Is my S9+ camera defective?

[Michael_Archangel]

Would be interesting to see the same pics with your wife's S8.

 

[SDTRMG]

I've been following this thread hoping to find a fix and or hear that samsung will issue an update. Unfortunately I'm passed the point of returning this phone so I've been quite disappointed with that and the camera.

 

[torbach1]

Ok, here are two photos taken with my S9+ and my wife's S8 both in auto mode, both focused in on the dog in question. I'd like to see if you guys can guess which two are from the S9+ and which two are from the S8 based on your observations so far. So I'm going to label them as A & B.

B1:


B2:

 

[torbach1]

A1:


a2:

 

[torbach1]

FWIW, I think they both look great. I wouldn't call either one substantially better or even different, but maybe I'm just less discerning. I suspect that the Pixel would beat both. But this started with folks stating that the S9 was worse than the S7. I don't think so based on my experience and my eyes. I think if that was the case, given that the S8 was a tiny improvement over the S7, we'd notice a significant difference between these. I do see a difference in lighting. But nothing significant, and my preference is for the S9 photos. Still, I'm trying to understand what it is that folks are finding so poor with the S9, which is why I haven't yet said which is which. Curious to see which people prefer without knowing.

Also, both were shot in daylight. Cloudy day, but lots of light coming in from the left with the curtain wide open.

 

[TiCuS_]

B1 and B2 are from the S9. Ok?

 

[SDTRMG]

I also would guess b1 and a2 are from the s9+ but I could be wrong

 

[torbach1]

Interesting, yes, you're both right. Personally I prefer those photos. But again, I'm not an expert. I do prefer the XL's photos in general to Samsung photos. But in this case I feel that the S9's photos are less "beautified", and more like what I saw in front of me at the time.

 

[torbach1]

Sorry, to clarify, both B photos are from the S9+. Both A photos are from the S8.

 

[RapidTurtle]

That's awesome, nice comparison shots.

 

[goji26]

Here's a couple cat pictures. S9+ vs Pixel 2 XL. Both auto mode. Tell me which one is the S9.

 

[goji26]

Second pic

 

[RapidTurtle]

First one is the S9. Wow what a difference in detail.

 

[torbach1]

Guys, this thread started with a question about whether the S9 camera is defective. Not whether it's better than the Pixel. The Pixel's camera is better by a mile, although these photos don't look like they were taken with both auto more and the cats being in focus, unless the S9 just hates cats.

If you're wondering if the Pixel 2 camera is better than any Samsung, the answer is Yes.
If you're asking whether the S9 is worse than the S7, I remain to be convinced based on my experiences.

 

[goji26]

The pictures were both taken in auto mode. I literally tapped on the same point of our cat's body and took a picture. It's not about the Pixel being better, it's about the S9 having a crap camera. My Razer phone's camera was better than this. I've gone through the camera settings and even returned my first S9+ for this one. Both have the same DEFECTIVE camera or camera software.

 

[goji26]

If you sense frustration I definitely am. This phone is awesome...speakers, screen, fluidity, etc. The camera is honestly bad unless you're taking pictures in very low light, or bright sun. The subject can't move at all either. I have to take 10 pictures of my son to get one good one. Pixel is as easy as point and shoot. You can't market a phone to have a reimagined camera with output like this.

 

[SDTRMG]

Guys, this thread started with a question about whether the S9 camera is defective. Not whether it's better than the Pixel. The Pixel's camera is better by a mile, although these photos don't look like they were taken with both auto more and the cats being in focus, unless the S9 just hates cats.

If you're wondering if the Pixel 2 camera is better than any Samsung, the answer is Yes.
If you're asking whether the S9 is worse than the S7, I remain to be convinced based on my experiences.

People are more so just using the pixels pictures to determine what's wrong with the s9+ and why a lot of photos are lacking detail.

 

[torbach1]

If you sense frustration I definitely am. This phone is awesome...speakers, screen, fluidity, etc. The camera is honestly bad unless you're taking pictures in very low light, or bright sun. The subject can't move at all either. I have to take 10 pictures of my son to get one good one. Pixel is as easy as point and shoot. You can't market a phone to have a reimagined camera with output like this.

I can't argue with that. You've had two of them with the same issues. If you can't return it, which I assume it's too late, I'd suggest going to Twitter. Samsung can and has sorted out camera issues with software updates. There is a bug update rumored to be coming out in April. Maybe it will sort this out. If not, let's get the pressure on them to sort it out. At this price this shouldn't be an issue. The fact that I haven't had issues is irrelevant in this context because I'm not currently taking the same kind of photos you are.

 

[goji26]

Thanks for the tip. I sent Samsung both pictures on Twitter. Haven't heard anything back yet.

 

[torbach1]

Thanks for the tip. I sent Samsung both pictures on Twitter. Haven't heard anything back yet.

I'll see if I can find and retweet. If others on this thread can do the same, that ought to get more of Samsung's attention.