Apple and Google have consistently gone head-to-head on who has a better camera phone. After years of going with a lower megapixel camera, Apple bumped up its megapixel count on its top tier iPhone 14 models last year. The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max got a 48MP main camera and are one of the best camera phones right now in our list, followed closely by the Pixel 7 Pro. But some users and popular YouTuber Marques Brownlee (opens in new tab) (MKBHD) have now pointed out that the iPhone 14 Pro could have a problem with its camera.
MKBHD says that in a “scientific testing” of phone cameras that he carried out, the iPhone 14 Pro consistently fell into the middle tier and was nowhere near the top few phones. In fact, the Pixel 6a won this testing, beating Apple to the punch. This made him wonder where Apple was going wrong — and despite having one of the best overall camera systems on a phone, why was it not being able to produce the best looking photos.
In a video titled “What is happening with the iPhone camera” he says that his theory is that iPhone photos are being ruined by excessive post-processing.
Over-processed iPhone 14 Pro images
These days having just a high specced camera on a phone is not enough to guarantee that it will be a good camera phone. The sensor needs to be large enough to capture as much light detail as possible but it is also equally important for phones to have excellent software capabilities to enhance images.
Phones don’t have the space for large camera sensors like DSLRs so manufacturers compensate for this by software processing an image and adjusting them once they are taken.
Many new features launched for cameras these days are purely software driven since there is only so much manufacturers can do with hardware. MKBHD says manufacturers are increasingly relying on software smarts to get consumers good camera quality.
He also indicates that Google had “struck gold” with its camera and software balance right from the Pixel 3. But as soon as the company raised its camera megapixels to a 50MP sensor with the Pixel 6 Pro, things didn’t seem to go right for them. The same thing seems to have happened with Apple now. iPhones have used a 12MP sensor for years now but this time when the iPhone 14 Pro jumped up to a 48MP camera, it threw the balance off between the hardware and the software.
It seems like the software is overworking, even though it doesn’t need to, now that the phone has a better camera sensor — resulting in over-processed and artificial-looking photos.
Apple has Smart HDR that combines multiple photos in different adjustments into one, allowing the phone to choose the best characteristics of each image and combine them into a single photo. This can sometimes end up looking unrealistic and the iPhone maker seems to highlight humans in these images, leaving the image looking pretty jarring on the whole.
Apple’s new Photonic Engine on the iPhone 14 Pro, which improves on the phone maker’s computational photography for mid- and low-light scenes, sometimes works really well in favorable scenarios like a clear sky or grass or good lighting. This can be seen in our iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Pixel 7 Pro camera shootout. In the below image of the skating rink, the iPhone 14 Pro Max delivers a brighter and warmer picture compared to the Pixel 7 Pro.
But when there are different light sources, colors and textures — the software doesn’t seem to be able to understand what is the best setting for all the elements combined.
We found this to be the case in this picture of Times Square where the Pixel 7 Pro gave us a much more clear and brighter image with different elements and details coming through like the angled glass panes above the ESPN sign. There’s nothing starkly wrong with the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s image per say, it’s just not as good and clear as the Pixel’s image.
MKBHD says that the software particularly falters on skin tones, and while Google has Real Tone that does a fantastic job in photographing realistic looking skin tones in different lighting conditions, it seems like Apple just evenly lights up faces. This again, can sometimes turn out to be ok, but more often than not, it gives us excessively touched up results like the example below from MKBHD. The iPhone doesn’t account for different white balances or exposures, it just evenly lights up faces.
Multiple Reddit users (opens in new tab) also agree with MKBHD on this saying that they also noticed this issue with the iPhone 14 Pro. Once an image is taken, it takes a second for the adjustments to be made after which users have said it looks “completely different” or “washed out”.
Some users have also said that the stark difference between the bare image and the touched-up image is noticeable when it is a Live Photo and is played in the Photo Library.
iPhone camera outlook
There’s no need to press the panic button just yet. The over-processing of images could probably just fixed by a few software updates by Apple and it doesn’t seem to be a major issue or glitch.
Apple will keep trying to reinvent the wheel with its camera smarts. The iPhone 15 is expected to launch this year and rumors are already saying that the iPhone 15 could get a periscope camera for better long-range photography and zoom capabilities. This would be a major hardware upgrade, if true, and we hope the company restores the balance between hardware and software this year.
A few years back many Chinese phone manufacturers had the most artificially enhanced photos. At the time, the iPhone was lauded to have the most natural-looking images along with Pixel. But now it seems like it is the iPhone that has the overly processed images and we wish Apple would let us switch off the processing completely in some cases, in the upcoming iPhone 15.
For now the iPhone 14 Pro Max still holds the crown in our best camera phones list with the best camera system on a phone overall.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
