When buying a new smartphone, photo and video quality is one of the main expectations. We have tested 6 expert models in this field and at reasonable prices.
How much should you budget for a camera capable of photography? On the one hand, you find Android models for less than €200 with completely acceptable performance, equipped with a large screen and a large battery capacity. But these devices come with compromises. They are often less robust, not waterproof, equipped with a low-power processor, which can affect their durability. Above all, their image sensors are basic, quickly showing their limit for low-light or moving shots.
On the other side, the « photophones »these very high-end models sometimes cost well over €1,000, equipped with numerous optical units and the best image processing technologies. Fortunately, there is a happy medium in price ” reasonable “between €400 and €750 depending on their storage capacity, and which offer very good results in photo and video.
Don’t focus on the resolution
Low-cost smartphones have a screen-side photo module for selfies, and a single main photo module on their back. Going upmarket, the latter is supplemented by a secondary module, called wide angle, and sometimes by a 3e telephoto or macro type module, improving the sharpness of images. It can also be equipped with a zoom and optical stabilizer, as well as a brighter lens. On this last point, it is the Motorola, with an aperture of f/1.4, which stands out in our selection.
The characteristics of the sensor are essential, but the resolution, often put forward, is not the determining element. On the smartphones we tested here, it is most often 50 megapixels (Mp), which is lower than that of many low-cost smartphones. On the other hand, the size of the sensor is larger, which guarantees better performance. This size is not always indicated by manufacturers. However, smartphones that have the biggest sensors usually boast about them. Thus, the Google Pixel 8, the best equipped in this area, announces a size of 1/1.31 inches.
Optimized portraits
Alongside their hardware, devices use their algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize color balance or enhance sharpness and contrast. The mode « portrait »in particular, benefits from this process. Since the thinness of a smartphone’s photo module does not allow a significant depth of field to be obtained, its processor is responsible for recreating a bokeh effect (background blur). The result is more or less convincing depending on the smartphone. Depending on the power and quality of the digital processing, the image can have a natural and defined rendering or, on the contrary, too artificial, with optical aberrations.
Nos tests
1) Most reliable: Google Pixel 8
store.google.com
The Silicon Valley giant has always focused on image quality, and this model confirms it.
We love
It’s not the best in all our tests, but it’s consistently on the podium. We can count on the responsiveness of its autofocus and face tracking, and on its excellent image processing to obtain the best shots in high and low light. Its digital zoom is limited to 8x, but it is really usable until the end, which is far from being the case with several competitors. The device has one of the most powerful processors. Google guarantees that it will support software updates for at least 7 years, compared to 3 years with others.
We don’t like
Its basic version only has 128 GB of storage. Its dorsal photo module is quite prominent. It is recommended to use a protective cover (not supplied) to avoid damaging it. The tone of the shots is sometimes a little colder than average and we notice some artificial effects on the zooms.
2) Still very efficient: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
samsung.com
We love
This model, launched more than a year ago, can be purchased at a very attractive price. It is nonetheless equipped with a powerful processor. Its image processing offers particularly natural-looking shots. The effectiveness of its zoom is correct. The low light results are very convincing.
We don’t like
It runs Android 13, not Android 14 like the others. Its main photo module has performance a notch below that of the Google and Motorola models. Its autofocus lacks a little responsiveness.
3) A high-end approach: Motorola Edge 50 Pro
motorola.fr
We love
Its main photo module, equipped with the brightest optics, is almost on par with (and sometimes even surpasses) that of the Google Pixel 8. The zoom can be used up to almost 10x. Sleek case, screen with curved edges… the finishes are of superior quality. It has 512 GB of storage in its basic version and reaches the IP68 waterproof index, like the Google and the Samsung (IP54 for the other 3). Comes with a protective cover.
We don’t like
Image processing is less efficient than at Samsung and Google.
And also
Original mais perfectible : Nothing Phone (2A) Plus
fr.nothing.tech
Its aesthetics and user interface are innovative. His images have rich, beautiful colors. Its selfie module is one of the most efficient. Its main module gives good results in low light, but lacks a little sharpness and very quickly shows its limits on zooms.
Wanting to do too much… Poco F6 Pro
po.co
Its price is competitive. It has the best equipment level and the most powerful processor. But the colors in the images are too bright and saturated. The zoom can only be used over a limited range. Low light results are below average.
Not very good at photography… HMD Skyline
hmd.com
The main argument of this smartphone is that it can be partly disassembled and easily repaired by its user. But he is not an image champion. Its main module displays the highest resolution, but struggles with zooms, in low light and in managing photos taken against the light.
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