Our smartphones have gradually become the natural substitute for the digital camera. Except for the real fans of photography, the rest of mortals make our photos with the mobile. Therefore, much interested to know what smartphones make the best pictures. In our list of five more affordable smartphones along with five high-end smartphones, is that currently, we find good cameras on phones for all budgets.
When looking at the specifications of a camera, it is also necessary to look at the maximum aperture that indicates the amount of light that can enter our sensor (f / 1.7 of / 2.0). The size of this sensor influences, in turn, the performance in conditions of low visibility and in a better dynamic range. The smaller the number that accompanies the “f” the more aperture the camera has.
Any of the sizes of the new Google smartphone mounts an extraordinary camera. The resolution of its main sensor is 12.3 megapixels (in 4: 3 format) as in the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X. In the sensor, each pixel has a size of 1.55 μm and the lens has an aperture of f / 2.0, slightly less compared to the Galaxy S7 which has f / 1.7 for light absorption.
It does not have optical image stabilizer but the plane is stabilized anyway electronically. The result in the videos is very good but in traditional photos, you need a little more pulse since it does not work as well in this situation as the optical stabilizer.
Samsung has done it again, its two new terminals are the first to bring the duo-pixel technology to a smartphone, unique in professional cameras. Its sensor is a Sony IMX260 (although another Samsung sensor runs around the world with hardly any differences) with f / 1.7 aperture and stabilizer. In practice, the duo-pixel technology is able to focus in good light conditions instantly, in an almost imperceptible time. It is truly impressive. The same happens in low light conditions, the S7 captures more night light than any other smartphone.
The S7 brings a manual mode with which we can play with ISO, aperture, white balance among others. This is especially useful for night shots, where the S7 in automatic sheds too much yellow grain. The processing of the camera is great, respecting the scene and without adding grain or unnecessary corrections.
The camera menu has been set to the level of the best, it was already in Note 5. Of course, it records video in 4K, slow motion, fast motion, and almost all the useful options that exist, forgetting those absurd modes That flooded the S4 or the S5 in its times. You can read more about the camera in our analysis S7.
HTC created its Ultrapixel technology and unveiled it on its HTC One. This technology consisted of sacrificing resolution in exchange for making the largest pixels. This idea liked at first but with the HTC One M8, the Taiwanese could not compete with other manufacturers and in the One M9, Ultrapixel technology disappeared. The main problem with this technology was that when the photo was enlarged, image quality was lost. However, the Taiwanese have regained Ultrapixel for HTC 10 and have improved the photographic section.
The sensor is a Sony IMX 377, the same one we can find on the Nexus 6P (which is also on this list). The image sensor is 1 / 2.3-inch and 12-megapixel resolution, where the pixels are 1.55 μm. The aperture of the camera has a-f / 1.8 and hybrid autofocus laser, to enhance the motion picture capture, also features optical image stabilizer and greater aperture.
Its front camera is 5 megapixels and also has the optical stabilizer, is an ideal camera for selfies and another ego photo. HTC has improved its Ultrapixel technology and the loss of resolution by increasing the size is now much more subtle than in its origins.
The LG G5 comes equipped with two 16 and 8 megapixel rear cameras, thanks to this, the possibilities of photography of this phone are great, one of the things we can do is take a photo by capturing the image with the two cameras to the time.
Its 135-degree wide-angle captures images wider than the cameras on other phones and its manual mode allows us to save the images in RAW format. The camera of the LG G5 has managed to improve the camera of the LG G4, which was not easy.
The last exponent of the line Xperia Z brought a few novelties with respect to its predecessor, a problem due to the frequency with which Sony programs each launch. The Xperia Z5 improved enough the camera with respect to its predecessor.
It has a modern 23 megapixel Exmor RS module in its main camera, with a very fast autofocus that is able to react in just 0.03 seconds. This phone is also capable of recording videos to 4K with a continuous autofocus, so that not only takes incredible pictures but also is capable of recording very high-quality video.
Their quality is very high, as the chamber’s new flagship of the Japanese manufacturer, the Xperia X Performance, which even improves your camera a little regarding photography. The fundamental reason that this last smartphone is not on this list is that it does not include recording in the video with 4K quality, while the rest of competitors for this price if they include it.
Huawei has surprised us all very pleased with the first Nexus produced by a Chinese manufacturer. Besides having Marshmallow and support for taking photos in format RAW, the aluminium design of this terminal is one of the best we’ve seen during 2015.
The main camera of the Nexus 6P offers 12.3 megapixels of resolution that are captured on a sensor size of 1 / 2.3 inches and 1.55 μm pixel size. The focal aperture of the lens is f / 2.0 and has a focus on the laser, plus a dual LED flash. The only drawback is that it does not have an optical image stabilizer, so it’s better to stand firm somewhere if you’re going to record a video. Otherwise, the quality is outstanding.
Motorola takes a couple of years greatly improving their cameras, to reach very pleasantly surprised with the performance of the camera Lenovo G4 Moto Plus. This is a mid-range device, priced below 300 €. For its price does not seem it but the camera offers better results than some devices of high range like, for example, the iPhone 6s.
On paper, the camera’s specifications closely resemble most flagships launched in 2016. The rear sensor has a resolution of 16 MP and f / 2.0 aperture, with a hybrid laser focus and phase-detection. Up front, we have a maximum resolution of 5 MP with f / 2.2 aperture.
The HDR works surprisingly well, even in conditions where the contrast is very high. The manual mode is not the best on this list but has enough options to meet the needs of most users. The Moto G4 Plus does not get rid of the noise in low light conditions. But otherwise is the best for this price as far as the camera is concerned.
