Another year, another new Pixel phone, this time, the Pixel 10 Pro range is looking better than ever, and should easily make it onto the list of the best camera phones for photography, but how does the 10 Pro perform, and did Google fix the issues I had with the previous model? The 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL offer the exact same camera setup, meaning the choice between them is down to what size phone you prefer.  

At a glance

• 50MP f/1.68 wide, 1/1.3inch, OIS, 24mm equiv. 
• 48MP f/1.7 ultra-wide with AF, 1/2.55inch, 12mm equiv. 
• 48MP f/2.8, 5x telephoto, 1/2.55inch, OIS, 110mm equiv. (up to 100x Pro Res Zoom)
• 42MP f/2.2 selfie with AF 
• 6.3inch, 1-120Hz screen, 3300nits peak brightness 
• 4K video front/rear (8K powered by Video boost upscaling) 
• 4870mAh (30W charging, 15W wireless) 
• 152.8 x 72 x 8.5mm, 207g (IP68)

Features 

There’s a triple camera setup on the rear of the phone, with an ultra-wide angle, wide-angle, and 5x telephoto cameras. The 1x lens offers 2x “optical quality” zoom, whilst the 5x lens offers a 10x “optical quality” zoom, as seen on the previous model, and I was impressed by the results, even finding it a match for a phone with a true 10x optical lens. The way this is presented in the camera app gives a seamless user experience, with 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, and 10x options on screen, almost as though you have 5 different cameras.

With 48-50MP sensors on the main cameras, it’s worth noting that these output 12MP images on default settings due to pixel binning. The 42MP selfie camera outputs 10.5MP images, again due to pixel binning.  

This zoom feature uses Google’s hybrid Super Resolution zoom multi-shot technology, which Google have been offering for many years now, and as long as you don’t use too much zoom, then the results have been impressive. The 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL cameras now offer up to 100x zoom now, using “Pro Res Zoom” with AI helping improve the detail in the photo.

In addition to all the great AI and computational photography features found on last year’s phone, you also get some new ones. The new features include a Camera Coach, designed to help you get better shots. Some of my favourite shooting modes that were also available on last years phone include Action Pan, Long exposure, Add me, Portrait, Night sight and Panorama. A lot of these features, particularly the long exposure mode (and Night sight) are impressive as they can be used handheld without the need of a tripod.

Handling and Design 

Even though the phone is small, for a flagship, the phone is seriously thick, and whilst a similar thickness to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (at 8.5mm), it’s when you add on the huge protruding camera bump, you have one seriously chunky phone, at roughly 1.1cm thick. I don’t really understand why it’s not thinner, especially as other brands are able to produce flagship phones that are thin. The Samsung Galaxy S25 looks miniscule in comparison.

There’s a sim card tray that can be found at the top – although depending on your region – this may be missing, with US versions switching to eSim only. The stereo speakers are impressively loud for a smaller phone. 

The 10 Pro gives you a 6.3inch screen, and this has been updated slightly, with a brighter peak brightness this year (at 3300 peak, rather than 3000 peak on the 9 Pro). This is also one of the main differences between the 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL, screen size, battery size, and overall dimensions and weight. If you want the best possible camera system in a Pixel phone, you don’t have to compromise when you choose a smaller phone.  

Camera app… 

The camera app can seem both simpler, and at times more complex, for example, if you’re used to having a small number of shooting modes (with more hidden in another menu), then you may feel that the Pixel has too many modes. However, if you’re used to there being more modes available (even when hidden) then you may find this camera app looks fairly basic at first glance.  

Either way, I got used to the app quickly, with built-in explanations when you first use a feature, and more settings available when needed. The toggle between photo and video modes is a nice touch, and once in the video mode you can find all the different video shooting modes.  

You can very quickly access the camera app, even when the phone is locked, by double-pressing the power button on the side of the phone.  

It’s all fairly standard stuff, with the photo mode offering action pan, long exposure, add me, portrait, photo, night sight and panorama. Night sight will automatically activate in most modes as needed, when a dark enough scene is detected. 

Video mode offers pan, blur, standard video mode, night sight, slow motion, and time lapse. Additional options for video include a speed enhancement option, audio zoom, and video format options. If you do want a flat video mode, switching on Video boost will enable this (but with other limitations and issues which I’ll cover later).  

When you do go looking for advanced photo options you might find some of this fairly limited, with only two aspect ratio options available (16:9 and 4:3 – where is 1:1 etc?). However, there are options for shooting at 50MP, shooting RAW, and setting manual settings including the shutter speed and ISO etc (bottom right).  

There are a number of AI editing features available in playback, with many available without an internet connection. There are also tools that require an internet connection to work, and gives you some of the more advanced features, including generative fill etc. 

Performance

In good lighting, the Pixel 10 Pro is capable of taking some extremely pleasing looking images, with great colour reproduction without being too saturated. There are times when the auto white balance can be a little too cold, but this can be adjusted when needed.

Pixel 10 Pro · f/1.7 · 1/1009s · 2.02mm · ISO47

The cameras give consistent results, whether you use the ultra-wide, the wide, or the telephoto, and the 2x and 10x options also give impressive results. The 5x telephoto camera is a periscope design, but one that isn’t optimised for macro or close-up photography. This is unfortunate as I’ve seen extremely impressive results from other brands that do offer this.

Using the zoom, once you get to a certain level of zoom “Pro Res Zoom” steps in and uses generative AI tools to add detail to the image. This can work really well at times for some subjects, but look artificial at other times.

Pixel 10 Pro · f/1.68 · 1/100s · 6.9mm · ISO97

Close-ups can be taken with the main camera, or you can use the ultra-wide-angle camera thanks to this having auto-focus. Results are good enough, but don’t match some other phones.

Night photography, remains a major strength in this phone, and the mode will automatically activate when lighting levels are low. It can be used with any camera, whether that’s the ultra-wide, wide-angle or telephoto camera, and results are quite impressive, although images can look soft when viewed at full size. Results will vary depending on a number of factors, with worse results in darker conditions, as expected.

Put it on a solid surface such as a wall, a beanbag, or a tripod with phone adapter, and the astrophotography features become incredibly impressive offering exposures in the minutes rather than seconds.  

Pixel 10 Pro · f/1.68 · 1/1923s · 6.9mm · ISO286

Portraits – 1x and 2x options are available, but not 5x. In comparison Samsung phones (depending on the model) give you 1x, 2x, and 3x options (and 5x option on the S24/S25 Ultra models). The lens is there, why not give the option to use it? 

Pixel 10 Pro · f/2.2 · 1/54s · 2.713mm · ISO77

The selfie camera gives good results, with the portrait mode giving a pleasingly blurred background.

Video – Video Boost is literally the worst thing I’ve ever used. I hate it with a passion. What were Google thinking when they created this awful system? Nobody really needs 8K video, but if you do, then the way it’s implemented on Pixel phones has got to be the worst way possible.  

If you want 8K video, here’s the process: switch on Video Boost, record 4K video, make sure your video is backed up to the cloud (you have to sign in to enable this), wait till Google processes your video, and then WAIT for an 8K video file to download to your phone. You MUST have enough space on your Google account, don’t worry though, you can pay Google more money to upgrade it. I’m still waiting for the on-phone processing promised when the 9 Pro was announced last year: The Google Pixel 9 Pro does NOT record 8K video (despite what Google say).

It’s almost as though this feature was simply made to sell your more Google storage. Accidentally leave video boost switched on and you get a Full HD video (processed with stabilisation) along with a 4K video that is unprocessed and lacking stabilisation. Outside of this issue, video recorded using the phone looks good and stabilisation does a good job of keeping it steady.

Value for money 

The Pixel 10 Pro offers a lot of cameras for the price, however, the inclusion of 128GB storage, rather than a larger amount is disappointing for the price. If you regularly record 4K video, then this is likely to run out fast.

Compared to the Pixel 9 Pro, there’s slightly improved battery life, slightly improved screen, and improved speakers, as well as Bluetooth v6.0, and it’s slightly heavier. If you already have the 9 Pro, there’s little reason to upgrade to this model. So if you want to save money, then the 9 Pro is available for roughly $350 less if you shop around.

Alternatives include the Samsung Galaxy S25 a whole $200 cheaper, and the iPhone 16 Pro which is priced at the same price as the Pixel 10 Pro. What you’ll notice here is that Android phones are normally priced lower than iPhones, here Google think this shouldn’t apply to them. I would disagree, and think Google should offer more storage, or a lower price point. 

Verdict 

Google’s Pixel phones have always been about making high-end / advanced photography features accessible whether you’ve got photography skills or not, and in this regard, the 10 Pro continues with this tradition. The new Camera Coach being even more beginner friendly, and it’s similar (but different) to Samsung’s “Shot suggestion” feature. The good news here is that you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to.

Pixel 10 Pro · f/1.68 · 1/405s · 6.9mm · ISO18

The same issues I had with the 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL still apply to the new 10 Pro, namely, macro performance doesn’t match the competition, and 8K video is only offered as an AI/cloud based feature, where you have to wait for your video to be processed before you have access to the 8K footage (while you’re waiting, you only get access to Full HD processed, or unprocessed 4K footage). This can be extremely frustrating if you accidentally leave ‘Video Boost’ switched on. Why not simply offer real 8K video recording like everyone else?

Ignoring these issues, and ignoring the paltry 128GB storage on offer, the Pixel 10 Pro is a lovely phone, but one that feels like poor value for money compared to the 9 Pro which is considerably cheaper. This is where the 10 Pro, even though it’s an excellent phone, doesn’t really do enough to justify the higher price. Other brands offer 8K video, cheaper prices, more storage, and if you shop around and go outside the mainstream models, you’ll also find better macro performance. When the Pixel 10 Pro price drops, or you find a great deal now, it’s worth buying, but otherwise I’m sure you’ll be just as happy with the previous model.

