GROUP TEST: SMARTPHONES

The cameras in smartphones just keep getting better and better. We compare four of the best

We test the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, Google Pixel 5 and Sony Xperia 1 II. Which phone offers the best camera system and image quality?

Thanks to their convenience and ever improving image quality, smartphones have pretty much wiped out most of the affordable compact camera market. see It’s easy to why as well. Most people will always have their phone with them, while the ease of use and ability to instantly share on social media means that compact cameras just can’t compete with the immediacy of these devices. The cameras on smartphones have become one of the most important set of features on a phone, and while the marketing might suggest that they can rival your DSLR or mirrorless camera, we know that’s not quite the case. However, they shouldn’t be overlooked as they can be a powerful tool in a photographer’s arsenal of kit.

Smartphone manufacturers have pushed the boundaries of technology and have not only made huge strides in image quality, but have also incorporated camera technology like image stabilisation to deliver even greater versatility. They’ve also overcome the physical restrictions of smartphones by simply adding additional lenses (and sensors) to deliver more than one focal length. Factor in the advancement of image engines and ever more impressive computational processing capabilities that can create stunning ‘bokeh’ effects and there’s a lot here that should appeal to photographers.

So, while these powerful devices aren’t going to replace your camera kit, they can be incredibly useful as a camera to have with you at all times (something even pocket-sized premium compacts like the brilliant Sony RX100 series struggle to do). Knowing that you’ve got a camera with you all the time that can deliver quality images can be very liberating. They can act as both a visual notebook as well as a creative tool in their own right.

We’ve selected four flagship smartphones and focused our testing criteria on their photographic capabilities. Which one should you pick?