimized ROM or Vanilla Android, you will be in heaven. Once there is a stable ROM for the S4, i highly recommend dumping Touchwiz and all the crap Samsung adds with it.

Good luck and thanks again for a nice review/comparison. Cheers.

Hi glad you liked it. I know what you are saying, but its a shame we have to basically install a variant of Android just to get it to run smoothly on a brand new piece of hardware. Touchwiz or no I would have expected a quad core phone to breeze along with no effort. Maybe it says something about Samsung's coding I don't know.

I have been using Nova launcher to basically hide the gross touchwiz theme as much as possible but this hasn't really helped with stutters and lag at all (not that I really expected it too but I had faint hope!). Yes I could look into installing a custom ROM but its the principle of the matter. I do however appreciate you're help and I have heard that it makes a massive difference. Don't get me wrong its no deal breaker, its just that when that beast of a screen lights up its a little disappointing to see it followed with laggy animations :/

I have taken some further shots with the camera (as this has been a point of interest in this thread) and tried out some of the modes such as drama shot etc. I liked the results and will try and post them up later today.

 

[NeuralControl]

This was a very good comparison/review. I enjoyed reading it and commend you for being honest about each device without bias.

 

[Sir Ruben]

Just a quick camera update (as I know this has been a topic of conversation in this thread). Check out some S4 shots I took while the sun was out:

Overall image quality is nice. Drama shots look very blown out however it was very sunny. Didn't have the iPhone 5 with me at the time to take any direct comparisons.

 

[durant35]

The dog pics and the flower pic are blown out because you have two issues working against you. First, the angle you are shooting at and second, you have your camera set to center-weighted metering which is its default. Switching it to Matrix or even Spot metering would be the best choice here, but you have to understand where to focus as well.

My first pic of the flowers was using center-weighted metering and I let the camera auto focus. As you can see, the flowers and grass are overexposed. For the next shot, I changed my position a few feet to the right, switched to spot metering and set my focus point on the flowers. That tells the sensor to read the light from the small area I selected rather than it trying to read the 80% frame as it does in the first pic with metering set to center-weighted and no real focus point set. Even advanced DSLR cameras struggle with properly exposing shots in bright sunlight, so its best to take as much control of the shot as you can. Your eye can read lighting much better than a camera sensor.

I have to say that even in full auto settings, the S4 camera is excellent and for us pro photographers who can dig into the menus and control the shots more, it damn near rivals my $2k camera and $1500 lenses in good lighting. Easily the best camera I have used on any phone yet.

 

[zbarvian]

I have to say I'm impressed by the image quality. The colors and detail look phenomenal.

 

[NeuralControl]

The dog pics and the flower pic are blown out because you have two issues working against you. First, the angle you are shooting at and second, you have your camera set to center-weighted metering which is its default. Switching it to Matrix or even Spot metering would be the best choice here, but you have to understand where to focus as well.

My first pic of the flowers was using center-weighted metering and I let the camera auto focus. As you can see, the flowers and grass are overexposed. For the next shot, I changed my position a few feet to the right, switched to spot metering and set my focus point on the flowers. That tells the sensor to read the light from the small area I selected rather than it trying to read the 80% frame as it does in the first pic with metering set to center-weighted and no real focus point set. Even advanced DSLR cameras struggle with properly exposing shots in bright sunlight, so its best to take as much control of the shot as you can. Your eye can read lighting much better than a camera sensor.

I have to say that even in full auto settings, the S4 camera is excellent and for us pro photographers who can dig into the menus and control the shots more, it damn near rivals my $2k camera and $1500 lenses in good lighting. Easily the best camera I have used on any phone yet.

durant35, I'm really impressed with the quality of the photos you took. Really great shots.

 

[durant35]

durant35, I'm really impressed with the quality of the photos you took. Really great shots.

Thanks! Been a pro photographer for 8 years, so I am always interested in playing with great new cameras on phones.

