Galaxy A51 vs. iPhone SE
Both these phones start at $400 but have significantly different camera hardware. The Galaxy A51 has three rear cameras plus a depth sensor, while the iPhone SE has a single rear camera. Click through to see sample photos.
Galaxy A51 wide
A landscape photo taken on default settings on the Galaxy A51 on the rear lens, at 26mm.
Galaxy A51 ultra wide
This is the same photo, from the same vantage point, taken on the ultra-wide lens which is equivalent to 12mm.
iPhone SE landscape
Here's the same photo taken on the iPhone SE with its 28mm lens.
iPhone SE color
The iPhone SE renders plants with a more natural effect than the Galaxy A51 on the next slide.
Galaxy A51 color
Which do you prefer?
Galaxy A51 scene optimizer
Like other Galaxy phones, the camera comes with a scene optimizer that boosts color saturation on items like food.
iPhone SE
The same photo from the iPhone.
iPhone SE portrait mode
The iPhone SE can take portrait mode photos from the single rear camera, although edge detection can sometimes be confused by fine detail such as hair.
Galaxy A51 portrait mode
The Galaxy A51 has a depth sensor so it can more accurately separate your subject from the background.
Galaxy A51 macro
The A51 also has a dedicated macro camera for taking close-up shots, although you need a lot of light and a steady hand to make the most of the camera.
Galaxy A51 macro
One of my successful macro photos.
Galaxy A51 night mode
There's a standalone night mode on the A51 although it only produces an 8-megapixel shot, rather than the 12- or 48-megapixel shots when you don't use night mode.
iPhone SE low light
Unlike other iPhones, the iPhone SE doesn't have a night mode. But if you hold the camera steady you can still get a decent shot.
iPhone SE color
The iPhone SE captures shots with lots of detail and natural colors. Plus, it has optical image stabilization which means there's less chance of getting any motion blur from camera shake.
Galaxy A51 color
With the scene optimizer turned on, colors look vibrant and punchy, but a little too oversaturated for my taste.