Smartphone Photography: Unveiling Best Phones

Welcome back, photography enthusiasts, to our series on Smartphone Photography. In this second instalment, we’re diving deep into the art and science behind the lens of your handy companion, the smartphone. We’ll explore the nuances that distinguish DSLRs from smartphones, guide you through the maze of choosing the perfect smartphone for your photography needs, and demystify technical jargon like aperture, lenses, image stabilisation, and megapixels. Furthermore, we’ll check out some available phones that are the best for Smartphone Photography. So, ready your lenses, open your minds, and let’s step into the world of smartphone photography together!

Pixel Perspectives: The Difference Between Phones and DSLRs

The classic battle between the heavyweight DSLR and the nimble smartphone never ceases in photography. With their robust construction and intricate internal mechanics, DSLRs have long been the champion of professional photographers. But don’t discount smartphones just yet. They’ve quickly caught up and challenged this dominance with constant technological advancements.

DSLRs have bigger sensors, which capture more light and detail, producing high-quality images, especially in low-light conditions. However, smartphones have significantly closed the picture quality gap with their ever-evolving technology. Their compactness and accessibility, combined with advanced features, provide a convincing argument for casual photographers and enthusiasts who want high-quality photos without bulky gear.

Choosing the Best Smartphone for Photography

When picking a photography-friendly smartphone, there are many elements to consider. It’s not just about which phone has the highest megapixel count but also about the performance of the camera lenses, the image stabilisation capabilities, and the quality of the aperture.

Top-of-the-line smartphones from manufacturers like Apple, Google, Samsung, Sony, etc, offer exceptional cameras. But they differ in their unique ways. Some may excel in low-light photography, some provide superior image stabilisation, and others boast an outstanding aperture. Choosing the right one depends on understanding and aligning these features with your photography style and needs. Before we check out the different phones and understand their characteristics, let’s once again clarify the basics.

• Aperture
  • Aperture is often a misunderstood concept for many smartphone photographers. However, it plays a critical role in your photographs. Essentially, aperture refers to the opening of the lens through which light enters your camera. A wider aperture (lower f-number) in smartphone cameras means more light can enter, leading to better low-light photography. It also provides a beautiful depth-of-field effect, blurring the background while keeping the subject in sharp focus. But remember, different scenarios call for different aperture settings, so understanding how it works can significantly elevate your photography game.
• Camera Lenses
  • Smartphone manufacturers have been packing more lenses into their devices than ever before. A standard smartphone today comes with at least two lenses – a primary lens and a secondary lens that might be a wide-angle, telephoto, or macro lens. These various lenses provide a range of photography options. A wide-angle lens is perfect for landscape shots and group photos, while a telephoto lens is excellent for capturing distant subjects. A macro lens, on the other hand, allows for extreme close-ups with stunning details. Using these lenses effectively lets you capture just about any scene beautifully.
• Image Stabilisation
  • No one likes blurry photos, right? That’s where image stabilisation comes in. It’s a technology used in smartphones to reduce blurring associated with the motion of a camera during exposure. Essentially, it compensates for pan and tilt (angular movement). Many high-end smartphones offer Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) and Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS), leading to sharp and steady shots even when your hands are unstable. Image stabilisation can be your secret weapon for clear and crisp photos if you shoot a bustling city street or a serene landscape.
• Megapixels
  • Megapixels have long been used as a marketing tool by smartphone manufacturers. But a higher megapixel count doesn’t necessarily mean better photos. Megapixels determine the resolution of your images, but they aren’t the be-all and end-all of good pictures. Quality matters more than quantity, and a well-optimised camera with fewer megapixels can often produce better photos than one with a higher megapixel count but inferior processing. That’s why it’s crucial to understand how your camera processes images and not get swayed by the megapixel race.

For those serious about understanding the basics, I request them to check out my series on the Basics of Digital Photography. Shifting from amateur to pro does not take much if the basics are understood well.

The Great Divide: iPhone Vs. Android

Ah, the age-old debate: iPhone or Android – which is better for photography? This question, while seemingly simple, doesn’t have a straightforward answer. Both ecosystems offer outstanding devices equipped with top-tier camera systems.

iPhones are known for their consistent quality, easy-to-use interface, and excellent colour reproduction. On the other hand, Android devices, especially from Google and Samsung, have made massive strides in camera technology with features like Night Mode and Super Res Zoom. So, the choice between iPhone and Android often boils down to personal preference and the specific camera features that matter most to you.

