Compare Mobile Phone Cameras Review. The five best smartphones from a photographer's point of view. LG G4: great digital camera for a good price

Looking for a smartphone with a good camera? For you, we have compiled a rating of smartphones with a good camera with a budget from 10,000 to 30,000 rubles.

If you haven't updated your phone for a long time, you will be pleasantly surprised at what modern cameras in smartphones are capable of.

  • The sensors in the main cameras of the smartphone are at least 12 megapixels.
  • They have an image stabilizer that will help to reduce to zero the effect of shaking hands.
  • Optical Image Stabilization, improves low light shots.
  • Most phones have two cameras on the back, and some have two on the front. One camera processes most of the images, the second works as a double zoom, without loss of quality, either as a wide-angle lens or for creating monochrome images.
  • Some models use both cameras to create trendy, stylish effects, such as blurred background, aka “bokeh”, when the subject in the foreground is clearly visible and the background is blurred.

Before looking at the rating of smartphones with the best camera, I would like to reveal a few important points.

Megapixels.

This is not yet the most important thing in a good camera. Of course, the more megapixels, the better the detail will be when the image is enlarged. But there are more important features that affect the final image quality. A larger volume of megapixels can be considered as a nice bonus.

Diaphragm.

One of the key features, something worth paying attention to. F / number - looks not clear, but it says a lot about the smartphone camera. The number indicates how wide the aperture is, which determines the depth of field and exposure. The lower the number, the wider the aperture, which means the lens will let in more light, which will allow you to take better pictures in low light. Most smartphones have f / 2 and f / 2.2, but some boast f / 1.8 and f / 1.7.

Pixel size.

The larger the size of a single pixel on the matrix, the better the photosensitivity it has, and as a result the photos will have “digital noise”. For example, the pixel size of the Asus ZenFon 3 is 1.12 microns, while the Samsung Galaxy S7 is 1.4 microns.

Optics.

Just like cameras, a camera in a smartphone has a lens. It's not just one glass, but a set of lenses. In some phones, a high-quality matrix is \u200b\u200binstalled, but due to poor quality lenses, the picture does not come out very well. Therefore, some manufacturers order optics from famous brands. For example Nokia's partnership with Carl Zeiss, a German optics company since 1846. Or Huawei, working with Leica, which is also from Germany, has been engaged in optics since 1849, and since 1925 has been mass-producing cameras.

Software.

Often, top smartphones have the same matrix (most phones have matrices manufactured by Sony, Samsung, OmniVision). As a result, some shots are great and others are frustrating. This is influenced by software that has a variety of image processing algorithms. Often at the start of sales of a new smartphone, the pictures are not very good, and with the release of updates, the flaws are eliminated.

How the footage will be used.

If you plan to take pictures to post them on the network (Instagram, VK, video hosting, etc.), do not forget that these sites degrade the quality of pictures in order to reduce their volume. It turns out that you will not fully appreciate the capabilities of your smartphone's camera. If you plan to use the footage for history, occasionally arranging an evening, watching on a large TV, then you will fully use the potential of your device.

Smartphone memory size.

Of course, this does not directly affect the quality of the pictures. But if you plan on taking a lot of photos and videos, you should consider storing them as well. One high quality image usually weighs 4-7MB. And video is 1 minute long, at 1080p - 150-200MB, and 4K - 350-400MB. Therefore, the larger the internal memory, the more pictures will fit. And by choosing a smartphone with support for memory cards, you will greatly simplify your life, modern devices support cards up to 256 GB, and not even up to 1 TB. Either use shell storage or upload snapshots to your computer / external hard drive.

Marketers do their best to persuade us to buy this or that model, often advertising unnecessary functions, overestimating the importance of parameters. Before buying a smartphone, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with examples of pictures taken with the model you are interested in.

A smartphone with a good camera and a powerful battery.

In addition to a high-quality camera, many users are interested in long battery life. Smartphones will be the best in these parameters Xiaomi Pocophone F1, Huawei Mate 10 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 ... All three models have 4000 mAh batteries and have shown high autonomy in tests.

An inexpensive smartphone with a good camera.

If it is important for you that the phone is able to take high-quality pictures, and is also affordable, we can select several models. Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 - the price starts from 9000 rubles. Xiaomi Mi A2 with a price of 13,500 rubles. Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite - price from 14,900 rubles.

Are you looking for the best camera smartphone with no budget constraints? Check it out, you'll find top-end flagships with cutting-edge technology for stunning images in all lighting conditions.

