Marques Brownlee tests the cameras of all iPhones since 2007 in the same photo

The biggest technology YouTuber in the world brought together all the base iPhone models, from the original launched in 2007 to the iPhone 17, to record exactly the same scene with each device. Marques Brownlee carried out the test in two different scenarios, one with good lighting and the other in a low indoor light environment, keeping the pose and composition identical. The resulting images allow us to practically observe changes in photographic quality over almost two decades of development of the Apple.

The experiment highlights gradual progress that does not always follow a straight line of constant improvement. Modelos newer devices present clear advances in image processing, while some intermediate devices show unexpected behavior in saturation and definition. The test quickly gained attention on social media for making visible the technological trajectory of the brand’s smartphone rear cameras.

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Results in a well-lit scenario

Records taken in a well-lit environment reveal subtle improvements from the iPhone X. The definition gains greater consistency in later models, with the iPhone 12 marking a more noticeable transition in general image processing.

Users who followed the content noted that the iPhone 11 still delivers high quality results even when compared to newer releases in 2026. The devices between the iPhone 4s and 7 present stagnant evolution in several visual aspects, which contrasts with the leap observed in subsequent generations.

Notable differences in the initial models

The original 2007 iPhone surprises by displaying more definition than its two immediate successors in good light. Essa This feature draws attention because it goes against the expectation of continuous progress since the first model.

iPhones 3G and 3Gs avoid the excessive color saturation present in some later releases, maintaining a more natural tone in the captured scene. The iPhone 4, in turn, stands out for its more intense saturation, deviating from the curve observed in most devices at the time.

• The original iPhone delivers superior sharpness to the 3G and immediate 3Gs models.
• Models between 4s and 7 show little variation in overall quality.
• Starting with iPhone 12, color and detail processing gains additional clarity.

Performance in low light condition

In an indoor environment with low light, the iPhone 17 outperforms its predecessor by preventing the image from conveying a feeling of a dim environment. Models between iPhone 13 and 16 maintain good general lighting, although some shadows are still visible in specific areas of the photo.

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The iPhone 12 manages to brighten the image efficiently, approaching the results of more current devices, but loses fine details in the process. Older Aparelhos, such as those from the XS line up to 7, present a significant loss of sharpness, even if they manage to reasonably illuminate the captured scene.

The gradual decline is evident in the 6s and 5s models, which deliver darker images with less light recovery. The original and 3G iPhones, interestingly, preserve a certain clarity that contrasts with the expectations for such old devices.

Technical evolution of cameras over the years

The comparison organized by Marques Brownlee allows you to visualize how processing hardware and software have evolved together. Mudanças in the sensor, lens aperture and image processing algorithms explain part of the results observed in each generation.

The test reinforces that advances are not limited to increasing megapixels, but mainly involve the balance between lighting, noise and color fidelity. Essa Practical approach helps you understand why newer models achieve consistent results in varied situations.

Direct comparison between old and current generations

Assembling the images side by side makes it easier to see the differences accumulated since 2007. Enquanto The first iPhones relied on cruder captures, recent launches apply advanced layers of computational intelligence to refine the final result.

This evolution reflects Apple’s continued investments in camera technologies, which have transformed the act of taking photos with a cell phone into an increasingly sophisticated experience. The content produced by Marques Brownlee serves as a visual reference for those who follow the development of smartphones.

The experiment was shared on the YouTuber’s channels and quickly generated discussions about what really changed in practice for users over time. Images in good and low lighting complement the analysis by covering common scenarios in people’s daily lives.