While the standard iPhone 15 models and the Pro models may appear to have the same main cameras at first glance, a closer look reveals a significant difference. The iPhone 15 Pro features a 1/1.28-inch 48MP sensor with 1.22µm-sized pixels, whereas the iPhone 15 comes with a 1/1.56-inch sensor and smaller 1.0µm pixels.
In the world of smartphones, a larger sensor offers advantages, as it provides a larger surface area to capture more light, especially in low-light conditions. Additionally, larger pixels can allow more light to pass through, enhancing image quality.
To address the curiosity surrounding the size disparity between the main cameras of these iPhone models, repair experts at iFixit conducted a close examination. They used a microscope to explore the internal components, including the cameras, and shared their findings in a video.
The video highlights a clear distinction: despite both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max having 48MP main cameras, their sizes differ significantly. Specifically, the iPhone 15 has approximately 22 percent smaller quad-pixel buckets than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This size difference may impact the iPhone 15’s performance in low-light conditions compared to its more premium counterpart.
Notably, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max offer additional camera capabilities, allowing users to switch between different focal lengths while shooting, including 24mm (1x optical zoom), 28mm (1.2x), and 35mm (1.5x).
Although the iPhone 15 Pro boasts a larger main camera sensor, increasing its potential as a top camera phone in 2023, the iPhone 15’s primary sensor remains quite impressive. For the average user, the differences in results are likely to be minimal.
In summary, while size variations exist between the main cameras of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max, both devices offer strong camera performance, catering to various user preferences and needs.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Science Currents journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.