 

[Sir Ruben]

The dog pics and the flower pic are blown out

To be honest I didn't really think the flower picture was that blown out.

The drama shots however are incredibly blown out, however I was under the impression that this is due to the camera having to merge multiple photos that were taken in very bright conditions to create the drama shot. Under normal circumstances taking a normal picture in auto mode that doesn't happen and no special care is needed to get the shot looking right, hence it being auto mode.

The other problem when taking a picture outdoors with the S4 is that the screen is very hard to see in bright light (even if you shade the screen with your hand) which really works against you when trying to compose the scene. You can barely see the screen and you have no viewfinder to look through so you are often working blind.

I wouldn't compare the camera to my DSLR in any way whatsoever though, not by a long shot. If the weather is right this weekend I'll try and get some outdoor comparisons done with the iPhone 5 as I have a nagging suspicion that the iPhone 5 may produce better results regardless of how nice the above pics look. I'll post the results of both and let you decide for yourself. I wont be fiddling the with camera settings too much though, both will be in auto mode on purpose as most people use a camera phone for quick snaps.

 

[mib1800]

These are the really detail camera comparison I could find. Most of them give top marks to the S4.

http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/C...okia-Lumia-920-and-Galaxy-S-III_id3285/page/7
http://connect.dpreview.com/post/92...axys4-vs-htcone-vs-iphone5-vs-lumia920?page=4
http://cellphoneforums.net/pt/conte...-920-xperiz-zl-vs-iphone-5.html#axzz2U0gx7xX7
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Mobiles/Samsung-Galaxy-S4-overview-Does-bigger-mean-better

 

[cnev3]

Good observations. Having used both platforms I agree with a lot. Except the back button! Couldnt stand how its function changed depending on the context. Lots of times it closed out apps when I just wanted to go back a step.

I was annoyed by the scrolling thing on long web pages too. Ended up using the Mercury browser to sync my desktop chrome data, and it has gestures to go instantly to top or bottom of page. Also with the slew of popular browsers im sure there are others with faster scrolling.

I used the file system a lot when I had the SD card on my Android. Didnt have much use for it with iOS, but I have iFunBox to manage all the phones data in a filesystem format. If you are open to jailbreaking, then you could get it, which would also open up options for more customization since that was one of your other issues.

I agree about the comfort of the aluminum enclosure. It looks cool, feels premium, but not as comfy in the hand as a curved plastic.

 

[durant35]

If the weather is right this weekend I'll try and get some outdoor comparisons done with the iPhone 5 as I have a nagging suspicion that the iPhone 5 may produce better results regardless of how nice the above pics look. I'll post the results of both and let you decide for yourself.

Its ok, I did that for a week straight myself. The S4 was the better camera hands down. Its larger sensor and more pixels meant sharper and more detailed photos, especially when at a 100% crop. Not to mention the S4 has a huge advantage by letting the user control the ISO, metering mode, white balance and exposure levels. Combine that with anti shake and the tons of other filter features available in camera like black and white, sepia, vintage, cartoon etc...The S4 is easily the better of the two.

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

Its ok, I did that for a week straight myself. The S4 was the better camera hands down. Its larger sensor and more pixels meant sharper and more detailed photos, especially when at a 100% crop. Not to mention the S4 has a huge advantage by letting the user control the ISO, metering mode, white balance and exposure levels. Combine that with anti shake and the tons of other filter features available in camera like black and white, sepia, vintage, cartoon etc...The S4 is easily the better of the two.

Actually, this isn't true. iPhone 5's camera sensor is larger and pixel size is larger. A larger pixel size is better because it captures more light. Sometimes, more settings aren't a advantage. Especially on spur of the moment devices like smartphones. For more serious photographers, these settings are a huge advantage. But serious photography should be done with DSLRs and the like. Many of those software filters can be accomplished on a variety of apps on both Android and iOS, free and paid. Samsung fell for the Megapixel race, the winner of such a race really becomes the loser. Although, the S4's F/2.2 is something to be praised.

