Apple’s iPhone now comes in a range of shapes and sizes, but only a select few iPhones have 3 cameras on their rear – here’s everything you need to know…
Key Takeaways 📱
Which iPhones come with three cameras? Simple: Apple’s Pro and Pro Max models. And right now, that’d be the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
These are the most expensive, flagship models so you’ll pay more you will get access to the best camera tech on the market.
Non-Pro models (iPhone 15 / iPhone 15 Plus) run dual-lens camera modules. This is one of the main reasons why Apple’s Pro / Pro Max models cost more to buy.
The Pro / Pro Max Camera Advantage:
- 📸 Triple Camera Boost: Pro/Pro Max models have telephoto, wide, and ultra wide lenses, whereas base models only have wide and ultra wide.
- 🔒 Telephoto Lens: It has a longer focal length, allowing you to capture far-away objects with a larger depth of field
- 🌐 LiDAR Advantage: Pro / Pro Max models exclusively equipped with the LiDAR sensor for advanced photography.
- 💸 Budget-Friendly Pros: Older Pro / Pro Max models, like the iPhone 12 and 13 series, now available at significantly reduced prices – save upwards of 40%.
Apple’s iPhone 15 series continues the trend of running 3 cameras on the Pro Max and Pro models and dual-lens cameras on the base model and the iPhone 15 Plus. And later this year, the iPhone 16 series will continue the trend of running three cameras on its main camera module.
The First iPhone With Three Cameras
Apple’s first iPhone with 3 cameras was the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. The entry-level iPhone 11 shipped with a dual-lens camera on its rear and does not have an OLED display. This is why it was cheaper.
Prior to this, Apple used single lens cameras on ALL of its iPhones. Then it switched to dual-lens cameras on the iPhone 7 Plus.
The smaller, non-Plus models retained their single lens status.
Apple’s iPhone 11 launched in 2019 and these were the first iPhones, although just the Pro models, to feature 3 cameras on their rear. All iPhones since, including the iPhone 11 successor series, the iPhone 12 range, followed the same pattern:
dual-lens for the base models, triple-lens cameras for the Pro and Pro Max models. In addition to three cameras on the Pro and Pro Max models, you also get access to Apple’s LiDAR sensor too.
Complete List of iPhones With 3 Cameras
The following iPhone models all ship with three cameras in their main, rear-mounted camera module:
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
Before the iPhone 11 series, Apple shipped its Plus models with dual-lens camera (2 cameras) and its base models with single-lens camera modules (1 camera).
What Does The Third Camera Do?
In order to understand what the third camera on Apple’s iPhone Pro models does, we first need to understand how the camera module on its non-Pro models works.
On the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, for instance, you have two lenses on the rear of the phone:
- 48 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide)
- 12 MP, f/2.4, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
And this setup is very good, it’s more than enough for most users. Apple also improved and iterated on this camera module with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series.
Images and video look great, you have a wide-angle lens for capturing landscapes and group shots, and the UX and usability is off the charts.
But that third lens gives you a lot more freedom as a photographer.
The third camera on iPhones serves specific purposes to enhance your photography experience.
Let me break it down for you:
1. Telephoto Lens: Get Up Close and Personal 🔍
This lens provides zoom capabilities and improved performance in portrait mode. It has a longer focal length, allowing you to capture far-away objects with a larger depth of field. Essentially, it helps you get closer to your subject without physically moving.
I love using the telephoto lens for capturing candid shots of my friends and family. It allows me to snap photos from a distance without disturbing the moment. Plus, the portrait mode creates a beautiful bokeh effect, making my subjects really stand out.
2. Wide Lens: Your Everyday Go-To 📸
The wide lens is your standard camera lens. It captures everyday scenes and objects. When you’re not using zoom or ultra-wide features, this lens is your go-to for regular photos.
I find myself using the wide lens most often. It’s perfect for capturing memories, whether I’m out for a walk or having dinner with friends. The quality is always top-notch, and it’s easy to snap a quick photo without fiddling with settings.
3. Ultra-Wide Lens: Capture the Bigger Picture 🌄
The ultra-wide lens allows you to photograph larger objects, such as expansive landscapes or architecture. It captures a wider field of view, making it great for group shots or scenic vistas.
