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If the camera is not the most important thing to consider before buying a smartphone, it's certainly one of them. We live in a world dominated by "likes" and "comments", but most of all, most people just want to take better pictures and videos. And to do this, they need, besides a creative eye, a better camera. Of course, anyone can buy a compact shooter, a mirrorless camera or a really nice DSLR, but none of these cameras is really easy. A wise man once said to me: "The best camera is the one in your pocket" and I think that's true, it's a matter of convenience.
That said, to tell the difference between a good smartphone camera and a good camera is counting more than just counting megapixels, examining its sensor and breaking down the lens size to get the aperture. Why? Because each of the latest flagship smartphones from Apple, Google and Samsung is actually very similar. There is also the fact that these specifications can often be misleading. Having a high-resolution sensor does not necessarily mean that the camera will take higher-resolution photos, because the size of these specific pixels matters a lot; the larger the pixels, the more they can capture light. That's why a 20-megapixel camera is not necessarily better than a 12-megapixel camera.
To go further, if you compare the hardware of the latest generations of smartphones, you will probably find that this a lot has changed with regard to cameras. The iPhone XS, the iPhone X and the iPhone 8 Plus all have a 12-megapixel dual camera system, for example, while the iPhone XS and the iPhone X have the same wide-angle (ƒ / 1.8) and telephoto (ƒ / 2.4) objectives. ) lenses. But the new smart phones certainly have better camera systems thanks to a host of features: more advanced camera sensors, better optical image stabilization, wider apertures, faster focus and many new features. And a lot of these things are improved by what's happening under the hood, on the software side, where the technology has improved by leaps and bounds.
The most obvious example of improving smartphone photography with software is the Google Pixel 3; With its unique lens, it is able to make photos and videos as good (or better) than most dual camera systems. But as software progress is concerned all latest smartphones, there is a high dynamic range (HDR). Each of the latest flagship smartphones uses this image processing technique to give their photos a unique look, adjusting elements such as contrast, lighting, color, temperature, sharpness and, ultimately, the details of the photo. The problem is that the HDR of each smartphone camera is slightly different, mainly because the ideas of Apple, Google and Samsung on what should look like a "good photo" are different. In general, the latest iPhones illuminate everything uniformly, while Samsung's Galaxy smartphones generally seem more saturated, while the Pixel 3's photos usually offer a more realistic contrast.
In the end, all the latest smartphones take very good but noticeably different photos. So, a lot depends on the preference. Which photos do you like best?
We took the latest flagship products from Google, Samsung and Apple – ie the Pixel 3, the Galaxy Note 9 and the iPhone XS – and took many identical photos. We also added the iPhone XR to the mix because its camera system is not exactly the same as that of the iPhone XS. Each person taking different types of photos, we defined four categories of cameras for smartphones: portraits, low light, color, HDR, zoom, landscapes and selfies.
The pretenders
With the photo comparisons below, we have tried to be as accurate as possible in relation to the competition. This means that we took pictures with each smartphone, at the same place, almost at the same time and without using too many effects. And we also wanted to be faithful to the average smartphone photographer – we are not all Chris Burkard – so we did not use manual mode for this smartphone. We simply tapped to focus, or zoomed in some cases, and tapped the shutter release button. The verdicts are subjective and you are able to determine the winners and the losers, but we added two cents in the same way.
iPhone XS
What do you want to know: Although the camera of the iPhone XS is identical to that of the iPhone X, it has been significantly improved. Its image processing system is much better, allowing Smart HDR to help iPhone XS capture multiple photos at different exposures simultaneously, and then combine them into a single, high-quality image. The iPhone XS has a 32% larger sensor for its wide angle camera, which means that it can capture more light and capture more detail and more contrast. Portrait mode is also better on the iPhone XS because it now allows you to adjust the background blur or bokeh after taking the picture.
Rear camera system: two 12 megapixel wide angle and telephoto cameras
Big angle: ƒ / 1.8 opening
telephoto: ƒ / 2.4 opening
Zoom: 2x optical zoom; digital zoom up to 10x
Video: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
Outstanding features: Improved Portrait Mode, Portrait Lighting, Smart HDR
Front camera system: 7 megapixel camera, aperture ƒ / 2,2
Outstanding features: Portrait Mode, Portrait Lighting, Animoji and Memoji
DxOMark Score: 105
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Google Pixel 3
What do you want to know: The Pixel 3 has a camera system even better than the Pixel 2 of last year, which was already the choice of the best camera for smartphone. The new model features an improved sensor, a dual camera system at the front (a first for a Pixel smartphone). and a bunch of really great features that leverage AI and Google's machine learning skills, allowing the Pixel 3 to capture different types of high-quality photos and videos than other flagship smartphones can not. In my experience, the most useful of these features is "Motion Auto Focus", which allows the camera to lock onto the subject and keep it focused as it moves; 'Merged Video Stabilization', which allows you to shoot ultra-smooth videos with up to 4K resolution, without the need for a gimbal or tripod to eliminate the handshake; and 'Top Shot', which allows the camera to capture a burst of pictures just before and after clicking the shutter button, and then choosing the one that best suits you. The other great feature is 'Night Sight', which has just been offered to Pixel 3 owners via a software update and allows them to take great pictures in low light, even if the black is almost black.
