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iPhone 7 Plus vs. Pixel XL camera showdown: Low-light video comparison

Published Oct 24th, 2016 4:20PM EDT
iPhone 7 Plus vs Pixel XL Camera
Image: Btekt (YouTube)

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Were it not for the Galaxy Note 7 battery debacle, the battle between the iPhone 7 Plus and Google Pixel XL might be the biggest smartphone story of the fall. Both phones feature top-of-the-line processors, smart software upgrades and arguably the best cameras every seen on the mobile market.

So while this battle might not get top billing, it’s still been entertaining to keep up with, and a video comparison from Btekt adds an interesting new wrinkle.

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Last week, YouTube channel Btekt put the iPhone 7 Plus and Pixel XL cameras to the test in a low-light setting at the top of Shanghai Tower in China. As the creators explain, the two samples below were captured in Full HD and the sound alternates between devices so you can hear how they compare to one another as well:

You can draw your own conclusions as to which camera “wins” this comparison, but it’s clear that each has its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, even at a distance in terrible conditions, the iPhone 7 Plus camera captures sharper, more appropriately lit footage than the Pixel XL. On the other hand, the Pixel handles exposure shifting like a champ, while the iPhone falters.

Perhaps the most noticeable difference throughout the video is the audio quality — the iPhone 7 Plus doesn’t hold a candle to the Pixel XL. When the video switches to the iPhone’s audio, I have trouble making out anything being said.

So while one camera might not necessarily come out on top, this should give anyone deciding between the two phones a little more information before they buy.

Jacob Siegal
Jacob Siegal Associate Editor

Jacob Siegal is Associate Editor at BGR, having joined the news team in 2013. He has over a decade of professional writing and editing experience, and helps to lead our technology and entertainment product launch and movie release coverage.