I recently took a trip to the mountains, and the ultra-wide lens was a game-changer. I was able to capture the vastness of the landscape in a single shot. It really helped me convey the scale and beauty of the scenery.
These three lenses work together to provide a versatile photography experience. You can switch between them by pressing the Zoom button just above the shutter.
So whether you’re capturing a close-up portrait, a sweeping landscape, or a regular photo, your iPhone’s three cameras have got you covered!
Diving Deeper: iPhone Camera Technology
Dual-Lens vs Triple-Lens iPhones: The Image Quality Showdown 📸
When it comes to iPhone photography, the number of lenses can make a world of difference, especially if you plan on using it for content creation.
This is why – as of right now, anyway – the iPhone 15 Pro Max is our #1 recommended phone for content creators and creators. It is the current state-of-the-art in every conceivable way, from image quality to video.
Let’s break down how dual-lens and triple-lens iPhones stack up in terms of image quality:
Versatility 🔄
- Dual-Lens: Typically featuring wide and ultra-wide lenses, dual-lens setups offer good versatility for everyday shooting.
- Triple-Lens: Adds a telephoto lens to the mix, significantly expanding creative possibilities and shooting scenarios.
Low-Light Performance 🌙
- Dual-Lens: Newer models like the iPhone 15 perform admirably in low light, thanks to larger sensors and computational photography.
- Triple-Lens: Pro models often have larger sensors and wider apertures, particularly in the main wide lens, leading to superior low-light shots.
Zoom Capabilities 🔍
- Dual-Lens: Limited to digital zoom beyond the ultra-wide and wide focal lengths.
- Triple-Lens: Optical zoom (usually 3x or 5x) thanks to the telephoto lens, resulting in sharper, more detailed zoomed images.
Portrait Mode 👤
- Dual-Lens: Capable of creating portrait mode effects, but may struggle with edge detection in complex scenes.
- Triple-Lens: The additional depth information from the telephoto lens often results in more accurate subject separation and natural-looking bokeh.
Dynamic Range 🌈
- Dual-Lens: Good dynamic range, especially with features like Smart HDR.
- Triple-Lens: Pro models often have enhanced HDR capabilities, capturing a wider range of tones in challenging lighting conditions.
Overall Image Quality 🖼️
While both setups can produce stunning images, triple-lens iPhones generally have the edge in terms of overall image quality, particularly in challenging shooting conditions or when maximum versatility is required, as you can see in the video below – the difference is quite extreme.
Software Magic: Triple-Camera iPhone Exclusive Features 🧙♂️
Apple’s triple-camera iPhones don’t just rely on hardware – they’re backed by powerful software features that take mobile photography to the next level.
Let’s explore some of these Pro-exclusive capabilities:
Deep Fusion 🧠
- What It Does: Deep Fusion uses advanced machine learning to process photos pixel by pixel, optimizing for texture, details, and noise in mid to low-light scenes.
- How It Works: The camera takes multiple exposures before and after you press the shutter, then the A-series chip analyzes these images and combines the best parts of each.
- The Result: Incredibly detailed photos with better textures, less noise, and more accurate colors.
ProRAW 📊
- What It Is: Apple’s RAW image format that combines the flexibility of RAW with the computational photography magic of iPhones.
- Benefits:
- Preserves more image data for maximum editing flexibility.
- Allows for deeper shadows and more highlight recovery.
- Maintains Apple’s intelligent image processing while giving photographers more control.
- Usage: Ideal for professional photographers or enthusiasts who want to push their iPhone photography to the limits.
Macro Photography 🌺
- Capability: Ultra-close focusing for extremely detailed close-up shots.
- How It Works: Utilizes the ultra-wide camera and advanced software to automatically switch to macro mode when you get close to a subject.
- Applications: Perfect for capturing intricate details in nature, textures, or small objects.
Night Mode Portraits 🌃
- Feature: Combines the bokeh effect of Portrait mode with the low-light capabilities of Night mode.
- Result: Stunning portraits with beautiful background blur, even in challenging lighting conditions.
ProRes Video Recording 🎥
ProRes is a family of video codecs developed by Apple for use in post-production. It was introduced to iPhones with the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, bringing professional-grade video capabilities to mobile devices.
