Galaxy S24 Fe Vs Iphone 13 Camera Is The Upgrade Worth It For Photos

For smartphone users who value photography, choosing between upgrading to the Galaxy S24 FE or sticking with an iPhone 13 often comes down to one key factor: camera performance. Both devices represent different philosophies in mobile imaging—one rooted in Apple’s consistency and computational photography, the other in Samsung’s hardware innovation and versatility. But if you're holding onto a well-functioning iPhone 13, is switching to the Galaxy S24 FE truly worth it just for better photos? The answer depends on what kind of photographer you are and what you prioritize in your images.

Sensor Technology and Hardware Specs

The foundation of any great camera starts with its hardware. The Galaxy S24 FE marks a significant leap from previous Fan Edition models by incorporating a 50MP main sensor (f/1.8), paired with a 12MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.2) and a 10MP telephoto lens (f/2.4) offering 3x optical zoom. This triple-lens setup gives users more flexibility than ever before in the FE series.

In contrast, the iPhone 13 features a dual-camera system: a 12MP main sensor (f/1.6) and a 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.4). While lower in megapixel count, Apple compensates with larger pixel sizes and advanced sensor-shift stabilization, which helps capture more light and reduce blur—especially in low-light environments.

On paper, the S24 FE appears superior due to higher resolution and added telephoto capabilities. However, raw specs don’t always translate directly into better photos. Image processing, color science, and dynamic range play equally important roles.

Tip: Don’t judge camera quality solely by megapixels. Pixel size, aperture, and image processing matter just as much—if not more.

Image Processing and Color Science

Samsung and Apple take fundamentally different approaches to image rendering. The Galaxy S24 FE uses aggressive HDR and saturation tuning that makes photos pop—ideal for social media sharing where vibrant skies and rich greens stand out. However, this can sometimes lead to oversharpened edges or unnatural skin tones, especially in portrait mode.

The iPhone 13, on the other hand, prioritizes accuracy. Its photos tend to be more neutral, preserving natural lighting conditions and subtle gradients. This realism appeals to photographers who prefer editing flexibility or dislike post-processing corrections for over-saturated colors.

Apple’s Photonic Engine enhances mid- to low-light detail without excessive noise, while Samsung relies on multi-frame stacking and AI sharpening. In daylight, both produce excellent results, but under mixed lighting—such as indoor scenes with window backlight—the iPhone generally handles highlights and shadows more gracefully.

“Smartphone cameras aren’t just about hardware anymore. The real differentiator is how software interprets light and color.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK

Low-Light and Night Mode Performance

Night photography has become a benchmark for modern smartphones. Here, the Galaxy S24 FE shines with its dedicated Night Mode across all rear lenses. It captures brighter exposures with improved white balance consistency compared to earlier Samsung models. The 50MP sensor also allows pixel binning (combining four pixels into one), resulting in cleaner 12.5MP night shots with reduced grain.

The iPhone 13’s Night mode remains highly competitive. Though limited to the main and front cameras, it produces balanced, detailed images with minimal artificial smoothing. Apple’s Deep Fusion technology kicks in during dim indoor lighting, enhancing texture and fine detail without introducing artifacts.

In head-to-head tests, the S24 FE tends to brighten dark areas more aggressively, which can lift shadow details but occasionally wash out stars in astrophotography mode. The iPhone preserves darkness more faithfully, creating a moodier, cinematic look preferred by some enthusiasts.

Detailed Comparison Table: Key Camera Features

Feature	Galaxy S24 FE	iPhone 13
Main Sensor	50MP, f/1.8, OIS	12MP, f/1.6, Sensor-shift OIS
Ultra-Wide Sensor	12MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.4
Telephoto Lens	10MP, 3x optical zoom	No telephoto lens
Night Mode	All rear cameras	Main & front only
Video Recording	8K @ 30fps, Super Steady mode	4K @ 60fps, Cinematic Mode
Portrait Mode Accuracy	Good edge detection, occasional haloing	Excellent depth mapping, natural bokeh
Color Rendering	Vibrant, high contrast	Natural, true-to-life

Real-World Example: Travel Photography Upgrade

Consider Sarah, a frequent traveler using her iPhone 13 for documenting trips across Southeast Asia. She loved the reliability of her phone’s camera but often found herself frustrated when trying to capture distant temple carvings or wildlife during safaris. Zooming in resulted in pixelation, and she missed opportunities due to lack of optical zoom.

After upgrading to the Galaxy S24 FE, she immediately noticed the advantage of the 3x telephoto lens. During a sunrise visit to Angkor Wat, she captured intricate stone engravings from a distance without losing clarity. Additionally, the enhanced Night Mode helped her photograph lantern-lit markets with vivid colors and minimal noise. While she missed the iPhone’s consistent color tone, she found the trade-off worthwhile for the added versatility.

Tip: If you frequently shoot landscapes, architecture, or distant subjects, optical zoom capability may justify the switch—even if color tuning requires adjustment.

Step-by-Step Guide: Evaluating Whether to Upgrade

1. Assess Your Current Needs: Are you satisfied with iPhone 13 photos in most conditions? Make a list of pain points (e.g., poor zoom, weak low-light).
2. Test Sample Photos: Compare real-world sample images from both devices online, focusing on scenarios you encounter often (night, portraits, action).
3. Evaluate Zoom Usage: Do you regularly need more than digital zoom? If yes, the S24 FE’s 3x telephoto becomes a strong asset.
4. Check Video Priorities: Need 8K recording or stabilized vlogging? S24 FE offers broader video specs. Prefer cinematic depth effects? iPhone still leads here.
5. Try Side-by-Side Testing: Visit a store or borrow both phones to take test shots in similar lighting.
6. Weigh Software Ecosystem: Consider whether switching from iOS to Android affects your workflow or app access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Galaxy S24 FE have better portrait mode than the iPhone 13?

The S24 FE offers more customizable bokeh effects and works across multiple lenses, but the iPhone 13 delivers more natural edge detection and skin tone rendering. For professional-looking portraits, many still prefer the iPhone’s subtlety.

Is the iPhone 13 camera outdated in 2024?

Not at all. The iPhone 13 continues to deliver excellent photo quality, particularly in daylight and video. It remains capable for most users, though it lacks modern features like telephoto zoom and 8K video found in newer competitors.

Can the S24 FE replace a dedicated camera for casual use?

Absolutely. With its versatile lens array, advanced night mode, and high-resolution output, the S24 FE is more than sufficient for travel, family events, and social content creation—especially when carrying extra gear isn't practical.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

If your primary motivation for upgrading is improved photo versatility—especially optical zoom, brighter night shots, and higher-resolution outputs—then yes, the Galaxy S24 FE represents a meaningful step up from the iPhone 13. Its expanded lens system opens creative possibilities previously unavailable on Apple’s base model.

However, if you value consistent color reproduction, seamless ecosystem integration, and reliable point-and-shoot performance without tweaking settings, the iPhone 13 remains impressively capable. The upgrade may not feel essential unless you actively need the S24 FE’s specific strengths.

Ultimately, the decision isn’t just technical—it’s personal. It hinges on how you use your phone to capture life. For creators seeking flexibility and reach, the Galaxy S24 FE delivers. For those who prize simplicity and authenticity, staying with the iPhone 13 could still be the smarter choice.

💬 Have you made the switch from iPhone to Galaxy? Share your experience with camera performance—was the upgrade worth it for your photography needs?