Phone cameras have come a long way since the first introduction of a camera to a mobile device. This happened in South Korea in June 2000, when Samsung introduced the SCH-V200 which was capable of taking up to 20 photos with a 0.35 megapixel resolution.
When it comes to a DSLR vs phone camera, it is up to you to decide if a smartphone camera will suffice or if you will need something a little bit more professional. Today’s smartphones are able to take excellent photos. With market frontrunners such as Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, here is a detailed look at the best ones.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Released in January 2024, with dimensions of 162.3 × 79.0 × 8.6mm, and operating on Android 14, the Samsung flagship is a strong contender. Its main rear camera is a whopping 200MP for taking photos. It is capable of taking videos in 8K resolution at 24/30fps, 4K at 30/60/120fps, and HD at 30/60/240/960fps.
The images that the Samsung S24 Ultra is able to take are lively and vibrant, the best ever seen on a Samsung device. They are so impressive that they even give Samsung’s biggest rival, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, a run for its money. It is able to zoom up to 5x with very little noise present in the shots.
However, it is important to note that this phone will have a hefty price tag and weigh 232 grams, which is definitely on the heavier side when it comes to modern smartphones.
IPhone 15 Pro Max
Another mammoth in the mobile camera space, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of the most popular choices for a smartphone worldwide. The dimensions are 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25mm, and it operates on the newest Apple operating system, iOS 17.
The rear camera is 48MP with a 5x zoom range. It can record video in 4K at 24/25/30/60fps, and in HD at 25/30/60fps. The image quality itself is fantastic and perfect for any type of photography or content creation. It truly excels at video recording, providing an unmatched level of detail, especially when shot in Apple’s highest available format, ProRes.
On the other hand, the price of the base model with less storage is on the higher side, and the phone does not charge as fast compared to some of its competitors.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
A rival emerges from the very capable hands of Google, the Pixel Pro 8 was first introduced in October 2023. It boasts dimensions of 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8mm. Like the Samsung S24 Ultra, it operates on Android 14. The rear camera is 50MP and its video recording capabilities are 4K at 30/60fps, and 1080p at 24/30/60/120/240fps.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro features a new, slick design and makes great use of AI to support and enhance its camera properties. However, it is important to note that AI manipulating pictures is not to everyone’s liking, and it may even be hindersome to some people.
Unfortunately, the phone struggles with taking photos at night, and truth be told, it is not of the same quality as that of the iPhone or the Samsung.
Oppo Find X5 Pro
First released in March 2022, this smartphone features 163.7 x 73.9 x 8.8mm dimensions, and its operating system is Android 12. Its main selling point is the main 50MP camera, which takes crisp and detailed photos. However, it is let down by its zoom, which does not compare to the likes of Samsung or the iPhone.
The video recording is 4K at 60fps, and Full HD at up to 240fps. This smartphone will not cost you as much as some of its competitors, however, its software is sometimes buggy.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Perhaps saving the best for last, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s dimensions are 161.4 x 75.3 x 9.2mm. It also operates on Android 14. You can purchase a Photography Kit from Xiaomi that features a unique camera grip that lets you transform it into a compact camera. The performance of the camera is stunningly good, and the phone is fast and responsive. There are a total of 4 x 50 MP cameras on the rear of the device.
The video the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is capable of shooting is 8K at 24/30fps, 4K at 24/30/60/120fps, and Full HD at 30/60/120/240/480/960/1920fps, which is the highest for all of the smartphones mentioned.
Some of the negatives are that it is not sold in the US, and the battery life is not as good as it could be.
Final Thoughts
Smartphone cameras, like those of Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, offer amazing photo capabilities, making it difficult to decide whether a professional camera is even necessary. It is certain that all of the smartphones mentioned above will make a splendid choice in your photo or video-taking endeavors.
