iPhone Fold Camera Debate: Telephoto vs. Ultrawide

DPReview editors are debating which camera lens a rumored two-camera iPhone Fold should include. The discussion centers on whether to prioritize a telephoto or an ultrawide lens, with one editor arguing for the telephoto based on personal photo library statistics.

DPReview's Richard Butler states he would prefer a telephoto lens if forced to choose. He bases this on his experience owning iPhones with both full and limited camera arrays. Of approximately 7000 photos taken with his iPhone 15 Pro, around 830 were shot with the telephoto lens versus about 750 with the ultrawide. The gap widens significantly among his favorite photos, where telephoto shots outnumber ultrawide by a five-to-one ratio.

The Case for Telephoto

Butler argues he encounters more situations where he cannot get physically closer to a subject than ones where he cannot step back. His telephoto shots typically include concert photos, wildlife, portraits seeking background compression, and distant subjects. He contends that while some ultrawide shots could be approximated using the main camera and more effort, the telephoto provides unique reach, especially as Apple has increased its equivalent focal length to around 100mm. This allows for capturing subjects genuinely too far for the standard lens.

The Case for Ultrawide

Colleague Dale Baskin prefers the ultrawide lens, linking it to his intimate, close-up shooting style. He believes getting close to a subject offers a more personal perspective and immerses the viewer in the story. Baskin also notes the iPhone utilizes the ultrawide for specific features unavailable to the telephoto. These include a macro mode for extreme close-ups, a "desk view" for webcam use, and providing a second perspective for computational photography like Spatial photos for VR.

Market Trends and Practical Constraints

Butler acknowledges the market appears to side with Baskin. He observes that manufacturers like Samsung, Apple for its baseline models, and formerly Google, typically pair a wide and ultrawide lens in two-camera setups, excluding the telephoto. He speculates this could be due to market research, marketing ease, or physical and cost constraints. Phone makers often market digital zoom as having "optical quality," which Butler disputes, but it provides a telephoto approximation. Conversely, the unique, expansive view of an ultrawide lens cannot be software-emulated. Baskin suggested ultrawide lenses might be easier or cheaper to manufacture, a factor for slim devices like foldables.

The User Compromise

Despite his strong preference, Butler concedes the lack of a preferred lens is rarely a dealbreaker. He, and others who favor telephoto, may still purchase a phone like the rumored iPhone Fold for other reasons, such as cost savings or form factor. He concludes that even if he loves the device, he will miss the extra reach when opening the camera app.