Blurry and low-detail photos on iPhone 16 Pro Max camera

Issue Description

I recently upgraded to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, expecting an improved camera experience compared to my previous iPhone 13 Pro Max. However, I have encountered significant issues with the photo quality. Specifically:

  1. Blurry Images: Photos taken with the iPhone 16 Pro Max lack sharpness. Objects appear blurry, and human subjects look artificial, almost like painted images.
  2. Loss of Detail: Unlike my iPhone 13 Pro Max, where I could zoom in on a photo and retain high resolution and detail, images taken with the iPhone 16 Pro Max lose quality upon zooming.
  3. Inconsistent Performance: On my previous devices (iPhone 12 Pro Max and 13 Pro Max), I could take sharp photos in any setting and with movement. However, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, I constantly have to adjust settings, yet the issue persists.
  4. Apple Store Evaluation: I visited an Apple Store to report this issue, and after diagnostics, I was informed that my device is functioning properly. However, the camera quality does not match the expected performance of a Pro Max model.

Comparison with Previous Models

  • The iPhone 13 Pro Max camera provided consistently sharp images, even in motion.
  • The iPhone 16 Pro Max requires manual adjustments yet still produces unsatisfactory results.
  • The difference is especially noticeable when zooming in on details post-capture.

Request for Resolution

Given the premium nature of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, I believe this issue requires further investigation. I request:

  • A thorough review of the camera software and processing algorithms to determine if an update can resolve this issue.
  • Clarification on whether this is a known issue affecting other users.
  • Potential options for a replacement or alternative solution if this is a hardware-related problem.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Jan 31, 2025 12:16 AM

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2 replies

Jan 31, 2025 12:21 AM in response to hothifa19

Learn how to take photos with the Camera on your iPhone. Choose from camera modes such as Photo, Video, Cinematic, Pano, and Portrait, and zoom in or out to frame your shot.

Learn iPhone camera basics - Apple Support



Learn about Photographic Styles, QuickTake, Action mode, the Ultra Wide camera, and other camera features on your iPhone.

Understand About the Camera features on your iPhone - Apple Support (IN)



By default, iPhone takes photos in HDR (for the rear camera and the front camera) when it’s most effective. iPhone 12 models, iPhone 13 models, and iPhone 14 models, record video in HDR to capture true-to-life colour and contrast.

Take appropriate action to Adjust HDR camera settings on iPhone - Apple Support (IN)



The camera modes built into your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch help you take the ideal photo or video. Swipe left or right on the camera screen to switch to a different mode. You can choose from photo, video, time-lapse, slo-mo, square, Portrait, and pano modes.

For this, you may Use camera modes on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch



With the Camera on models that support Portrait mode, you can apply a depth-of-field effect that keeps your subject—people, pets, objects, and more—sharp while creating a beautifully blurred foreground and background. You can apply and adjust different lighting effects to your Portrait mode photos, and on iPhone X and later, you can even take a selfie in Portrait mode.

Learn how to --> Take Portrait mode photos with your iPhone camera



Learn about advanced Camera features that let you capture photos faster, apply tailored and enhanced looks to your photos, and view content outside the camera frame.

Try to Change advanced camera settings on iPhone - Apple Support



Use the Camera to record videos and QuickTake videos on your iPhone. Learn how to change modes to take Cinematic, slow-motion, and time-lapse videos.

Here you can see an Apple Article with all video recording options --> Record videos with your iPhone camera - Apple Support



Taking tips from here may also help you. --> Tutorials | iPhone Photography School



Cinematic mode applies a depth-of-field effect that keeps the subject of your video sharp while creating a beautifully blurred foreground and background. iPhone ...


Record videos in Cinematic mode with your iPhone camera



Take a macro photo or video

Open Camera on your iPhone. Make sure Camera is in Photo or Video mode. Get close to the subject—as close as 2 centimeters. Camera will automatically switch to the Ultra Wide camera to enable macro photography.


Take macro photos and videos with your iPhone camera



Jan 31, 2025 12:21 AM in response to hothifa19

Lighting plays a crucial role when capturing indoor photos or videos as it greatly impacts the overall quality and aesthetics of the final result. Here are some reasons why lighting is essential in indoor photography and videography:


  1. Adequate lighting ensures that your subject is properly exposed, meaning it is neither too bright nor too dark. Sufficient light helps to maintain clarity, detail, and sharpness in your images or footage, allowing viewers to see the subject clearly.
  2. Appropriate lighting conditions help to reproduce accurate colors in your indoor photos and videos. Different light sources can have varying color temperatures, such as warm (yellowish) or cool (bluish) tones. Understanding and controlling the lighting in your environment enables you to achieve the desired color accuracy and white balance.
  3. Properly balanced lighting helps to minimize harsh shadows or blown-out highlights, creating a more balanced and visually pleasing composition. By strategically positioning light sources or using reflectors, you can control the shadows and highlights to enhance the overall depth and dimension of your indoor shots.
  4. Lighting has the power to set the mood and create a specific atmosphere in your indoor visuals. For example, soft and diffused lighting can generate a calm and intimate ambiance, while dramatic or directional lighting can evoke a sense of mystery or tension. Understanding how different lighting techniques influence the mood allows you to craft the desired emotional impact in your photos or videos.
  5. Being able to control the lighting in indoor settings provides you with greater creative freedom. You can experiment with various lighting setups, such as using natural light, artificial lighting, or a combination of both. Additionally, manipulating the direction, intensity, and color of light allows you to create unique and captivating visual effects, enhancing the storytelling aspect of your indoor photography or videography.


Considering these factors, investing time and effort into understanding and utilizing proper lighting techniques will significantly enhance the quality, impact, and overall aesthetic appeal of your indoor photos and videos.


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Blurry and low-detail photos on iPhone 16 Pro Max camera

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