My source:
http://www.chipworks.com/blog/recentteardowns/2012/09/21/apple-iphone-5-image-sensors-and-battery/
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6914/samsung-galaxy-s-4-review/7
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6330/the-iphone-5-review/16

There's a section that lists the specs of the camera sensor for each phone.

 

[durant35]

Actually, this isn't true. iPhone 5's camera sensor is larger and pixel size is larger. A larger pixel size is better because it captures more light. Sometimes, more settings aren't a advantage. Especially on spur of the moment devices like smartphones. For more serious photographers, these settings are a huge advantage. But serious photography should be done with DSLRs and the like. Many of those software filters can be accomplished on a variety of apps on both Android and iOS, free and paid. Samsung fell for the Megapixel race, the winner of such a race really becomes the loser. Although, the S4's F/2.2 is something to be praised.

My source:
http://www.chipworks.com/blog/recentteardowns/2012/09/21/apple-iphone-5-image-sensors-and-battery/
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6914/samsung-galaxy-s-4-review/7
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6330/the-iphone-5-review/16

There's a section that lists the specs of the camera sensor for each phone.

Thanks, I stand corrected. Well thats even more impressive the S4 is able to pull off better detail and resolution with a smaller sensor and smaller pixel size. Yes, serious photography SHOULD be done with a DSLR but as the old saying goes...the best camera is the one you have with you.

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

Thanks, I stand corrected. Well thats even more impressive the S4 is able to pull off better detail and resolution with a smaller sensor and smaller pixel size. Yes, serious photography SHOULD be done with a DSLR but as the old saying goes...the best camera is the one you have with you.

Not really. It's incredibly easy to up the megapixels. That is why there were 20 megapixel cameras for $100 a few years ago (and probably still today). But the image quality was incredibly disappointing.

Take a look at this camera comparison:
http://www.technobuffalo.com/2013/04/24/samsung-galaxy-s4-vs-iphone-5-camera-comparison/

You can see that the iPhone 5 captures more detail and true-life colors, even when the images are cropped (respective to original size). The only caveat is that those images with capture using auto settings. Most of the time while out, you probably won't have time to fiddle with settings. Most smartphone users don't. Again, for the "serious" photographers who want fine-grain control and other "DSLR" features, S4 is indeed better. Changing camera settings like ISO, metering, etc. requires knowledge of a camera, something most people don't have. The best way to compare non-DSLR type of cameras (especially smartphones) is the auto setting because these cameras are aimed for the point and shoot crowd, who don't know anything beyond "point and shoot".

I have a few DSLRs as photography is one of my hobbies. I own the Nikon D7200 and Sony NEX 7 with more than $10,000 in lenses (most of which are Nikon). I'm definitely not a profession photographer but I do know this stuff fairly well.

 

[durant35]

Not really. It's incredibly easy to up the megapixels. That is why there were 20 megapixel cameras for $100 a few years ago (and probably still today). But the image quality was incredibly disappointing.

Take a look at this camera comparison:
http://www.technobuffalo.com/2013/04/24/samsung-galaxy-s4-vs-iphone-5-camera-comparison/

You can see that the iPhone 5 captures more detail and true-life colors, even when the images are cropped (respective to original size). The only caveat is that those images with capture using auto settings. Most of the time while out, you probably won't have time to fiddle with settings. Most smartphone users don't. Again, for the "serious" photographers who want fine-grain control and other "DSLR" features, S4 is indeed better. Changing camera settings like ISO, metering, etc. requires knowledge of a camera, something most people don't have. The best way to compare non-DSLR type of cameras (especially smartphones) is the auto setting because these cameras are aimed for the point and shoot crowd, who don't know anything beyond "point and shoot".

I have a few DSLRs as photography is one of my hobbies. I own the Nikon D7200 and Sony NEX 7 with more than $10,000 in lenses (most of which are Nikon). I'm definitely not a profession photographer but I do know this stuff fairly well.

