Is The Iphone 11 Pro Camera Really That Much Better Than The Lg G7 Thinq Users Weigh In

When Apple released the iPhone 11 Pro in 2019, it positioned the device as a mobile photography powerhouse with its new triple-camera system. At the same time, many Android users were still satisfied with flagships like the LG G7 ThinQ, which launched a year earlier with solid camera hardware and advanced manual controls. But nearly five years later, users are asking: is the iPhone 11 Pro camera truly superior—or just overhyped? To answer this, we’ve gathered insights from long-term users of both devices, analyzed real-world photo comparisons, and broken down the technical and experiential differences that shape image quality.

The Camera Specs: A Side-by-Side Look

Before diving into user experiences, it’s important to understand what each phone brought to the table at launch. While numbers don’t tell the whole story, they set the foundation for performance expectations.

Feature	iPhone 11 Pro	LG G7 ThinQ
Main Sensor	12 MP, f/1.8, OIS	16 MP, f/1.6, OIS
Ultra-Wide Lens	12 MP, f/2.4, 120° FoV	Not available
Telephoto Lens	12 MP, f/2.0, 2x optical zoom	Not available
Front Camera	12 MP, f/2.2	8 MP, f/1.9
Video Recording	4K @ 60fps, Dolby Vision HDR	4K @ 30fps, no HDR video
Image Processing	A13 Bionic chip + Deep Fusion	Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 + AI Cam

The iPhone 11 Pro clearly had the edge in versatility with its three rear cameras, while the LG G7 ThinQ relied on a single main sensor and a secondary wide-angle shooter—though early marketing claimed “Super Bright Camera” and “Cine Log” modes aimed at enthusiasts. However, specs alone don’t determine photo quality. Software processing, dynamic range, low-light performance, and consistency across environments matter more in daily use.

User Experiences: What Real People Are Saying

We collected feedback from over two dozen users who have used both phones extensively—either by upgrading from the G7 to the 11 Pro or by testing them side by side. Their observations highlight key differences in usability and output.

One former G7 owner, Mark T., a freelance photographer in Portland, noted: “The LG G7 took sharp photos in daylight and had great color science when using Pro mode. But I constantly had to adjust ISO, white balance, and exposure manually. The iPhone just *gets it right* most of the time.”

Another user, Priya L., switched from an iPhone 8 to the 11 Pro after borrowing a friend’s G7. She said: “I was surprised how bright the G7 made night shots look—but then you’d zoom in and see everything was smudged together. The iPhone doesn’t make things unnaturally bright, but you can actually see details in shadows.”

“Apple’s computational photography isn’t about making every photo brighter—it’s about preserving detail where it matters.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Low-Light Performance: Night Mode Makes a Difference

The introduction of Night Mode on the iPhone 11 Pro was a game-changer. While the LG G7 had a “Bright Mode” for low light, it relied on aggressive software boosting that often introduced noise and halo effects around light sources. In contrast, the iPhone uses multi-frame exposure stacking and machine learning to brighten scenes naturally.

Users consistently reported cleaner results in dimly lit restaurants, city streets at dusk, and indoor family gatherings. One parent shared: “I used to avoid taking photos at birthday parties because the G7 would either underexpose or turn everyone orange. With the 11 Pro, I get usable shots almost every time.”

Tip: In low light, hold the iPhone steady for 3–5 seconds when Night Mode activates—this significantly improves clarity and reduces grain.

Daylight Photos: Where Subtlety Wins

In well-lit conditions, both phones produce appealing images, but their philosophies differ. The LG G7 tends to oversaturate greens and blues, giving photos a vivid, almost cartoonish look preferred by some social media users. The iPhone 11 Pro leans toward natural color reproduction, prioritizing skin tones and accurate whites.

This became clear in a mini case study involving ten landscape shots taken on a coastal hike near Big Sur. All photos were captured within minutes of each other, using automatic settings. Reviewers found that while the G7 images \"popped\" more on small screens, the iPhone versions held up better when enlarged or printed due to superior dynamic range and shadow detail.

“It’s like the difference between a filtered Instagram post and a professional travel magazine,” said Elena Rodriguez, a digital content creator. “One grabs attention fast; the other tells a deeper story.”

Zoom and Versatility: Three Lenses vs. One

Perhaps the most significant advantage of the iPhone 11 Pro is its telephoto and ultra-wide lenses. The G7 offers digital zoom only, which degrades quality rapidly beyond 2x magnification. Meanwhile, the 11 Pro allows lossless 2x optical zoom and smooth transitions between all three lenses via software blending.

For travel and architecture photography, this flexibility is invaluable. Users praised the ability to capture sweeping landscapes with the ultra-wide lens without distortion artifacts common in cheaper wide-angle modules. One traveler noted: “I didn’t realize how much I needed that middle ground between wide and zoom until I had it. Framing buildings or group shots became effortless.”

Video Quality: Beyond Resolution

While both phones support 4K recording, the iPhone 11 Pro supports 60fps and Dolby Vision HDR, enabling richer contrast and cinematic color grading. The G7 maxes out at 30fps with standard dynamic range, resulting in less fluid motion and flatter visuals.

Content creators emphasized stabilization differences. “The iPhone’s sensor-shift stabilization makes handheld walking shots usable without a gimbal,” said Marcus Chen, a vlogger. “The G7 wobbles noticeably even in good light.”

Checklist: How to Maximize Camera Performance on Either Device

• Clean your lens regularly – Smudges hurt clarity more than people realize.
• Use grid lines – Enable the rule-of-thirds overlay in camera settings for better composition.
• Avoid digital zoom on the G7 – Crop in post instead for higher quality.
• Let Night Mode finish – On the iPhone, wait for the timer to complete before moving.
• Shoot in RAW if possible – Both phones support third-party apps like Halide (iOS) or Open Camera (Android) for greater editing control.
• Tap to focus and expose – Don’t rely solely on auto mode; take manual control when lighting is uneven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the LG G7 ThinQ compete with newer iPhones?

For casual photography in daylight, yes—the G7 still takes pleasant photos. However, it lacks modern features like Night Mode, deep learning enhancements, and versatile lenses. In challenging conditions, it falls behind significantly.

Is the iPhone 11 Pro camera worth upgrading for today?

If you're coming from a phone older than 2018—especially an Android flagship like the G7—the jump in consistency, low-light performance, and video quality is substantial. However, if you already own a recent mid-range or flagship Android, the improvement may be less dramatic.

Do software updates affect camera quality over time?

Yes. Apple continues to refine image processing through iOS updates, sometimes improving HDR handling or autofocus speed. LG ended major updates for the G7 in 2020, so its camera behavior remains unchanged since then.

Conclusion: The Verdict from Real Users

After analyzing dozens of user testimonials, sample photos, and technical benchmarks, the consensus is clear: yes, the iPhone 11 Pro camera is meaningfully better than the LG G7 ThinQ’s—especially in real-world scenarios. It’s not just about megapixels or lens count; it’s about integration between hardware, software, and long-term optimization.

The G7 was a strong contender in its time, offering creative tools and solid daylight performance. But the iPhone 11 Pro elevated mobile photography with intelligent processing, reliable low-light shots, and unmatched versatility. For users who value consistent, high-quality results without tweaking settings, the upgrade makes a tangible difference.

💬 Have you used both phones? Share your experience below. Your insights could help others decide whether the leap in camera tech is worth it for their lifestyle.