iPhone 16 pro max - Macro not in 48mp?

I'm not sure I can explain this correctly but here goes. The sensor in the camera is 48 MP however functionally you get a 12 MP image. That is true because the iPhone combines 4 colors to create one pixel. That is each final pixel is created by combining a red, blue and two green pixels. Thus the 48 MP sensor yields a 12 MP image.

FredricfromSweden wrote:

I am using my new iPhone 16 Pro Max for Macro. However if i use the main-camera and get close and the macro is auto-enabled, the photos are taken with the ultrawide-lens and 12 mp. If i manually choose the ultrawide-lens, no macro is auto-enabled, the photos are 48mp.

What am i missing?

Thanks

So they advertise a 48mp macro but it’s not possible in macro mode? Make it make sense..

FredricfromSweden wrote:

I am using my new iPhone 16 Pro Max for Macro. However if i use the main-camera and get close and the macro is auto-enabled, the photos are taken with the ultrawide-lens and 12 mp. If i manually choose the ultrawide-lens, no macro is auto-enabled, the photos are 48mp.

What am i missing?

Thanks

That’s correct and how Apple intended it to work. The ultra wide camera is for taking an image of a wider area, NOT for macro photography.

In settings do you have Macro Control toggled on?

I’m wondering about this too. Best I get is 12mp as well.