Rear camera system: Dual pixel 12.2 megapixel lens, f / 1.8 aperture
Zoom: Super Res Zoom (equivalent to 2x optical zoom)
Video: 4K video recording at 30fps
Outstanding features: Selfies Group, Photobooth
Front camera system: two 8-megapixel wide angle and normal cameras
Big angle: Opening f / 2.2, 97 ° FoV
Ordinary: Opening f / 1.8, 75 ° FoV
Outstanding features: Top Shot, Night Sight, Zoom Super Res, Motion Auto Focus
DxOMark Score: N / A
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Samsung Galaxy Note 9
What do you want to know: The Galaxy Note 9 is the very large Samsung smartphone and its flawless productivity. On the camera side, it has essentially the same front and rear camera systems as the company's flagship product, the Galaxy S9, which is Samsung's best camera system ever. It should be noted that the Galaxy Note 9 was released months before the iPhone XS and Pixel 3 smartphones, but that its camera systems meet almost identical specifications. It also includes some features of Google AI, such as fault detection if the photo is blurry, poorly lit or if a person in the photo blinks. If a flaw is detected, note 9 will ask you if you want to resume the photo.
Rear camera system: two 12 megapixel wide angle and telephoto cameras
Big angle: ƒ / 1.5 and ƒ / 2.4 double aperatures
telephoto: ƒ / 2.4
Zoom: 2x optical zoom, up to 10x digital zoom
Video: 4K video recording at 30fps or 60fps
Outstanding features: Live focus, fault detection, super slow, double capture, hyperlapse
Front camera system: 8 megapixel AF sensor
Ordinary: opening f / 2.2
Outstanding features: selfie focus, large selfie
DxOMark Score: 103
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iPhone XR
What do you want to know: The iPhone XR is the cheaper alternative than the iPhone XS, the flagship product of Apple. What's interesting about the iPhone XR is that its camera systems are almost identical to those of the iPhone XS. In fact, the front camera system is identical, so you can take selfies in Portrait mode and with Portrait Lighting, you can create Animojis, Memojis and unlock your phone with face identification. The rear camera is a bit complicated because the iPhone XR has the same 12 megapixel wide angle camera as the iPhone XS, but does not have a 12 megapixel telephoto lens. The result is that the iPhone XR does not have an optical zoom and its digital zoom is not as powerful. He can still go into portrait mode without the telephoto lens, thanks to his wide angle camera and some jiggery-pokery software. The results are almost identical.
Rear camera system: 12 megapixel wide angle camera
Big angle: ƒ / 1.8 opening
Zoom: digital zoom up to 5x
Video: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
Outstanding features: Improved Portrait Mode, Portrait Lighting, Smart HDR
Front camera system: 7 megapixel camera, aperture ƒ / 2,2
Outstanding features: Portrait Mode, Portrait Lighting, Animoji and Memoji
DxOMark Score: N / A
Photo comparisons
Portraits
Pixel 3: The Portrait mode of Pixel 3 was very successful in capturing facial details, such as my freckles and the light wrinkles under my eyes, as well as the details of my shirt. I think the picture of Pixel 3 really stands out for its contrast. The lighting and the shadows behind me, as well as in my hair, are sharp and the difference is drastic.
iPhone XR: The details of my face and my hair are softer and smoother than those of Pixel 3 and Galaxy Note 9, which I like, but the lighting and details of my hair are a bit blurred.
iPhone XS: The Portrait mode of the iPhone XS is essentially identical to that of the iPhone XR. The photo is warm and inviting, even if some details around my eyes, jaw and hair are lost or go out a little.
Galaxy Note 9: Similar to the two previous iPhones, this portrait on Note 9 looks really warm and sweet. However, most of the facial details – wrinkles, freckles, thatch – seem to have been swept away and that makes me look a lot younger.
Our winner: Pixel 3
Low light
Pixel 3: This photo was taken without Google Nightsight (its new low-light mode optimized for shooting when it's very dark), but the amount of light and detail of this photo is impressive. It does not seem at all blown and it is definitely a photo brighter than that taken by its competitors.
iPhone XR: This photo is correct, but it is much darker than the others. It's even darker than the iPhone XS photo, which is a little unexpected considering the fact that the iPhone XR should be able to capture more light thanks to its wide-angle lens.
iPhone XS: The picture of the iPhone XS is certainly not as bright as that of the Pixel 3, and you do not get the level of detail in the curtain and the floor, but I do like it the dark contrast and changing mood in the shade of the pot as well as in the leaves. .
