The Apple iPhone XS retains the same dual-12MP (wide+telephoto) camera configuration as the iPhone 7, 8 Plus, and X. The wide-angle sensor is behind the same f/1.8 lens as the iPhone X, while the telephoto sensor is behind an f/2.4 lens with optical image stabilization. The quad-LED dual-tone flash is here to stay, as is the huge sheet of scratch-resistant sapphire glass meant to keep everything safe.

The iPhone XS features an all-new 12MP sensor for the primary shooter with bigger pixels – 1.4m, up from 1.22m – and doubles the focus pixels. The telephoto camera has the same 1.0m pitch as previously.

A new picture signal processor with a 4-frame buffer for minimal shutter latency is included, as is a new Smart HDR function. In addition to those four frames, the camera records interframes and a long exposure combined into a single shot with greater dynamic range.

Apple has officially gone Pixel, and we’re excited to see what the new camera can do.

But hold on, there’s more. First, the iPhone no longer requires a second camera for depth sensing; it can do it with only the primary camera plus the power of the ISP’s depth mapping and data from the NPU.

The iPhone XS also includes an enhanced bokeh rendering, which Apple claims was inspired by the costliest DSLRs. The XS also lets you alter the depth of focus after you’ve snapped a shot, and the iOS 12.1 upgrade will let you do it in real-time through the viewfinder. Like Huawei has been doing for years.

The iPhone XS features the same 7MP f/2.2 selfie camera as the iPhone X, but owing to the upgraded ISP, the sensor has increased in speed, if not resolution. The front camera can now record 1080p movies at 60 frames per second, and cinematic video stabilization is enabled.

Improvement in the iPhone XS Camera 

Another enhancement to the iPhone XS camera is stereo recording for video capture. Yes, at long last! However, it is not simply stereo audio; it exploits broader sound separation for a richer sound and a better listening experience. We listened to a few iPhone XS clips on a pair of excellent headphones, and it’s not just a typical stereo sound; it’s rich in tones and somewhat surround-like, which is most likely what Apple refers to as wide stereo. If you’re going to do it late, at least do it better than everyone else.

Unfortunately, the camera app has not been updated. It uses the same UI that has been around for a long time. That’s probably good, but as is customary, all picture and video options aren’t available within the camera app. You must instead close the camera, open Settings, and then return to the camera. Not at all user-friendly. 

Image Quality 

The daylight samples taken with the iPhone XS are as good. A lot of detail is resolved, the noise levels are kept low, and the dynamic range is somewhat above average. It should be noted that this is in the situation of images when the Smart HDR has opted not to fire.

All 12MP photographs have excellent rendering and accurate colors and are pretty crisp, though not occasionally over-sharpened. Smart HDR layers many frames with varied exposures to improve dynamic range and contrast, but it also captures more detail in regions that previously appeared to be comprised of uniform hues (check the mountains). The foliage seems more natural in the HDR images since there is no over-sharpening.

Overall, it is recommended that you leave the Smart HDR option on – it will not harm your images and will only improve them when appropriate.

The telephoto camera in the iPhone XS is the same as on the iPhone X. It delivers the same high-quality photographs as the wide-angle lens and is useful when you require a little zoom. While telephoto samples are of identical quality, the f/2.4 aperture makes them less prone to blown highlights, and Smart HDR rarely intervenes.

Of course, Smart HDR performs an excellent job with the photographs, and even good photos may be improved by stacking numerous images.

The new sensor, in conjunction with Smart HDR, is expected to improve low-light performance significantly. The OIS allows the iPhone XS to photograph handheld at shutter speeds as low as 1/4s. The iPhone XS now has larger sensor pixels, and with little image stacking, it can produce outstanding low-light photographs with even exposure and no noise.

Unfortunately, while photographing in low light, the iPhone XS still does not utilize the OIS telephoto camera. The XS digital zooms to generate the zoomed look and crops the primary camera output. This, of course, has an impact on image quality. 

Final Thoughts 

In daylight shots, the iPhone XS examples are less noisy, clearer, and lack the oil-painting look that some iPhone X photos have in regions of uniform detail like buildings and sky.

In low-light situations, the iPhone XS camera outperforms the iPhone X camera. The XS photographs are more detailed, less noisy, and better exposed, placing them among the finest in their class. The iPhone X isn’t all that horrible; it can’t match what the iPhone XS catches. Therefore, iPhone XS is an excellent choice if you like taking pictures. You can buy a used iPhone XS at a reasonable price.