Photos have long become an integral part of the life of every active user of social networks. Many companies, in the spirit of the times, offer mobile gadgets with cameras that allow you to take good pictures. Want to buy the best camera phone of 2018? We will help you with the choice, because we have a rating of the 10 most advanced devices.

10. Apple iPhone X

pros

  • Dual camera module, it's time to become a photographer
  • Large ROM volume, all games will go
  • Large display
  • Modern and powerful processor

Minuses

  • The face recognition system is not finalized
  • Brittle body materials

Apple phones have always served as a model to look up to. Including the capabilities of the camera. The iPhone X has room for an updated rear module. Now it is double, which significantly affects the quality of the frames. Both lenses have stabilization here, and the manufacturer slightly increased the aperture (in comparison with the previous model), so that all frames are sufficiently detailed (even the text with the photo is easy to read).

Of course, it was not without a set of various modes with already selected settings. You can shoot a portrait, and a panorama, or just take a picture of your friends.

The device has the ability to record video in 4K resolution, but the user needs to be prepared for the new compression format. Simply put, you can only evaluate the video quality on the device itself - when transferred to a PC or Android, the quality is automatically reduced.

9. Google Pixel 2


pros

  • DXOmark Best Camera
  • Large ROM capacity - 64 GB or 128 GB
  • The device is guaranteed to receive OS updates for at least three more years
  • Modern processor that rivals premium flagships

Minuses

  • No slot for microSD
  • Not represented in Russia
Many people know the popular Google smartphone only because of the use of the latest versions of Android. But the manufacturers also promise great shots. DXOMark's Best Camera - This alone is enough to place the Pixel 2 in ninth place in the rankings. The gadget uses its own technology that allows you to create gorgeous photos. The 12.3 megapixel sensor has dual stabilization (electronic and optical), phase DualPixel focus. Thanks to this, good pictures are obtained in the daytime, at dusk, and in low light. The device handles portraits and landscapes with ease. At the same time, either HDR + or extended HDR + is automatically selected for shooting, that is, even a beginner can handle the camera. All possibilities apply to video. The maximum resolution is 4K, but FullHD is enough for everyday purposes - stabilization and color reproduction are at a decent level.

8.Samsung Galaxy Note 8


pros

  • Dual sensor camera for fast focusing on the subject
  • Large memory capacity expandable
  • Latest OS version
  • Modern Exynos 8895 Octa processor

Minuses

  • Combo slot for memory card and nano-SIM

Another phone with the best camera of 2018 in our ranking is from a Taiwanese brand. Galaxy Note 8 also takes pride of place in the DXOMark rating and this is not surprising: a fairly high resolution of the front camera, a dual module in the main one and a bunch of useful modes and enhancements.

In addition to its technical capabilities, Note 8 also received a convenient interface with a list of modes and the presence of a Pro mode for saving user settings.
Still, great photos are not the only thing that Galaxy Note 8 can boast of. The smartphone is distinguished by amazing performance, new features associated with the stylus, and it just looks great.

7. Huawei Mate 10 Pro


pros

  • Thoughtful camera with great lens and multiple zoom
  • Large ROM volume to enhance smartphone multitasking
  • Modern and high frequency processor

Minuses

  • Insufficient battery capacity
  • Somewhat unnatural color rendition when filming

The Chinese flagship, the Mate 10 Pro, is as good as its more premium competitors and offers great specs in both camera and performance. The main sensor was developed in cooperation with Leica, so you shouldn't worry about its quality. 12 + 20 megapixels are capable of creating stunning detailed shots. Moreover, there is stabilization, and autofocus, and flash - in general, all the modern chips. The front module with a resolution of 8 megapixels allows you to take good selfies, which will not be at all ashamed to show your friends through the Instagram page. Other characteristics are no less remarkable. One has only to say that the HiSilicon Kirin 970 processor is so advanced that it uses artificial intelligence in the work of the gadget! So the device can handle any everyday tasks.

6. LG V30


pros

  • Additional modes when taking photos and videos
  • The ability to connect an external memory card
  • Powerful processor for heavy programs and modern games
  • Separate audio chip for music lovers

Minuses

  • Impressive price
  • Small battery for a powerful gadget
One of the most budget-friendly representatives of this rating is the brainchild of LG. The new Crystal Clear glass optics have been specially developed for the LG V30, delivering a much more detailed picture than its plastic predecessors. And thanks to the increased aperture, pictures can be taken even at night.

In addition, there was an interface update - the Cine Effect program. Now you can apply effects or adjust color tints over the resulting image.

Another striking innovation in the design of the device is a separate music chip for high-quality sound reproduction. So the smartphone will appeal not only to photo lovers, but also to music lovers.

