Buyers have already stopped believing in miracles. Where every manufacturer claims to have new technologies in camera modules. But in fact, they release another phone that records quite poorly. But camera phones do exist. They just are not always within the buyer’s budget. As of mid-2022, there are 5 excellent smartphones capable of taking high-quality photos and videos.
Google Pixel 6 Pro – a camera phone with successful software
Yes, in Google smartphones, everything is decided by built-in software that, so to speak, enhances the photo to the desired quality. Interestingly, the camera module in Google Pixel 6 Pro is also top-notch. Plus, it has a very powerful platform:
- Processor Google Tensor, 12 GB RAM, and 128/256/512 GB storage.
- Camera module: 50 MP (f/1.85), 48 MP (f/3.5), 12 MP (f/2.2).
Additionally, optical zoom can be added as a plus, which, when zooming on an object, does not distort the image quality. And there are many preset settings. There is even manual exposure adjustment, like in digital cameras. However, the optics in Google Pixel 6 Pro are not of Premium class. They are significantly inferior in quality to those of Sony. But thanks to intelligent software, the picture turns out to be surprisingly high quality. By the way, the photo processing program has Photoshop-like functionality. For example, you can remove objects from photos or create unique effects.
Xiaomi 12S Ultra – a successful Chinese camera phone
Yes, exactly a successful one. Because most Xiaomi solutions have optics of insufficient quality. Although the manufacturer claims flawless daytime and nighttime shooting. But smartphones significantly lag behind even older iPhone models. And this is a criterion for many potential buyers. In Xiaomi 12S Ultra, the manufacturer managed to achieve the perfection they always claim. Moreover, the quality was achieved through optics, not software, like in Google Pixel. Plus, the camera phone can not only take photos and record videos but is suitable for any gaming or business tasks:
- Processor Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 12 GB RAM, and 512 GB storage.
- Camera module: 0 MP (f/1.9), 48 MP (f/4.1), 48 MP (f/2.2), with depth sensor.
Like Google Pixel, Xiaomi 12S Ultra has optical zoom. And the sensor size is 1 inch. Here, everything is decided by optics. The smartphone was developed in collaboration with Leica. And the quality of shooting is inherently top-notch. Plus, the software installed makes working with it convenient. It cannot be said that it elevates photo quality to a new level, but it definitely does not hinder it in the smartphone.
Huawei P50 Pro – a legend that revived camera phones in 2022
Yes, all this story of improving photo quality started with Huawei. The company took a step in this direction, and all brands followed suit. Moreover, many competitors improved so well that they surpassed the pioneer in quality. The Huawei P50 Pro focuses on photo quality and a unique design. The Chinese have succeeded here. But the smartphone’s performance is not very high. Therefore, the camera phone is not suitable for all buyers:
- Processor Snapdragon 888, 8 GB RAM, and 256 GB storage.
- Camera module: 50 MP (f/1.8), 40 MP (f/1.6), 13 MP (f/2.2), 64 MP (f/3.5).
A feature of the camera phone is the presence of a 40-megapixel monochrome sensor. It helps with the detailing of objects and backgrounds when shooting photos in the best quality. Plus, there is optical and digital zoom. It is convenient to work with objects at different distances and in different lighting conditions.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra – the most expensive camera phone
This little guy is guaranteed to surprise even a demanding photographer who recognizes full-frame DSLR cameras. Yes, in terms of quality at high resolutions, the smartphone does not match professional cameras. But surpassing all competitors in this segment is easy. In Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, achieving quality is a double “hit” – excellent optics and superb software. It’s like combining Google Pixel software and Xiaomi 12S Ultra optics. By the way, Samsung shoots significantly better than both competitors. Especially excelling in night photography. And by the way, it photographs better than the latest iPhone.
The camera phone boasts perfect video recording in daytime and nighttime. Capable of delivering 24 frames at 8K resolution. And in 4K, it can provide 60 frames per second. All this is achieved thanks to modern optics, software, and a powerful chip:
- Processor Exynos 2200, 8/12 GB RAM, and 256-1024 GB storage.
- Camera module: 108 MP (f/1.8), 10 MP (f/4.9), 12 MP (f/2.2), 10 MP (f/2.4).
Yes, 108 MP is more of a marketing trick. And the sensor pulls the quality. But if you need an image for printing a poster or banner, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra will compete with a mirror crop DSLR.
OnePlus 10 Pro – budget camera phone
In the top five camera phones, one could include Sony smartphones. But the Japanese significantly inflate the prices of their new models. And then, after a year, sell them at half price. This policy causes bewilderment, especially among those who already bought a new smartphone after the start of sales. Therefore, it’s better to prefer a more reasonable brand – OnePlus 10 Pro. It has a well-balanced combination of several selection criteria – price, performance, and shooting quality:
- Processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 8/12 GB RAM, and 128/256 GB storage.
- Camera module: 48 MP (f/1.8), 50 MP (f/2.2), 8 MP (f/2.4).
The optics are more than ordinary for a camera phone. But the software implementation is excellent. It somewhat resembles Google Pixel. Everything works smoothly and efficiently. Plus, firmware updates are constantly released. New features for camera settings and controls are added. An advantage is the presence of a high-quality front (selfie) camera – 32 MP (f/2.4).
