I'm considering upgrade from ip8/se3 to a larger phone (pro max). Like to ask specifically on advice on cost vs camera.
1. I'm persistently slightly over 128gb using the old file size but constantly taking a lot of photo. I will definitely take at least 256gb or maybe 512. with a larger file size nowadays on the newer models, does any of you find yourself the need to move onto 1tb or more (simply becos of taking a lot of photo?)
2. ultrawide. ip15 is using the same old lens as 14. plus i'm adding on an anamorphic 1.33x add on lens on the main lens, although it is not as wide as the 13mm, not sure if i will frequently switch back to this ultrawide.
3. tele. ip15 offers a 120mm 5x zoom (with a 1.33x anamorphic, that is about 80mm). i rarely used a tele, but reckon it can be useful for very occasional portraits or if i want to isolate something distant on the street, but it isn't a strong push. right now i am not sure where is safest to buy 14pro max and what is the price compared to 15pm 1tb that cost <2.7k (or 2.3k if 512), but if the saving is huge (eg >500), i might go for ip14 instead.
4. main lens. sensor size of 14 > 13 which makes me consider 14. but sensor size of 15 > 14 also. one of the reason i am getting is taking travel photos with some being at night. and hopefully the sensor size gives better quality. i might have to wait a couple of weeks to see some feedbacks on those who try it out although apple say it is 2x better for night shots. wonder anyone agrees.
i know usb-c and faster speed are along considerations of 15 over 14, but i like to tailor specifically to camera vs cost and see what do those with ip13 or ip14 thinks. lets say if i get 512gb, and if ip 14 pro max is only 2k while 15 pm is 2.3, then i will likely just go for 15, but if the 14 drops down to 1.8 or below, then maybe it is worth it?
Photo and video quality between 14 and 15 isn't gonna be noticeable.
Note that 15PM has 5X zoom which replaces 3X zoom of the 14PM. That to me is not an upgrade but just a variation. I feel like 3X zoom is good enough. I rarely think to myself "gosh, I need more zoom for this" while taking telephoto shots.
For your case, you can just go with either 14P or 14PM. 256GB is sufficient. There's no need to spend extra on storage since Apple charges excessively for more storage. You can save the money and get iCloud 200GB for SGD4/month.
I also recommend Microsoft 365 for the 1TB MS OneDrive storage, which can backup your computer also. It's SGD 108 for personal or SGD 148 for family (5 users each with 1TB). I usually transfer all my photos end of the month to Microsoft OneDrive. Why? Because I can access the photos from any computer, Windows, Mac, Android, web. If I want to switch from iPhone to Android, I can do so easily.
Photo quality of phone cameras nowadays are really good, and can certainly replace mirrorless cameras for many. But for those who really want better image quality, mirrorless camera is still the way to go. Mirrorless cameras also have way better ergonomics.
Your low light shots are blur because the shutter has to open longer to get more light, and shutter open longer is very susceptible to hand shake, hence blur. I think iPhone 11 - 15 are all able to take low light shots quite well, e.g. food photos, especially more recent camera phones.