5. Sony Xperia Z5


pros

  • An excellent camera for high-quality pictures at any time of the day
  • Wide viewing angles of the display
  • New design that sets the model apart from the competition
  • The presence of a fingerprint scanner

Minuses

  • Heats up with prolonged use
  • Small battery volume

In our top of camera phones in 2018, there was a place for a new product from Sony. The Z5 smartphone showcases amazing shooting capabilities. What is the sensor only! The main sensor is 23 megapixels, and the front one is 5 megapixels. There is not just fast, but very fast autofocus. Therefore, photographs are distinguished by sharpness, color saturation. But the real admiration is the list of modes and manual settings. In addition to the usual custom settings, there is augmented reality mode, filters, panorama and numerous effects. Fans of photos and other multimedia will surely like a good supply of internal memory - the existing 32 GB can be supplemented with a microSD card so that there is definitely a place for everything that is important and necessary. A reliable graphics processor coupled with a modern eight-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 will allow you to watch photos, videos or listen to music at any time.

4. HTC U11


pros

  • Edge Sence management technology
  • Camera scored 90 out of 100 on DXOMark
  • Very high resolution screen with excellent color reproduction
  • One of the most powerful processors among competitors in this segment

Minuses

  • Shared slot for microSD and SIM card
  • Large dimensions and weight

HTC has made a breakthrough in the mobile phone market by introducing a device that can be controlled by compressing the case. At the same time, the manufacturer retained excellent performance, a high-quality screen, and a good battery life. But the model got to the fourth place in our top, of course, not for Edge Sence, but for its camera. The 16-megapixel sensor features two new technologies that combine frames to get the perfect image without noise and artifacts. in addition, HDR performance is significantly improved and accelerated.

There is a Pro mode, so if the user understands the settings, then he can independently come up with his own shooting mode and save it for the future.

3. Samsung Galaxy S9 +


pros

  • 6.2-inch large screen
  • Dolby Atmos Ultra Sound System
  • 6 GB of RAM
  • New AR emoji
  • Bixby assistant for easy control

Minuses

  • Modifications with 128 and 256 GB of ROM are not supplied to Russia
  • High price
The top three is predictably occupied by the device from Samsung. One of the latest new additions to the Galaxy S9 + is specially designed for voracious users looking for an even bigger screen, even more storage for photos and videos, and even more battery life. Focusing on an object is now instant. Another innovation is the addition of its own memory module. In practice, this makes it possible to shoot video in very high quality, while it does not matter at all what kind of lighting is around. By the way, the same technology is also suitable for photography, because it can be used to add different effects, animation or augmented reality.The shooting capabilities are also improved, although in comparison not with the S9, but with the S8 +. There was a dual module responsible for zoom and stabilization. The Galaxy S9 + offers other new features to users, but not related to the camera. For example, a new management assistant has appeared. And creative emotional personalities will be delighted with emojis (although all copied from Apple, but is it really that important?).

2. Huawei P20 Pro


  • Secondly, a powerful neuromorphic processor with eight cores and a huge margin of performance is hidden inside.
  • And thirdly, of course, a module that no other brand has. This is the first gadget in the world where three modules work at once - the main sensor of 40 megapixels, additional ones of 20 and 8 megapixels.
  • Not without stabilization and 3x zoom. Even with such characteristics, great photos would be obtained, but Huawei seemed to be not enough! There is a special temperature sensor to help adjust the white balance. At night, the impression of the shooting results does not deteriorate completely. Optics, sensors and software are capable of "saving" any picture. The well-designed interface with quick access to settings, modes and effects is also pleasing. Automatically, any face is subject to beauterization when minor skin imperfections are corrected or the eyes are slightly enlarged. But the user can process the photo at will.

    Finally

    The rating of powerful phones with the best cameras in 2018 includes both top flagships, the names of which are heard by everyone, and inexpensive little-known models. But they all have one thing in common - they allow you to capture any event so that the memories will not fade for many years.

    We are preparing the material in early August 2018. All flagships of the "spring-summer" collection are presented. Autumn premieres are on the way, the first of which is scheduled for the coming days. On August 9, the Galaxy Note 9 will be presented, which will surely be in the group of leaders or even lead the DxOMark 2018 rating.

    But it is the current DxOMark rating of smartphone cameras from the reputable consulting company DxO Labs that is most indicative, because it includes devices of the same generation. In fact, phones were designed and produced in parallel courses. Let's see with what results the industry leaders end this reporting period.

    DxO Labs: who are they?