Like the 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL before it, the 10 Pro does an impressive job of delivering great results from all the cameras, plus 2x and 10x images, which makes it feel like you’ve got five cameras on the back of the phone, rather than three. The 10 Pro gives you images that are genuinely pleasing.

The post Google Pixel 10 Pro Review – A small masterpiece, but with one big issue appeared first on Amateur Photographer.

Vivo V60 at a glance:

• 50MP f/1.9, 23mm equivalent, PDAF, OIS main camera
• 50MP f/2.73 73mm equivalent PDAF, OIS periscope 3x telephoto camera 
• 8MP f/2.0 15mm equivalent,120˚ FOV ultra-wide camera
• 50MP f/2.2 21mm equivalent AF, selfie camera 
• 4K 60p rear, (4K 30p front)
• 6.77” screen 5000nits (peak), 120Hz, AMOLED 
• 6500mAh battery, 90W wired flash charge
• 163.2×76.7×7.5mm, 192g, IP68 & IP69

Vivo is an up-and-coming Chinese brand available mostly in Asian, Middle-eastern and European markets, offering Zeiss co-engineered lenses in its smartphones. The Vivo V60, the latest midrange smartphone in their repertoire, now features three cameras – although at the cost of resolution for the ultra-wide unit, and comes only six months after the Vivo V50 was released. Other improvements include a new 10x telephoto stage portrait option, a bigger battery, and a brighter screen.

We review smartphones from the perspective of choosing a smartphone for its photography and camera performance, so we’ll be starting by looking at what the VivoV60 offers in terms of the cameras and what features are included for photography and video.

Vivo V60 – Features

The main difference for photography, a new 50MP periscope telephoto unit (3x), with 3x optical and a 10-100x digital zoom, with an f2.7 aperture and 73mm equivalent field of view. This is the same telephoto Sony IMX882 sensor that you find in the flagship X200FE. However, to achieve this otherwise useful telephoto unit, Vivo sacrificed the resolution of the ultra-wide camera (0.6x) to only 8MP, down from the previous 50MP.

But don’t forget that often when you see 50MP, that doesn’t mean you are actually taking photos at that resolution. With pixel binning technology, you take images at 12MP from a 50MP sensor. This method couples neighbouring pixels together, to make the snsor more sensitive to light and take better images at night and low light. So, unless you shoot in High resolution mode (found under More tab) you are shooting at 12MP from the 50MP sensors too. And in reality, you will find yourself wanting to zoom in on things more often rather than wishing for an ultra-wide view. That said 8MP is a fairly low.

Both 50MP main (1x) and telephoto (3x) cameras have PDAF (Phase detection autofocus) and benefit from OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation). This helps counter blurred images caused by shaky hands and improves low-light performance, as it helps you create sharper images at longer shutter speeds at night.

Video is available for the main 1x and 3x telephoto cameras at 4K60p and for the selfie camera at 4K30p resolution. It has a bigger battery size at 6500mAh and supports 90W wired fast charging and reverse charging too. The V60 runs on Android 15 and Vivo promises 4 years of androoid software updates.

Vivo V60 – Build and Handling

The V60 is a larger-bodied device with a 6.77” curved AMOLED screen, which has a 1500nits global and 5000nits peak brightness. I’ve found it easy to see even in very bright sunlight. The borders look a little thick, but at least they stay the same width all around. 

It is also quite slim at only 7.53mm, despite housing a large battery. The front and back is made of glass, with metallic-coloured, but plastic edges. It has a high water and dust resistance rating at IP68 and IP69 and employs a Schott Xensation Core glass to further protect the screen. Vivo also supplies the V60 with a screen protector already applied, a soft silicon case and a 90W charger.

I tested the iridescent Summer Blue colour way that looks a bit like mother-of-pearl. A unique and beautiful finish, a shame that the supplied case is not see-through to show it off. You can also choose from a Berry Purple, Ocean Blue, Desert Gold, and Mist Gray version.

Vivo V60 – Photo app

By default, the regular photo mode opens with the usual Night, Portrait, and  Video modes alongside a Micro movie option, which is essentially a recording and editing suite with built-in video filters. You can edit and return to record a short clip to add to your footage easily.
You can enable a quick launch option in the settings, and open the camera by double pressing the lower volume button, and take a quick photo by pressing it for the third time. I found that setting this to Snapshot mode gives a super quick street photo camera setup, as it can take up to 20 images in burst. I especially liked that you can customise the main menu and remove or add modes that you use the most.

Some new features in portrait mode include two new focal lengths for the Zeiss Portrait lens kit, an 85mm and a 100mm option, ideal for shoulder-length portraits or close-ups of the face. In Aura light, your flash unit doubles up as a continuous light with adjustable colour temperature and brightness. There are portrait filter options that leverage this and create popular portrait lighting looks such as Rembrandt or Butterfly lighting.

The new 10x Stage mode automatically recognises stage scenes using AI and adjusts parameters for more optimal image capture at concerts and performances. Other AI features include magic erase, move, expander, enhance and four seasons portrait (for more info about these see check out the X200FE review). Swiping up from the bottom a film camera mode opens with various filters and borders to choose from. Whereas under the more tab you’ll find a High-res option to shoot at the sensor’s full resolution and a Pro and RAW mode amongst others.

To my surprise, there’s a dedicated underwater photography mode here, which wasn’t included in the flagship X200FE. The V60 has a high IP68&IP69 dust and water resistance rating, just like the X200FE which suggests you can immerse it up to 1.5m depth in fresh water for 30 minutes. It offers a water eject option after using this mode, which will play a piece of music at full volume to dispel any water. Make sure that the charging port is properly dried out before you connect your phone. This all sounds interesting, but in reality phone manufacturers don’t cover water damage even if they advertise their phones as immersible or include underwater photography modes. So if you want to use your phone underwater, I still recommend you get a proper case for it. 

Vivo V60 – Image quality and performance

Colours are well matched between the three lenses, but upon close scrutiny, you can see some oversharpening, especially from the telephoto lens results. The 0.6x is the weakest performer, but it can be a nice to have when you need a wider field of view.

With the telephoto camera, results are generally good and usable up until the 10x zoom; above this, the AI sharpening kicks in and can create some unrealistic results depending on your subject, as you will see. As for the 100x option, it is more of a marketing gimmick than a real tool in most cases.

vivo V60 · f/2.65 · 1/323s · 13.85mm · ISO71

Where the V60 excels, in my opinion, is portrait photography. You get a very comprehensive portrait mode with Zeiss portrait lens options, five focal lengths available to shoot anything between environmental, half-length, or traditional and close-up portraits. Furthermore, you can choose between various bokeh shape options and colour filters, not to mention the aura light filters.

vivo V60 · f/5.6 · 1/100s · 13.85mm · ISO161

The Selfie camera has the same bokeh effects available as the main portrait mode, as well as various beauty and makeup options. Below, the Biotar bokeh option was selected at f/0.95. Pushing the bokeh slider to this strongest setting, the background appears very out of focus; although the effect looks unrealistic. It detected edges relatively well, but you may need to reposition yourself to get a more even look. Just above my shoulder, and around my fly-away hairs, the separation is not as good as the bokeh was set to the strongest. But as soon as I opted for the f/1.4 or higher option, this wasn’t so noticeable.

vivo V60 · f/0.95 · 1/50s · 3.09mm · ISO79

As the 0.6x ultrawide lens has a fixed focus you won’t get close enough to your subject to take good close-ups. For macro photography, the 1x main (23mm equivalent) and the 3x telephoto (73mm equivalent) cameras will be the ones you want to use; they are brighter, have higher resolution, and also benefit from autofocus and image stabilisation. Using the portrait mode to adjust how much the background appears out of focus can help elevate your images as well.

vivo V60 · f/1.88 · 1/2817s · 5.56mm · ISO50

In Night mode images are more detailed compared to using the regular photo mode at night. The main 1x lens (23mm equivalent) delivers the best results here, given that it is also the brightest. The ultrawide 0.6x lens (16mm equivalent) on the other hand noticeably lags behind, with images appearing soft and lacking detail. The periscope telephoto lens between 2-10x zoom yields the best results.

vivo V60 · f/1.9 · 1/5s · 5.56mm · ISO5714

Vivo V60 – Value for money

The V50’s price at launch was around €600/512GB so I am expecting to see a similar price range for the V60 version. If you are looking for something slightly cheaper take a look at the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. Or if you are willing to spend a bit more the Google Pixel 9a can be a good option at $496/£359 for 128GB or $599/£449 for 256GB version, although there is no telephoto camera, just digital/hybrid zoom.

Vivo V60 – Verdict

The Vivo V60 is a well-rounded midrange smartphone that delivers excels in portrait photography and also has a solid telephoto performance. Its versatile Zeiss-enhanced camera system stands out, whereas the bright AMOLED display, and impressive battery life make it an attractive choice. Its slim build, premium finish, and strong IP ratings add to its appeal. However, the drop in ultra-wide resolution and some aggressive AI sharpening at higher zoom levels limit its versatility for certain shooting scenarios. For mobile photographers who prioritise portraits and telephoto reach over ultra-wide quality, the V60 is a strong contender in its price range.

Vivo V60 – Full Specifications

The post Vivo V60 review – Zeiss cameras shine, but ultrawide takes a hit appeared first on Amateur Photographer.

When it comes to phone sizes, most manufacturers seem to be set on the idea for the best smartphones for photography that ‘the bigger the better’, so with the X200 FE, it is nice to have a compact flagship that fits comfortably in your hand for a change. Despite its small size, it packs a punch with Zeiss co-engineered lenses that are nicely complemented by comprehensive shooting modes, impressively stabilised video performance, and the cherry on top, a huge 6500mAh battery.

