How the iPhone 7 camera takes pictures: features, specifications and reviews

• March 11, 2019
• Reviews
• Danil Podlubny

iPhone 7 has a single camera module of 12 megapixels, the Plus version has a double camera module, but also 12 megapixels. The iPhone 7 has 5x digital zoom, and the Plus version cameras have 2x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom. This is where all the main differences indicated on the Apple website end, but in fact there are many more of them. The comparison will be made with last year's model - the iPhone 6s.

Characteristics of the iPhone 6s camera

• The main camera of the iPhone 6s has a resolution of 12 megapixels and a small aperture number of 2.2.
• There is no optical image stabilization.
• The main camera of the iPhone 6s has a five-fold digital zoom and an expanded range of colors.
• A fundamentally new TrueTone flash and HDR mode have appeared.
• The front camera of the iPhone 6s has a high resolution of 5 megapixels.
• The front camera also has a small aperture number of 2.2 and a RetinaFlash flash.
• It is possible to record video in 720p resolution.

Camera video capabilities:

• The main camera of the iPhone 6s has the ability to record 4K video at 30 frames per second, as well as 1080p and 720p at 30 frames per second or 60 frames per second.
• There is no optical image stabilization option.
• The main camera has 3x digital zoom.
• There is the ability to record slow-motion video with a resolution of 1080p or 720p at a frequency of 120 frames per second and 240 frames per second.

FaceTime

The front camera of the 7 has also become more powerful. It has now acquired an expansion of 7 megapixels (this is 2 megapixels more than its predecessors). In addition, it received automatic image stabilization, ensuring high sharpness of the “picture” even when shooting in motion. Therefore, all your selfies are guaranteed to be clear and detailed.

Also, high image quality is guaranteed to you even in low light conditions. The light from your own flash - "RetinaFlash" - is quite enough to accurately convey the outlines of faces and surrounding objects.

The mini camera now also has an expanded color gamut, i.e. the palette of colors has become much richer. As a result, faces look “alive” and three-dimensional. Plus, the sensor has become even more effective at capturing and recognizing not only faces, but also human figures. It is on them that all the attention and capabilities of the camera are focused.

The quality of frontal HD video recording has also increased, now its resolution is 1080 p, which is 320 p more than in previous models. So in general, the quality of both selfie photos and “live” communication in FaceTime video should improve significantly.

Characteristics of the iPhone 7 camera

In general, they are similar, but there are also differences:

• The main camera has a resolution of 12 megapixels and a small aperture number of 1.8.
• There is also the possibility of optical image stabilization and five-fold digital zoom.
• The main camera has a larger color range for photos.
• The smartphone has a new TrueTone Quad-LED flash.
• The main camera operates in HDR mode.
• The front camera of the iPhone 7 has a high resolution of 7 megapixels and a small aperture number of 2.2
• The screen can be additionally illuminated using Retina Flash technology.
• The camera also has a wider color range.
• It is now possible to record video in 1080p resolution.

Video capabilities of the iPhone 7 camera:

• The main camera can record 4K video at 30 frames per second.
• There is also the ability to record 1080p and 720p video at 30fps or 60fps.
• There is no optical image stabilization option.
• There is a possibility of 3x digital zoom.
• The main camera of the iPhone 7 makes it possible to record slow-motion video with a resolution of 1080p or 720p at a frequency of 120 frames per second and 240 frames per second.

For a more clear comparison, the characteristics will be presented in table form.

When choosing an iPhone model, people often wonder how many megapixels are in the iPhone 7 (or any other model) camera. Compared to the 6th model, in the “seven” the developers left the same 12 megapixels, but changed other parameters.

Equipment

Apple even changed the design of the packaging film. Now, to open it, you just need to pull the special tab; you no longer need to cut or pierce anything.

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The delivery package has also changed. An envelope with documentation and stickers (also in an updated design) now lies on top, covering the iPhone. Hidden under the smartphone is a paper package of the already familiar EarPods headphones with a Lightning connector and an adapter for a 3.5 mm audio jack, as well as a charging cable and a USB adapter.

Display

Oddly enough, but it is on the 7/7 Plus that the display plays a big role in the camera's capabilities. And all because the camera and display are equipped with an improved color gamut - DCI-P3. Since this technology is only used in the display and camera of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, other users will not be able to enjoy the improved picture. Because of this, the colors in the photos are more saturated and better convey the depth of the image. Next, let’s compare the “7” and the “iPhone 6s”

Based on the results of numerous tests, it is clear that the iPhone 7 camera takes brighter and more saturated photos. All thanks to the higher aperture of the lens.