Let’s check out some of the smartphones I think have packed a punch in their technology and assisted many in taking their Smartphone Photography to the next level.

Google Pixel 7 Pro

Google’s Pixel series has always been renowned for its photography prowess, and the Pixel 7 Pro is no different. Equipped with an advanced camera system that leverages machine learning and computational photography, it excels at capturing high-detail shots with excellent colour accuracy.

• Specifications:
  • Display: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Google custom SoC Tensor
  • RAM: 12 GB
  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
  • Rear Cameras: 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide
  • Front Camera: 12MP
  • Battery: 5000mAh
• Advantages:
  • Superior Night Sight mode for low-light photography.
  • Computational Raw captures more detail and allows for better post-processing.
  • Brilliant AI-powered features like Super Res Zoom and Top Shot.
• Disadvantages:
  • No telephoto lens, which limits zoom capabilities.
  • Fewer manual controls compared to other high-end smartphones.
• My Opinion: Google Pixel 7 Pro is a powerhouse for computational photography. If you prefer point-and-shoot simplicity and AI-assisted features like Night Sight, this could be your best option.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Galaxy S23 Ultra showcases Samsung’s innovative approach to smartphone photography, featuring a versatile camera system with wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses.

• Specifications:
  • Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Exynos 2200/Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (region-dependent)
  • RAM: 12GB, 16GB
  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
  • Rear Cameras: 108MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP periscope telephoto, 10MP telephoto
  • Front Camera: 40MP
  • Battery: 5000mAh
• Advantages:
  • High-resolution sensors for capturing detailed images.
  • Great performance in low-light conditions.
  • Powerful zoom capabilities thanks to the dedicated telephoto lens.
• Disadvantages:
  • The high megapixel count can sometimes result in over-processed images.
  • The device’s large size can make handheld shooting a bit cumbersome.
• My Opinion: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a versatile camera system and strong performance across various conditions, especially with its powerful zoom capabilities. The phone might be your best bet if you often use Zoom or shoot in various lighting situations.

iPhone 14 Pro

Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro has an advanced camera system that offers consistent and reliable photography performance. It boasts a ProRAW feature for better post-processing and a cinematic mode for video.

• Specifications:
  • Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: A16 Bionic
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
  • Rear Cameras: 12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto
  • Front Camera: 12MP
  • Battery: Approximately 3095mAh
• Advantages:
  • Excellent image quality with natural colour reproduction.
  • Cinematic mode offers depth-of-field adjustments while shooting video.
  • The ProRAW feature provides more flexibility in post-processing.
• Disadvantages:
  • Not as versatile as its Android counterparts in terms of manual settings.
  • Night mode performance, although improved, still lags behind some competitors.
• My Opinion: iPhone 14 Pro stands out with its consistent performance, natural colour reproduction, and high-quality video capabilities, especially with its Cinematic mode. If you’re an Apple ecosystem user or a video enthusiast, the iPhone 14 Pro would likely serve you well.

OnePlus 11 Pro 5G

With its improved camera system, OnePlus 11 Pro 5G seeks to offer a balanced photography experience. The smartphone’s Hasselblad partnership produces a camera system with good colour accuracy and impressive sharpness.

• Specifications:
  • Display: 6.7-inch LTPO Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
  • RAM: 8GB, 12GB
  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB
  • Rear Cameras: 48MP wide, 50MP ultra-wide, 8MP telephoto
  • Front Camera: 16MP
  • Battery: 5000mAh
• Advantages:
  • Hasselblad colour calibration ensures true-to-life hues.
  • The improved sensor provides detailed shots, even in low light.
  • Competitive pricing for the features offered.
• Disadvantages:
  • The phone lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, affecting zoom capabilities.
  • The in-built software processing of images needs improvement.
• My Opinion: OnePlus 11 Pro 5G provides balanced performance at a competitive price. Consider this model if you’re looking for a good all-rounder without breaking the bank.

Xiaomi 13 Pro

Xiaomi’s 13 Pro has an intelligent camera system with a high-resolution primary sensor, ultra-wide, and telephoto lens.

• Specifications:
  • Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
  • RAM: 8GB, 12GB
  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB
  • Rear Cameras: 108MP wide, 13MP ultra-wide, 8MP telephoto
  • Front Camera: 20MP
  • Battery: 4600mAh
• Advantages:
  • Great versatility with a wide range of lenses.
  • High-resolution sensor ensures detailed images.
  • Good performance in various lighting conditions.
• Disadvantages:
  • Images can sometimes appear oversaturated.
  • The high megapixel count often results in larger file sizes.
• My Opinion: Xiaomi 13 Pro is a strong performer with high-resolution sensors and versatile lens options. However, if you prefer more natural-looking images, you might want to consider other options due to Xiaomi’s tendency for more saturated colour processing.