Before getting into more detail, it’s important to note that the X200FE is not officially available in the UK or the US, and I would generally avoid using grey market sites that might list it. In Europe, it is priced around €799, sitting just below the larger X200 and Vivo X200Pro. That said, the X200FE is not far behind what’s packed inside the bigger models.

Vivo X200FE at a glance:

• 50MP f/1.88 main camera, OIS
• 50MP f/2.65 telephoto camera, Sony IMX882 1/2” sensor, 3x optical zoom, OIS
• 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera FOV 120°, with fixed focus
• 50MP f/2.0 selfie camera with AF
• 4K 30/60fps, 1080p 30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS, 
• 6.31in, 120Hz AMOLED, ZEISS Master Color Display, 5000nits peak brightness
• 6500mAh battery, 90W fast charging, reverse charge
• MediaTek Dimensity9300+ processor
• 12/16GB RAM, 256/512GB storage
• Funtouch 15 based on Android 15
• 186g

Vivo X200FE  – Features

Continuing its partnership with German lens manufacturer Zeiss, the VIVO X200FE has a triple lens setup with two Zeiss-backed 50 MP cameras and an 8MP ultra-wide camera at the rear. And another 50 MP camera for selfies.

The main wide-angle (1x) camera with 50MP resolution has the brightest f/1.8 aperture out of the three and a 1/1.56” Sony sensor. It gives a 23mm equivalent field of view and comes with effective optical image stabilisation (OIS) as well as PDAF (phase-detection auto-focus). The bright aperture and OIS makes this camera most suited for low-light shots.

The ultra-wide camera (0.6x) has a f/2.0 aperture and 16mm equivalent field of view and is backed by a 1/4.0” sensor, but it lacks autofocus and has only a modest 8MP resolution. This is the weakest point of the X200FE’s camera specs, setting it behind similarly priced competitors as most feature 12MP wide-angle camera.

But what it may lack in the ultra-wide section makes up for with the telephoto camera, the 50MP, f/2.7 periscope telephoto unit has a 70mm equivalent focal range with 3x optical zoom and 100x digital zoom as well as OIS and PDAF. Finally, there’s the 50MP selfie camera with f/2.0 aperture and a 20mm equivalent wide-angle field of viewing and phase detection autofocus so you don’t need to worry about hitting the lens’ sweet spot for sharp selfies.

Vivo X200FE  – Build and handling

Compact phones are a rarity these days, and the X200FE nails the balance of portability and performance. It’s only slightly larger than an iPhone 16 but offers nearly double the battery capacity. The aluminium frame, flat glass display, and pastel glass back give it a distinctive, youthful look. Available in blue, yellow, and pink, it ships with a matching case, screen protector, and 90W fast charger, but unfortunately, it doesn’t support wireless charging.

Despite the big battery, it’s just 7.9mm thick, and the thin 1.32mm bezels make the display feel expansive. The IP68 and IP69 ratings mean it’s protected from dust, water immersion, and high-pressure jets.

The 6.31-inch AMOLED is crisp, bright, and colour-accurate thanks to Zeiss Master Color calibration. It peaks at 5000nits (global 1800nits) — perfect for outdoor use. Refresh rates adapt between 120/90/72/60Hz for efficiency.

Vivo X200FE  – Camera app

Vivo’s camera apps are very comprehensive, and the X200FE offers various shooting modes and built-in filters too. By default Photo mode opens with 0.6, 1, 2, 3, and 10x options up to 100x digital zoom. There is also Live Photo, HDR, and 16 different filters available here. In settings on the top right corner you can toggle on Smart focus, and by double-tapping on your subject you can also lock focus.

In Portrait mode, there are eight Zeiss bokeh effects to choose from, as well as personalised portrait filters and aura light filters. The latter will illuminate your subject with a constant light and emulate flattering portrait lighting setups such as Rembrandt or Butterfly lighting. There are also beauty filters to smooth skin and adjust features. Images shot in this mode have the added benefit of bokeh adjustment after the image was taken. 

Night mode has an astro and super moon feature and 9 different picture styles. You will also find the usual video, pano, time-lapse and slo-mo modes available in addition to the snapshot, micro video and street photography mode. Micro movie is essentially a mini movie studio with pre-sets, where you can record short clips and cut them together. Under the More tab there is a Food photography mode, but no dedicated Macro mode which seems like an oversight. A praiseworthy addition here is Portrait video mode, with bokeh adjustment and a portrait enhancement button, and a Pro mode that includes RAW capture.

The new Street photography mode opens by swiping up from the bottom of the screen or by double-tapping the volume button. It supports high-speed shooting in burst mode (also available in Photo and snapshot modes) to capture fast-moving subjects and help you nail that decisive moment. Choose between original colour or black and white options, and bokeh control outside of portrait mode.

AI Features

• AI Four Seasons portrait: turn on this feature in portrait mode, select a season, and take a photo. It requires internet access and will take a few seconds to process. If you don’t have any vegetation in the scene, it will adjust the colours to match the season or add a cover of snow on top of objects. If you don’t like the results, you can always generate again.
• AI Magic Move: lets you resize and reposition elements by long-tapping on them while in the default gallery app.
• AI Image Expand: extends the edges and creates a bigger picture, with realistic-looking results
• AI Erase and Reflection Erase: does a good job detecting the item you want to remove after roughly circling around it, and effectively removes glass reflections too.
• AI Photo Enhance: a tool to edit your image just by one tap

Vivo X200FE  – Image quality and performance

Images look detailed and sharp, with colours and exposure consistent between the three lenses. Dynamic range is good, with a pleasing amount of detail in shadows and well-preserved highlights. Even without HDR enabled the X200FE tackled tricky high contrast scenes easily. It can sometimes go overboard with the sharpening, but it is only noticeable if you go pixel peeping on a computer screen. 

Using the telephoto lens at 3x optical zoom, there is a slight loss of detail and softness, but the results are still very nice. Pushing into the digital zoom above 3x images are still generally good up to about the 10x mark. But above this, the AI Image Algorithm can make details look, well, AI-looking. This feature is turned on by default, but you can turn it off in settings under Super telephoto enhancement. On the other hand, it does control camera shake and distortion well, resulting in crisp shots that will definitely look great on social media.

The 8MP ultra-wide angle lens as expected is the weakest performer, but it is still a nice to have on board, and fair well in good lighting conditions.

Portrait mode’s Zeiss lens selection (including 23mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 100mm) is backed by main 1x and the periscope telephoto lens. Here skin tones are rendered naturally, with good detail in hair and facial features, maybe even too good, if I think about my dark circles. If you stick to Portrait mode you have the option to change the amount of bokeh after the photo was taken.

This way even if you selected the wrong aperture, you can fine-tune the depth of field and create a more realistic-looking fall off between subject and background later on. Given that this option is computational, not a physical, lens-based aperture adjustment it would have been nice to include it with the selfie camera too. As with selfies you can only adjust bokeh in an oval, or linear selection after the photo was taken.

vivo X200 FE · f/0.95 · 1/350s · 3.09mm · ISO50

For this selfie above, the sun was almost directly behind me and the phone did a great job balancing out the exposure. At f/0.95 the background is of course completely out of focus, with an abrupt fall off from the subject, at this aperture setting I had to reposition myself a little bit for it to properly detect edges and separate me from the background. You can expect sharp and focused selfies as the 50MP front camera delivers very nice detailed shots and benefits from quick and accurate autofocus. With the bokeh slider pushed to its smoothest limit, it is still able to distinguish between subject and background exceptionally well and doesn’t struggle with flyaway hairs.

vivo X200 FE · f/1.9 · 1/35s · 5.56mm · ISO609

Night and low light photography didn’t disappoint either, the main and also brightest 1x lens with an f/1.8 aperture handled these scenarios best, but the telephoto unit wasn’t far behind either. I especially liked the dedicated colour filters in night mode.

vivo X200 FE · f/1.9 · 1/160s · 5.56mm · ISO72

There is no dedicated macro mode, but you can get nice results from the main and the 3x telephoto unit.
With the Burst option in Street photography mode you can capture a busy street scene and passers by while also having precise control over white balance, shutter speed, bokeh, EV and metering.

The Vivo X200FE doesn’t try to wow you with 6 or 8K recording and the likes, it shoots 4K60p video in regular video mode and HD 60p with the ultra stabilisation switched on. But it has one of the best image stabilisation on board I’ve seen. It works like a charm and really steadies the footage even when I zoom in. 

Vivo X200FE  – Value for money

Vivo has a more limited global availability, so you won’t find one at official UK or US retailers. Be cautious with grey market and third-party imports you see online, as they will lack warranty and customer support. You can pick one up, though, in most European countries for around €799, with further availability in the Middle-East and Asia. 

The closest alternatives in this price range with a similarly compact body are the Xiaomi 15 and Samsung Galaxy S25. Spending a little more the Xiaomi 15 at around  €799 / £899 packs more in terms of camera specs with a triple 50MP camera setup and 8K video capability, but you get a significantly smaller battery at 5240mAh and just like the X200FE this device is not officially available in the US either.

A more easily obtainable option, the Samsung Galaxy S25 ($799 / £799 / €871) has a slightly smaller 6.2in screen and a 50MP main, 10MP telephoto and 12MP ultra wide camera on board, but it trades off battery capacity (4000mAh) for a more compact and lightweight 162g design. Overall, the VivoX200FE represents great value, with a good set of cameras and powerful battery life. The trick is to find it in your territory.

NIKON Z 7_2 · f/2 · 1/200s · 35mm · ISO200

Vivo X200FE  – Verdict

The X200FE is ideal for those who are craving a camera phone with well rounded camera specs and comprehensive shooting modes. Yes, the ultra-wide camera’s resolution is lower than its competitors, but the Zeiss-backed main and telephoto unit tackles portraits, street scenes and night photos impressively. While video recording is supported by a very effective stabilisation. It is a standout choice for a small-bodied smartphone for photography, assuming you can source it in your country. 

