Iphone 7 Plus Camera Vs Galaxy S8 Is The Dual Lens Hype Real

When Apple introduced the iPhone 7 Plus in 2016, it marked a pivotal moment in smartphone photography: the first dual-lens system from Apple. Marketed heavily for its portrait mode and optical zoom capabilities, the dual-camera setup sparked widespread interest. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy S8, released the same year, opted for a single 12MP rear sensor but packed cutting-edge software and hardware optimizations. The question remains: was the dual-lens feature on the iPhone 7 Plus truly revolutionary, or was it more marketing than measurable improvement—especially when compared to the acclaimed camera of the Galaxy S8?

This comparison isn’t just about specs; it’s about real-world results, user experience, and whether that extra lens actually delivers value in everyday photography.

Camera Hardware: Specs Tell Only Part of the Story

The iPhone 7 Plus features a dual rear camera system: a 12MP wide-angle lens (f/1.8 aperture) and a 12MP telephoto lens (f/2.8). This configuration enables 2x optical zoom and powers Apple’s Portrait Mode, which simulates depth-of-field effects using data from both lenses. The front-facing camera is 7MP with an f/2.2 aperture.

In contrast, the Galaxy S8 uses a single 12MP rear sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, larger pixels (1.4µm), and Dual Pixel autofocus technology. It lacks optical zoom and portrait mode at launch (added later via software), but compensates with superior low-light sensitivity and faster focusing. Its front camera is 8MP with an f/1.7 aperture.

“Hardware diversity opens creative doors, but software integration determines how usable those doors really are.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMark (2017)

On paper, the iPhone 7 Plus appears more advanced due to the second lens. However, the Galaxy S8’s larger aperture and pixel size suggest better light capture—a critical factor in real-world conditions like indoor events or evening walks.

Image Quality: Daylight, Low Light, and Dynamic Range

In well-lit environments, both phones produce excellent photos. The iPhone 7 Plus tends to favor true-to-life color reproduction with slightly cooler tones. Its dual-lens system allows lossless 2x zoom without quality degradation, making it ideal for capturing distant subjects like stage performances or wildlife.

The Galaxy S8, however, often pushes saturation slightly higher, resulting in more vibrant and “social media-ready” images. Its HDR processing handles high-contrast scenes—such as sunsets or backlit portraits—more gracefully, preserving detail in shadows and highlights.

Where the gap widens is in low-light performance. Despite lacking a second lens, the Galaxy S8 consistently outperforms the iPhone 7 Plus in dim lighting. The f/1.7 aperture and 1.4µm pixels gather more light, reducing noise and maintaining clarity. The iPhone 7 Plus struggles here, especially on the telephoto lens (f/2.8), where images become noticeably grainy and underexposed.

Tip: For night shots, stick to the main wide-angle lens even on iPhone 7 Plus—avoid zooming unless absolutely necessary.

Portrait Mode: Is the Hype Justified?

The iPhone 7 Plus introduced Portrait Mode, leveraging its dual cameras to estimate depth and blur the background. At launch, this feature was groundbreaking—but not flawless. Edge detection around hair or glasses could be inaccurate, and lighting conditions heavily influenced success rates.

Samsung didn’t offer a native portrait mode on the S8 initially. Instead, users relied on third-party apps or waited for a software update that simulated bokeh using AI-based segmentation. While functional, these early implementations lacked the hardware-backed precision of Apple’s approach.

Still, the novelty of Portrait Mode doesn’t equate to daily necessity. Most casual photographers take far more standard shots than artistic portraits. For average users, consistent point-and-shoot reliability matters more than occasional creative modes.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	Galaxy S8
Primary Sensor	12MP, f/1.8, OIS	12MP, f/1.7, Dual Pixel AF, OIS
Secondary Lens	12MP telephoto, f/2.8, 2x zoom	None
Low-Light Performance	Good (main), Poor (tele)	Excellent
Portrait Mode	Hardware-powered (dual lens)	Software-based (post-update)
Front Camera	7MP, f/2.2	8MP, f/1.7
Video Recording	4K at 30/60fps, stereo audio	4K at 30fps, mono audio

Real-World Example: A Weekend Photographer’s Experience

Consider Sarah, a travel blogger who used both phones during a trip to Prague. She carried the iPhone 7 Plus for its zoom and portrait features, expecting superior flexibility. During daytime sightseeing, she appreciated being able to zoom in on castle details without switching positions. However, during a candle-lit dinner at a historic tavern, her Galaxy S8 (borrowed from a friend) captured significantly cleaner, warmer images with less noise.