Key Features of ProRes
1. High Color Fidelity
- 🎨 10-bit color depth (vs. 8-bit in standard video)
- 🌈 Over 1 billion colors can be represented
- 🖌️ Preserves subtle color gradations and prevents color banding
2. Low Compression
- 🎞️ Uses intraframe compression (each frame is compressed independently)
- 📊 Much lower compression ratio compared to H.264 or H.265
- 💾 Results in larger file sizes but maintains more original image data
3. Multiple Variants
- 🏆 ProRes 422 HQ: Highest quality, ideal for critical image processing
- 🥈 ProRes 422: Slightly lower data rate, visually lossless
- 🥉 ProRes 422 LT: Lower data rate, suitable for less demanding projects
4. Efficient Editing
- 🎬 Designed for smooth, responsive editing in professional software
- ⏱️ Reduces the need for rendering during editing process
ProRes: Things To Keep In Mind
Considerations
- 💾 File Size: ProRes files are significantly larger than standard video files
- 📱 Storage Requirements: Only available on iPhone Pro models with 256GB storage or more
- 💻 Editing Hardware: Requires more powerful computers for smooth editing
- 🔄 Playback Compatibility: May need transcoding for playback on some devices or platforms
Use Cases
- 🎥 Professional Videography: Ideal for documentaries, short films, or commercial work
- 📸 High-End Social Media Content: For creators who prioritize image quality
- 🎬 VFX and Green Screen: The high color fidelity aids in complex post-production tasks
- 🗄️ Archival Purposes: When highest possible quality is needed for long-term preservation
Benefits for iPhone Users
- 🎞️ Professional-Grade Footage: Capture video that’s ready for high-end production workflows
- 🌈 Enhanced Dynamic Range: Better preservation of highlights and shadows
- 🎨 Improved Color Grading: More flexibility in post-production color adjustments
- 🔮 Future-Proofing: Higher quality source material for future use or remastering
How Does Apple’s Pro Max Camera Compare To Samsung and Google’s Pixel Phones?
Does Apple have the best camera tech? In some respects, yes – but plenty of people would argue you can get similar (and in some cases) better results with a flagship Pixel or Samsung phone.
The long and short of it is simple: they all do things slightly differently, some have features and abilities that the others do not. The best for you will not be the best for someone else.
Here’s a breakdown of how Apple, Samsung, and Google’s latest flagship camera systems compare and contrast…
Flagship Smartphone Camera Comparison
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
-
Main Sensor:
- 📱 iPhone: 48MP, f/1.78 aperture
- 📱 Galaxy: 200MP, f/1.7 aperture
-
Zoom Capabilities:
- 📱 iPhone: 3x optical zoom
- 📱 Galaxy: 3x and 10x optical zoom (periscope lens)
-
Ultra-wide:
- 📱 iPhone: 12MP, f/2.2 aperture
- 📱 Galaxy: 12MP, f/2.2 aperture
-
Special Features:
- 📱 iPhone: LiDAR scanner, ProRAW, Photonic Engine
- 📱 Galaxy: Laser autofocus, Expert RAW, Nightography
iPhone 15 Pro vs Google Pixel 8 Pro
-
Main Sensor:
- 📱 iPhone: 48MP, f/1.78 aperture
- 📱 Pixel: 50MP, f/1.68 aperture
-
Telephoto:
- 📱 iPhone: 12MP, 3x optical zoom
- 📱 Pixel: 48MP, 5x optical zoom
-
Ultra-wide:
- 📱 iPhone: 12MP, f/2.2 aperture
- 📱 Pixel: 48MP, f/1.95 aperture
-
Special Features:
- 📱 iPhone: ProRAW, Photonic Engine
- 📱 Pixel: Night Sight, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur
Key Takeaways from the Comparison
- Megapixel Wars: While some Android phones boast higher megapixel counts, iPhones focus on larger pixels and advanced processing for quality over quantity.
- Zoom Capabilities: Some Android flagships currently have an edge in optical zoom range, particularly those with periscope lenses.
- Computational Photography: Both iPhone and top Android phones heavily leverage AI and computational techniques, each with their unique strengths.