Vivo X200FE – Full specifications

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For most people this is all the phone you’ll ever need, and could be the best camera phone from Samsung, without going all the way up to a huge S25 Ultra, especially if you’re looking to save some money. However, it would be nice if the S25 series got the 5x lens, and anti-reflective screen coating from the Ultra model. Find out how it performs as I put this phone through its paces. The S25+ is almost as big as the S25 Ultra, do you really need the Ultra?

At a glance 

• 50MP f/1.8 24mm equivalent, PDAF, OIS main camera 
• 12MP f/2.2 13mm equivalent, FF, ultra-wide camera 
• 10MP f/2.4 67mm equivalent, PDAF OIS telephoto camera 
• 12MP f/2.2 26mm equivalent, PDAF, selfie-camera 
• 8K 30/24p video main (4K from others)  
• 6.7inch screen, 2600nits (peak), 120Hz, Dynamic AMOLED 
• 4900mAh battery (45W wired, 15W wireless) 
• 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3mm, 190g, IP68

The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is part of Samsung’s flagship range of phones, with the S25 Ultra at the top, and the largest, with the S25 and S25 Plus under this offering a triple camera setup.

Features

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ (like the S25) has a triple camera setup on the back with an ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto cameras. The main difference between these two phones lies in the screen size and battery size, more on this later.  

The 50MP main wide-angle (1x) is the best camera on the phone with the largest sensor and brightest aperture (f/1.8), and is the most likely to be used. It gives a 24mm equivalent field of view, and comes with optical image stabilisation (OIS) as well as PDAF (phase-detection auto-focus). Optical image stabilisation will help keep shots sharp when using slower shutter speeds, for example when shooting in low-light. 

The next camera is the 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera (0.6x) with f/2.2 aperture, but unfortunately there is no auto-focus (AF), which rules out using this lens for macro photography, as it simply won’t be in focus. 

The third rear camera is the 10MP telephoto camera, thankfully, this also has OIS, and offers a 3x telephoto reach, equivalent to 67mm, with f/2.4 aperture, and phase-detection auto-focus (PDAF).

Finally, there’s the 12MP selfie-camera, which includes auto-focus (AF), a 26mm equivalent wide-angle view, and an f/2.2 aperture, as well as supporting 4K video recording. 

This main camera can record 8K video, whereas the other cameras can record 4K video, more on this later.

S25 vs S25+ models 

The camera units on the S25 and S25+ (S25 Plus) are both identical. Where the difference lies is in the physical size, with the S25+ featuring a larger 6.7inch screen, compared to the 6.2inch screen on the S25. The S25+ also offers a higher resolution screen as a result, and the base model starts at 256GB, compared to 128GB on the S25.

Battery life is another area where the S25+ benefits from the larger size, as the S25+ comes with a 4900mAh battery (and faster 45W charging), compared to the 4000mAh battery (and 25W charging) on the S25. Which you choose will most likely come down to personal preference, but the good news is that both offer the same camera system, so your photos won’t be affected.

Handling and Design 

The phone feels very well built, and has a stylish band made of metal running around the sides of the phone with a premium feel (and look), the colour of this varies depending on what colour phone you get. One issue I have with Samsung phones, is that they don’t provide any kind of additional screen protection in the box, which means you need to be careful with the screen, as I found out to my detriment with the S25+. A lot of budget phones come with a thin screen protector in a box, that helps keep your phone scratch free for longer, and even Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 isn’t perfect.  

The screen has a relatively thin border, and this remains the same width all the way around the phone (something that budget phones often lack), with a neat curve in the corners. The screen is flat all the way over, with completely flat screens having benefits that, in my opinion, outweigh the looks of curved screens. 

The S25+ in this review is the Navy Blue colour. There are some nice colour options available (including my favourite Navy Blue), but there are additional, exclusive, colours available on Samsung’s website (Coral red and Pink gold) as well.  

Photo app… 

The photo app starts off with the basic photo mode, being extremely easy to use, however if you want more control you can find that in the MORE option with Pro giving you manual controls, and if you want, you can add Expert RAW which lets you shoot raw photos (rather than just JPEG images). 

All the usual shooting modes are available as well, including portrait, video, Pro video, night, food, panorama, slow motion, hyperlapse, portrait video, dual rec, and single take, in addition to the modes mentioned above.  

Photo editing options include a good range of settings, and you can also use Samsung Galaxy AI to edit photos, with photo assist, drawing assist, audio eraser, and photo ambient wallpaper to name just a few of the AI features included.   

Like all Samsung phones, you can quickly double-press the power button, and this will open the camera app, ready to shoot. Double press it again, and it will switch from the rear camera to the selfie camera (and vice-versa). Press the volume button(s) up or down, and you can use this to take a photo. This makes it really quick and easy to take photos, without having to unlock the phone first. 

Performance 

It doesn’t matter too much which camera you use, you’re going to get pleasing colours from all of them, especially when shooting in good light. In low-light, the best results can be found by using the main camera. Speaking of the main 50MP camera, it outputs 12MP images on default settings, and images have good levels of detail (but not outstanding).

Using the ultra-wide-angle camera, noise is well controlled, and images look well-corrected with minimal distortion visible. Images can look a little bit soft if you view them at 100%, but I don’t know of many people who do this, other than people who review cameras.

There’s also the option to zoom beyond 3x telephoto zoom, with the camera offering up to 30x digital zoom, however I wouldn’t recommend using this as the results lack detail and give a blurred image (an example of 10x can be found later in the review, and is perhaps the most I’d recommend using). In low-light the camera will automatically activate the Night mode, when it’s dark enough to warrant this, but for better results, and to ensure night mode is properly activated I’d recommend manually selecting it.

Galaxy S25+ · f/1.8 · 1/50s · 5.4mm · ISO80

Taking close-ups with the main camera can work relatively well, as long as you don’t get too close to the subject. If you do, you’ll spot a lot of blur around your image. A plate of food, for example, looks great, but a close-up of a small cake can be a struggle. The food mode will boost the colours giving an image that you might find a bit too colourful, but your own personal tastes may be different to mine.

Galaxy S25+ · f/1.8 · 1/50s · 5.4mm · ISO80

You can try and get close-ups using the 3x option on the camera, but if the subject is too close, then it will simply use the main camera and crop the image, without warning. This means you’ll only find out when you check the EXIF data on the image after shooting.

Galaxy S25+ · f/2.4 · 1/675s · 7mm · ISO25

Using the telephoto camera, photos look good, with nice levels of detail considering the “low” resolution of a 10MP sensor. Photos are saved as 12MP images to match the photos you take with the other cameras on the phone. 

Galaxy S25+ · f/2.4 · 1/50s · 7mm · ISO50

Portrait mode can be used for subjects other than just people, and here I’ve used it in combination with the 3x telephoto camera to take this portrait of a cat, with a nicely blurred background (bokeh).

Selfie camera – with a 12MP selfie camera, and auto-focus, shots are clear and detailed, with the AF system ensuring the main subject has the correct focus point. This is often one of the first things to go missing from budget orientated phones, so it’s nice to see auto-focus here, as expected. This also benefits vlogging, and using the selfie camera for video recording.  

Galaxy S25+ · f/2.4 · 1/984s · 7mm · ISO25

Video options are more advanced than you might expect, with 8K available from the main camera, and 4K available from all the other cameras (including the selfie camera). There are plenty of options including stabilisation (on by default), as well as “Super steady” options, and a smooth zoom slider feature to help when zooming in and out. There’s also HDR video recording as standard, plus numerous audio options (in advanced settings). Video quality looks really good, and if you’re looking for a camera for YouTube, you’ll find there are a lot of people out there that use Samsung phones for video recording. You can also record Log in Pro video mode if you want! 

Value for money 

This phone, now that it’s been out for a while, can be found for around $795 / £799 (if you shop around) for the 256GB version (depending on colour) – this makes it cheaper than many other flagship phones and is a good deal. If you’re looking for a competitor that offers similar features, then you’re looking at the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (with 6.8inch screen), Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (with 6.9inch screen), and S25 Ultra (with 6.9inch screen) as the most obvious competitors. Perhaps the only phone that could beat the S25+ for both value and features is the S24 FE (with 6.7inch screen), or the S25 FE, when Samsung release that.

Verdict 

For people looking for an affordable Android smartphone, without completely breaking the bank, with a good range of cameras, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ offers an excellent all-round package. There’s very little to complain about, although you might want more than the base 256GB especially if you plan on using the phone for video recording, or plan on keeping the phone for several years.  

Galaxy S25+ · f/2.4 · 1/50s · 7mm · ISO64

An area I’d like to see Samsung improve, is in the macro performance, but until Samsung offer periscope macro they’re not going to match (or beat) other brands. The S25+ has very limited macro abilities, having to rely on close focus from the main camera, or using the telephoto camera and hoping that the subject isn’t too close. If you can look past these issues, then you get a phone that’s a pleasure to use, and by going for one with larger storage you should have a phone that lasts many years, thanks to Samsung offering 7 years of updates.

This is the phone I’d buy if the S25 Ultra was too expensive, and for a lot of people it’s just a little bit too big, and a little bit too expensive. It’s a shame the anti-reflective coating is only found on the Ultra models in the range, as it really is impressive.

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Galaxy S25+ · f/2.4 · 1/677s · 7mm · ISO25

The post Samsung Galaxy S25+ Review – everything you need but cheaper than the Ultra appeared first on Amateur Photographer.

For most people this is all the phone you’ll ever need, and could be the best camera phone from Samsung, without going all the way up to a huge S25 Ultra, especially if you’re looking for a smaller phone. However, it would be nice if the S25 series got the 5x lens, and anti-reflective screen coating from the Ultra model. Find out how it performs as I put this phone through its paces.