CPU

The most important thing that has changed in the iPhone7 is the processor. This model is equipped with an F10 Fusion processor, which boasts four cores and a frequency of 1.4 GHz. The new “brain” turned out to be much more agile than the old version, so programs and applications now open even faster. On average, iPhone7 outperformed its predecessor by as much as 40%. The operating system of the new processor is also interesting. For normal tasks, it uses only two cores, but if you need to increase power, it uses the rest. This allows you to increase productivity when needed, and use the battery more economically the rest of the time. By the way, the battery of the seventh iPhone model has also increased, so the gadget can now work all day on a full charge. However, you shouldn’t count on more - the phone still won’t last longer than 12 hours. If you play games and use resource-intensive applications, the battery charge will only last for 4-5 hours. At the time of the smartphone's release in 2016, the F10 Fusion was considered one of the most powerful in the world. But even now, the iPhone7 continues to be one of Apple's best phones.

A description of the capabilities of the iPhone 7 would be incomplete without a new operating system that can be used on Apple smartphones. In 2022, iOS12 was released, which amazed users with its speed and performance.

The difference between cameras is not always noticeable

In some conditions they shoot exactly the same. But to make photos look similar, you need to take a new photo, looking at what was already taken on a newer device. You also need to be able to catch the white balance and make a higher exposure. The iPhone 7 can take a photo instantly, but the quality will be the same as the photo on the iPhone 6s, which you will struggle with for quite a long time. But the fact is obvious, the cameras have the same photo capabilities.

Differences in color options

The seventh version of the Apple smartphone is presented, as we noted, in five colors. In addition to the usual white, black, silver and gold, another shade called “black onyx” has been added to the line. It is made from the same high-strength steel as other models, but looks much more impressive. When you hold a glossy black iPhone in your hands, thoughts of expensive sports cars come to mind.

If you wish, you can see your reflection on the back of the iPhone 7. But such coverage also has its disadvantages. It scratches too easily, so it is better to put a case on the phone immediately after purchase, otherwise by the evening the surface will not be so smooth. In addition, fingerprints always remain on the aluminum surface. Despite the oleophobic coating, the developers could not avoid this problem.

Another option is matte black, which also went on sale only in 2016. It is more suitable for practical people. This model is made of special brushed aluminum and looks very original.

The gold and silver iPhones are qualitatively different from the appearance of other gadgets. What does a gold iPhone 7 look like? Thanks to the metal back surface and the white bezel around the screen, the phone looks very stylish, without a hint of vulgarity.

White and yellow difference, improved bokeh effect

Automatic shooting often ruins the quality of photography. The camera only catches cool colors. And the camera in the iPhone 6s shows a more realistic shot with a bokeh effect, but clarity suffers because of this. You can, of course, stand and try to catch the correct white point, but you expect something completely different from a smartphone camera.

When shooting with bokeh, noise is almost always present. The reason for its appearance is unclear. Perhaps this is a feature of the iPhone 6s lens, because this was not noticed on the 7th model. Also, the camera of the newer device perfectly captures white and yellow colors. This effect can be achieved in Photoshop, but a smartphone can do it automatically. Even if the object moves, the iPhone 7 will retain much more detail in it than the iPhone 6s.

Innovative iPhone Features

Apple's smartphone is known for its little quirks that make customers' lives much easier. Therefore, if you decide to change your iPhone to a phone of another brand, it will not be so easy, because it will not have the usual functions.

• In the new 2016 model, it became possible to unlock the phone by simply lifting it from a horizontal surface.
• The Livephotos feature is a unique development from Apple that allows you to shoot short videos of 2-3 frames.
• Airdrop helps you quickly transfer files from one iPhone to another.
• The well-known artificial intelligence Siri helps you complete certain commands faster using voice input.
• Unlock system using fingerprint or retinal scan.
• Memories. The iPhone operating system has a built-in feature that automatically edits small memory clips based on photos from recent weeks.

Conclusion about the quality of shooting

As you already understand, how many megapixels are in the iPhone 7 camera does not matter. Realistic and beautiful pictures on this iPhone are obtained thanks to completely different characteristics. This is especially true for night shots. Here the Apple developers have outdone themselves. Also, color reproduction in iPhone 7 has become better, and the difference is noticeable not only on the screen of the same smartphone. Autofocus now works faster and more accurately. The detail changed only when shooting at night, which is understandable, because automatic noise removal cuts out a lot of small details. Purchasing an iPhone 7 just for the photo and video capabilities would be inappropriate, since the differences with the previous model in these indicators are minimal.

If night photography is important to you, then you should take a closer look at buying a newer version of the smartphone. The iPhone 7's front camera hasn't changed much, and it doesn't really need it. But the most important thing in photography is the skills of the photographer. No matter how good the camera is, you will not be able to take a good picture without at least amateur-level skills.