Perhaps the last Nexus LG was somewhat disappointing overall but has one of the best cameras seen on a Google phone. The reason? Its main sensor is identical to the other Nexus launched in 2015, the 6P from Huawei.
It, therefore, has a maximum resolution of 12.3 megapixels. If the number does not seem impressive it is necessary to know that the pixel size is larger than that used in phones such as the Galaxy S6 or iPhone 6. The capture of images is easy and is able to get good results in virtually any light condition.
Motorola endowed its three major 2015 models with cameras of a much higher quality than one might expect at that price. The Moto X Play, which is currently available for about 345 €. It has a main 21-megapixel camera and a front 5 megapixel.
The capture of images is simple, although some will find it perhaps too simple. Its interface may be strange and obsolete at first. And the truth is that it is not as complete as that of other phones. But the Moto X Play is capable of taking images of a rather higher quality than most phones within the range of Price between 300 and 400 euros.
In what data of the camera must be fixed?
The megapixels are important for a good image but do not tell the whole story. They must be accompanied by a good sensor, a good lens, a good aperture, image processing, etc … But with this, I do not want to say that megapixels are useless, far from it.When looking at the specifications of a camera, it is also necessary to look at the maximum aperture that indicates the amount of light that can enter our sensor (f / 1.7 of / 2.0). The size of this sensor influences, in turn, the performance in conditions of low visibility and in a better dynamic range. The smaller the number that accompanies the “f” the more aperture the camera has.
We produce better photos than other models of superior features. The image processor is responsible for the reduction of noise in the image, to soften pixels, to manage the colour filters in the photodiodes, etc … The best photo, in the end, will depend on the joint work of many components and The skill of the photographer; And some cameras will perform better under some conditions than others.But one of the most difficult features to check on paper is image processing. This feature, important in digital cameras, is what makes a device without great specifications in the photographic section.
High-end smartphones with the best camera
The order of the factors does not alter the product, that is, any of these smartphones take exceptional photos.Google Pixel / Pixel XL
It does not have optical image stabilizer but the plane is stabilized anyway electronically. The result in the videos is very good but in traditional photos, you need a little more pulse since it does not work as well in this situation as the optical stabilizer.
Samsung Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge
The S7 brings a manual mode with which we can play with ISO, aperture, white balance among others. This is especially useful for night shots, where the S7 in automatic sheds too much yellow grain. The processing of the camera is great, respecting the scene and without adding grain or unnecessary corrections.
The camera menu has been set to the level of the best, it was already in Note 5. Of course, it records video in 4K, slow motion, fast motion, and almost all the useful options that exist, forgetting those absurd modes That flooded the S4 or the S5 in its times. You can read more about the camera in our analysis S7.
HTC 10
The sensor is a Sony IMX 377, the same one we can find on the Nexus 6P (which is also on this list). The image sensor is 1 / 2.3-inch and 12-megapixel resolution, where the pixels are 1.55 μm. The aperture of the camera has a-f / 1.8 and hybrid autofocus laser, to enhance the motion picture capture, also features optical image stabilizer and greater aperture.
Its front camera is 5 megapixels and also has the optical stabilizer, is an ideal camera for selfies and another ego photo. HTC has improved its Ultrapixel technology and the loss of resolution by increasing the size is now much more subtle than in its origins.
LG G5
Its 135-degree wide-angle captures images wider than the cameras on other phones and its manual mode allows us to save the images in RAW format. The camera of the LG G5 has managed to improve the camera of the LG G4, which was not easy.
Sony Xperia Z5
The last exponent of the line Xperia Z brought a few novelties with respect to its predecessor, a problem due to the frequency with which Sony programs each launch. The Xperia Z5 improved enough the camera with respect to its predecessor.
It has a modern 23 megapixel Exmor RS module in its main camera, with a very fast autofocus that is able to react in just 0.03 seconds. This phone is also capable of recording videos to 4K with a continuous autofocus, so that not only takes incredible pictures but also is capable of recording very high-quality video.
Their quality is very high, as the chamber’s new flagship of the Japanese manufacturer, the Xperia X Performance, which even improves your camera a little regarding photography. The fundamental reason that this last smartphone is not on this list is that it does not include recording in the video with 4K quality, while the rest of competitors for this price if they include it.
Nexus 6P
The main camera of the Nexus 6P offers 12.3 megapixels of resolution that are captured on a sensor size of 1 / 2.3 inches and 1.55 μm pixel size. The focal aperture of the lens is f / 2.0 and has a focus on the laser, plus a dual LED flash. The only drawback is that it does not have an optical image stabilizer, so it’s better to stand firm somewhere if you’re going to record a video. Otherwise, the quality is outstanding.
Moto G4 Plus
On paper, the camera’s specifications closely resemble most flagships launched in 2016. The rear sensor has a resolution of 16 MP and f / 2.0 aperture, with a hybrid laser focus and phase-detection. Up front, we have a maximum resolution of 5 MP with f / 2.2 aperture.
The HDR works surprisingly well, even in conditions where the contrast is very high. The manual mode is not the best on this list but has enough options to meet the needs of most users. The Moto G4 Plus does not get rid of the noise in low light conditions. But otherwise is the best for this price as far as the camera is concerned.
Nexus 5X
It, therefore, has a maximum resolution of 12.3 megapixels. If the number does not seem impressive it is necessary to know that the pixel size is larger than that used in phones such as the Galaxy S6 or iPhone 6. The capture of images is easy and is able to get good results in virtually any light condition.
Moto X Play
The capture of images is simple, although some will find it perhaps too simple. Its interface may be strange and obsolete at first. And the truth is that it is not as complete as that of other phones. But the Moto X Play is capable of taking images of a rather higher quality than most phones within the range of Price between 300 and 400 euros.