At a glance 

• 50MP f/1.8 24mm equivalent, PDAF, OIS main camera 
• 12MP f/2.2 13mm equivalent, FF, ultra-wide camera 
• 10MP f/2.4 67mm equivalent, PDAF OIS telephoto camera 
• 12MP f/2.2 26mm equivalent, PDAF, selfie-camera 
• 8K 30/24p video main (4K from others)  
• 6.2inch screen, 2600nits (peak), 120Hz, Dynamic AMOLED 
• 4000mAh battery (25W wired, 15W wireless) 
• 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2mm, 162g 

The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is part of Samsung’s flagship range of phones, with the S25 Ultra at the top, and the largest, with the S25 and S25 Plus under this offering a triple camera setup, and for those that like the idea of a small phone, the S25 is Samsung’s best offering – outside of Samsung’s flip and fold phones. 

Features

The Samsung Galaxy S25 (and S25+) has a triple camera setup on the back with an ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto cameras. The main difference between these two phones lies in the screen size and battery size, more on this later.  

The 50MP main wide-angle (1x) is the best camera on the phone with the largest sensor and brightest aperture (f/1.8), and is the most likely to be used. It gives a 24mm equivalent field of view, and comes with optical image stabilisation (OIS) as well as PDAF (phase-detection auto-focus). Optical image stabilisation will help keep shots sharp when using slower shutter speeds, for example when shooting in low-light. 

The next camera is the 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera (0.6x) with f/2.2 aperture, but unfortunately there is no auto-focus (AF), which rules out using this lens for macro photography, as it simply won’t be in focus. 

The third rear camera is the 10MP telephoto camera, thankfully, this also has OIS, and offers a 3x telephoto reach, equivalent to 67mm, with f/2.4 aperture, and phase-detection auto-focus (PDAF).

Finally, there’s the 12MP selfie-camera, which includes auto-focus (AF), a 26mm equivalent wide-angle view, and an f/2.2 aperture, as well as supporting 4K video recording. 

This main camera can record 8K video, whereas the other cameras can record 4K video.

S25 vs S25+ models 

The camera units on the S25 and S25+ (S25 Plus) are both identical. Where the difference lies is in the physical size, with the S25+ featuring a larger 6.7inch screen, compared to the 6.2inch screen on the S25. The S25+ also offers a higher resolution screen as a result, and the base model starts at 256GB, compared to 128GB on the S25.

Battery life is another area where the S25+ benefits from the larger size, as the S25+ comes with a 4900mAh battery, compared to the 4000mAh battery on the S25. Which you choose will most likely come down to personal preference, but the good news is that both offer the same camera system, so your photos won’t be affected.

Handling and Design 

The phone feels very well built, and has a stylish silver band made of metal running around the sides of the phone with a premium feel (and look). One issue I have with Samsung phones, is that they don’t provide any kind of screen protection in the box, which means you need to be careful with the screen, unless you install your own screen protector. A lot of budget phones come with a thin screen protector in a box, that helps keep your phone scratch free for longer.  

The screen has a relatively thin border, and this remains the same width all the way around the phone (something that budget phones often lack), with a neat curve in the corners. The screen is flat all the way over, with completely flat screens having benefits that, in my opinion, outweigh the looks of curved screens. 

The S25 in this review is the Silver Shadow colour. There are some nice colour options available (including my favourite Navy Blue), but there are additional, exclusive, colours available on Samsung’s website (Coral red and Pink gold).  

Photo app… 

The photo app starts off with the basic photo mode, being extremely easy to use, however if you want more control you can find that in the MORE option with Pro giving you manual controls, and if you want, you can add Expert RAW which lets you shoot raw photos (rather than just JPEG images). 

All the usual shooting modes are available as well, including portrait, video, Pro video, night, food, panorama, slow motion, hyperlapse, portrait video, dual rec, and single take, in addition to the modes mentioned above.  

Photo editing options include a good range of settings, and you can also use Samsung Galaxy AI to edit photos, with photo assist, drawing assist, audio eraser, and photo ambient wallpaper to name just a few of the AI features included.   

Like all Samsung phones, you can quickly double-press the power button, and this will open the camera app, ready to shoot. Double press it again, and it will switch from the rear camera to the selfie camera (and vice-versa). Press the volume button(s) up or down, and you can use this to take a photo. This makes it really quick and easy to take photos, without having to unlock the phone first. 

Performance 

It doesn’t matter too much which camera you use, you’re going to get pleasing colours from all of them, especially when shooting in good light. In low-light, the best results can be found by using the main camera. Speaking of the main 50MP camera, it outputs 12MP images on default settings, and images have good levels of detail (but not outstanding).

There’s also the option to zoom beyond 3x telephoto zoom, with the camera offering up to 30x digital zoom, however we wouldn’t recommend using this as the results lack detail and give a blurred image. In low-light the camera will automatically activate the Night mode, when it’s dark enough to warrant this.

Galaxy S25 · f/1.8 · 1/50s · 5.4mm · ISO64

Taking close-ups with the main camera can work relatively well, as long as you don’t get too close to the subject. If you do, you’ll spot a lot of blur around your image. A plate of food, for example, looks great, but a close-up of a small cheesecake can be a struggle. The food mode will boost the colours giving an image that you might find a bit too colourful, but your own personal tastes may be different to mine.

Galaxy S25 · f/2.2 · 1/2066s · 2.2mm · ISO50

Using the ultra-wide-angle camera, noise is well controlled, and images look well-corrected with minimal distortion visible. Images can look a little bit soft if you view them at 100%, but I don’t know of many people who do this (other than people who review cameras).

Galaxy S25 · f/2.4 · 1/1050s · 7mm · ISO25

Using the telephoto camera, photos look good, with nice levels of detail considering the “low” resolution of a 10MP sensor. Photos are saved as 12MP images to match the photos you take with the other cameras on the phone. 

Selfie camera – with a 12MP selfie camera, and auto-focus, shots are clear and detailed, with the AF system ensuring the main subject has the correct focus point. This is often one of the first things to go missing from budget orientated phones, so it’s nice to see auto-focus here, as expected. This also benefits vlogging, and using the selfie camera for video recording.  

Galaxy S25 · f/1.8 · 1/823s · 5.4mm · ISO80

Video options are well covered, with 8K available from the main camera, and 4K available from all the other cameras (including the selfie camera). There are plenty of options including stabilisation (on by default), as well as “Super steady” options, and a smooth zoom slider feature to help when zooming in and out. There’s also HDR video recording as standard, plus numerous audio options (in advanced settings). Video quality looks really good, and if you’re looking for a camera for YouTube, you’ll find there are a lot of people out there that use Samsung phones for video recording. You can also record Log in Pro video mode if you want! 

Galaxy S25 · f/1.8 · 1/6217s · 5.4mm · ISO80

Value for money 

This phone, now that it’s been out for a while, can be found for around $529 / £555 (Amazon) for the 128GB version (Samsung also offer the 256GB version for less than the RRP, directly on the website) – this puts it in competition with mid-range phones, and makes it a great deal, although I’d definitely recommend the 256GB (or larger) models if your budget can stretch to this. If you’re looking for a competitor that offers similar features, then you’re looking at the Google Pixel 9 Pro, and Apple iPhone 16 Pro, as the most obvious competitors. Perhaps the only phone that could beat the S25 for both value and features is the S24 FE, or the S25 FE, when Samsung release that.

Verdict 

For people looking for a smaller Android smartphone, with a good range of cameras, the Samsung Galaxy S25 offers an excellent all-round package. There’s very little to complain about, apart from the base model’s 128GB storage option, which feels like it’s not enough these days for a phone in a premium range, especially if you plan on using the phone for video recording.  

Galaxy S25 · f/1.8 · 1/180s · 5.4mm · ISO80

The other area I’d like to see Samsung improve, is in the macro performance, but until Samsung offer periscope macro they’re not going to match (or beat) other brands. The S25 has almost no macro abilities, apart from close focus from the main camera. If you can look past these issues, then you get a phone that’s a pleasure to use, and by going for one with larger storage you should have a phone that lasts many years, thanks to Samsung offering 7 years of updates. This is the phone I’d buy if I didn’t need a larger phone.

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Galaxy S25 · f/2.4 · 1/387s · 7mm · ISO25

The post Samsung Galaxy S25 Review – almost everything you need, but smaller appeared first on Amateur Photographer.

Historically OnePlus has boasted high-end specs for less and it is no different for its latest release, the OnePlus 13. Described by OnePlus as the ‘ultimate flagship powerhouse’, the OnePlus 13 has had everything thrown at it in hopes of toppling Apple, Samsung and Google as the best smartphone flagships. Improvements have been made to both hardware and software. It comes with an upgraded triple camera setup, a product of the on-going Hasselblad collaboration combined with OnePlus’ most advanced imaging software.

Key emphasis has also been placed on design, AI features, screen technology and waterproofing. All of which has been packed into an agile and light body and goes for a significantly lower price than equivalent models from the likes of Apple and Samsung, and even Google. The OnePlus 13 starts at $899.99/£899 for the 256GB version (Black Eclipse only), and for the 512GB version $999/£999 (all colours). Which is the same price point (in the UK) as when the OnePlus 12 launched. Compared to its predecessor, the amount you get is undeniable. There is also a OnePlus 13R in the series, which brings flagship quality to a budget friendly body.