- Video Performance: iPhones generally maintain an edge in video quality and features like Dolby Vision HDR recording.
- Consistency: iPhones are often praised for their consistency across lenses and shooting conditions, while some Android phones may excel in specific scenarios.
- Night Photography: This is a hotly contested area, with both iPhone and top Android phones producing impressive low-light results.
- RAW Capabilities: Both platforms offer RAW shooting, with Apple’s ProRAW and features like Google’s computational RAW pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
- Ecosystem Integration: iPhones benefit from tight integration with the Apple ecosystem, which can be advantageous for workflows involving other Apple devices.
How Does LiDAR Work & What Does It Do?
Apple’s LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor is a technology that works by emitting laser light and then measuring the time it takes for that light to bounce back after hitting an object. This allows the sensor to create a 3D map of the surrounding environment.
The LiDAR sensor on Apple devices, such as the iPhone 14 Pro, emits short pulses of laser light that are directed at the surrounding environment.
These pulses of light bounce back after hitting objects and are picked up by the LiDAR sensor, which measures the time it takes for the light to return. Based on the time-of-flight measurement, the device can calculate the distance to the object.
If you do a lot of DIY at home, the LiDAR sensor comes in very handy. I used it loads whilst renovating my home office – for shelves, for figuring out what I could fit where. It’s a really great addition with lots of cool applications.
By scanning the environment with thousands of laser pulses per second, the LiDAR sensor can create a 3D map of the surrounding space. This map is then used to improve augmented reality (AR) experiences, enhance low-light photography, and assist with object recognition and tracking.
As you can see, the camera tech on the Pro and Pro Max look kind of similar. But on closer inspection, you will see that the Pro Max variant has a more capable camera system than one used in the Pro model.
Why The Pro Max Costs More Than The Pro
It has larger sensors, bigger apertures, and far more advanced zoom capabilities. And these are all things that experienced, more professional camera users will notice. Here’s what Apple said about the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s camera at launch:
For the first time ever, the Pro lineup features a new 48MP Main camera with a quad-pixel sensor that adapts to the photo being captured, and features second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization. For most photos, the quad-pixel sensor combines every four pixels into one large quad pixel equivalent to 2.44 µm, resulting in amazing low-light capture and keeping photo size at a practical 12MP.
The quad-pixel sensor also enables a 2x Telephoto option that uses the middle 12 megapixels of the sensor for full-resolution photos and 4K videos with no digital zoom. This delivers optical quality at a familiar focal length, which is great for features like Portrait mode. The quad-pixel sensor also brings benefits to pro workflows, optimizing for detail in ProRAW. And with a new machine learning model designed specifically for the quad-pixel sensor, iPhone now shoots ProRAW at 48MP with an unprecedented level of detail, enabling new creative workflows for pro users.
Apple
And the same rules apply to the iPhone 15 series and its Pro and Pro Max models.
Everything else is the same, however, save for the display size and the battery. Again, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is bigger in both contexts. If you can handle the price, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the one to go for: it delivers the best of everything and has the best camera by a considerable margin.
iPhone Camera Tricks & Tips
Learn how to 10x your understanding of iPhone photography, how the camera works, and what you can do with it with our expert guides and tricks and tips.
The FAQs of Life
Your iPhone Camera Questions, Answered!
Do all iPhone 12 have 3 cameras?
No, only the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max have 3 cameras. The base iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini have dual-lens camera systems.
Does the iPhone 15 have 3 cameras?
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have 3 cameras. The standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus have dual-lens camera systems.
Does iPhone 11 have 2 or 3 cameras?
The base iPhone 11 has 2 cameras. The iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max have 3 cameras.
Which is better, 11 or 11 pro?
The iPhone 11 Pro is generally considered better due to its triple-camera system, OLED display, and additional features. However, the base iPhone 11 is still a capable device with a dual-lens camera system.
How do you use the 3 cameras on iPhone 11?
On the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, you can switch between the three cameras (ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto) by tapping the zoom options above the shutter button in the camera app.
Does iPhone 11 Pro have triple camera?
Yes, the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max both have a triple-camera system.
How many cameras are in the iPhone 11?
The base iPhone 11 has 2 cameras (dual-lens system), while the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max have 3 cameras (triple-lens system).