>I think you missed that sentence. You posted the "distort the contrast" examples, which were hand edited to exaggerate any artifacts in the photo the iPhone had output

I think you missed part of the subtitle. The one on the left has had contrast adjusted, the one on the right has not and matches the one you posted. The watercolor artifacts are just as visible on your link as they are on the right half of the picture I posted.

I find them incredibly noticeable, even on your link.