Galaxy Note 9: This photo is not as bright as the iPhone XS and Pixel 3, but I prefer the green color of leaves and branches than other photos. The details and the contrast of the light / shadow on the pot look good, however, but the top of the top is lost in the darkness.
Our winner: Pixel 3
Zoom
Pixel 3: The Pixel 3 has a function called 'Super Res Zoom' which, thanks to software, allows to take into account the contact while taking a very stable zoomed photo. That's why, even though he does not have a telephoto lens, he's still able to zoom in almost as close to the Empire State Building as the Note 9 or the iPhone XS, but he looks really jaded and saturated and you do not get everything at the level of detail on the windows, needle and on the building itself.
iPhone XR: Nobody should be surprised that the iPhone XR had less good results in this photo experience. Stand in 26th Street and watch the Empire State Building (found on 34th Street), a very long path for a smartphone without a telephoto camera.
iPhone XS: This photo is very similar to Note 9. It seems that the note 9 captures a little more detail at the front of the building, while the picture of the iPhone XS is sharper around the needle. The big differentiator is lighting; it looks a little flat on this picture.
Galaxy Note 9: The lighting and the brightness of the sun reflecting on the building really stand out here, and the lines and other details at the front of the building have a clean appearance. In case of a problem, it's the meeting point of the needle and the sky – most of the details become a bit blurry.
Our winner: iPhone XS or Galaxy Note 9
HDR
Pixel 3: The Google Pixel 3 is focused on contrast and precise coloring. You can see on this picture (HDR + enabled), that the shadows at the front and at the base of the Flat Iron Building are darker than on the other photos. The sky also has a shade of blue much deeper.
iPhone XR: Apple's Smart HDR really aims to create a uniformly lit photograph and that's exactly what this picture does. The contrast between the sky and the building, as well as the strong points in the shadow of the building, is not very severe. The result is a beautiful photo very warm with lots of details.
iPhone XS: It's almost identical to the picture of the iPhone XR. It's hot, with a ton of detail, and the color does not seem too saturated or unnatural.
Galaxy Note 9: The note is capable of capturing a ton of detail, but the coloring is noticeably different from other photos. It's more daring and the colors are really bright. At first, I liked this picture the best, but at most I zoom in and look at it closely, I think the colors are a bit too saturated for my taste.
Our winner: iPhone XS and iPhone XR
landscapes
Pixel 3: This photo was taken with the normal camera of Pixel 3 without any of its peculiarities – and it is beautiful. Contrast levels and colors at sunset are brilliant. In addition, the Pixel 3 has cast a small flare for good measure.
iPhone XR: (Note: unfortunately, I did not have the iPhone XR at the time of shooting, and as you can not create two identical sunsets, I do not have a comparative photo. However, expect that it works in a similar way to the iPhone XS.)
iPhone XS: It's certainly a better-lit photo than the Pixel 3 and you get a lot of details about the surroundings as well as the water. However, the colors and the contrast between the sunset and the sky are lost.
Galaxy Note 9: Note 9 was the big loser in this situational competition. Although the colors are brighter than the iPhone XS photo, they just look saturated and artificial.
Our winner: Pixel 3
Color
Pixel 3: The boldness of the mustard cabin, blue police cars and red fire trucks brings out the picture more than other photos. I also like a lot the deep shadows of this photo, which give depth to the shelves that are missing the other pictures of this comparison.
iPhone XR: Even if this photo was taken at the same place as the others, it obviously feels farther and it's a bit difficult to compare. That said, the colors look bold, but I think the lack of contrast keeps them a bit off.
iPhone XS: Compared to Pixel 3 and Galaxy Note 9, the colors of this photo are a little muted. Again, I think part of that is that highlights and flat shadows, for which Smart HDR is recognized, but the colors are not as bright here.
Galaxy Note 9: You do not have as bright and saturated colors as the picture taken by Pixel 3, but I still love this picture mainly because of the depth of the shelves. It would be a choice for the second.
Our winner: Pixel 3
selfies
Pixel 3: The Pixel 3 best manages the transition of my hair in the background, as you can see the individual wicks; you do not really understand what has been washed, or at least you do not get it as bad as the other pictures. In addition, the skin has more texture. You can see things like thatch and my eyebrow hair.
iPhone XR: Some details in the tip of my hair, both at the top of my head and below my ears, are a little faded here. The lighting looks ok even if it's a bit flat.
iPhone XS: This is basically identical to the portrait taken on the iPhone XR – they have the same camera system – you get the same highlights and shadows, as well as the problems of blur.
Galaxy Note 9: This is probably the least flattering photo. The lighting is not very beautiful and many details are lost in the face. I would say it's the worst of the four.
Our winner: Pixel 3.
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