4K VIDEO Obviously we can’t print videos, so you’ll have to head to the article on our website (tinyurl.com/hqkh9eu) or YouTube channel (tinyurl.com/hzhkj7j) to watch them – just make sure you click the cog and choose 2160p from the list. You won’t see th
Apple iPhone 6s Plus
The new iPhones differ slightly in their video capabilities, with the 6s Plus having the benefit of optical stabilisation. It makes a big difference, offering smooth and generally shake-free footage with a much more cinematic feel. Focusing is generally excellent thanks to those special focus pixels, and it only struggles to focus in very low light.
With the benefit of 4K, images have great levels of detail and there’s the expected great colour reproduction. Only the audio recording lets the side down a little, but you can always connect a better-quality microphone.
Google Nexus 5X
The Nexus 5X delivers excellent quality video. Colour, exposure and white balance are good, and focus is fast, too. The lack of optical stabilisation is the big disadvantage, so you really need to keep the phone as still as possible. In terms of audio, the microphones aren’t directional, so a lot of ambient noise is recorded. image stabilisation isn’t as effective as OIS, but it does help a little.
HTC One M9
It may shoot in 4K, but the lack of any stabilisation at all means the One M9’s video footage is some of the worst here, and the difference is plain to see. Images also lack detail. The only plus is good stereo audio, but it’s hardly a consolation.
Motorola Moto X Force
With good stabilisation, loads of detail and natural colours, the Moto X Force’s videos are a pleasure to watch. This is bolstered by good audio, too. The camera is quick to adjust exposure when moving from light to dark or vice versa.
LG G4
If held relatively still, the G4 is capable of great video. But as good as the optical stabilisation is, footage suffers from the dreaded ‘jello’ effect when you move around too much. Colours and detail are generally good, but highlights can be blown out. Audio is pretty good, too.
OnePlus 2
OnePlus didn’t skimp on the camera in the 2: it has optical stabilisation. This, along with 4K recording, means it delivers video on a par with phones costing more than twice as much. While image quality is generally great, audio quality is not. There’s strange clipping, as if the ambient noise was too loud. This may be fixable with a software update, but as it stands, the sound lets the OnePlus 2 down.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+
As we saw back when we tested the Galaxy S6, the Edge+ – with the same camera – offers the same excellent detail levels, good colour and exposure. Stabilisation is effective if you really hold the phone still, but there’s noticeable wobble or ‘jello’ when you’re walking with it. Audio isn’t perfect either. Overall, video quality is good, but other phones offer better stabilisation.
Sony Xperia Z5
The Xperia Z5’s quality is generally excellent. Footage is packed with detail and stabilisation is also brilliant. Colours and exposure are good, and focus is fast. It only struggles – as most do – in low light.