Let’s see how the OnePlus 13 fairs…

OnePlus 13 at a glance

• Price $899.99 / £899 (256GB), $999.99 / £999 (512GB)
• 50MP main camera, f/1.6, OIS, 1/1.4″ sensor
• 50MP 120° ultra-wide-angle camera, f/2.05, 1/2.75 sensor
• 50MP 3X Triprism Telephoto camera, f/2.6, OIS, 73mm focal length, 1/1.95″ sensor
• 32MP front camera, f/2.45, fixed focus, 1/2.74″ sensor
• 4K 60fps on all cameras including front, 8K 30fps video recording available to rear cameras
• 6.82inch screen, 1-120Hz dynamic, 1600/4500 nits, Ceramic Guard glass
• Silicon NanoStack 6,000mAh battery
• OxygenOS 15, Snapdragon® 8 Elite
• Colours: Midnight Ocean (Blue), Arctic Dawn (White), and Black Eclipse (Black)
• Weight: 213g (Arctic Dawn/Black Eclipse), 210g (Midnight Ocean)
• 162.9 mm x 76.5 mm x 8.5mm (Arctic Dawn/Black Eclipse) / 162.9 mm x 76.5 mm x 8.9mm (Midnight Ocean)

OnePlus 13 – Features

Within the marketing spiel, the cameras and features on the OnePlus 13 are said to compete with the best camera phones on the market right now. So, what do they have to offer?

The main camera contains the same 50MP Sony LYT-808 1/1.4” sensor as the OnePlus 12 with a 23mm f/1.6 equivalent lens with optical image stabilisation (OIS).  The other two cameras include a 50MP ISOCELL JN5 1 /2.75” sensor, home to a 120° ultra-wide-angle lens 15mm f/2.05 equivalent, plus a 50MP ” Sony LYT-600 1/1.95″ sensor with a Triprism Telephoto lens, 73mm f/2.6 equivalent (3x optical zoom) with OIS and advanced ALC coating. Digital zoom can reach up to 120x and the OnePlus 13’s AI Telephoto function kicks in from 10x zoom.

Periscope lenses are typically used in phone camera designs, but OnePlus’s Tripism lens integrates three prisms within the camera module, allowing light to be reflected three times. This design enables the lens to achieve a longer focal length (73mm equivalent, approximately 3x optical zoom) in a smaller space. The Triprism lens is also 24% smaller and 30% lighter than traditional periscope lenses. A similar design has been seen in the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max, which sports a 5x zoom lens using a tetraprism design that reflects light four times.

Both the main and telephoto cameras have advanced ALC coating, which further enhances image quality by reducing reflectivity and minimizing glare. There is autofocus on all cameras but the front camera is still fixed focus only.

The Aqua Touch feature was first seen on the OnePlus 12, but this has been updated to the Aqua Touch 2.0, meaning you can continue to use it normally when there is water on the screen – ideal for using outside in the rain. There is also a new Glove Mode for when you are wearing gloves (of up to 0.5cm thickness).

The battery has once again seen more improvements from the OnePlus 12. The OnePlus 13 has a Silicon NanoStack 6,000mAh battery that is designed to last even longer, but also be lighter. Typically, a bigger battery usually means thicker and heavier, as seen in other phones with similar sized batteries.

The OnePlus 13 offers 80W wired fast charging with capability of reaching 1-100% charge in 36 minutes. The phone also supports 50W wireless charging using the new 50W AIRVOOC charger via a MagSafe case; as opposed to including magnets in the phone.

Using BeaconLink, new features include a Walkie Talkie function via Bluetooth, for calling emergency contacts in areas of limited network coverage, but only within 200m. Currently available on OnePlus 13 only and between OnePlus devices, with messaging to come later.

OnePlus 13 – Handling and Design

I’ve been using the brand-new Midnight Ocean colourway, with a new microfiber vegan leather back. It has a luxurious soft hand feel along with the rest of the phone it has a desirable resistance to corrosion and scratches, whilst also being more grippy than other glass models. The Arctic Dawn colourway debuts an industry-first surface-based glass coating that creates a smooth and fingerprint-resistant finish. You can also get the Black Eclipse colourway which has a wood grain effect. Each colour is a genuinely beautiful design. It’s worth pointing out the Midnight Ocean version is 3 grams lighter than the white and black colourways, as well as being 0.4mm thicker.

The OnePlus 13 has had a slight increase in screen size from the 12 (6.8” screen) to 6.82”, with a resolution of 3168 x 1440 pixels at 510ppi. It features the world’s first DisplayMate A++ Display QHD+ 120 Hz ProXDR display, which according to DisplayMate is the best on any smartphone. It delivers optimal performance in any lighting condition, with all-new RadiantView technology for readability in sunlight. It reaches a peak brightness of 1600 nits in High Brightness Mode and a maximum of 4500 nits – remaining the highest level on the smartphone market. I found the screen to be impressively bright, and everything looked sharp and clear with no problem in sunlight.

The overall phone is relatively large at 162.9 x 76.5 x 8.9mm (8.5 mm for Arctic White and Black Eclipse), but actually a couple of millimeters shorter in length than the OnePlus 12, and also lighter. Around the aluminium edges are the typical OnePlus buttons.

It fits nicely in the hand, with the quad curved glass of the screen blending seamlessly into the rest of the frame. At 210g/213g and 8.9/8.5mm thick, it is very light, smart and sleek. The screen glass is also Ceramic Guard, which is durable against scratches and drops.

Another core spec with the 13 is its IP68 and IP69 rating which makes the phone tough in unpredictable weather and a range of environments, improved from the OnePlus 12’s IP65. IP68 allows the phone to be submersed in water up to 1.5m for 30 minutes, and the IP69 rating against powerful, high-temperature water jets e.g. in a dishwasher or washing machine (up to 80 degrees Celsius). It is worth noting if the phone does happen to end up in the dishwasher, and it goes beyond temperatures of 80 degrees Celsius, you will have a problem. The phone will also work well after being in chlorinated water, but it should not enter salt water.

The OnePlus 13 comes with the latest OxygenOS 15 software and is also one of the first phones to use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. The phone will have 4 years of Android OS updates and 6 years of security updates. The new OxygenOS 15 software is lightweight and intuitive, designed to enhance user experience e.g. no lagging between changing between applications or selecting/deselecting app icons. This is something I have found to be quite seamless, with no issues found.

OnePlus 13 – Native Camera App

The phone’s native camera app can be launched from the lock screen via the bottom right corner. You can also double press the button on the side of the phone too. As we’ve seen with previous iterations of the OnePlus, as well as other Android models, the camera app is well-functioned, with a variety of different modes to take advantage of.

By default the ‘Photo’ mode opens when you launch the camera app. You can shoot with the three different lenses and digital zoom options, as well as adjust settings such as exposure compensation, aspect ratio, flash and timer.

There are three digital filters that emulate classic film-inspired looks which can be added prior to taking your photos, or changed/removed filters after the fact.

The standard photo option also includes special smart scenes: Fireworks, Stage and Silhouette, that automatically adjust ISO to the best possible for the scene.

The phone switches to night mode automatically when it detects low light, you can also opt for night mode yourself under the “more” tab. Even with night mode activated, you can select to turn it off via the icon that pops up on the screen.

Further control can be taken in Pro mode, named Master, with the option to change different parameters, including ISO, shutter speed and white balance. You have the option to shoot in raw DNG format here, but there is still no option to shoot in both raw and jpeg together. Master controls on the 13 are pretty similar to those of the Oppo Find X8 Pro.

The Portrait mode created in partnership with Hasselblad, has been upgraded and offers 1x, 2x, 3x portrait modes. Similarly to the OnePlus 12, it has been designed to recreate Hasselblad lenses such as the XCD 30, 65, and 90V.

4K 60fps Dolby Vision HDR recording is now available across all cameras, including the front. Previously on the OnePlus 12 you were limited to 1080p 30fps with HDR recording. You can freely zoom between different lenses, enable Ultra Steady Mode, adjust EV, and more. An improvement has been made to the 8K video option on the rear cameras, which now records at 30fps (24fps on OnePlus 12), it’s nice to have but I’m not sure who is going to need this regularly. Slow-mo footage can be recorded at 1080P 240 fps or 720P 480fps.

New Camera Features

AI editing features

Like most other smartphone makers, OnePlus have put some attention on AI features. It’s worth noting that OnePlus’ AI editing tools need internet connection as they are handled in the cloud.

OnePlus 13 – Image Quality and Performance

Overall, the OnePlus 13 delivers some great results in a range of environments, and from all of the lenses. Colours are vibrant and very pleasing without becoming over-saturated, they are also rather balanced, with plenty of detail shown.

Even in low light or dull light (like on a grey UK day) there are still some good results, but generally, and comparable to other flagships, the best results are in bright daylight. I have noticed the occasional variation between the 1x and 2x lens from two consecutive shots, with the 2x lens showing a slightly warmer white balance or red undertone. But overall the colours between the different options are good with minimal changes.

Similarly to the OnePlus 12 there is still some inconsistency in the digital zoom, up to a maximum of 30x zoom, the results are still good but not massively impressive. AI gives photos more details from 10x digital zoom, but beyond 30x zoom is questionable and 120x zoom is certainly not crisp or pleasing to look at.

OnePlus 13 · f/2.6 · 1/1139s · 13.85mm · ISO50

There is a ‘Macro shot’ feature, which allows you to take close-up photos. This will turn on automatically, in a similar way to Night mode in low light, when you get very close to a subject. You can also turn it on manually via the menu which then activates the telephoto lens for macro. You can also leave it on autofocus, or change to manual focus to adjust focusing yourself, which works well.

The Hasselblad collaboration comes in for Portrait mode. The results on both humans and non-human subjects are rather good against both plain and busy backgrounds. After taking a photo in Portrait mode, you can adjust the simulated aperture after capturing within the camera app’s editor to create shallower or greater depth of field.

OnePlus 13 · f/4.5 · 1/200s · 13.85mm · ISO400

The selfie camera captures some nice detail and works well too, though it is fixed focus. You can also use Portrait mode for selfies.

OnePlus 13 · f/2.4 · 1/100s · 3.23mm · ISO100

Other modes in the camera app include panoramic mode, tilt-shift and long exposure, to help you get creative. There is a high resolution mode for taking images from each sensor at full resolution, a useful mode for capturing high levels of detail.