Sorry but Technobuffalo is a heavily Apple biased website. I prefer to believe DPreview as they have no agendas when it comes to cell phones or manufacturers and they actually have scientific tests, not just shooting random things around their office. You only need to look at the first page in the link below to see the S4's photo quality is better in colors, lower noise and detail. The iPhone's colors are washed out and there is not nearly as much detail. The other 3 sites also found the S4 camera to be superior. I also trust my skills as a pro photographer over phone guys with zero experience, all shooting on auto modes, and my trained eye finds the S4 superior to the iPhone 5 as well but thanks

http://connect.dpreview.com/post/92...sunggalaxys4-vs-htcone-vs-iphone5-vs-lumia920

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

Sorry but Technobuffalo is a heavily Apple biased website. I prefer to believe DPreview as they have no agendas when it comes to cell phones or manufacturers and they actually have scientific tests, not just shooting random things around their office. You only need to look at the first page in the link below to see the S4's photo quality is better in colors, lower noise and detail. The iPhone's colors are washed out and there is not nearly as much detail. The other 3 sites also found the S4 camera to be superior. I also trust my skills as a pro photographer over phone guys with zero experience, all shooting on auto modes, and my trained eye finds the S4 superior to the iPhone 5 as well but thanks

http://connect.dpreview.com/post/92...sunggalaxys4-vs-htcone-vs-iphone5-vs-lumia920

Really? A self-proclaimed "pro photographer" "only need to look at the first page" to gauge which is better? Actually read (I'm sure it's a very difficult task for you) the review. If I am to stoop down to your low standards, the first set of images says "The iPhone captures a more natural image, with less saturated colors and visibly lower contrast.". It's incredibly difficult to capture what the scene looks like in REAL LIFE. It's easy to muck it up by cranking up the contrast or color saturation. Any number of free apps on either platform can do this. Sure it compares to the other devices as less contrast and less color saturation. But real life isn't all perfect and flawless. Do you want the true image and how it appears naturally (with options to do post) or start from a mucked up image? Pro-photographer? Most like pro-noob. That sentence is very telling. Apple isn't trying to make real life seem a bit more colorful. It's trying to capture the truest image. Your trained eye is the equivalent of completely blind.

 

[durant35]

Really? A self-proclaimed "pro photographer" "only need to look at the first page" to gauge which is better? Actually read (I'm sure it's a very difficult task for you) the review. If I am to stoop down to your low standards, the first set of images says "The iPhone captures a more natural image, with less saturated colors and visibly lower contrast.". It's incredibly difficult to capture what the scene looks like in REAL LIFE. It's easy to muck it up by cranking up the contrast or color saturation. Any number of free apps on either platform can do this. Sure it compares to the other devices as less contrast and less color saturation. But real life isn't all perfect and flawless. Do you want the true image and how it appears naturally (with options to do post) or start from a mucked up image? Pro-photographer? Most like pro-noob. That sentence is very telling. Apple isn't trying to make real life seem a bit more colorful. It's trying to capture the truest image. Your trained eye is the equivalent of completely blind.

LOL, ok kid. Ill take a better shot with my S4 then you will ever take with your pro equipment

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I have an iPhone 5 and an S4 - Comparisons & Observations

Thanks, I stand corrected. Well thats even more impressive the S4 is able to pull off better detail and resolution with a smaller sensor and smaller pixel size. Yes, serious photography SHOULD be done with a DSLR but as the old saying goes...the best camera is the one you have with you.

I think the opinion one is better than the other regarding detail and pixel size is subjective. I know many pro photographer reviews that have said the opposite of what you've said and the examples in this thread have demonstrated it too. I think the iPhone provides a truer colour experience without the need for over saturation. If you prefer the S4 for your photo needs then that's fantastic. This is one of those conversations where you can't convert others who have different experiences however, and that goes for both devices.