    A few words about who DxO is, why DxOMark camera ratings are so respected. DxO Labs - Developers of software for improving the quality of work and testing cameras. Not only in smartphones, but also in real cameras for professionals or amateurs. One of the main products of the company is the DxO Analyzer software.

    DxO Analyzer is designed for camera manufacturers. We can't buy it. The analyzer costs a lot of money, in addition, companies pay the consulting firm DxO also for training employees to work with this program. All serious market players use DxO Analyzer software. Among the key clients of DxO Labs are HTC, Huawei, Apple, Samsung.

    How are DxOMark smartphone cameras rated?

    We will return to the DxO Analyzer program later, for now we will focus on the main topic that made such a highly specialized consulting company DxOMark widely known - the rating of smartphone cameras.

    How exactly do DxO Labs experts assess the quality of images from smartphones? The capabilities of the camera are evaluated not by computer programs, but by people from photographs taken in different modes. Mandatory test modes - daylight photography, outdoors and indoors, night photography, optical zoom, macro photography, HDR, portrait mode, landscape photography, flash photography.

    When calculating points and determining the position of a smartphone in the ranking of DxOMark cameras, the following parameters are taken into account: correct white balance, exposure and contrast, color rendition, detail, noticeability of noise and artifacts from their suppression, sharpness, quality of flash photos, dynamic range, speed and correctness of automatic focus ... For each of the above points, the phone receives a rating.

    The quality of photos is analyzed separately, and the quality of video recording is analyzed separately. The phone gets one rating for the photo, the second for the video. The position of the device in the DxOMark smartphone rating is determined by the final score, which, however, is not an arithmetic mean. For example, the current leader in camera rankings, the Huawei P20 Pro, scored 98 points for video and 114 points for photography. The final score of the smartphone is 108 points.

    DxOMark: smartphone camera rating 2018

    After a detailed and long, but very important introduction, we turn to the main topic of the material - the current DxOMark smartphone camera rating. Note that if you are reading this post at the end of 2018 or 2019, the camera rating has already changed, and there is probably a more recent post on Five-Inches that can be easily found by tags, or. Nevertheless, this material does not lose its relevance, since the assessments and characteristics of the cameras of the smartphones appearing in it have not exactly changed.

    Huawei P20 Pro: 109 points, # 1 on DxOMark camera ranking

    Topping the DxOMark smartphone camera ranking is the first triple-module phone, the Huawei P20 Pro. The tee configuration is as follows: the main RGB (color) sensor has a resolution 40 megapixels... Black and white sensor familiar to the Chinese company received a resolution 20 megapixels (traditional for the brand). The optional color sensor with a telephoto lens has a resolution 8 megapixels.

    Note that it is the 40 MP RGB sensor that is the main one, since it has the "lightest" optics (f / 1.8) and the maximum size is 1 / 1.73 ″ (gigantic by smartphone standards). The aperture of the optics of the black and white sensor is even wider - f / 1.6, which is a plus when shooting at night. Here the sensor size is more modest - 1 / 2.78 ″... The telephoto lens has the smallest aperture of f / 2.4. () and the smallest resolution is 8 megapixels. The sensor itself is also small - its size 1 / 4.4 ″, but it has the longest focal length.

    Equivalent focal length for main lens and black and white lens is 27 mm... The telephoto lens received a record equivalent focal length for smartphones - 80 mm.

    The optics were developed by Huawei together with Leica; Leica lenses are even on the front camera of the P20 / P20 Pro smartphones. The rear camera is equipped with laser and phase detection autofocus. There is optical stabilization. Thanks to the third telephoto lens, 3x optical zoom (zoom) is possible without loss of quality.

    On the slider you can see examples of photos. For the publication dedicated to the DxOMark smartphone rating, we chose photos taken in difficult conditions (indoors, at dusk, night photography). Even photos on the slider - 100% of the cropped images that go under odd numbers. You can find more examples at the link to the official DxOMark website at the end of the article.

    HTC U12 +: 103 points, second place in DxOMark rankings

    The second place in the ranking of DxOMark smartphones is taken by the flagship of the breathing company HTC. Despite the dire sales situation, the company continues to make very decent phones with great specs. The problem is that they are being asked for too high a price, which today few are willing to pay.

    The HTC U12 + camera is built on a dual module, like the cameras of the rest of the participants in the current DxOMark 2018 rating. The main sensor has a resolution 12 megapixels... The physical size of the sensor is smaller ( 1 / 2.55 ″) than in the P20 Pro smartphone (1 / 1.73 ″), but due to the lower resolution we get a good size of one pixel - 1.4 microns. Aperture of the optics screwed to the main sensor - f / 1.75.

