Concise answer
Enlarged pores usually follow normal follicular openings, while acne scars create structural depressions with different shapes and depths. They can coexist and look more pronounced under side lighting.
Magnified phone photographs can exaggerate both conditions and do not reliably show tethering or scar edges.
Treatment planning changes when the main issue is oil and pore visibility rather than true scar depth.
When evaluation may help
Assessment is useful before resurfacing or needling so the visible texture can be classified and realistic improvement discussed.