XTU S7 Pro Max vs S7 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro Max: Real-World Camera Test

How much has the new XTU S7 Pro Max improved over the previous S7 Pro? And how does it compare with the iPhone 13 Pro Max?

Japanese tech creator Hamataro (ハマタロ) recently put all three devices to the test, comparing real-world video quality, colors, stabilization, and outdoor performance.

Let's take a closer look at what his footage reveals.

What's New with the XTU S7 Pro Max?

The S7 Pro Max introduces several upgrades, including a larger 1/1.28-inch image sensor, a wider 158° field of view, and support for HDR and X-Log recording.

Both XTU models support up to 4K 50FPS video, but their differences become more noticeable when comparing actual footage.

Real-World Footage: Three Cameras Compared

In the outdoor tests, Hamataro compared the S7 Pro Max, S7 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max across several shooting scenarios.

Real-world backlight comparison featuring the XTU S7 Pro Max, S7 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max. Footage by Hamataro.

Color & Image Quality

The S7 Pro delivers more vivid colors and stronger contrast, while the S7 Pro Max produces a flatter image that may offer greater flexibility for color editing.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max showed more natural-looking skin tones in some scenes. Hamataro also noticed that certain text details appeared particularly clear in footage from the S7 Pro Max.

Backlighting & Lens Flare

In seaside and backlit scenes, the S7 Pro Max showed improved control of visible lens flare compared with the S7 Pro.

However, the reviewer also noticed overexposure in some bright areas, showing that there is still room for improvement in challenging lighting conditions.

Stabilization & Field of View

The S7 Pro Max appeared to deliver smoother stabilization in parts of the test, along with a wider 158° field of view, compared with 152° on the S7 Pro.

For POV recording, travel videos, and outdoor adventures, wider framing and steady footage can make a noticeable difference.

Watch the Full Real-World Comparison

See how the XTU S7 Pro Max, S7 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max perform side by side in Hamataro's detailed review.

Watch the Full Review on YouTube

Video by Hamataro. Original audio in Japanese.

Is the XTU S7 Pro Max Worth the Upgrade?

The S7 Pro Max offers a larger sensor, wider framing, and encouraging improvements in stabilization and lens flare handling.

However, the S7 Pro remains a capable action camera, especially for users who prefer vibrant, high-contrast footage straight out of the camera.

And while smartphones like the iPhone 13 Pro Max are convenient for everyday filming, a dedicated action camera offers practical advantages for wide-angle POV recording and flexible mounting during outdoor activities.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your filming style and priorities.