“Technically speaking, what exactly is there to “portrait mode” beside focus and resolution? Is there some special processing involved.
In other words if I took the same picture with a galaxy 7 with similar specs would one be able to tell the difference?
That’s the comparison I’d like to see otherwise it’s just hype.”
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The hype is the iPhone 7’s ability to focus on the subject while the background is out of focus.
Smartphone cameras have difficulty producing this due to physical limitations of their lens and sensor.
Google “Bokeh” for a more detailed explanation.
That's not "hype" because portrait photographers go to extreme lengths and charge lots of money to get that effect when taking portraits. It is not an easy thing to do using a smartphone.