Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Software program has seemingly change into simply as necessary (if no more necessary) than {hardware} on the subject of the most effective digicam telephones. In truth, I purchased my Pixel 7 Professional again in 2022 as a result of I believed it offered a incredible mix of digicam software program and {hardware}.
Nonetheless, spending time with telephones just like the HUAWEI P60 Professional and vivo X100 collection has made me notice that Chinese language manufacturers, not Google or Samsung, are on the bleeding fringe of digicam {hardware}.
Do you suppose Google and Samsung have fallen behind in digicam {hardware}?
20 votes
What impresses me about these telephones?
Maybe the most important factor that’s impressed me about current Chinese language flagship telephones is the upgraded telephoto digicam expertise. Many of those telephones present a large aperture for excellent low-light efficiency, close-up focusing capabilities, a comparatively massive sensor, and a high-resolution output.
The Google Pixel 9 Professional collection definitely ticks most of those containers, and we have been pleased with pictures from its periscope digicam, though macro focusing is a notable omission. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely additionally provides a few of these perks however misses out on a large aperture and close-up focusing. In the meantime, the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus keep on with historic 10MP 3x telephoto cameras, leaving loads of trendy telephoto digicam options on the desk.
Simply try a few of my favourite telephoto snaps captured on Chinese language flagship telephones beneath.
Sony’s previous couple of Xperia 1 flagship telephones have even provided variable telephoto cameras. The Xperia 1 VI has a variable telephoto digicam able to steady zoom from 3.5x to 7.1x. Which means constant picture high quality between these two zoom ranges — no cropping or hybrid zoom wanted. What’s stopped Google or Samsung from investing in comparable cameras?
Higher principal digicam {hardware}
Shifting away from the telephoto cameras, many Chinese language flagship telephones now supply one-inch principal digicam sensors that allow cleaner, brighter photographs. Consequently, I’ve actually loved handheld astrophotography modes on current vivo telephones. A tripod will nonetheless present sharper, cleaner outcomes, and the model’s low-light processing is heavy-handed, however picture high quality is respectable for a handheld snap and completely good for Instagram.
Google’s current Pixel flagships all supply moderately sized principal cameras, however I’d nonetheless like to see the corporate embrace even bigger sensors for higher low-light pictures, portraits, and movies. I really feel prefer it’s excessive time Samsung provided one-inch 50MP cameras too. In any case, who cares in regards to the S24 Extremely’s 200MP principal digicam if shutter lag remains to be a problem? The Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus additionally sorely want a principal digicam improve, utilizing what’s basically the identical sensor as 2022’s S22 and S22 Plus.
Switchable apertures, larger sensors, versatile telephoto — there’s a lot lacking from Apple, Google, and Samsung flagships.
Essential digicam improvements aren’t restricted to very large sensors. HUAWEI and Xiaomi’s current telephones additionally supply variable aperture principal cameras, bringing extra management over focusing and depth-of-field results.
In order for you all the things in focus, you may go for the slim aperture. In the meantime, a large aperture will provide you with a shallow depth-of-field with pure bokeh results in comparison with the synthetic bokeh seen in portrait mode snaps. Take a look at the comparability beneath from the P60 Professional’s principal digicam with huge and slim apertures. Amazingly versatile, proper?
Software program is one other story
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
As a lot as I like seeing bleeding-edge digicam {hardware} from Samsung and Google’s rivals, I nonetheless regularly use my Pixel 7 Professional for pictures. That’s primarily because of the natural-looking pictures that aren’t over-sharpened or neon resulting from aggressive HDR. Google has additionally introduced just a few genuinely helpful software program options to subsequent fashions in recent times, akin to Add Me and Greatest Take. I’m additionally an enormous fan of Samsung’s suite of software program options, akin to Single Take, Director’s View, and shadow/reflection elimination.
Chinese language rivals are catching up by way of software program, although, if not exceeding Google and Samsung in some areas. Coloration profiles are a serious addition to telephones from OnePlus, OPPO, Xiaomi, and vivo, however they’re completely lacking on Google and Samsung telephones. The Xiaomi 14 Extremely additionally provides AI-assisted zoom that beats the S24 Extremely in our testing. And in contrast to Google, Chinese language flagships embrace on-device video options like 8K and improved low-light video.
If solely I may mix Google’s software program with Xiaomi’s {hardware}.
In any occasion, whereas Samsung and Google nonetheless supply top-tier digicam software program that may ship a cultured, full-featured expertise, it’s clear that there’s room for enchancment on the {hardware} aspect. That is particularly obvious for Samsung’s extra reasonably priced flagships and their more and more ageing cameras. Now, if solely I may mix Samsung or Google’s software program with OPPO, Xiaomi, or vivo {hardware}.