OnePlus 13 · f/1.6 · 1/120s · 6.06mm · ISO250

Then for fast-moving subjects there is Action mode which doubles sensor output from 30fps to 60fps, and also enables panning photography. With this I found that from a distance, 10m or more, the results weren’t spectacular and human faces in particular became a bit of a blur. However, you may not really notice when viewing on a small screen. For both action mode and using Clear Burst I found a small amount of lag which has impacted the results of the images.

OnePlus 13 · f/1.6 · 1/120s · 6.06mm · ISO250

Video performance is also really good and produces great looking footage that is very smooth. UltraSteady is useful for shooting videos whilst walking or when there is lots of movement. 4K 60fps is available on all cameras including the front camera, with 8K recording on the rear cameras – which is a bonus.

OnePlus 13 – Value for money

While not the cheapest, there hasn’t been a massive hike in price from the OnePlus 12 (same price at launch in UK, +$100 in US for 256GB) and you will get even more value for money. Unfortunately, the 256GB version only comes in the Black Eclipse, so if you want the (in my opinion) nicer colours, then you’ll have to upgrade to the 512GB and pay a bit more.

The OnePlus 13 gives you lots for your money, as you’d hope at flagship price: high water and dust resistance rating, the option for wireless charging, durable build, great cameras and lots of features. The battery life is second to none, lasting more than a day (with typical use and using the camera) without needing a charge.

In our press briefing on this product, OnePlus described this phone as the “most resilient flagship phone ever” and I probably would struggle to disagree with this claim, having watched a model sit in a dishwasher for hours and come out unscathed. It is certainly durable.

Personally, I’ve been using the original OnePlus Nord and have had it for quite a few years now. So, I can safely say that OnePlus phones are made to last, and with even more protection as well as waterproofing, I would be confident selecting the 13.

The one thing to consider with any phone from OnePlus is its longevity and how it holds value. Apple and Samsung phones of course have more of a track record of selling well on the second-hand smartphone market. However, if you don’t know OnePlus already, now is the time to get to know it because the OnePlus 13 is here to play.

Verdict

The OnePlus 13 continues OnePlus’ streak of creating high-quality and well-performing models. Building on the OnePlus 12, the 13 model has even more to offer in terms of features, software, build and design for a competitive price.

The improvements made to the cameras and imaging software allow you to get excellent image quality in variety of conditions. The overall care and detail given to hardware offers more day-to-day reassurance. In particular, the IP68/69 ratings give me more confidence to use the phone outdoors in the rain or by a pool.

Despite the advances to close the gap between them and competitors, more phones will no doubt be released soon so it’s possible OnePlus will be left behind. But right now, this is a great all-round phone from OnePlus worthy of a flagship title, and perhaps one of the best for its price point.

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Last year’s Samsung Galaxy A55 was very popular, but will its successor, the Samsung Galaxy A56 also make it on to our list of best budget phones? There’s only one way to find out…

Samsung Galaxy A56: At a glance

• 50MP f/1.8 1x camera, 1/1.56”, PDAF, OIS
• 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide camera, 1/3.06”
• 5MP f/2.4 macro camera
• 12MP f/2.2 selfie camera (no AF)
• 4K 30fps video
• 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 2340 x 1080 pixel, 1900 nits max brightness, Gorilla Glass Victus+
• 5000 mAh battery, fast charging, no wireless charging
• Android 15, up to 6 major OS updates

Priced at $499 (with 128GB), or $549/£499 with 256GB of built-in memory, the A56 offers a good range of different features in what is a very competitively priced model compared to its nearest rivals. It goes up against the iPhone 16e (from $599/£599 but for only 128GB memory – you’ll need to pay $699/£699 for the same 256GB option) and the Google Pixel 9a (from $499/£499, but again for only 128GB memory, it’s $599/£599 for the same 256GB as the A56 offers) directly.

So far, it’s looking pretty good value for money – but what else do you get for your cash?

Samsung Galaxy A56: Features

The Samsung A56 gives you not one, not two but three different lenses. This puts it two ahead of the iPhone 16e and one ahead of the Pixel 9a. While it’s clearly a better offering than the iPhone 16e, it’s important to remember that the third lens here is a low-resolution macro lens, which are usually nothing to write home about.

But that main lens, it’s a 50MP f/1.8 camera, which is pretty decent at the mid-price point, and competes well with both the iPhone 16e’s and Pixel 9a’s main offerings. It’s joined by a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens – it can’t help but better than the iPhone 16e, as it doesn’t have one, but is just a little behind the 13MP f/2.2 of the Pixel 9a (that extra 1MP is hardly likely to make much difference mind you).

The third lens is perhaps a slightly strange offering. It’s a macro lens, which means you can get close to your subjects. But, it’s only got 5MP, has a very small sensor and a narrow aperture. We’ll find out how it performs later on, though. This takes the place of where you might find a telephoto lens on some other models (although not many at this price point have telephotos), so if you do want to zoom in, you’ll need to employ digital zooming, of which up to 10x is available.

On the front of the phone, the selfie camera is 12MP f/2.2 – fairly standard fare for mid-range, and even high-end smartphones from the likes of Samsung and Apple. It doesn’t have AF, but again, even many high-end smartphones are lacking this so that’s no surprise.

Considering the popularity of last year’s A55, you might be wondering what’s new. Well, the cameras appear to be nigh-on identical – or at least sharing the same specifications, with the triple lens setup and the same resolutions.

The main differences come from the body design. The A56 is now slightly lighter and slimmer than the A55, but, has a slightly larger body size and screen (6.7-inches vs 6.6 inches). Both have the same resolution, and both use Gorilla Glass Victus+, however the newer A56 is brighter (1900 nits peak vs 1000 nits peak). It’s probably fair to say that if you have an A55 already, there’s little here to tempt you over to the new one, but if you’re coming from an older or different model entirely, the A56 is the better choice to upgrade to.

Samsung Galaxy A56 vs Samsung Galaxy A55: What’s new?

There’s not a huge amount of difference between the older A55 model and this latest iteration.

The A56 has a slightly larger screen (6.7-inches vs 6.6-inches), but both use Corning Gorilla Glass VIctus+ and both have an IP67 rating. The newer A56 is slightly lighter, despite its bigger screen.

In terms of the camera, both have a triple lens set up, with both featuring a 50MP f/1.8 1x/main camera, a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide and a 5MP f/2.4 macro camera. Interestingly however, the selfie camera for the A56 has dropped in resolution from 32MP to 12MP.

Another thing missing from the A56 is a MicroSD card slot, which was found in the A55. However, improvements include faster charging capabilities, and a faster processor.

Essentially – if you’ve already got an A55, I’d stick with that – while also perhaps looking out for bargains on the older model too, as in some respects, the A56 is a downgrade (if you favour a memory card slot for example).

Samsung Galaxy A56: Design and Handling

Compared to some phones at this price point, such as the iPhone 16e and the Google Pixel 9a, the Samsung Galaxy A56 has a large screen, at 6.7-inches. This puts it on par with some flagship models, and is great to have at a mid-range price point. Beyond that, it’s also fairly impressive that it has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, which should mean it withstands scrapes and scratches fairly well. The screen has a maximum brightness at 1900 nits, which is good at this price point. It displays photos and videos well and seems to have good colour rendition.

The A56 comes with IP67 water and dust proofing. That’s not quite as tough as IP68, such as is found on the iPhone 16e, but it should still see you able to dunk the A56 in a metre depth of water for 30 minutes – so it should be more than enough to withstand you accidentally dropping it in the bath or using it outside in a rain shower.

Aesthetically, the A56 is a little on the boring side. But that’s not particularly unusual at this price point. I’ve been using the fairly staid “Graphite” colour, but the Pink and Olive options are a little more exciting. The phone has rounded corners but a flat screen – it’s perhaps a bit iPhone-esque. Whether you like that is down to personal preference. There’s just a small cutout for the selfie camera, so there’s good screen to body ratio, although the bezels are fairly large.

The A56’s three cameras are arranged in a straight line on the back of the camera. Again, this is not very exciting – but the big brands (Apple, Samsung and Google) tend to favour this fairly ordinary design, compared to the more unusual or interesting designs of the cheaper Chinese brands, such as Xiaomi, Tecno or Oppo.

Samsung Galaxy A56: Native Camera App

For a mid-range phone, you get a good degree of different shooting modes with the A56 – which is something we’ve come to expect from Android models at this price point.

The standard shooting mode is “Photo”, which gives you access to the 0.5x and 1x lens, as well as quick tap options for 2x, 4x and the maximum 10x digital zoom. You can also pinch in and out to zoom if you prefer.

If you’re shooting in low light, a Night mode should automatically activate, but you can also select this manually from the “More” tab if you need to. The third lens of the A56 is not a telephoto lens, but instead a macro lens. If you bring the phone close to a subject, it should suggest that you try macro mode – a quick tap on this will launch the mode. Alternatively you can manually select the mode yourself, again from the More tab.

Additional options in the Photo setting include adding a digital filter to your images, choosing to shoot at the full 50MP (if using the 1x lens), switching the flash on/off and changing the aspect ratio. It’s also possible to adjust exposure compensation in this mode, too. Further settings can be accessed by tapping a cog icon, and give you options such as switching on/off the “Scene Optimiser” (which works to automatically “optimise” the colour of the scene – you might feel inclined to switch this off if you don’t like things quite so vivid), adding a watermark or changing the file format of your pictures.

Other shooting modes in the native camera app include the Portrait mode, with options to shoot at 1x or 2x, increase or decrease the effect it creates, and again change things such as aspect ratio. There’s even a Pro mode, where you can adjust ISO, white balance, exposure compensation, metering and shutter speed, but there’s no option to shoot in raw format.

