Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Nonetheless, not one of the above telephones have made the lower to exchange my each day driver as a result of, frankly, their software program provides me a headache. Whereas all completely useful at their core (that is Android, in any case!), I don’t wish to deal with uninstallable apps, convoluted menus, or (further) intrusive search monitoring to get my fingers on an excellent digital camera.
Have you ever used a Xiaomi, vivo, or OPPO digital camera powerhouse within the final two years?
112 votes
No, what I really need is a super-powerhouse pictures flagship with a clear software program setup and years of help forward of it. The OS doesn’t should be Pixel-like; it simply has to get out of my method.
“However what concerning the Google Pixel 8 Professional?” I hear the collective feedback screaming. Nicely, it’s nonetheless most likely the closest telephone we’ve got to my splendid. I’ve been rockin’ the Pixel 8 Professional as my each day driver since its launch on account of its potent mixture of pictures and software program. And, whereas it’s a really, excellent digital camera telephone, I’m nonetheless typically left with pains of remorse that I “solely had my telephone” and never my mirrorless.
The issue with Google’s cameras is that they’re useful however lacking that intangible inventive spark (made all of the more durable by hiding well-liked sliders away). The Pixel’s straightjacket strategy to paint processing leaves little room for flare (with out extra laborious enhancing), whereas Google’s pioneering HDR expertise recurrently obliterates any idea of distinction and temper. Sure, there are Motion Pan and Portrait modes to play with, however they’re all ho-hum software program imitations of the true factor.
Pixel pictures could also be faultless, but it surely’s not flawless.
The lens configuration isn’t wonderful, both. The 23mm primary is just too extensive for framing, whereas the 125mm periscope is just too slender for portraits. So that you’re caught with OK hybrid zoom, but it surely’s removed from flawless. Granted, these are complaints solely a choosy photographer would have, however that’s the camp I’m in.
And sure, you may endlessly tweak in Google Pictures and muck round with handbook controls all day to finish up with nice photos. However the outcomes nonetheless typically look very very like, effectively, they had been taken on a smartphone. I really feel the identical method concerning the Galaxy S24 Extremely and iPhone 15 Professional, which I’ve utilized in current months. Each have good digital camera packages, however they’re removed from my favorites. The S24 Extremely’s coloration science is just too poppy and infantile, whereas a horrible yellow tint and crushed shadows nonetheless hang-out the iPhone 15 Professional.
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
There are some things that make the most recent from OPPO and Xiaomi stand out from the competitors. First is the truth that their digital camera {hardware} is solely higher. No tiny telephoto sensors that fail on cloudy days or distorted ultrawide lenses that flip your epic scenes to smudge. Stable {hardware} throughout three and even 4 cameras means you find yourself with great-looking pictures it doesn’t matter what lens you shoot with, whatever the situations.
What I wouldn’t give for a Galaxy flagship with a decently sized portrait telephoto lens or a Pixel with an ultrawide digital camera that, regardless of enhancements, is so fish-eyed I’m scared to blow it up on canvas. Sadly, we’re typically caught with one or two respectable lenses at finest, with compromises made to the remaining.
You will not discover the perfect picture sensors, charming coloration science, flawless portraits on a Galaxy, iPhone, or Pixel.
The opposite half of the attraction of Chinese language digital camera telephones is of their extra thrilling takes on coloration science, eradicating the ache of constructing pictures look distinctive and fascinating. My much-loved mirrorless is a Fuji, partly as a result of lovely vary of coloration profiles accessible on the click on of a swap (Basic Chrome is so splendidly versatile).
Profiles/filters are nothing new for cellular, in fact, however manufacturers like vivo have taken filters to a better stage, permitting you to get extra inventive within the RAW area with a fast toggle reasonably than sluggish post-editing. Extra distinctive, emotive pictures immediately give viewers pause for thought; “Was that basically taken on a telephone?” You don’t get that wow issue from a Galaxy or iPhone (regardless of Apple’s profile choices). I’ve additionally skilled fewer points with oversharpening and aggressive denoise from these manufacturers in recent times, which has considerably boosted perceived picture high quality. Significantly so for portraits, that are vastly necessary for each social media and/or privately documenting the lives of your family members.
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
I’m itching to drop my Pixel and make one among these telephones my each day driver, however what these Chinese language manufacturers get proper in {hardware}, they let down with cumbersome software program. They’re overeager to push further app markets and ecosystems, which, at the very least for Western customers, merely get in the way in which reasonably than increase the expertise. And these telephones aren’t low-cost, in fact. They’re effectively above the $1,000 mark, when you can nonetheless take comparatively good photos on rather more reasonably priced {hardware}.
However cash being no object, outdoors of Chinese language telephones, Sony’s Xperia lineup most likely suits the invoice closest. The sequence depends closely on its pictures and videography prowess whereas remaining arguably slightly too lean within the software program division. Sadly, the sequence cameras haven’t fairly hit the mark previously, although I assumed the Sony Xperia 1 V got here fairly shut thanks partially to an array of coloration profiles. Nonetheless, it’s inconceivable to justify a $1,399 buy that has no dedication to future OS upgrades.
Right here’s hoping a reinvigorated Sony Xperia 1 VI, which is rumored to supply switchable focal lengths throughout all three cameras, will match within the invoice. I really need it to. And there’s the Pixel 9 Professional on the horizon too. Till then, the aforementioned Google Pixel 8 Professional most likely blends pictures capabilities with software program for the perfect total expertise, and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 sequence is in the identical ballpark too. However when you really need the perfect pictures telephone cash should buy, the vivo X100 Professional and Xperia 14 Extremely are probably your finest bets. Simply be ready to wrestle with the software program till you be taught to dwell with their quirks.
7%off
Vivo X100 Professional
Implausible periscope digital camera
Vibrant, sharp display screen
Superb portrait video
Xiaomi 14 Extremely
Highly effective, versatile digital camera setup
Unimaginable portrait pictures
Prime-tier efficiency