To see how iPhone photography has evolved over time, we revisited our archives and compared images taken with our lenses across different iPhone models. From the iPhone 12 to the latest iPhone 16, the collection highlights just how much image quality has improved and whether those changes are visible in real-world shots.

The iPhone camera has significantly evolved since the iPhone 13. The iPhone 13 features a dual 12MP camera system, with a wide lens boasting a ƒ/1.6 aperture and an ultra-wide lens with a 120° field of view . In contrast, the iPhone 14 introduced a 48MP main sensor, offering enhanced detail and dynamic range.

The iPhone 15 further improved upon this with a 48MP main sensor and added a 12MP telephoto lens, providing a 4x optical zoom range. The latest iPhone 16 models continue this trend, featuring a 48MP Fusion main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens with macro capabilities

Despite these advancements, integrating SANDMARC lenses can elevate your iPhone's camera capabilities even further. For example, attaching our lenses to an iPhone 13 can enhance its performance, allowing you to achieve results comparable to newer models without the need for an upgrade.

On the other hand, pairing our lenses with the latest iPhone 16 can push its photographic potential to new heights, offering professional-grade quality for both enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Now, it’s time to reveal which iPhone model was used to capture each shot.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max was launched in 2021, and a year later, we were introduced to the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The most significant leap between the two was the upgrade from the 12MP sensor in the iPhone 13 to the 48MP sensor in the iPhone 14. Overall, the iPhone 14 saw a marked improvement in quality, particularly in low-light conditions as well as a 2x optical zoom. Attaching the Telephoto Lens to the iPhone 13 enhanced its low-light performance, as well as creating a 2x optical zoom, which at this point was only digital zoom.

As of 2025, both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max are capable of capturing high-quality iPhone photography. The main upgrade between the two is the 48MP ultra-wide sensor in the iPhone 16, while the iPhone 15 features a 12MP ultra-wide sensor. Additionally, we see improvements in low-light conditions, which is why the iPhone 15 Pro Max, when paired with the attached Wide Lens, offers superior low-light photography for the iPhone 15. It also provides a larger field of view with a more natural, distortion-free perspective, as opposed to the fisheye effect created by the iPhone's ultra-wide lens.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max excels over the iPhone 12 Pro Max in telephoto photography, offering a 3x optical zoom versus 2.5x, allowing for sharper, more detailed shots. Its larger sensor and f/2.8 aperture improve low-light performance, while sensor-shift optical image stabilization ensures crisper images with less blur. In contrast, the 12 Pro Max's standard OIS and f/2.2 aperture provide good results but fall short in comparison. By attaching the SANDMARC Telephoto Lens to the iPhone 12 Pro Max, we were able to significantly improve its telephoto capabilities, bringing it closer to the iPhone 13 Pro Max's performance in terms of zoom and detail.

At the end of the day, we understand that upgrading your iPhone every year isn't always an option. However, with our lenses, you can still experience top-tier photography, regardless of your iPhone model. Whether you're using the last iPhone in stock or the latest release, our lenses will help elevate your camera game, bringing professional-quality shots right to your fingertips.



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