Watch this YouTube video:
List of 5 Best smartphones for photography
1. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
It has the newest ISOCELL HM3 image sensor. It maintains a restrained color output with improved HDR, ensuring images have better composition.
Front-facing camera: 40MPMain sensor: 108MP or 12MP (with pixel binning) 26mm equivalentOther rear cameras: 10MP 3x zoom telephoto lens (70mm equivalent), 10MP 10x zoom telephoto (240mm equivalent), 12MP ultra wide-angle (13mm equivalent)Video recording resolution: Up to 8K
Both the zoom lenses complement each other mainly the 10x zoom emulating a 240mm telephoto. These images may be the best that any zoom lens on a smartphone can take currently. Even with its ups and downs, the 30x hybrid can capture a decent shot when it is time.
It would have been better if the Pro mode was made more accessible to the rear lenses but it is only available for the main and ultra-wide lenses. Although it is great for taking photos in low light but does not help much if you want to make an image bigger.
It is the best overall smartphone for photography. You would not be disappointed with the output if you get it.
Suggested read: 5 Best Smartwatches for Ladies in 2023- Buyer’s Guide
2. Google Pixel 6
This is a great option for computational photography. The 50 MP sensor shoots at a binned 12.5 MP to take benefit of larger Micron pixels in low-light shooting. It is the computational software of Google that works to optimize shots.
Front-facing camera: 11MPMain sensor: 50MP (26mm equivalent)Other rear cameras: 12MP ultra wide-angle (14mm equivalent), 48MP telephoto (114mm equivalent)Video recording resolution: Up to 4K
The third lens added in the telephoto aids in covering a longer range. Moreover, the 20X Super Res hybrid zoom is arguably the best in its class. All three lenses can be used in almost all modes. Although Google refuses to add a manual or pro mode, it makes RAW available across several modes. The Motion mode handles long-exposure photography and action quite well.
3. Vivo X70 Pro+
This has the best Pro mode on any smartphone for photography. All the rear lenses can be used in this mode which is not available in most smartphones.
The brand could have moved the lens icon further away in the interface from the composition settings. However, if you can avoid false positives, you may benefit from clicking pictures in RAW at multiple focal lengths. The built-in macro mode warms up when going close up. However, it would have been nicer if the mode made it clearer about the proximity one can get to the subject.
Front-facing camera: 32MPMain sensor: 50MP or 100MP or 12MP (with pixel binning) 23mm equivalentOther rear cameras: 32MP 2x zoom telephoto (50mm equivalent), 8MP 5x zoom telephoto lensVideo recording resolution: Up to 8K
The Night mode of Vivo can over-process shots at times thus this particular smartphone comes as a great alternative. Pro fills in quite well for low-light shots especially when a tripod or flat surface is used for a slower shutter.
4. iPhone 13 Pro
iPhones still rule the roost when it comes to video recording and the iPhone 13 Pro does not disappoint in this matter. Like all iPhones, it captures tone, color, and texture so well and probably better. Cinematic mode is the biggest addition to this model.
It allows for changing focus on a subject. Moreover, it adjusts the aperture when editing later. The same can be done on iMovie on an iPhone and Final Cut on a Mac. However, the user is limited to shooting videos in 1080p at 30fps. Fortunately, regular video recording provides more options, especially with framerate and resolution along with Dolby Vision HDR.
Front-facing camera: 12MPMain sensor: 12MP (26mm equivalent)Other rear cameras: 12MP 3x zoom telephoto (78mm equivalent), 12MP ultra wide-angle (13mm equivalent)Video recording resolution: Up to 4K
The iPhone 13 Pro is quite accessible and its video features are quite easy to learn. With Apple’s iOS 15 update enabling ProRes, it should be easier to shoot more while using less storage space.
5. Google Pixel 5a
Not many smartphones take as nice pictures as this one at the price it is being offered. However, it is not available everywhere since Google limited its availability. It comes with an ultra-wide lens with a 107-degree field of view although without electronic or optical image stabilization.
Front-facing camera: 8MPMain sensor: 12.2MP (27mm equivalent)Other rear cameras: 16MP ultra wide-angle (16mm equivalent)Video recording resolution: Up to 4K
However, the computational software and sensors are capable of producing pictures at par with its flagship sibling. Thus, the Portrait and Night Sight modes are going to look quite good. Moreover, with the availability of RAW capture, there is room to do more later as well.
We have listed the best smartphones for photography based on several factors. Let us know in the comments section below whether or not your list of the top 5 smartphones for photography matches ours.
