iPhone 15 Pro Max vs 13 Pro Max

Do the latest Apple phone and cameras capture the epic majesty of Yosemite National Park better than a two-year-old iPhone? We find out.

James Martin is the Managing Editor of Photography at CNET, specializing in photojournalism, portrait photography, and behind-the-scenes coverage. With a passion for technology and storytelling, James has documented the impact of technology on society, from social inequalities in San Francisco to global humanitarian crises. His work spans from photographing industry leaders such as Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg to capturing significant events at Apple and NASA. James' expertise has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Graphis Photography Awards and ND Awards.

In pursuit of testing the capabilities of Apple's new iPhone 15 Pro Max, I embarked on a remarkable journey to Yosemite National Park in California. As a professional photographer, my work involves capturing moments both in my studio and out in the field. While I still rely on my DSLR, my iPhone 13 Pro is always within reach.

Like many people, I don't feel the need to upgrade my phone frequently, as modern smartphones can adequately handle daily tasks for several years. Most smartphone cameras are also capable of capturing everyday moments for social media or personal sharing.

However, the allure of the shiny and new iPhone 15 Pro Max intrigued me. I wanted to compare its performance, particularly its 5x optical zoom, against my two-year-old iPhone 13 Pro with its 3x optical zoom. And where better to test these devices than in Yosemite, an iconic destination renowned for its natural beauty within America's National Park System.

Yosemite's grandeur is truly awe-inspiring.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max's main camera, equipped with a wide-angle lens, remains the standout feature. With its larger 48-megapixel sensor, it seamlessly served as my primary workhorse throughout the week. This enhanced sensor allows for improved light capture and more accurate color rendering. The results are visibly impressive, with photos appearing richer in both bright and low-light conditions.

During sunrise at Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park, the difference between the 15 Pro Max and the 13 Pro becomes apparent. The former exhibits better fidelity, color, and contrast in the foreground leaves. In contrast, the image from the 13 Pro showcases more pronounced edge sharpening in the mountaintops.

The 15 Pro Max excels at capturing intricate details in bright lighting, unveiling textures in rocky landscapes, and presenting more nuanced colors in trees and scenery.

Additionally, the 15 Pro Max introduces a feature that allows creative exploration. By leveraging the larger main sensor in conjunction with the A17 Pro chip, the device emulates the functionality of four lenses within the 24mm equivalent wide-angle lens. Users can switch between 1x, 1.2x, 1.5x, and 2x zoom, simulating prime lens lengths of 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm respectively. This innovation involves utilizing crops of the sensor and employing intelligent image processing to correct lens distortion.

While these crop options offer versatility, it's important to note that they might primarily cater to photography enthusiasts who appreciate the nuances provided by different focal lengths.

In conclusion, the latest Apple phone and camera combination demonstrate their prowess in capturing the majestic landscapes of Yosemite National Park. With improved sensor technology, enhanced color accuracy, and finer detail reproduction, the iPhone 15 Pro Max's main camera stands out as a versatile tool for both casual and professional photographers alike.