I can never get a fully clear picture. Only a small portion of the photo I’m trying to take will be in focus while the rest is blurry. I’ve turned macro lens on and off testing if that’s the issue, but it doesn’t change the problem. It’s been like this since I got it on 9/24.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iPhone 16 Pro Max, iOS 18
I've had an iPhone 16 Pro for a month or so. Everything with the 5x camera, photo, macro and video is soft focus. This is very disappointing.
Ok, but the image circle of the 35 mm on the 4x5 is way too small.
But I never claimed to be an expert in optics anyway.
My whole point is that something is not working anymore which has been working flawlessly. And therefore I am disappointed.
What I just don’t understand is why the 16 Pro does not switch to macro at the 1x’s critical distance because most of us seem to be satisfied with the 0.5x’s edge to edge sharpness in macro mode.
“Do you understand the concept of progress? It is a change that is supposed to be an improvement, not the opposite.”
Do you understand the difference in first generation change and third or fourth generation change? iPhones have used computational photography in previous generations. But as Apple ushered in Apple Intelligence in iPhone 16, it changed the game on Apple’s implementation of AI (no longer just computational photography).
You need to think of iPhone 16 and cameras as part of that first step into AI. Why? So much change took place between iPhone 16 and iPhone 15. The change was necessary, just like when Apple dropped floppy disc and so many other changes (progress) over the years. This is no different.
You need to put this in perspective. Apple did it to reduce costs, test AI features (Fusion Camera), add larger sensors, add higher megapixels, add Camera Button etc.
In my opinion the sweet spot will be the camera in iPhone 18 Pro or XX or whatever they call it. Just my opinion and prediction.
It's not you! It's the phone. The camera is broken and you need Apple to replace it. I've just got back from one of their stores and they agreed the camera is the problem..... Apple wont admit it but the camera is the issue!!
A rapid test done a few days ago with a Vivo X200 Pro Mini (A4 paper size with text, 1x zoom, full page). In non ideal conditions. No flash. Non totally flat surface.
The text at the top-left angle seems a tiny bit dimmed compared to the other parts (and this can mainly be because of the non ideal conditions). But no problem compared to those stated on the iPhone 16 Pro lineup.
As this device have the same sensor size of the iPhone 16 Pro (source : https://fr.kalvo.com/vivo-x200-pro-mini-138962.html#specs), the sensor size is probably not the problem as previously supposed in past posts.
If someone has this Vivo X200 Pro Mini and can take sample pictures that can be posted, don't hesitate.
I had my camera replaced (Apple no longer replaces the entire phone, which is disappointing as I also have continual Bluetooth connectivity issues). Even after having the replacement camera installed, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s image quality remains significantly below that of the IPhone 12 Pro Max. Very frustrating!!
EDIT :
I had the opportunity to make one more test today with the Vivo X200 Pro Mini.
I confirm it does not have the problem when shooting an A4 flat paper.
But... Shooting a keyboard : the problem is there on this shooting case, and twice worse.
They are too personal, my children. But Always the same problem. Somewhat only one part of the picture is focused or clear. If in portrait mode then only one person is focused the second person, no matter how close is blurred.
I noticed Im on pro Max camera thread I only have iPhone 16 pro phone. Not sure if
thay matters.
compared to
samsung s25 ultra, the pictures are blurred or Aquarell like. Especially when there are more than one subject on the picture.
You’re not understanding how the simulated Depth of Field (DOF) works. When in Portrait mode, tap the down facing arrow. Near the bottom of the screen, change the f/number to a higher numerical value such as f/5.6 or f/8. If you use a small numerical f/number such as f/1.4 or f/2.8 the DOF is too shallow for both subjects to be in focus.
More proof iPhone 16 Pro Max takes blurry photos
Last comparison:
Here’s a better shot I just took. I put a tape measure in the scene (inches). The image below is larger than life size or 1:1
Here is the IP16 same shot i had to shrink it unfortunately because i cant upload if its more than 5MB:
Fusion Camera 24mm
How to Fix iPhone 16 Pro Max Camera Focus Issue