    The secondary camera of HTC U12 + is represented by a sensor with the same resolution 16 megapixelsbut the sensor itself is different. The size of one point is 1 μm, that is, the actual size of the sensor is smaller. "Darker" optics - aperture f / 2.6... An equivalent focal length telephoto lens is screwed to the sensor 54 mm... We add that the equivalent focal length of the main camera module is 27 mm, which is a kind of standard for smartphones.

    The camera of HTC U12 + has received optical stabilization and hybrid autofocus. You can read more about the ratings obtained by the HTC U12 + smartphone from the DxO experts in the one published on our website. Here, we will restrict ourselves to examples of photos and move on to the next figure in the DxOMark 2018 ranking:

    Huawei P20: 102 points, 3rd place in the DxOMark 2018 ranking

    The third place in the DxOMark 2018 smartphone camera ranking is taken by Huawei P20. The smartphone's camera configuration is very different from what we saw in the Huawei P20 Pro. Here is a double module, in which the main camera is equipped with an RGB sensor with a resolution 12 megapixels, optics with aperture f / 1.8 and focal length 27 mm... Physically, the main sensor is smaller - 1 / 2.3 ″.

    The second module is represented by a black and white sensor with a resolution 20 megapixels... It has brighter lenses with f / 1.6 aperture, but smaller dimensions - 1 / 2.78 ″... The equivalent focal length is the same - 27 mm.

    The Huawei P20 camera has received optical stabilization and Leica optics. Automatic focusing is implemented using laser and phase technology. Supports 2x zoom without loss of quality. We add that all smartphones in the DxOMark camera rating support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second.

    Samsung Galaxy S9 +: 99 points

    Galaxy S9 + is the first member of the S series with a dual camera. The configuration may seem standard for today's times, because both modules are built on sensors with a resolution 12 megapixelsbut, as they say, the devil is in the details.

    Main sensor with resolution 12 megapixels received a variable aperture function, unique for smartphones. The aperture ranges from f / 1.5 to f / 2.4... With excellent lighting, the aperture decreases, with insufficient illumination, it expands and lets in more light. The dot size on the sensor is 1.4 μm, although the sensor size is not that large - 1 / 2.55 ″... Automatic focusing is realized by technology Dual Pixel, equivalent focal length - 26 mm.

    Galaxy S9 +'s second sensor has a similar resolution 12 megapixels, but physically it is smaller ( 1 / 3.6 ″), due to which the size of an individual pixel was reduced to 1 μm. Equivalent distance telephoto lens screwed to sensor 52 mm... Fixed aperture - f / 2.4... Autofocus is implemented using conventional phase technology. Note that both Galaxy S9 + camera modules have received optical stabilization. Supports 2x zoom without loss of quality.

    Xiaomi Mi 8: 99 points in DxOMark smartphone ranking

    Xiaomi Mi 8 is the last phone, the characteristics of which we analyze in detail in this publication. Following him in the DxOMark ranking are the flagships of 2017, which no longer fall into the category "Smartphone camera rating 2018".

    DxOMark studio conducts a detailed analysis of the quality of images taken on different smartphones. Some accuse her of bias, but in fact, the smartphones that the studio puts in the TOP, later turn out to be really the best in terms of shooting. Next - five cool models with revolutionary cameras.

    1st place - Samsung Galaxy S10 5G

    On April 16, 2019, the DxOmark studio updated its rating - the new flagship of Samsung, the Galaxy S10 5G, took the first place. The phone is unique in that it has an Exynos 9820 processor with a 5G modem, which is not found in the regular S10 + or S10.

    Unlike the rest of the S10 series smartphones, there is a 3D ToF camera on the front and back. Nevertheless, the main camera remains the same - it is a 12-meter sensor with a variable aperture f / 1.8-2.4, plus a wide-angle and telephoto cameras.

    Characteristics of all four sensors:

    • Main - 12 MP, 1.4 microns, f / 1.5-2.4, Dual Pixel autofocus, optical stabilization.
    • Wide-angle - 16 megapixels, 1 micron, f / 2.2.
    • Telephoto - 12 megapixels, 1 micron, f / 2.4 aperture, optical stabilization.
    • 3D ToF sensor.
    • Capable of shooting 4K video at 60 FPS.

    During testing, DxOMark experts gave high marks for video (100 points) and photography (117) points. For the photo, the Huawei P30 Pro received the same rating, but for the video, the Samsung S10 5G bypasses the Chinese flagship. Plus, Samsung now records 4K video by default, which looks cool even when shooting handheld - with detail, minimal noise, even in low light. Plus 3D ToF-sensor implements the function of shooting video with background defocusing.

