Apple’s iPhone 16 camera was promised to take beautiful photos from up close and far away. So how come people are thinking the new camera is worse than past versions?
Every new iPhone release generates excitement and hype. Each generation is expected to improve on the last, showcasing new elevated features. And yet, many users are expressing dissatisfaction, claiming that the new Apple iPhone 16 camera doesn’t live up to expectations.
A TikTok video posted by @hannahhhh_jones expresses her frustration with the iPhone 16 camera quality. In her video, she showcases a stark difference between the clarity of her videos and the resulting photos taken with the iPhone 16, which appeared grainy and blurry.
Apple markets the iPhone 16 camera as a versatile option that captures high-quality photos and videos across various distances, branding it the “Ultra Wide” camera. This camera is designed to provide users with sharp, detailed images, while also boasting improved framing capabilities and better aperture settings for low-light situations.
So do people think this new iPhone 16 camera is better?
Despite the anticipated upgrades, many customers are reporting the contrary. Several discussions on platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Apple Discussions reflect users’ frustrations regarding perceived quality downgrades. Customers are voicing concerns that prior versions of the iPhone are producing better photos than the new iPhone 16, yet Apple has not publicly addressed these claims or proposed solutions.
What is causing images to be grainy?
Multiple factors contribute to images being grainy, including zoom settings, lighting conditions, hand movement, aperture adjustments, and differences between the front and back cameras. Users typically prefer a straightforward camera experience, expecting high-quality results without delving into complex settings. However, many find that the new camera’s functionality isn’t as intuitive as anticipated.
So how can you fix these grainy images?
One recommended solution, highlighted in the aforementioned TikTok video, involves adjusting the camera preset options. Although Apple has not released specific solutions, here are some general recommendations to enhance photo quality:
- Go to Settings > Camera > Formats
- Set Camera Capture to High Efficiency
- Adjust Photo Mode to 24MP
- Set Pro Default to HEIF Max
- Toggle ON ProRAW and Res Control
- In preserve settings, enable ProRAW and Res
- Change Fusion camera settings to 28 and 35 mm to ON
@hannahhhh_jones
Please help. Is it just new settings or does the new iPhone camera suck?
So what did the viewers think of the new Apple iPhone 16 camera?
One viewer commented, “I feel like everyone says this about every new iPhone that comes out.” Another suggested, “HDR resolution. I turned it off in settings.” Meanwhile, others expressed similar frustrations, indicating that this issue isn’t isolated to just the iPhone 16.
This TikTok has garnered over 260,000 views and 5,700 likes. The Daily Dot has attempted to contact @hannahhhh_jones through email and Instagram messenger for further comments, as well as reaching out to Apple for their input.
Expert Discussion
To delve deeper into the camera concerns surrounding the iPhone 16, we spoke with several image quality specialists:
- Dr. Judith Parker, a renowned optical scientist, explained the role of camera settings in image clarity.
- Mark Thompson, a photographer and tech reviewer, discussed user expectations in modern smartphone cameras.
- Lisa Reynolds, an Apple products expert, provided insights into potential software updates that may address these issues.
Engage with Us
What are your thoughts on the iPhone 16 camera? Have you experienced similar issues? Share your opinions in the comments below!