It's very easy to claim to be a pro photographer too. I hope you are not doing that because you think it adds weight to your opinion. I'm an amateur enthusiast with 20 years experience and have done work for companies yet I wouldn't dare claim to be a pro lol. I also wouldn't use my iPhone for any pictures I wanted to publish either.

 

[Sir Ruben]

LOL, ok kid. Ill take a better shot with my S4 then you will ever take with your pro equipment

I must admit I was also a little sceptical when you referred to yourself as a 'pro photographer' - I'm always a little wary of people who are quick to label themselves in such a way.

However when you commented that the S4 rivals a DSLR I began disregarding your 'expert' advice. Smartphone cameras can't rival a good point and shoot never mind a DSLR. If you were referring to the camera modes such as Drama Shot etc, these are nothing more than software gimmicks and have nothing to do with the camera itself.

Tell you what, take me some really good, un-edited night shots with the S4 and then we can discuss your self proclaimed pro status.

 

[2298754]

However when you commented that the S4 rivals a DSLR I began disregarding your 'expert' advice. Smartphone cameras can't rival a good point and shoot never mind a DSLR.

This. It was a ridiculous statement to make. No smartphone camera can rival a DSLR. Not even close.

 

[durant35]

It's very easy to claim to be a pro photographer too. I hope you are not doing that because you think it adds weight to your opinion. I'm an amateur enthusiast with 20 years experience and have done work for companies yet I wouldn't dare claim to be a pro lol. I also wouldn't use my iPhone for any pictures I wanted to publish either.

I have been published everywhere from Maxim and Playboy to FHM and, Lowrider, Import Tuner, American Curves etc... Dozens of covers and layouts all over the world. Was giving my opinion, don't really care what you think of my opinion but thanks. Oh and by the way, i never said it rivaled a DSLR, learn to read. I said it "damn near" rivals a DLSR "in good lighting". I stand by that statement.

 

[sentinelsx]

All the fighting aside, the s4 pics look fabulous to me and combined with the fact that it also runs android, which is something I desire more than ios, means the slightly better cam in iPhone isn't going to win it for me. I am sure many others think the same way.

If the google edition can get pics like this, I am sold.

Just the screen could be better.

 

[Dr McKay]

Really? A self-proclaimed "pro photographer" "only need to look at the first page" to gauge which is better? Actually read (I'm sure it's a very difficult task for you) the review. If I am to stoop down to your low standards, the first set of images says "The iPhone captures a more natural image, with less saturated colors and visibly lower contrast.". It's incredibly difficult to capture what the scene looks like in REAL LIFE. It's easy to muck it up by cranking up the contrast or color saturation. Any number of free apps on either platform can do this. Sure it compares to the other devices as less contrast and less color saturation. But real life isn't all perfect and flawless. Do you want the true image and how it appears naturally (with options to do post) or start from a mucked up image? Pro-photographer? Most like pro-noob. That sentence is very telling. Apple isn't trying to make real life seem a bit more colorful. It's trying to capture the truest image. Your trained eye is the equivalent of completely blind.

There you go again, can't you have a discussion without insulting people?

 

[Fanaticalism]

Really? A self-proclaimed "pro photographer" "only need to look at the first page" to gauge which is better? Actually read (I'm sure it's a very difficult task for you) the review. If I am to stoop down to your low standards, the first set of images says "The iPhone captures a more natural image, with less saturated colors and visibly lower contrast.". It's incredibly difficult to capture what the scene looks like in REAL LIFE. It's easy to muck it up by cranking up the contrast or color saturation. Any number of free apps on either platform can do this. Sure it compares to the other devices as less contrast and less color saturation. But real life isn't all perfect and flawless. Do you want the true image and how it appears naturally (with options to do post) or start from a mucked up image? Pro-photographer? Most like pro-noob. That sentence is very telling. Apple isn't trying to make real life seem a bit more colorful. It's trying to capture the truest image. Your trained eye is the equivalent of completely blind.

His posts have seemed pretty objective and impersonal to me.:shrugs: