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Updated: Apple iPhone 5s review

September 10, 2017
68
camera
This device has been tested in 2017. Please note that the score and contents below refer to an older Camera test protocol.

Please note: In September 2019, we updated the DXOMARK Mobile test protocol to cover ultra-wide-angle performance and renamed the protocol DXOMARK Camera. We also expanded our low-light testing and created the new Night sub-score, which incorporates the previous Flash score. We have retested this device using the new Wide and Night test protocols and updated the scores in this review, but we have not changed the text from the original review. For more information, please see the articles about our new Wide and Night test protocols.

68
camera
69
photo
66
video

Apple iPhone 5s camera review (originally published September 10, 2017)

Launched in September 2013, the Apple iPhone 5s features Apple’s A7 chipset and a 4-inch display, wrapped up in the minimalist design that is typical for the US manufacturer. In the camera module, an 8 Mp imager is coupled with a lens that offers a f/2.2 fixed aperture and an equivalent focal length of 29mm. A dual-tone LED flash, an HDR mode, and 1080p Full-HD video recording are on board as well. Have a look at the scores below to find out how the camera Apple’s 2013 flagship phone performed in our DxOMark Mobile testing.

Key specifications:

  • 8 Mp 1/3″ sensor with 1.5µm pixels
  • f/2.2 aperture lens
  • 29mm equivalent focal length
  • Dual-tone LED flash
  • 1080p video at 30 fps
  • 1.2 Mp front camera with f/2.4 aperture lens

Test summary

The Apple iPhone 5s camera generally produces images with good white balance and decent exposure, but strong noise is visible and detail is poor.

The Apple iPhone 5s camera is capable of producing decent image results, with decent exposure and white balance, but in comparison with more modern devices, the levels of captured detail are low and strong noise is noticeable across all light levels. With a single-lens setup and low pixel count, the Apple also scores low for zoom and bokeh. In video mode, our testers liked the efficient stabilization, but AF performance and levels of detail are poor in all shooting conditions.

Levels of detail are poor in this 20 Lux low-light shot. There is also very visible color shading, with a pink cast at the center of the frame and greenish edges.
Dynamic range is generally poor. This backlit portrait shows clipping in both highlight and shadow areas of the frame.

Pros

  • Pleasant white balance and color in outdoor conditions
  • Fairly good target exposure in outdoor and indoor conditions

 Pros

  • Fairly efficient stabilization
  • Good white balance in outdoor conditions

Cons

  • Limited dynamic range
  • Low levels of detail, especially indoors and in low light
  • Noise is visible in all shooting conditions
  • Strong color shading in low light
  • Low-quality zoom results
  • No bokeh effect

Cons

  • Poor AF in all conditions
  • Low levels of detail
  • High levels of noise, especially in low-light conditions
  • Limited dynamic range

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