iPhones have revolutionized photography, making it incredibly easy to capture high-quality images on the go. But when it comes to turning those digital memories into tangible prints, the process isn’t always straightforward. Many users encounter issues with cropping, color accuracy, and print quality when trying to print photos directly from their iPhones. Navigating the world of online photo printing services can be overwhelming, especially when you’re aiming for the best results for your cherished iPhone photos.
One of the most common frustrations iPhone users face is forced cropping. Services like Mpix, while popular, have been criticized for their inability to print standard smartphone photo aspect ratios without significantly cropping the image. This can be a major drawback if you’ve carefully composed your shots and want to preserve the original framing. For iPhone photos, which typically have a 4:3 aspect ratio, standard print sizes can lead to unwanted losses around the edges of your pictures.
A close-up of the edge of a rolled-up print from Snapfish that was damaged during transport.
Damaged print edge from Snapfish due to insufficient packaging during shipping.
Fortunately, several photo printing services understand the needs of smartphone photographers. Services like EZprints and RitzPix offer print sizes specifically designed for the 4:3 aspect ratio, ensuring your iPhone photos are printed without any cropping. This means you get to keep every element you intended in your photograph, from the sweeping landscapes to perfectly framed portraits. Moreover, labs like Printique and Nations Photo Lab go a step further by providing options to print your images uncropped regardless of the aspect ratio mismatch. These services prioritize preserving your original image composition, which is crucial for photographers who pay close attention to detail.
While aspect ratio compatibility is key, print quality and service reliability are equally important. Bay Photo, for instance, is known for offering small print sizes optimized for smartphone photos and robust packaging. However, tests have indicated that their print output, while reasonable, might not consistently stand out in terms of quality compared to other top contenders. Customer reviews often place them as a solid, dependable option but not necessarily the top choice for exceptional print fidelity.
Price is always a consideration, and Snapfish often emerges as one of the most budget-friendly services. However, the lower cost can sometimes come at the expense of quality. Tests have revealed that Snapfish prints can suffer from harsh contrast, leading to loss of detail in shadows and highlights, and skin tones might appear unnaturally orange in portrait photos. Packaging can also be a concern, with smaller prints sometimes shipped in flimsy envelopes that offer inadequate protection during transit. This can result in damaged prints, as illustrated by reports of bent or creased photos arriving at customers’ doorsteps.
A close-up of the corner of a photo print from RitzPix that has been damaged, in front of a green background.
Corner damage to a RitzPix photo print caused by inadequate shipping envelope.
Similar quality issues have been noted with EZprints, where prints were described as having a washed-out or hazy appearance and lacking sharpness. This highlights the variability in print quality among different services, even when they cater to smartphone aspect ratios.
Shutterfly, while being a more expensive option, has also received mixed reviews regarding print quality, often described as average. Packaging has been a recurring complaint, particularly the use of tubes for larger prints, which can cause curling that requires flattening before display. While shipping tubes offer structural protection, they can introduce the inconvenience of dealing with curled prints.
A large photo print that was shipped in a shipping tube and now has a very defined curvature, resting on a table.
Curled photo print from Shutterfly due to shipping in a tube.
Services like Zazzle, while offering photo printing, might not be ideal for large or frequent orders due to a user interface geared towards single-item orders and limited paper choices. The ordering process can become tedious when managing multiple prints or various sizes.
Winkflash has faced significant criticism and negative reviews, primarily concerning customer service and reliability. Reports of lost photo access and difficulties contacting support make it a risky choice for printing valuable iPhone photos.
FreePrints offers an enticing proposition of free prints (up to a limit), but their service operates primarily through a phone app with limited online information available. This lack of transparency and reliance solely on an app-based system might raise concerns for users seeking detailed information and control over their print orders.
Amazon Prints provides competitively priced 4×6 prints and integrates seamlessly with Amazon Prime Photos. Print quality is generally considered mid-range – acceptable but not exceptional, with some reports of orange-toned skin tones. Packaging, similar to other services, has been noted as sometimes insufficient, leading to minor damage during shipping.
Walmart offers a 4-by-5.3-inch print size that accommodates the 4:3 aspect ratio of iPhone photos without cropping, which is a notable advantage. However, their overall range of print sizes is less extensive compared to more specialized photo printing services.
Two large coffee table books, placed on top of a couple pieces of cardboard that are being used to flatten an unseen photo print.
Flattening a curled photo print using cardboard and heavy books.
Conclusion:
For the best way to print photos from your iPhone, prioritize services that understand and cater to the 4:3 aspect ratio. Look for options that offer uncropped printing or specific 4:3 print sizes like EZprints, RitzPix, Printique, and Nations Photo Lab. While price is important, consider investing in services that provide a balance of good print quality, reliable packaging, and positive customer feedback. Avoid services with consistently negative reviews regarding print quality, customer service, or packaging, even if they seem initially cheaper. By focusing on aspect ratio compatibility and overall service quality, you can ensure your iPhone photos are transformed into beautiful, lasting prints that truly capture your memories.
