Apple has officially launched the iPhone 16 series, boasting several exciting new camera features. However, the new iPhones still cannot record 8K videos, something Galaxy flagships have done since 2020. Apple did introduce 4K 120fps video recording, though. This feature debuted on the Galaxy S24 Ultra earlier this year.
The all-new iPhone 16 Pro Max cannot record 8K videos
Since 2020, every Galaxy S flagship has supported 8K video recording. After originally offering 24fps (frames per second), Samsung now lets you record 8K videos in 30fps. Higher frame rates offer a smoother viewing experience. Apple was rumored to join the party this year, but it didn’t. No iPhone 16 model supports 8K video recording, though all four models can record 4K videos.
An 8K image equates to around 33MP. Since the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 200MP main camera and a 50MP 5x zoom camera, it can produce 8K videos from both. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max also boast two 48MP cameras, but Apple still chose to not offer 8K video recording. Samsung, meanwhile, may extend the feature to the ultrawide camera on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
While 4K video recording isn’t a completely new feature to iPhones, 4K video at 120fps is. Samsung introduced it with the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the two Pro iPhone 16s are getting it too — the non-Pro models top out at 4K 60fps. 4K videos recorded at 120 frames per second offer great detail for a smooth, cinematic viewing experience. They also retain quality when converted into slow-motion clips.
Along with camera improvements, the iPhone 16 series introduces Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI software suite for phones, tablets, and PCs — and a direct competitor to Galaxy AI. As Samsung and Apple continue to innovate, the competition in the AI space is expected to intensify. It remains to be seen which will ultimately emerge as the leader in this evolving AI race.
