Camera phones
We test the latest leading smartphones to see which comes out on top for camera quality
Smartphones are everywhere, but which takes the best photo? We snap away with six models to find out
www.apple.com
Apple iPhone 6S
From £539/$649
At first glance, the iPhone 6S appears almost identical to its predecessor the iPhone 6, but under the skin is a brandnew 12MP camera with optical image stabilisation and 4K video capability.
The bump in megapixels sounds great, but the camera only resolves slightly more detail compared to the 8MP iPhone 6. The 6S doesn’t improve much on its predecessor’s already impressive dynamic range, colour accuracy and low noise levels. Apple is also sticking to a traditional 4:3 image aspect ratio.
Screen quality is another area where little has changed. You get vibrant yet natural colour and good brightness, but the lowest resolution and pixel density by far of today’s flagship phones.
www.htc.com
HTC One M9
£580/$648
The image sensors in previous HTC One models traded megapixels for larger individual photosites, giving increased sensitivity in low light. However, the One M9 uses a 20MP chip design to try and trump more pixel-packed rivals.
Despite the high pixel count, the M9’s images are very soft, and plagued with noise and an unsightly amount of image smoothing. JPEG compression artefacts further blur colour boundaries, and there’s no optical image stabilisation. HTC’s camera app is responsive, though, and gives respectable manual control. Autofocusing is adequate, as is the 5.0-inch Full HD screen. In isolation, this looks great, but it lacks the wow factor of the Galaxy S6 or the LG G4’s displays.
www.lg.com
LG G4
£420/$552
Boasting a 5.5-inch display, the G4 is the longest and widest phone here: combined with its super-slim profile, it means it isn’t easy to hold in one hand. The payoff is the best screen quality of the bunch, thanks to stunning 1,440 x 2,560 resolution and superb brightness. It makes browsing photos a pleasure, and the images don’t let the side down.
The 16MP main camera can record DNG raw files, but even JPEG shots pack respectable detail levels and punchy colour. The G4’s low-light abilities are also good, with a large f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilisation helping to minimise noise. Add in the removable 3000mAh battery and a Micro SD slot, and the G4 is a great all-rounder.