    DxOmark notes accurate color reproduction, exposure when shooting photos in natural daylight. Complex scenes are also easy for the smartphone - details are preserved in the bright and bright areas of the scene.

    Complex scenes


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    Example of 4K video recording

    As for the shortcomings, first of all, a weak zoom. When scaling, loss of detail is ensured. In this regard, the Huawei P30 Pro has no equal yet and, most likely, competitors will not appear in the near future.

    Still, Samsung S10 5G becomes the best camera phone in 2019. Plus, along with this flagship comes the world's best Amoled screen with HDR10 + support, reverse charging and other flagship features.

    2nd place - Nokia 9 Pure View

    A dark horse among top-class phones, which has not yet been tested, so it is absent in the DxOMark rating. However, the photos taken with the Nokia 9 Pure View are amazing.

    The fact is that the manufacturer HMD, which owns the Nokia brand, approached the implementation of mobile cameras in a completely different way. There is no wide-angle or telephoto camera, not even a depth sensor. Instead, 5 cameras are used:

    • 3 monochrome sensors with a resolution of 12 Mp, f / 1.8, size 1 / 2.9 ", 1.25 microns
    • 2 color sensors RGB, 12 MP, f / 1.8, 1 / 2.9 ", 1.25 microns
    • 3D ToF camera

    All cameras have the same fixed focal length - 28 mm, there are no unusual lenses and shooting modes, which was a discovery for many users, as they expected to see objects of different lengths. Instead, we see two RGB cameras and three monochrome cameras taking pictures at the same time. Images from five cameras are superimposed on each other (sometimes several times), which allows you to get a single photo with the widest dynamic range, which we usually see on DSLR cameras with full-size matrices.

    Monochrome sensors play a particularly important role here, which add 2.8 times more light due to the absence of Bayer filters, while they provide true monochrome shooting, rather than simply discoloration of a color image. The Nokia 9 is ideal for people who have at least a little photography experience - the phone saves images in RAW format and allows you to adjust them - extracting shadows, bringing back highlights and achieving the desired level of sharpness in the finished shots.

    This gives the following result - sample photos on Nokia 9 Pure View - processed and not only:

    To uncover





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    Here are some sample photos with defocused backgrounds on the iPhone XS and Nokia 9.


    Obviously, the pictures on the iPhone look flat, Nokia 9, due to the 3D sensor, more accurately determines and conveys depth. This is the first time we see full Bokeh.

    As for the rest of the characteristics, they are less important, since this unit is positioned primarily as a camera phone. It was planned to be released in mid-late 2018, but it came out belatedly. Therefore, the flagship processor of the previous generation - 10nm Snapdragon 845 is installed here, although the new top-class phones are equipped with more advanced 7nm chips, including the Snapdragon 855.

    Display - O-OLED with Gorilla Glass 5 and HDR10 support. And yes, like all Nokia, the model is also a member of the Android One program, which is a big plus. Nokia 9, after testing by DxOmark studio, will gain the most points - the probability is high. The only thing is that in terms of hardware, it loses to all the flagships of 2019.

    3rd place - Huawei P30 Pro

    The new flagship of the Chinese manufacturer Huawei received the 1st place in the DxOMark camera phone rating, and, quite deservedly. The studio notes that the phone has perfect autofocus, exposure and high color accuracy, white balance. There is very little noise even in low light, but the main thing is Zoom, which is worth talking about in more detail.

    Camera characteristics:

    • Main - 40 MP, f / 1.6, size 1 / 1.7 ”, optical stabilization
    • Wide-angle - 20 MP, f / 2.2, 1 / 2.7 "
    • Telephoto camera - with a telescopic lens, 8 MP, f / 3.4, optical stabilization
    • 3D ToF camera

    The main sensor from Sony is called SuperSensing here - it is equipped with a Quad-Bayer filter, with the help of which 4 pixels on the matrix are connected to form one large pixel. The result is a 10MP image when shooting, but with minimal noise and a wide dynamic range.

    The wide-angle camera is nothing new - it was on the Huawei Mate 20 Pro, but the telephoto lens is very interesting - it provides an optical 5x zoom. Plus, 10x hybrid zoom and even 50x digital zoom are possible. The Huawei P30 Pro has no analogues in the quality of zoomed-in photos so far - it is great for shooting from afar.

