Rama Krishna Sangem
In 2024, smartphone makers enhanced imaging capabilities through innovations in hardware and artificial intelligence-powered software processing. Here are some top camera-oriented smartphones reviewed this year: And what? People loved smartphones with better camera and video output.
The Vivo X200 Pro features a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a standout 200MP APO telephoto camera with 3.7x optical zoom. Despite a smaller main camera sensor, it excels in daylight photography and performs well in low light. The 200MP telephoto lens offers advanced features like 20x telephoto macro shots and a 135mm portrait lens mode, making it a highlight of the device.
Video recording capabilities include 8K at 30 fps and 4K at up to 120 fps, with Dolby Vision HDR supported on all cameras. However, transitions between cameras during recording and cinematic video stability need improvement.
The Oppo Find X8 Pro excels in imaging, positioning itself as a strong competitor in the premium smartphone segment. Its quad 50MP rear camera setup spans a focal range from 15mm ultra-wide to 135mm periscope telephoto, delivering versatility and impressive results across varied scenarios. The Hasselblad collaboration enhances portrait photography with natural aesthetics.
Video recording supports 4K at 60 fps with Dolby Vision across all sensors, including the front camera. Seamless sensor switching is a useful feature, though noticeable jitter during zoom transitions affects video quality.
iPhone 16 Pro Max versatile camera
The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a versatile camera setup. The main camera captures 24MP stills with flexible focal lengths (24mm, 28mm, and 35mm), and the 48MP sensor provides optical-quality 2x zoom. While the 2x zoom performs well in most conditions, it struggles under artificial lighting. The ultra-wide camera delivers consistent results with added macro capabilities, and the 5x optical zoom telephoto lens excels in stabilised shots, particularly for video.
The Pixel 9 Pro continues Google’s tradition of computational photography with a triple-camera system excelling in HDR, portrait, and low-light scenarios. Its image processing enhances contrast and colour vibrancy, ideal for social media-ready photos, though aggressive post-processing occasionally sacrifices fine details.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a versatile quad-camera system, including a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a new 50MP 5x telephoto lens, with a 12MP front camera. The main sensor excels in delivering detailed, high-contrast images with a broad dynamic range. The ultra-wide sensor offers colour symmetry and doubles as a macro lens, though its low-light performance and macro capabilities fall short compared to competitors using telephoto sensors for close-ups
