iPhone 16 Pro Max Front Camera Blurriness

I literally just upgraded to an iPhone 16 pro max and the quality is just vastly different to my 13 pro max, especially on apps like Snapchat but it also lacks on the regular camera.

quite disappointing as I was most excited about the upgraded camera.

first image is with the new phone and the second is with my old, both on Snapchat :(

The Multiple comments that you have received on this forum should be proof by themselves that something is not going well. I don't want to expose myself in a public forum just to prove what I say. I also tried to take photos with the normal camera and again there was the same blur. I'm not talking about apps, but about the iphone camera app itself. You have to do something, the whole world is telling you. And if you insist that in order to resolve the problem you need photos for proof just watch how magical the complaints will multiply.

It’s not just the Snapchat app. There are huge quality issues with the new iPhone’s camera. I’m also having issues with Siri that I’ve never had with previous iPhone models. We need to place blame where it’s due and not give excuses for Apple who provide low quality products for over $1k. There are dozens of forums and people online reporting/describing the same issue. Not sure why you continue to push that it’s an app issue when there’s ample evidence pointing otherwise. We’re not all using Snapchat 🙄

I have looked at the posts in this thread. That’s my point, the overwhelming consensus is that there are big issues with the new camera (front and back). I can compare pictures I took with older model iPhones to my current iPhone 16 pro max and the older photos are significantly clearer.

You’re obviously one of the lucky few who got a functional camera, but why are you vehemently denying the claims of dozens of other people who say their cameras aren’t working well? This isn’t the only thread about this. Tons of forums and posts online about describing the same issues.

I would prefer not to post a selfie of myself. It’s unnecessary and kind of odd that you keep requesting that of people. You have zero credentials to show that you could even do anything to help so I’m not sure why anyone would send a picture of themselves to you, especially with you just being some random person on an Apple thread. Take the information you’ve been given (grainy pictures, blurry pictures, zoom not working, etc.) and offer helpful advice (if you have any). No need for anyone to post personal pictures of themselves, I think everyone has offered more than enough description of what’s going on.

Snap Chat may not have updated their app to support the new selfie camera. Try just taking a photo with the native Camera app and switch to selfie mode.

16 pro has the exact same issue. If we can’t find a workaround my friends and I have to return our phones they aren’t usable for high quality content anymore. Currently using my 11 pro as a working backup again….

Me too! Why is no one talking about this on social media? And why is there still no solution? We all spend so much money on these phones every year, and they just keep getting worse. This isn’t a small issue—some people's jobs depend on the front camera, and it makes it impossible to use when the pictures turn out horrendous. Also, has anyone else noticed that the camera is completely off? When I look at the screen, it feels like my eyes are focused on the bottom left, and my face looks uneven. I know because I compared it to my iPhone 13 Pro Max, and the difference is huge.

If anyone has a solution, it would be a lifesaver. We shouldn't have to keep dealing with this—returning phones, getting replacements, and going through all the hassle. We’re paying so much for these phones, and yet we still have to worry about something this basic. I love everything else about this phone, but the camera is something I’ve never experienced before. I hope this can be solved with some setting/camera adjustments??

I have been facing similar issue with the front camera. I recently switched to iPhone 16plus and I have been questioning my decision of switching only because the front camera is blurry and doesn’t focus. On Snapchat it’s drastic, it’s horrible. It’s grainy and blurry. I am kinda disappointed with this poor camera quality. It’s horrible.

I am also having the same issue. I just upgraded this morning from the 11 Pro Max. The 11 Pro Max had great cameron quality still even with it being 5-ish years old. I was so excited because what i had been seeing in the stores was fantastic camera quality. Not only is it blurry on social media apps, but it is also blurry on the camera app.

I first noticed it when i went to facetime a friend assumed maybe it was the lighting, but it wasn’t. I’m not sure what to do but i’m extremely disappointed. This phone was $1100 and I can’t believe this camera quality is what I will have to deal with for 4-ish more years.

I don't know what you are saying but there is a lot of people plus me, that having the exact same problem. I updated my phone from iphone 12 pro max to 16 pro max and I noticed the same blurriness all describe here. I tried to take the selfie with many different ways, night mode, flash but there was the same problem. I just couldn't do anything and I can't believe that the phone i wanted so much to buy tricked me. Just make an update for the software and fix this already. It will cost you very badly If you don't accept that there is a problem...

Yes the image is in focus, but im rly not sure about the overall quality of the images.

I can't tell when it started maybe it started already with the iPhone 13, if we have a look what the iPhone 11 achieved I can relate with people complaining.

https://www.dxomark.com/apple-iphone-11-front-camera-review/

Sample image iPhone 11 front

There’s an old saying among photographers. Show me the photos or it never happened. Post examples or this is pure speculation.

My best guest is people’s frustration needs to be with the third party apps that aren’t updating the apps to take advantage of the better iPhone front facing camera.

The picture I posted was taken 30 minutes ago, in a dark restaurant while I was sitting at the bar watching football. There’s nothing wrong with the image (other than the subject).

i made an account on here simply to gripe. I dislike the front camera very much. ESPECIALLY ON INSTAGRAM. I don’t know why the videos i take come out gray and washed out. apple please come out with a software update. i wanted a new nice phone before my trip but am seriously starting to regret it coming from the iphone 13

Sameee! I’ve got the iPhone 16 pro max and I’m so disappointed. I’ve had the 11 for years and was content with the front camera quality for what it was. With the 16 pro max, the front camera is bad but on Snapchat it’s actually horrendous…even shocking! But I’m happy I’m not the only one😭

Same! My front camera won’t focus and even adds weird lighting to my face. Also seems like the back camera has a ton of trouble focusing. I miss my iPhone 13 camera.

Adding that I’m not using an app like Snapchat. Just the regular camera app on iPhone, and the pictures come out blurry/grainy and extra bright.