    Here are examples of photos using zoom on different smartphones:


    More photos on Huawei P30 Pro:

    To uncover


    Wide angle camera


    Wide angle camera


    Wide angle camera


    Original permission in the source, at the end of the article

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    Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to compare the photo quality on Huawei P30 Pro and Nokia 9 Pure View, since there are no identical frames. And it is somehow incorrect to compare the pictures, since the approach to the implementation of the photo is different - the Nokia 9 is valuable because it offers ample post-processing capabilities, which the Huawei P30 Pro does not. But it also has to be given its due - the phone delivers an amazing level of detail and wide dynamic range.

    Benefits of Huawei P30 Pro Nokia9 Pure View:

    • 7nm HiSilicon Kirin 980 processor
    • IP68 water resistant (Nokia 9 IP67)
    • Headphone output + 32-bit audio chip, Dolby Atmos support + Bluetooth with aptX HD support.
    • 4,200mAh battery, very fast charging with compatible 40W adapter (70% in 30 minutes).
    • Reverse wireless charging function.

    In terms of hardware and functionality, the Huawei P30 Pro is better than the Nokia 9 Pure View, but it is hardly capable of outperforming Nokia in photo quality.

    4th place - Huawei Mate 20 Pro

    This model was released in October 2018 and immediately gained popularity not only due to the cool camera, but also because of the functionality. The new Kirin 980 7nm processor, reverse wireless charging technology, was first used here. Plus the device itself turned out to be cool - with amazing cameras and an OLED screen, which later began to turn green (mass marriage).

    Camera characteristics:

    • Wide-angle: 20 MP, f / 2.2, 1 / 2.7 "
    • Telephoto: 8 MP, f / 2.4, 1/4 ″, optical 5x zoom, optical stabilization

    Here, the main module is the same as the one on the Huawei P20 Pro, which explains why the Mate 20 Pro scores as much in the DxOMark ranking as the P20 Pro. Specialists highlight a wide dynamic range in frames, target exposure, fast autofocus, cool zoom.

    Examples of photos:

    To uncover







    Original permission in the source, at the end of the article

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    As for the shortcomings, first of all it is worth highlighting the loss of small details on people's faces when shooting in the "Portrait" mode, the lack of a 4K video shooting mode at 60 FPS. By the way, this function is not even present in the Huawei P30 Pro. Otherwise, the camera on the Mate 20 Pro is awesome.

    Comparison of the quality of shooting Huawei Mate 20 Pro and P30 Pro on crops from photos taken under equal lighting conditions.

    Strong light:



    Weak light:



    Please note: this model has defects with LG screens. Most OLED panels from LG on the Huawei Mate 20 Pro turn green within 2-3 months of use, which requires replacement. When choosing, be sure to look at the screen manufacturers - it must be BOE, otherwise do not take the phone.

    5th place - Huawei P20 Pro

    The P20 Pro is a relatively old phone, introduced in April 2018. It even runs Android 8.1 out of the box, although it is updated to 9 Pie. Plus, the phone is equipped with an OLED matrix and a "non-trend" 10nm HiSilicon Kirin 970 processor, although new advanced and expensive flagships like the iPhone XS and Samsung Galaxy S10 + still can't beat it in photography.

    The Huawei P20 Pro is a cheap camera phone that with such a cool camera should sell for a lot of money.

    Camera characteristics:

    • Primary: 40 MP, f / 1.8, 1 / 1.7 "
    • Additional: with a monochrome sensor without Bayer filter, 20 MP, f / 1.6, 1 / 2.7 ", optical stabilization
    • With a telephoto lens: 8 MP, f / 2.4, 1 / 2.7 ", optical stabilization

    The smartphone produces cool detailed shots even at 3x zoom, there is also a good blur effect and minimal noise, accurate exposure, wide dynamic range and cool flash. However, such advantages apply to almost all top-class phones.

    There are also disadvantages - experts highlight the occasional appearance of an orange or pink tint in the image when shooting in bright light or indoors. Artifacts and ghosting can also occur when HDR is activated, and when zooming in, exposure and white balance are unstable. But all these minor flaws will be noticed only by a professional when carefully examining the picture. Ordinary users like you and me will not see the difference in photo quality on the P30 Pro, Mate 20 Pro and P20 Pro cameras. Therefore, you do not need to spend a lot of money on the latest flagship - feel free to take the P20 Pro.

    6th place - Samsung Galaxy S10 +

    South Korean manufacturer Samsung has created the world's best OLED display, but has failed to beat the camera competition. The S10 + received the same rating as the Huawei P20 Pro, but since it is much more expensive, it is appropriate to put it in the 5th place in the rating.

