With smartphones making photo-taking as easy as saying the ABCs, it's not hard to see why professional photographers will tell you that the best camera is the one you have in your hand. But even so, just like cameras, not all phones are at the same level when it comes to photography.
Some phones pack optical zoom, while others are digital zoom only. Most phones these days also come with an ultra-wide camera, which is great, since they let you capture more, such as landscapes. Some phones may even have macro focusing, allowing you to go up close and capture small objects such as watch gears, or even insects. Here are five phones for photography that we think you will like.
Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G
Xiaomi is pushing the envelope when it comes to smartphone cameras in mid-range phones. Its latest Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G sports a 200MP main camera — a feature you'd expect on the flagship Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra — but not in a phone that you can get for less than S$600. Coupled with the impressively-fast 120W charging, a bright and smooth 120Hz display, and a decent processor, the Redmi Note is a great mid-range phone that offers good value, and can take great images.
Google Pixel 7 Pro
The Pixel 7 series come with really good cameras, especially the Pixel 7 Pro. There's a macro mode, and a Super Res Zoom of up to 30x, which taps its 5x telephoto camera. Generally, the Pixel 7 phones take nice vibrant-looking photos. The Night Sight feature now has an option for a shorter exposure, though photos still turn out good. Videography is improved, too. There's a new Cinematic Blur mode for videos. All the cameras now support 4K 60fps videos, as well as 10-bit HDR videos. If you are on a budget, the Pixel 7a offers great looking shots, though without the telephoto lens.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max sports a 48MP camera system that uses pixel binning to produce 12MP shots. You get up to 6x optical zoom, improved low-light shots, and a new Action Mode that gives you stable video when you film while walking or running. The Pro takes the best photos I've yet seen on an iPhone, and the Action Mode is super useful for those who love to shoot outdoor video monologues. You will need plenty of light though — it won't work well at night. Other features, such as Cinematic Mode are still there, and work great.
Samsung Galaxy S23+
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ features a 50MP primary camera with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera with OIS and 3x optical zoom. There's also a 12MP selfie camera that captured a surprising amount of detail with portrait shots having good separation between subject and background. In the day with plenty of light, photos generally look great with plenty of detail, and good contrast. The 3x telephoto camera is handy, and usable.
Oppo Reno10 Pro+ 5G
Housed in a raised oval design at the back, the Oppo Reno10 Pro+ features a triple 50MP main, 64MP telephoto camera, and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. It uses a periscope design for the telephoto, which gives it a 3x optical zoom and up to 120x digital. To be honest, anything after 30x digital is kinda smeared. But 30x still gives you enough details and clarity. Colours are bright and vibrant, while Portrait mode shots really stand out.
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