Iphone Xr Camera Vs Galaxy S8 Plus Is The Newer Iphone Really That Much Better 3

The smartphone camera race has evolved dramatically over the past few years. Apple’s iPhone XR, released in 2018, entered a market where high-end Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus (2017) had already set a strong precedent for mobile photography. At first glance, the iPhone XR appears to be the superior choice—after all, it's newer. But is the camera truly that much better? Or does the Galaxy S8 Plus still hold its own in key areas? This article dives deep into sensor capabilities, image processing, low-light performance, video quality, and real-world usability to answer that question with clarity.

Sensor and Hardware Comparison

The foundation of any camera system lies in its hardware. The Galaxy S8 Plus features a 12-megapixel rear sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, dual-pixel autofocus, and optical image stabilization (OIS). It uses a large 1.4µm pixel size, which was impressive for its time and remains competitive in gathering light efficiently.

In contrast, the iPhone XR also has a single 12-megapixel rear camera but with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS. While the aperture is slightly narrower than Samsung’s, Apple compensates with advanced computational photography and tighter hardware-software integration. The pixel size is smaller at 1.22µm, but Apple’s focus on software optimization helps mitigate this disadvantage.

“Hardware specs alone don’t tell the full story. Image processing pipelines can often outweigh raw sensor advantages.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK

Feature	iPhone XR	Galaxy S8 Plus
Resolution	12 MP	12 MP
Aperture	f/1.8	f/1.7
Pixel Size	1.22 µm	1.4 µm
OIS	Yes	Yes
Dual Pixel AF	No	Yes
Front Camera	7 MP, f/2.2	8 MP, f/1.7

Tip: In low-light conditions, stabilize your phone—even with OIS, hand movement can blur images. Resting your elbow on a surface improves sharpness.

Image Processing and Color Science

Where the iPhone XR pulls ahead significantly is in image processing. Apple’s A12 Bionic chip introduced Neural Engine-powered HDR and Smart HDR, enabling the camera to capture multiple exposures and blend them seamlessly. This results in better dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting where bright skies meet dark shadows.

The Galaxy S8 Plus, while capable, relies on older processing algorithms. Its HDR mode is manual or semi-automatic and doesn’t match the fluidity of the iPhone’s real-time adjustments. Colors on the S8 Plus tend to be more saturated—a signature Samsung trait—which some users prefer for social media, but others find unrealistic.

Apple, by contrast, aims for natural color reproduction. Skin tones are rendered accurately, and whites stay neutral. This makes the iPhone XR a favorite among photographers who prioritize authenticity over vibrancy.

Portrait Mode Performance

The iPhone XR supports Portrait Mode using machine learning to simulate depth from a single lens. It works well in good lighting and accurately separates subjects from backgrounds, even handling fine details like hair strands reasonably well.

The Galaxy S8 Plus lacks true Portrait Mode. It offers a “Live Focus” feature only through software cropping and blurring, which is less accurate and often struggles with edge detection. This is one area where the newer iPhone clearly outperforms the older Samsung device.

Low-Light and Night Photography

Low-light performance reveals a nuanced picture. The Galaxy S8 Plus benefits from its larger pixels and wider aperture, capturing brighter shots in dim environments without aggressive noise reduction. However, it lacks a dedicated night mode, so exposure is limited.

The iPhone XR introduced improved low-light algorithms and longer exposure stacking in later iOS updates. While not as bright as some competitors, its images retain more detail and exhibit less smudging in shadows. With iOS 13 and beyond, nighttime shots became noticeably cleaner, though still not on par with modern night modes found in flagship phones post-2020.

In direct comparisons, the S8 Plus may produce a brighter initial image, but the iPhone XR often delivers better texture and color accuracy after processing.

Video Capabilities and Stabilization

When it comes to video, the iPhone XR is decisively superior. It records 4K video at up to 60fps, supports extended dynamic range for video, and features cinematic-level stabilization—especially when switching between digital and optical stabilization during motion.

The Galaxy S8 Plus maxes out at 4K@30fps and lacks the same level of electronic image stabilization (EIS). Footage can appear jittery during walking shots, and audio stabilization is less refined. Additionally, the iPhone’s stereo recording captures clearer directional sound, making vlogs and casual videos more immersive.

• iPhone XR: 4K@60fps, EIS + OIS, stereo audio, extended dynamic range
• Galaxy S8 Plus: 4K@30fps, basic EIS, mono-like audio, no dynamic range enhancement

Real-World Example: Travel Photography Showdown

Consider a traveler visiting Istanbul. They’re photographing the Blue Mosque at golden hour—bright domes against a deep blue sky, with intricate tile work in shaded courtyards. Using the Galaxy S8 Plus, the sky may clip highlights due to limited HDR automation, and shadow details in the archways get lost. Colors pop, but the scene feels oversaturated.

The same scene with the iPhone XR shows balanced exposure across the frame. Clouds retain texture, and interior stonework remains visible without needing manual adjustments. When switching to portrait mode for a selfie with the mosque in the background, the iPhone creates a convincing bokeh effect. The S8 Plus attempts a similar blur but leaves artifacts around the ears and fails to recognize the depth accurately.

In video, filming a bustling spice market, the iPhone’s stabilization keeps text on signs readable even while walking. The S8 Plus footage requires a gimbal for comparable smoothness.

Checklist: Choosing Between iPhone XR and Galaxy S8 Plus Today

If you're deciding between these two phones in 2024—perhaps buying used or upgrading from an older model—consider the following:

1. Prioritize photo consistency? Choose iPhone XR for reliable Smart HDR and natural colors.
2. Need better selfies? The S8 Plus front camera has a wider aperture, but the iPhone offers Portrait Mode and better skin tone rendering.
3. Shoot a lot of video? iPhone XR wins hands-down with 4K60 and superior stabilization.
4. Prefer vibrant photos? Galaxy S8 Plus gives punchier output straight out of camera.
5. Want future-proof software? iPhone XR receives longer iOS support; S8 Plus is stuck on Android 9.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S8 Plus compete with the iPhone XR in daylight photos?

Yes, in ideal lighting, both produce excellent results. The S8 Plus offers richer colors, while the XR delivers more balanced exposure and finer detail retention in highlights and shadows.

Does the iPhone XR have better zoom than the S8 Plus?

Neither has optical zoom, but the iPhone XR handles digital zoom slightly better due to smarter upscaling algorithms. However, both degrade quickly beyond 2x magnification.

Is the iPhone XR worth upgrading to from the Galaxy S8 Plus?

If camera performance, video quality, and long-term software support matter, yes. The improvements in computational photography and video make the XR a meaningful upgrade despite being only one generation newer.

Final Verdict: Is the Newer iPhone Really That Much Better?

Yes—but not universally. The iPhone XR isn't just better because it's newer; it's better because Apple’s integrated approach to hardware and software creates a more consistent, reliable, and versatile photography experience. From automatic HDR blending to Portrait Mode and superior video features, the XR excels in areas that matter most to everyday users.

That said, the Galaxy S8 Plus still holds value. Its color science appeals to those who love vivid, social-media-ready shots. Its front camera performs well in low light, and the overall image brightness can be preferable in certain indoor settings.

Ultimately, if you're choosing today based on camera alone, the iPhone XR is the stronger option. It represents a turning point where computational photography began to outpace pure hardware advantages—proving that sometimes, the smarter camera beats the bigger sensor.

🚀 Ready to test these cameras yourself? Try shooting the same scene with both phones under different lighting. You might be surprised by how much processing impacts the final result. Share your findings online and spark a conversation about what truly defines a great smartphone camera.