Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone X – Who Wins The Low Light Shootout?

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Our previous low-light camera comparison between the Samsung Galaxy Note9 and two other Android smartphones was so popular, we decided to pit it against the best smartphone Apple could produce – the iPhone X.

We only had a short time with the Apple iPhone X, but it was good enough to get some sample shots and videos. Check out our low-light shootout between the Samsung Galaxy Note9 and the Apple iPhone X!

 

Galaxy Note9 vs. iPhone X – Cameras Compared

Both the Samsung Galaxy Note9 (US | UKShopee | Lazada) and the Apple iPhone X boast dual main cameras – a wide angle camera and a telephoto camera.

Interestingly, their telephoto cameras are practically identical in feature and capability. They both use 12 MP image sensors with 1.0 µm pixels, paired with f/2.4 lens that offer 2X optical zoom with optical image stabilisation. But their wide-angle cameras are quite different.

Low Light Shootout - Galaxy Note9 vs. iPhone X

The iPhone X’s wide-angle camera uses a 12 MP image sensor with 1.22 µm pixels, paired with f/1.8 lens that support optical image stabilisation.

The Galaxy Note9, on the other hand, uses a 12 MP image sensor with larger 1.4 µm pixels, paired with a Dual Aperture lens that can switch between  f/1.5 and f/2.4. It also supports optical image stabilisation.

Here is a table comparing the key features of their main cameras.

Main Camera SpecificationsSamsung Galaxy Note9Apple iPhone X
TypeDual Camera System with wide and telephoto lensDual Camera System with wide and telephoto lens
Main Camera Features- 12 MP Dual Pixel sensor
- 1.4 µm pixel size
- can switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4 apertures
- optical image stabilisation (OIS)
- 12 MP sensor
- 1.22 µm pixel size
- f/1.8 aperture
- optical image stabilisation (OIS)
Telephoto Camera Features- 2x optical zoom
- 12 MP sensor
- 1.0 µm pixel size
- f/2.4 aperture
- optical image stabilisation (OIS)
- 2x optical zoom
- 12 MP sensor
- 1.0 µm pixel size
- f/2.4 aperture
- optical image stabilisation (OIS)
Built-in FlashDual-tone LED flashQuad-LED flash
Video Recording Capabilities4K video : up to 60 fps
1080p video : up to 60 fps
720p video : Up to 960 fps
4K video : up to 60 fps
1080p video : up to 120 fps
720p video : 30 fps
Camera Switching While Recording VideoYesNo
Live Focus CapabilityYesNo
Dual Capture CapabilityYesNo

As you can see, there are other differences between the two camera systems :

Now, let’s take a look at how well they both perform in low-light conditions!

 

Galaxy Note9 vs. iPhone X – Who Wins The Low Light Shootout?

Let’s start with a dimly-lit shot. Here we have four toys with some indirect lighting.

Dimly-Lit Scene

The Samsung Galaxy Note9 (US | UKShopee | Lazada) automatically switched to the wide f/1.5 aperture. The depth-of-field was much shallower, so Mario is a little out-of-focus. But the colours are more accurately captured even in this dimly-lit scene.

Low Light Shootout - Galaxy Note9 vs. iPhone X

When we switched to the iPhone X, its f/1.8 aperture had a deeper DOF. However, the colours are more muted and some details are lost. Look at the red-coloured heart in Darth Minion’s hand, and Mario’s left boot.

Low Light Shootout - Galaxy Note9 vs. iPhone X

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Extremely Low Light

We turned off the background lights, and look at the difference! It’s obviously much darker now, but yet, we can make out Darth Minion, and the details of Woody’s hat, when we used the Samsung Galaxy Note9 (US | UKShopee | Lazada).

Low Light Shootout - Galaxy Note9 vs. iPhone X

When we switched to the iPhone X though, the photo was darker and noisier. Darth Minion was hardly visible. and you cannot make out Mario’s belly!

Low Light Shootout - Galaxy Note9 vs. iPhone X

Next, let’s take a look at how both smartphones perform with bright lights at night, and check out their video recording performance in low-light conditions!

Go Back To > Bright Lights At Night Photo Comparison, Low Light Videos + Verdict

 

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