I have been using Samsung S23 Ultra as my main camera for past couple months. I just got Google 7 for family member. As amateur photographer, I'm very curious on how the cameras compare on these 2 smartphones. Prior to buying S23 Ultra, I did comparison shopping. And S23 Ultra and Pixel 7 Pro were top on my list. Now I have my hands on these smartphones, and I can make comparison in person.
In this blog, I tested the main camera (1x). I might test the UWA camera in future. Pixel 7 does not have telephoto, so anything beyond that will not be a fair comparison.
Below, I will compare 2 representative photos. First on SOOC JPEG. And then on RAW file, edited in RAWTherapee.
S23 Ultra vs Pixel 7 Output Options
Google Pixel 7 has one single camera app. And it has option to output JPEG only, or RAW + JPEG. The behavior is quite similar to a camera. The RAW image has an embedded JPEG preview that is identical the JPEG file. So the possible outputs are:
JPEG
RAW (with embedded JPEG preview identical to JPEG)
In comparison, Samsung has odd behaviors that are quite confusing and very different than typical cameras. Samsung has 2 different camera modes that can output RAW. One is Pro Mode, and another is Expert RAW mode. And its signal processing varies between each mode. So Samsung can possibly output 5 different files:
Standard Photo mode JPEG
Pro mode JPEG
Pro mode RAW (with embedded JPEG preview that looks different than JPEG file)
Expert RAW mode JPEG
Expert RAW mode RAW (with embedded JPEG preview that looks different than JPEG file)
I wrote a blog previously on the various comparisons of Samsung's camera modes: https://jimmy1photo.wixsite.com/blog/post/samsung-s23-ultra-camera
In this comparison, I'm comparing Samsung's Standard Photo mode JPEG to Pixel 7 JPEG. And the Expert RAW mode RAW versus Pixel 7 RAW. Note that I need to take 2 captures on the Samsung, versus just single capture on Pixel 7.
In terms of RAW file itself, Google Pixel 7's RAW output is Adobe DNG format. This is a true RAW format, where data has RGB color channels.
In comparison, Samsung's RAW output is in Linear DNG format, which is a non-RAW format, where the color channels are already demosaiced. In addition, Samsung's Pro mode vs Expert RAW mode have additional camera profile differences. I wrote about all the details here: https://jimmy1photo.wixsite.com/blog/post/linear-dng-versus-linear-profile
For landscape, I like to use Samsung's Expert RAW mode. So that is what I'm comparing here. And I used RAWTherapee as my RAW editor
Photo 1 JPEG Comparison
For S23 Ultra, I'm using the Standard mode's JPEG output. I ignore Expert RAW's JPEG output because it is quite underexposed in this bright scene, as to protect the highlights.
S23 Ultra is a bit underexposed and/or white balance is a bit off. The clouds are gray; dried grass is deeper yellow. Pixel 7 white balance is a bit better. Clouds are white; dried grass is more dull yellow. On the sky, S23 Ultra is a bit more saturated, whereas Pixel 7 is more realistic blue.
I often find this over-saturation as a consistent theme for S23 Ultra. It is not as realistic and over the top. Some like this, while others do not. Just depends on your preference.
Besides these small differences, both results are quite similar and both are very usable as is. If I have to choose one that I prefer more, I have to go with Pixel 7.
Photo 1 RAW Comparison
As mentioned above, Samsung RAW file is Linear DNG, which has color that is already demosaiced. The advantage is that it is ready to be used. The disadvantage is that changes are baked into the file, so users do not have full control. I typically use RAW for exposure and white balance (as needed). But besides white balance adjustment, I do not modify colors. So this is not a big concern for me.
In this example, the Samsung RAW colors look fine. Even white balance is right on. I only modified the exposure, reduced highlights, and pull shadows. I added a bit to pastel colors.
Pixel 7's RAW file required more correction. The grass at center of frame is yellowish, whereas the sides are darker and slightly greenish. Not exactly sure if this is color cast issue, vignetting, or both. I tried to correct vignetting, but that did not fix the color cast. So it seems to be color cast issue. In the end, I removed the vignetting fix and left it as is. I do not have expertise with post processing colors, especially localized colors. So this is the result.
Photo 2 JPEG Comparison
Again, SOOC. In this comparison, S23 Ultra exposure is a bit brighter than Pixel 7. The white balance and color is cooler on S23 Ultra and warmer on Pixel 7. If you look at the hills to the far right, Pixel 7 has a nice color to it, whereas S23 Ultra color appears washed out. S23 Ultra is actually more realistic, but Pixel 7 might look better (warmer).
Again, the differences are not significant. If I have to choose, I will pick Pixel 7 over S23 Ultra.
Photo 2 RAW Comparison
Similar to the 1st RAW comparison, Samsung colors look fine, but Pixel 7 colors need to be corrected. For Samsung, I did the same edits as I always do. Correct exposure, highlights, and shadows.
Pixel 7 original RAW file was too yellow and warm, and the concrete ground has a green cast. I adjusted the white balance, and that corrected the color significantly. However, there is still some green color cast remaining on the concrete ground. It is quite odd why Pixel 7 has these weird green color cast. Something I might not notice. But when placed side-by-side with S23 Ultra's output, these differences do become noticeable.
Besides that, both RAW are very usable.
Conclusion
I shot 13 sets of photos for direct comparison. The result is similar to the 2 examples above.
For SOOC JPEG in Standard mode, Samsung S23 Ultra tend to expose slightly brighter, is more contrasty, and colors are more saturated. Pixel 7 is more neutral in both exposure and color.
For RAW, Samsung's Expert RAW is easier to manage colors, as I don't have to any edits for color. Pixel 7 RAW has some weird color cast. And some color cast are localized, so it is hard to correct. For RAW, I find Samsung's output to be easier to edit, whereas Pixel 7 has color cast that is beyond my ability to correct.
Both smartphone output are similar and quite usable. These small differences do show up upon further comparison. But many users probably would not find these differences as compelling evidence to choose one smartphone or another. There are other smartphone features (display, battery, etc) that will likely be the deciding factor. If someone does care about minute details on the camera photography results, then probably go with a real camera to get more significant improvement.
I do want to note that to get Samsung's results, I have to take 2 photos. One using default Camera app and using the Standard Photo mode to get the SOOC JPEG. Then go to Expert RAW app to capture the RAW. The Expert RAW's JPEG is horrible and even less useful (often under-exposed to protect the hightlights; over-saturated; and over sharpened). And there is also Pro mode, which has another set of JPEG and RAW. And Pro mode also has limitation with the JPEG output (JPEG looks more like RAW file and is very neutral and muted).
So if you are someone who just want SOOC JPEG, then Pixel 7 has slight advantage here. Or if you use SOOC JPEG for majority of shots, with RAW as backup, then Pixel 7 also works better. With single capture, you get both JPEG and RAW that are usable on Pixel 7.
For someone who wants SOOC JPEG + RAW, just be aware of Samsung's limitation. Different modes will output different JPEG. You have to be willing to try and test multiple modes to find what works for you. Most likely, there is no single mode that will provide good JPEG and RAW with single capture.
On the other hand, if you want to shoot RAW (and ignore JPEG), then S23 Ultra can have advantage over Pixel.
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