Price

The cost of the iPhone 7 smartphone was quite high immediately after its release in 2016. But now other models have entered the market, so its price has dropped significantly. New gadgets with a memory capacity of 32 gigabytes are sold for 40 thousand rubles. If you need more memory, you can add 4 thousand rubles and buy a phone with internal memory of 128 GB. At the moment, this is the maximum possible number of GB that is on sale. The iPhone 7 Plus costs a little more: for a smartphone with 32 GB memory you will need to pay 46 thousand rubles.

Of course, Apple produces smartphones that are much more expensive than similar products from competitors. However, sales do not fall from year to year, and this is explained by high build quality and care for the buyer. When you pick up an Apple smartphone, you experience only pleasure and no irritation, and many are willing to pay a large sum for this.

Sound

Knowing that the iPhone 7 had a second speaker, we were prepared for louder sound, but we didn't expect it to be so outstanding. Stereo speakers don't just play, they actually convey depth and the full range of frequencies, as far as possible in smartphones. The stereo effect is not just for show; it is clearly visible and makes the sound much more pleasant. It will be very, very difficult to miss a call when the iPhone 7 is under your clothes and you are somewhere in a noisy place.

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The headphones are now connected via a Lightning connector, but the sound quality is no different from regular EarPods. If you used third-party wired headphones, you will have to attach the included adapter to them. It will be easier for those who have already switched to Bluetooth.

AirPods review: smart headphones completely wireless

If you want to plunge into the world of Apple wireless accessories, then a pair of new AirPods headphones, free of wires, is at your service. They are sold separately and are not that cheap - $159 or, in the Russian Apple Store, 12,990 rubles. For Russia – 3 thousand more expensive. Here, apparently, the matter is in additional taxes, excise taxes and fees. But company A.

The tiny AirPods, which are essentially a pair of in-ear headphones, not only do without a wired connection to the audio source (iPhone 7 in our case), but also without an additional wire between each other. The latter is the problem with the lion's share of wireless headphones from other manufacturers.

AirPods use infrared technology, mysterious to us mere mortal consumers, to detect the time they are inserted into our ears. If you remove one earphone, the player is automatically paused. By tapping your AirPod twice while it's in your ear, you can turn on Siri on your iPhone 7.

Wireless AirPods headphones do a good job of cutting off all external sound sources. For example, if you are on a fairly busy street or in a shopping center, you won’t have to turn the volume up to maximum.

Each earbud can work up to five hours on a single charge. You can charge your AirPods by placing them in a small box that serves as both a charger and a case. The charging case itself, in turn, is charged from the iPhone 7 via the Lightning connector.

AirPods have deep and pleasant sound. But losing such an earphone is a piece of cake, and for charging you will have to constantly carry their storage with you in the form of a small box. Imagine how happy your dog will be when he finds a small white “earphone” on the floor. And the price of AirPods in Russia, let us remind you, is almost 13,000 rubles.

Is it worth buying

Well, the answer to the most important question. Should I run to the store sooner, or can my old iPhone last another year?

As always, for owners of older models the answer is clear: it’s worth it. New camera, fastest hardware platform, absolutely stunning blacks - it's worth paying for. If you have a previous generation, then you can overcome the temptation and wait for the iPhone 7s, which will be an anniversary and even cooler. At least until the end of next year, the iPhone 6s will be quite relevant.

Physical and aesthetic design changes

Unsurprisingly, the new models don't differ much from previous offerings. Apple prefers small, incremental improvements, so it's no surprise that the iPhone 7 is the same size as the 6s (4.7-inch screen) and the 7 Plus is the same size as the 6s Plus (5.5-inch), though and a little thinner.

Aesthetically the difference is very small. The most noticeable visual change is that there are two new colors - glossy Jet Black and matte Black. The devices are also available in silver, gold and rose gold.

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Photo taken with LG G5
This is a situation where the dynamic capabilities of smartphone cameras are tested. In other words, we test how well the cameras capture a scene with very light and very dark areas - the afternoon sun and the face of a statue, respectively.

In our particular case, we came to the conclusion that it is not easy to choose a winner. On the one hand, the LG G5 produced the clearest image of Colonel Zhelezov, although the sky turned out to be a little faded. On the other hand, the photo from the iPhone 7 is the most balanced, where the sky came out closest to reality. iPhone 6s and Xperia XZ, in principle, coped well with the task.

We want to point out that in this round we presented a photo from the Xperia XZ with a resolution of 8 MP. The reason was simple: when shooting with a resolution of 23 megapixels, the camera was unable to adequately compensate for backlight, so the photo turned out to be of low quality.

This time the Galaxy S7 edge failed to surprise us. In principle, the image looks tolerable, although most of the face of the monument is hidden by shadows.

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Scene 5: Colonel

Scene 5: Galaxy S7 edge

Scene 5: iPhone 6s

Scene 5: iPhone 7

Scene 5: LG G5

Scene 5: Xperia XZ