Sony Xperia 1 IV

Sony’s Xperia 1 IV inherits much from its Alpha series of cameras, featuring advanced photography features like Eye Autofocus and Real-time tracking.

• Specifications:
  • Display: 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB
  • Rear Cameras: 12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto
  • Front Camera: 8MP
  • Battery: 4500mAh
• Advantages:
  • Professional-grade features derived from Sony’s Alpha camera line.
  • Manual controls that allow for more flexibility in shooting.
  • The wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses offer versatility.
• Disadvantages:
  • The professional-grade features need a steep learning curve.
  • Expensive compared to other smartphones with similar capabilities.
• My Opinion: Sony Xperia 1 IV is a professional camera packed into a smartphone. If you’re a photography enthusiast looking for advanced manual controls and don’t mind the steep learning curve, the Xperia 1 IV could be the right choice.

Oppo Reno 8 Pro

The Oppo Reno 8 Pro 5G is a premium smartphone from the company focused on offering a superior design. The phone has a slim and elegant design that uses glass and metal.

• Specifications:
  • Display: 6.5-inch AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G
  • RAM: 8GB, 12GB
  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB
  • Rear Cameras: 64MP wide, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth
  • Front Camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 4500mAh
• Advantages:
  • A high-resolution primary sensor allows for detailed images.
  • Multiple lenses provide versatility in shooting different types of photos.
  • Good colour accuracy and performance across various lighting conditions.
• Disadvantages:
  • While adding versatility, the macro and depth sensors are relatively low resolution.
  • The lower refresh rate compared to other premium smartphones could affect the smoothness of the viewfinder while composing shots.
  • Low-light photography performance may not be on par with some higher-end competitors.
• My Opinion: Oppo Reno 8 Pro provides a balanced photography experience with a versatile camera setup and high-resolution primary sensor. It’s an excellent mid-range choice if you value photography and smartphone performance.

Vivo X90 Pro

Vivo’s X90 Pro boasts a camera system with a gimbal stabilisation system, ensuring steadier shots and smoother videos.

• Specifications:
  • Display: 6.56-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
  • RAM: 8GB, 12GB
  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB
  • Rear Cameras: 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 12MP portrait
  • Front Camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 4200mAh
• Advantages:
  • Gimbal stabilisation offers superior image stabilisation.
  • The night mode provides good low-light photography.
  • A high-resolution sensor captures detailed images.
• Disadvantages:
  • The phone lacks the versatility of multiple lenses.
  • The camera software sometimes results in inconsistent image processing.
• My Opinion: Vivo X90 Pro, with its unique gimbal stabilisation system, offers steadier shots and smoother videos. If you’re a videography enthusiast, this phone might be worth considering.

Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G

Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G has launched in India with a relatively-expensive price tag. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G successor is in the Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge price category, courtesy of the upgrades.

• Specifications:
  • Display: 6.67-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9000 5G
  • RAM: 6GB, 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB
  • Rear Cameras: 108MP wide, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, 2MP depth
  • Front Camera: 16MP
  • Battery: 5000mAh
• Advantages:
  • The high-resolution primary sensor allows for detailed images.
  • The multiple-camera setup offers versatility.
  • 5G capabilities for fast photo and video uploads.
• Disadvantages:
  • Images can sometimes be over-saturated due to software processing.
  • Low-light performance might not be as good as some competitors.
  • Macro lens, while helpful, isn’t as high quality as the primary or ultra-wide lenses.
• My Opinion: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G offers versatility with its quad-camera setup and high-resolution primary sensor. This phone is a worthy contender if you’re on a tighter budget but still want a capable camera.

Choosing the “best” smartphone for photography depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If budget is no constraint, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro are top-tier options due to their versatility, quality, and consistency. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel 7 Pro stands out for its computational (digital image capture and processing techniques that use digital computation instead of optical processes) photography capabilities. However, if budget is a consideration, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G and OnePlus 11 Pro 5G provide impressive camera capabilities at a more affordable price point.

In the next part of this series, we shall look at the additional gears available that can raise the level of your smartphone photography. If you like the articles, please share, comment and subscribe.

Cheers!

Other articles in this series:

1: Smartphone Photography: An Introduction