Testing the Limits of Time: Former Flagships in 2025
As a techno freak who’s always curious about ‘former flagship’ gadgets, I often wonder if their performance is still worth it in the following years. Especially in the camera sector, which is crucial for many people. Well, in April 2025, I want to invite you to re-review two champions from the previous generation: the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. They, frankly, were computational photography giants in their time. The question is, in 2025, can they still compete? And most importantly, are they still worth considering for us to buy?
Pixel 8 Pro: The AI Photography Champion, Still Evolving
Okay, let’s start with the Google Pixel 8 Pro. I’ve been using this since its initial release, and in 2025, its AI processing capabilities still amaze me. Honestly, for “point-and-shoot” photography, meaning taking pictures directly without much thought, the Pixel 8 Pro is still a champion. The photos I’ve taken, wow! The details are great, the dynamic range is also superb, even in challenging lighting conditions. It’s like there’s ‘magic’ in every shot, truly effortless good photos.
Then, exclusive AI features like Best Take and Magic Editor, which have been further enhanced (especially with the software updates up to April 2025), you’ll love these too. Magic Editor is now smarter, capable of truly changing the mood of a photo in seconds, even using Gemini Nano integration which makes editing more intuitive. Or Best Take, which saved many of my group photos where everyone had their eyes closed. This truly gives creative flexibility that I rarely find in its competitors. Basically, if you want automatically great photos without hassle, the Pixel 8 Pro is still top tier.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: King of Video & Color Consistency
Now, let’s move on to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This one, when it comes to video, the iPhone is in a different class. I personally feel it, the color consistency, makes my footage look very natural and professional. Whether it’s a video for TikTok, Reels, or a more serious project, the results are always satisfying.
Its recording feature with ProRes Log format, you’ll definitely love this if you’re serious in the world of videography. With ProRes Log, I can get full control during the color grading process. So, the raw footage is very flexible to be processed according to the mood I want. Plus, the super seamless Apple ecosystem is unmatched for heavy video editing workflows. Transferring files to a MacBook or iPad Pro for editing in Final Cut Pro is smooth as can be, without any drama. So, for video creators who need consistency, quality, and efficiency, the iPhone 15 Pro Max in 2025 is still the industry benchmark.
Boogeng’s Conclusion: Which One is More Suitable for You?
So, guys, in 2025, even though in terms of hardware, they might not be ‘fresh from the oven’, but in terms of camera software, both of these phones are very mature. They have received many updates and optimizations that make their performance still relevant. The choice is up to you, bro and sis, what are your priorities.
If you want practicality, auto-magic photos with AI touches that sometimes make you speechless and a savior in many situations, the Pixel 8 Pro is a very solid choice. But, if you are a serious video creator, need color consistency, full control for color grading, and an ecosystem that supports a pro workflow, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is still unmatched. I’d say, both are still worth the money in 2025, depending on what you need. Basically, whichever you choose, you won’t regret it!
