Software seems to matter just as much (if not more) than hardware when it comes to camera phones. Since I bought my Pixel 7 Pro in 2022, I’ve been pleased with its hardware and software.
I have learned that Chinese brands are mostly on the cutting edge of camera hardware, rather than Google or Samsung.
How are these phones impressive?
Recently released Chinese flagship phones have improved telephoto cameras. Generally speaking, these phones feature a wide aperture, a relatively large sensor, and a high-resolution output.
Our review of the Pixel 9 Pro series reveals most of these features, except for macro focusing, which we found disappointing. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra supports some of these features but without wide aperture or close-up focusing. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus stick with ancient 10MP 3x telephoto cameras.
Sony’s Xperia 1 flagship phones even have variable telephoto cameras. Variable telephoto camera on the Xperia 1 VI allows continuous zooming from 3.5x to 7.1x. Image quality remains consistent regardless of the zoom range. What’s stopping Google or Samsung from investing?
Hardware improvements in the main camera
Now, Chinese flagship phones offer one-inch sensors instead of telephoto lenses for cleaner, brighter shots. Thus, I have enjoyed handheld astrophotography modes on my vivo phone. Despite the brand’s heavy-handed low-light processing, the image quality is decent for a handheld snap and perfect for Instagram.
I’d love to see Google make even larger sensors for low-light photos, portraits, and videos on its Pixel flagships. Samsung should offer one-inch 50MP cameras too. What difference does the 200MP main camera make if shutter lag still exists? S22 and S22 Plus, which use the same sensor, need a main camera upgrade.
Sensor size isn’t the only innovation in cameras. HUAWEI and Xiaomi’s recent phones also feature variable aperture main cameras, giving users better control over focusing.
Narrow apertures are good for focusing on everything. While in portrait mode, a wide aperture creates artificial bokeh effects in contrast to the shallow depth of field provided by a wide aperture. See how the P60 Pro’s main camera performs with wide and narrow apertures below. What a flexible system!
Despite Samsung’s and Google’s competitors’ cutting-edge cameras, I still frequently use my Pixel 7 Pro. This is mostly due to natural-looking photos that aren’t oversharpened or neon. Google has also added a few useful software features to subsequent models, including Add Me and Best Take. Furthermore, I like Samsung’s Director’s View, Single Take, and shadow/reflection removal software.
Software is catching up with Chinese competitors, even surpassing Google and Samsung in some cases. Google and Samsung phones lack color profiles, but OnePlus, OPPO, Xiaomi, and Vivo do. Moreover, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s AI-assisted zoom outperformed the Samsung S24 Ultra. Unlike Google, Chinese flagships have on-device video, such as 8K and better low-light.
Xiaomi’s hardware and Google’s software would be perfect together
Samsung and Google still offer excellent camera software, but there’s room for improvement on the hardware front as well. Samsung’s more affordable flagships and cameras are especially aging. OPPO, Xiaomi, or Vivo hardware would be perfect with Samsung or Google software.