    The smartphone is equipped with an 8nm Exynos 9820 processor with powerful Mongoose M4 cores, is made in a glass case with water protection according to the IP68 standard, and it uses the latest Gorilla Glass 6. But the main thing is the "leaky" Dynamic Amoled display - the first mobile screen with HDR10 + support. This standard is used on Samsung TVs, but the manufacturer managed to implement it on a mobile display. True, there is very little HDR10 + content in the world, so most images and videos will not look better here than on a conventional Amoled matrix with infinite contrast.

    The camera is represented by three sensors:

    • Primary: 12 MP, variable aperture f / 1.5-2.4, size 1 / 2.55 ”, 1.4 microns, Dual Pixel, optical stabilization.
    • Telephoto, 16 MP, f / 2.4, stabilization, 2x-zoom.
    • Wide angle, f / 2.2, 1 micron.

    The phone has the same set of cameras as the Samsung Galaxy S9 + and Note 9, plus a wide-angle lens has been added to the new model, which expands the shooting functionality. And although the sensors are the same, the S10 + takes photos a little better due to the improved processor and image processing algorithms. Unlike Huawei phones, the South Korean flagship can record 4K video at 60 FPS, which is a big plus in its favor. HD video recording at 960 FPS is also available.

    Sample photos on Samsung S10 +:

    To uncover





    Original permission in the source, at the end of the article

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    DXO specialists produce stunning exposure and color reproduction in most scenarios, including low light. When shooting indoors or in the evening, there is little noise in the image, and the dynamic range remains wide, when the image is enlarged, there is good detail.

    Disadvantages: the phone is inferior to all mentioned above in the quality of shooting with optical zoom. There are also problems with the portrait mode on the street - artifacts and ghosting are possible, which is not typical of flagships.

    As a rule, all top-end camera phones are equipped with Sony matrices. True, the models of Sony itself do not reach the top lines of our rating of camera phones - in addition to the quality of the matrix, post-processing is of great importance, which already differs from phone to phone at the software level. This slightly complicates the selection of a suitable camera phone according to its characteristics: a meticulous buyer in each case will have to study reviews and sample photos.

    The main thing is not to chase the resolution: 16 megapixels is enough for photos from a mobile phone. Much more important is the possibility of video shooting (if, of course, you also need video from the camera): support for 4K resolution, frame rates when shooting in different resolutions, slow motion mode. From the photo, you can clarify whether the camera supports shooting in RAW, look at the flash modes and the type of flash itself. Modern camera phones are equipped with a flash with multiple LEDs emitting in different shades of white - for the most accurate white balance.

    New trend - dual camera

    Last year, LG introduced the first smartphone with a dual camera to the market. Since then, the firm has been joined by brands such as Apple, Huawei, and now Honor. In this way, manufacturers want to bring smartphone cameras closer to conventional ones and bypass a number of restrictions. However, does the introduction of a second lens really improve image quality?
    Interestingly, the dual camera is the dual camera.

    So, at present, each manufacturer is working on its own technology that is different from others, so it is difficult to compare one-on-one models. For example, the G5 dual camera consists of two sensors and two lenses with different focal lengths and apertures. Huawei has one of the cameras - black and white, it allows you to get sharper pictures, which also increases the sharpness of pictures from the main, color camera. Like the LG G5, the cameras have different focal lengths, but the additional camera is equipped not with a wide-angle lens like the Koreans, but with a telephoto lens.

    : Unrivaled camera

    This new product has a 16-megapixel main camera with a matrix manufactured by Sonу. In our test, shots taken in daylight scored excellent, and good in low light. A single LED flash on the back illuminates dark scenes, but not always perfectly.

    All-encompassing camera equipment (optical image stabilization, RAW support, the ability to record videos in 4K resolution, manual mode) raises the score in the corresponding test category to 100 points. The high resolution of the front camera also contributes to this. The OnePlus 3T turned out to be significantly better than all its competitors in terms of camera quality, which is especially pleasant given their low price.

    Huawei Nova Plus: Affordable and Modern

    Some models that have received high places in our rating are the flagships of the past, and today they are already becoming obsolete. In particular, this concerns the LG G4. Therefore, we offer a smartphone as the best purchase - it was released in the fall of 2016, has high performance, a good screen and an impressive camera.

    For selfies, an eight megapixel front camera is available. The corresponding application provides numerous shooting modes and a variety of settings. Thus, even amateurs in this business will be able to get good quality pictures. The only problem is with the Perfect Selfie mode. Here the smartphone blurs the image too much.

    PHOTO: manufacturing companies; Zhenia Vyazankina / Fotolia.com