She also found that Portrait Mode worked best in controlled outdoor light. Indoors, with complex backgrounds, the iPhone struggled to separate her from the wall behind, creating unnatural halos. In contrast, the Galaxy S8’s standard shots required no tweaking and looked great straight out of the camera.

Sarah concluded that while the dual lens offered niche benefits, the Galaxy S8’s consistency across lighting conditions made it her preferred device for spontaneous, high-quality photography.

Video and Usability: Beyond Still Photos

For videographers, the iPhone 7 Plus holds an edge. It supports 4K recording at up to 60fps, along with stereo audio capture—ideal for vloggers or filmmakers. The stabilization is smooth, and the ability to use digital zoom with minimal quality loss adds versatility.

The Galaxy S8 records 4K at 30fps only and captures audio in mono, which limits professional use. However, its video autofocus is snappier, and skin tone rendering during video calls or selfies is more natural under mixed lighting.

User interface also plays a role. Apple’s Camera app is minimalist and fast—tap to focus, swipe to switch modes. Samsung’s interface offers more manual controls (via Pro Mode), including ISO, shutter speed, and white balance adjustments, appealing to enthusiasts who want creative control.

Checklist: Choosing Based on Your Needs

• Choose the iPhone 7 Plus if:
  • You frequently take zoomed or portrait-style photos
  • You record videos in 4K at high frame rates
  • You prefer seamless integration with iOS and editing tools
• Choose the Galaxy S8 if:
  • Low-light and indoor photography are priorities
  • You value vibrant, ready-to-share images with minimal editing
  • You appreciate manual camera controls and faster autofocus

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the dual lens on iPhone 7 Plus improve all photos?

No. The second telephoto lens is only used when you zoom in or activate Portrait Mode. For standard shots, only the primary wide-angle lens is used. The dual-lens advantage is situational, not universal.

Can the Galaxy S8 mimic portrait effects effectively?

Yes, after a software update, Samsung introduced Live Focus (later versions) and bokeh simulation. While not as accurate as Apple’s dual-sensor depth mapping, modern algorithms make the difference negligible for casual users.

Which phone has better battery life during photo sessions?

The Galaxy S8 generally lasts longer due to its 3000mAh battery versus the iPhone 7 Plus’s 2900mAh. However, intensive camera use—especially 4K video or continuous zooming—drains both quickly. Real-world usage shows the S8 lasting about 15–20% longer under heavy photographic load.

Conclusion: The Verdict on Dual-Lens Value

The dual-lens system on the iPhone 7 Plus was undeniably innovative for its time. It introduced mainstream users to optical zoom and computational portrait photography—features now standard across premium smartphones. But innovation doesn’t always mean superiority.

In direct comparison, the Galaxy S8 proves that a single, well-optimized sensor can outperform a dual-camera setup in the most common scenarios: everyday lighting, dynamic range, and low-light clarity. The iPhone’s advantages are real but specialized. If you’re drawn to portrait photography or need 2x zoom, the second lens adds tangible value. But if your priority is consistent, high-quality results across diverse conditions, the Galaxy S8 delivers more reliable performance.

The “hype” around dual lenses wasn’t unfounded—it signaled a shift toward multi-sensor systems. But in 2017, it wasn’t yet a decisive advantage. True progress came not from adding lenses, but from balancing hardware, software, and user experience.

🚀 Ready to test the theory? Try shooting the same scene with both approaches—zoomed dual-lens vs. single-sensor full-frame—and judge the results yourself. Share your findings with others exploring mobile photography!