iPhone 14 Pro ProRaw vs. jpeg


The new iPhone 14 Pro models bring an upgraded 48-megapixel wide camera. The photos are processed by Apple's newly rebranded Photonic Engine image processing suite, combining hardware, software, and machine learning to improve pictures. For jpegs, that includes post-processing done to images, including "binning" the wide format's 48-megapixel camera to a 12-megapixel image. The system also processes images for what it deems the best photo for the conditions. ProRaw format, on the other hand, is much like raw capture mode on other cameras that leave photo processing to the user. This processing is accomplished using software such as Adobe's Lightroom.

A raw format isn't new to the iPhone 14 Pro or iOS 16, although it appears differently at 48 megapixels. The 48-megapixel images often require greater processing for exposure than previous 12-megapixel ProRaw images. The added data allows for better printing photo size and more image editing data.

The ProRaw images also demonstrate the image processing done for jpegs. The current recipe involves considerably sharpening that may become distracting when cropped or printed. The example below shows the ProRaw version on the left and the jpeg on the right. The ProRaw version was only edited to increase exposure.

comparison between iPhone 14 Pro jpeg and raw images

The processing is subjective and may be well suited for social media and mobile browsing. It can be distracting, though, especially in more challenging conditions.