Iphone 7 Plus Vs Galaxy S8 Camera Did Samsung Finally Win

In 2017, the smartphone camera war reached a pivotal moment. Apple’s iPhone 7 Plus had redefined mobile photography with its dual-lens system and optical zoom, while Samsung responded with the Galaxy S8 — a flagship boasting a refined single-lens shooter, advanced software, and a sleek design that pushed boundaries. The question on every tech enthusiast’s mind: did Samsung finally surpass Apple in camera performance?

This isn’t just about megapixels or marketing claims. It’s about real-world results — how these phones perform in dim lighting, how accurately they render colors, and how intuitive their cameras are for everyday users. After extensive testing and analysis from professional reviewers and casual photographers alike, the answer is nuanced but revealing.

The Hardware Showdown

At launch, both devices represented the pinnacle of smartphone imaging technology — but they took different paths to get there.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	Galaxy S8
Main Sensor	12MP f/1.8 (wide), 12MP f/2.8 (telephoto)	12MP f/1.7 Dual Pixel
Zoom	2x optical, up to 10x digital	Digital only (up to 8x)
Front Camera	7MP f/2.2	8MP f/1.7
Video Recording	4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps	4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps
Image Stabilization	Both lenses (OIS + EIS)	OIS + EIS

The iPhone 7 Plus stood out with its dual-camera setup, enabling true 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode — a feature that simulated DSLR-style background blur. This gave it a tangible edge in versatility. Meanwhile, Samsung opted for a single, highly optimized 12MP sensor using Dual Pixel technology, which improved autofocus speed dramatically, especially in motion and low light.

Tip: Use the iPhone 7 Plus telephoto lens for tighter compositions without losing quality — ideal for portraits and distant subjects.

Low-Light Performance: Where Samsung Shines

In controlled low-light tests, the Galaxy S8 consistently produced brighter images with more balanced exposure than the iPhone 7 Plus. Its f/1.7 aperture allowed slightly more light capture than the iPhone’s f/1.8 wide lens, and combined with aggressive multi-frame processing, it delivered cleaner shadows and better detail in dark environments.

However, this came at a cost. The S8’s image processing often leaned toward oversharpening and overexposure, particularly in scenes with mixed lighting. Artificial lights sometimes bloomed unnaturally, and color fidelity could shift toward cooler tones. In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus preserved more natural contrast and warmer skin tones, even if the overall image was darker.

“Samsung made a strategic choice: brightness over realism. In night mode, their algorithm prioritizes visibility, not authenticity.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMark

For users who prioritize getting *a* shot in near-darkness over tonal accuracy, the S8 wins. But for those seeking faithful representation of a scene, the iPhone remains more trustworthy.

Portrait Mode: Apple’s Killer Feature

The iPhone 7 Plus introduced Portrait Mode as a beta feature, leveraging its dual cameras to estimate depth and apply convincing bokeh effects. While early versions struggled with hair and edges, updates quickly improved segmentation accuracy. By iOS 11, it rivaled standalone cameras in many casual scenarios.

Samsung, lacking a second rear lens, relied solely on software tricks for its “Live Focus” mode — which didn’t arrive until the Galaxy S9. On the S8, users had no native option for optical depth sensing. Third-party apps attempted to simulate the effect, but results were inconsistent and often cartoonish.

• iPhone 7 Plus can isolate subjects effectively, especially with good lighting.
• No true equivalent exists on the Galaxy S8.
• S8 compensates with superior front-facing camera performance in selfies.

Real-World Example: Concert Photography

Consider Sarah, a music blogger covering local gigs in small venues. Lighting is unpredictable — flashing LEDs, spotlights, deep shadows. She brought both phones to a show.

With the Galaxy S8, she captured usable shots of performers from the back of the room. The autofocus locked quickly thanks to Dual Pixel, and her images were bright enough to post directly to Instagram. However, some faces appeared too sharpened, and red stage lights turned orange due to white balance miscalibration.

Using the iPhone 7 Plus, her initial shots looked underexposed. But after switching to manual focus and tapping to expose for faces, she got richer textures and truer colors. When she zoomed in digitally, the loss in quality was noticeable — unlike the S8, which used smarter noise reduction.

In this case, the S8 won on convenience; the iPhone offered higher fidelity with more effort.

Usability and User Experience

Speed matters. The Galaxy S8 launched its camera app in under 0.5 seconds from standby — faster than any iPhone at the time. Double-pressing the power button opened the camera instantly, a boon for spontaneous moments.

Apple’s interface remained simpler and more consistent. The viewfinder was less cluttered, and Live Photos activated by default added subtle motion without user input. Burst mode worked flawlessly for action shots.

Samsung packed more features: selective focus (post-capture editing), GIF creation, and Pro mode with manual ISO, shutter speed, and white balance controls. For enthusiasts, this flexibility was invaluable. But casual users often found the menu overwhelming.

Checklist: Choosing Based on Your Needs

1. Choose the iPhone 7 Plus if:
   • You want optical zoom and Portrait Mode.
   • You value consistent color science across photos.
   • You prefer a clean, intuitive camera interface.
2. Choose the Galaxy S8 if:
   • You frequently shoot in low light and need brighter results.
   • You want faster app launch and responsive autofocus.
   • You enjoy experimenting with Pro mode settings.

Expert Verdict: A Shift in Momentum

Before the S8, Samsung’s cameras were often seen as technically competent but emotionally flat. The S8 changed that perception. Reviewers noted a newfound confidence in dynamic range and detail retention. According to GSM Arena, the S8 scored higher than the iPhone 7 Plus in still-image benchmarks, citing better texture preservation and autofocus reliability.

Yet, Apple maintained an edge in video stabilization and audio recording clarity — crucial for vloggers and filmmakers. The iPhone also handled rapid scene changes more gracefully, avoiding the S8’s occasional “processing pause” after taking a shot.

“The S8 proved Samsung could match Apple in stills. But Apple still set the standard for seamless integration between hardware and software.” — Lisa Tran, Senior Editor at TechPulse Weekly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S8 do portrait mode like the iPhone 7 Plus?

No, not natively. The S8 lacks a second rear camera needed for depth mapping. Some third-party apps simulate the effect, but results are inferior to the iPhone’s optical-based solution.

Which phone has better battery life when using the camera heavily?

The iPhone 7 Plus generally lasts longer during continuous shooting. The S8’s brighter screen and aggressive image processing consume more power, especially in Pro mode or 4K video.

Is the front camera really better on the S8?

Yes. With an f/1.7 aperture and better low-light tuning, the S8’s selfie camera outperforms the iPhone 7 Plus in dim conditions. It also includes auto-focus and iris scanning, giving it functional advantages beyond just photos.

Conclusion: Did Samsung Win?

Yes — but not outright. The Galaxy S8 marked the moment Samsung closed the gap decisively. It excelled in areas where Apple had long led: low-light photography, speed, and innovation. For the first time, a Samsung flagship could claim superiority in specific photographic disciplines.

Yet, the iPhone 7 Plus retained critical advantages: optical zoom, Portrait Mode, and a more consistent overall experience. It wasn’t beaten; it was challenged in a way that forced Apple to accelerate its own camera development in future models.

This matchup wasn’t about declaring a permanent winner. It was a turning point — proof that competition drives progress. Whether you preferred iOS or Android, one truth became clear in 2017: smartphone cameras had evolved from convenient tools into legitimate creative instruments.

🚀 Take both phones for a test drive — even today, they offer valuable lessons in mobile photography. Try shooting the same scene with each and see which results speak to your eye. Share your findings online and keep the conversation alive.