iPhone 18 Pro camera tested in New Zealand shows modest improvements over previous model

A reviewer received an iPhone 18 Pro sample on September 21 and used it as the primary camera during a month-long trip to New Zealand. The test focused on the new variable aperture, which can switch among f/1.4, f/1.8, f/2.8 and f/4.0, and on the added manual "Pro" controls and expanded Photographic Styles.

The variable aperture allows the lens to let in more or less light, affecting background blur. In practice, the reviewer observed that the differences between the four aperture settings are subtle, and the phone often defaults to f/1.8, delivering results comparable to the previous model. The manual controls for shutter speed, white balance and aperture were functional, but the reviewer noted they may be overlooked by casual users.

Photographic Styles now include additional palette and texture options, such as film effects and grain. While the reviewer found some styles appealing, the customization interface was described as fiddly.

The 48-megapixel 4× optical telephoto lens performed well, offering optical image stabilization and crisp images even when shooting on the move. However, the reviewer compared it unfavorably to higher-resolution Android competitors such as the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra.

Overall, the reviewer concluded that the iPhone 18 Pro represents a modest step forward from the iPhone 17 Pro and is a worthwhile upgrade for users with older iPhone models, but the improvements are incremental rather than revolutionary.