For recording movies, there’s a Video mode with resolutions up to 4K 30fps available, as well as the option to switch on Super Steady (but which will limit you to 1080p 30fps) image stabilisation. Extra video modes can be found under the More tab including Pro Video, Slow Motion, and Hyperlapsee.

As is starting to become ever more common, there’s a set of AI editing tools which you can use. This includes the ability to erase shadows, erase reflections and erase other objects in the frame. It’s quite a useful thing to have the ability to do quickly and easily on your phone, and works well so long as the editing involved is fairly simple – i.e. no complex backgrounds or subjects to sort out – *and* don’t look at the finished results *too* closely.

Samsung Galaxy A56: Performance

Galaxy A56 5G · f/1.8 · 1/1808s · 5.54mm · ISO50

The A56 is capable of creating some great images, with overall lovely detailed shots with pleasing colours. I wouldn’t say there’s been any kind of jump in quality when compared to its predecessor though, so if you already own one of those, you might find its better to stick with what you’ve got.

As expected, the best results come from the 1x lens. Here, the results are output at 12MP, but you can switch to 50MP shooting if you really want to. The 12MP images produce a good amount of detail, especially in good light.

Galaxy A56 5G · f/1.8 · 1/230s · 5.54mm · ISO50

Colours are very bright – which is something Samsung is known for. You’ll generally get more vivid results shooting with this than other similarly priced models, such as the Google Pixel 9a and  the iPhone 16e, which I was using at the same time as the A56. Which colour rendition you prefer is down to personal taste – some will love that bold look, while others might prefer a more muted / realistic view.

Galaxy A56 5G · f/2.2 · 1/33s · 1.74mm · ISO160

The ultrawide lens does an OK job, but it is a noticeable drop in image quality from the main 1x lens if you’re looking at images on a big screen. How often people are likely to be doing that is debatable – they look very good on the A56’s screen, and would similarly look good displayed on social media etc.

There is no telephoto lens here, but you’re able to zoom digitally up to 10x. However, it’s probably fair to say that only the 2x option gives very good results. Even by 4x you’re seeing a lot of smudging and loss of detail so personally I wouldn’t use this unless I was absolutely desperate to get closer to the subject.

Galaxy A56 5G · f/2.4 · 1/239s · 2.13mm · ISO40

In place of a telephoto lens is a macro lens, which only has a 5MP sensor. The results are OK, but generally you will likely find you get better results by simply shooting with the 1x lens. If I was keeping this phone for my own use I think I’d probably barely ever use the macro option – I’d much rather have a good telephoto. If that also applies to you, then you might be better off looking at the Samsung Galaxy S24FE.

Galaxy A56 5G · f/1.8 · 1/1992s · 5.54mm · ISO50

Portrait images come out pretty well, especially if the background isn’t too fussy and the subject has relatively smooth outlines. You can see some outlining around the subject if you scrutinise closely, but again on an average phone screen they look pretty good.

Galaxy A56 5G · f/2.2 · 1/1404s · 3.18mm · ISO40

The selfie camera also does a decent job despite the fairly low resolution, giving you the ability to use the blurred background effect as well.

In low light, we get some usably good results from the 1x lens, with a good amount of detail kept and highlights and shadows well balanced. The ultrawide lens doesn’t perform very well, so I wouldn’t like to rely on that in these conditions. Again, there’s no telephoto lens so anything you shoot at 2x or beyond is a digital zoom. Predictably, the results aren’t great, with even 2x showing off a noticeable lack of detail.

Samsung Galaxy A56: Value for Money

At first glance, the A56 may seem reasonably expensive when compared to its predecessor, the A55. But, the A55 has dropped dramatically in price since its launch – where its RRP was very close to the RRP of the newer A56. At launch, the A55 was priced at £439 for a 128GB version and £489 for a 256GB version – just £10 cheaper than the A56’s only memory offering of 256GB (£499) – the A55 was never available in the US.

You can however still pick up the A55 for around £250-£350 depending on how much memory you want. Considering the cameras are the same, and the design fairly close, you might prefer to go for the A55 right now, rather than waiting for the A56 to similarly drop in price.

It’s also worth thinking about the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, a rival for the A56 within Samsung’s own line-up. It’s slightly more expensive (starting at £549 for 128GB, up to £599 for 256GB), but you get a better screen (AMOLED vs OLED, though size and brightness is the same), and a more useful 8MP telephoto lens compared to the A56’s macro option.

Compared to other mid-range models from other brands, the A56 offers good value. It’s cheaper than its nearest Android rival at the equivalent memory size – the same £499 will get you a Google Pixel 9a but only 128GB of storage – you’ll need to pay an extra £100 if you want the same 256GB storage. It’s cheaper again than the iPhone 16e, which is overpriced and is likely to stay that way. There you’ll be gouged for £599 for an 128GB version, or £699 for a 256GB version, a full £200 more than the A56  – and with only 1/3rd the number of lenses, and a much smaller screen size.

The A56 is now available to buy in the US, after initially being unavailable there. This is great news, as last year’s A55 was not available in the US, reportedly due to the company’s desire not to cannibalise sales of its other budget-friendly models, most notably the S23 FE. While there is an S24 FE that the A56 goes head to head with, the A56 now in the US market, which is good news for fans of lots of choice.

Samsung Galaxy A56: Verdict

There’s a heck of a lot of stiff competition in the budget smartphone category right now, with models like this proving you don’t need to spend upwards of $1000/£1000 to get a well-performing model.

Overall, the pictures produced by the A56 are good, being bold and vibrant and particularly from the 1x lens showing a good amount of detail. The ultrawide isn’t quite as good, but it still produces nice images. The macro lens I simply probably wouldn’t bother with most of the time – my guess is it’s there so Samsung can talk up its three-lenses compared to the one or two of its biggest rivals.

This is one of the best priced mid-range phones now, being available at a cheaper price than models such as the iPhone 16e and the Google Pixel 9a for equivalent memory capacity. However, it’s also true that it’s not a big upgrade when compared to its predecessor – so if you’ve already got one of those, keep it, or, perhaps look out for the older model at a good price while you can still buy it.

On the whole, the A56 is an excellent choice for a number of reasons, most particularly the price. If you’re upgrading from an older / different model it will certainly be an improvement. If you’d prefer to have a good telephoto lens though and have a little bit of wiggle room in your budget, consider the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, or, possibly the Oppo Reno 13 Pro if you’re not Samsung loyal.

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Galaxy A56 5G · f/1.8 · 1/1650s · 5.54mm · ISO50

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Honor 400 at a glance:

• 200MP f/1.9 main camera, 1/1,4” sensor, OIS-EIS, PDAF   
• 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide and macro: camera, 102° FOV, AF
• 50MP f/2.0 selfie camera, gyro-EIS (no AF)
• 6.55inch, 120Hz AMOLED display, 5000nits
• 4K video from all cameras
• 5300mAh (6000 outside Europe), 66W wired charging
• RAM/Storage: 8GB/12GB, 256GB/512GB
• OS system: Magic OS 9.0
• 156.5 x 74.6 x 7.3mm, 184g
• Price: £349 (256GB)

The Honor 400 sits in the middle of the latest 400 series, a step up from the Honor 400 Lite and a little brother to the impressive Honor 400 Pro. It looks similar in terms of rear camera unit and design to the 400 Pro, using a bright 200MP main sensor with OIS and EIS and a 12MP ultra-wide camera at the rear, while a 50MP camera handles selfies at the front. But unlike the 400 Pro and a reduction compared to the previous Honor 200, it has no dedicated telephoto unit. Instead it relies solely on digital zoom, and does a remarkably good job as you will see further on. Maybe even god enough to make it to our guide to the best budget camera phones.

It might have lost a dedicated telephoto camera but received a physically bigger and brighter main sensor in return which tripled in resolution. It also gotten smaller with a 6.55in screen, making it the smallest device in the lineup.

Honor 400 – Features

As I mentioned, the biggest change is in regards to its main sensor, which is now a bigger 1/1,4inch type and boasts 200MP in resolution as opposed to the 50MP in the Honor 200. The main sensor also has a much brighter f/1.9 aperture and features dual image stabilisation with both optical (OIS)and electronic (EIS) on board to tackle blurry images.

The ultra-wide camera became ultra-wide and macro with a slightly narrower field of view but the same 12MP sensor and f/2.2 aperture. The selfie camera got incrementally brighter with an f/2.1 aperture but remained at 50MP resolution and all three cameras record 4K30p video.

There is an 8GB or 12GB RAM version, with the latter only available in certain territories. Storage-wise in the UK you can choose between 256GB/8GB or 512GB/8GB versions. Battery capacity has been improved and it now features a 5300mAh silicon-carbon battery for devices sold in Europe and 6000mAh for the rest of the world. But in a u-turn, Honor’s ample 100W wired supercharge shrunk to a moderate 66W.

It runs Magic OS 9.0 Honor’s proprietary mobile operating system based on Android 15, and is guaranteed to receive 6 years of software and OS updates just like the rest of the 400 series.

The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor is the same as what we have seen in the Honor 200 which will support everyday multitasking and some light gaming, but for hardcore gamers, it won’t hit the mark.

Honor 400 – Handling and Design

It has a similarly sleek design as the bigger 400 Pro, with a glass camera island housing the dual setup at the rear. Measuring 184g and 7.3mm in thickness the Honor 400 is smaller, slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, the Honor 200. Equipped with a flat 120Hz AMOLED display with a higher 5000mAh peak brightness, it is relatively easy to see even in bright sunlight.

There is no camera button like on the Honor 400 Lite, on one side you have an on/off button and a rocking volume button. You’ll find the USB-C charging port, stereo microphone and access to the SIM card at the bottom.

The Midnight Black finish I tested looks very stylish, but it is prone to fingerprint marks, there is also a Meteor Silver and Desert Gold colourway available that look more forgiving. With an IP65 dust and water resistance rating, it will handle rain or a splash of water, but you shouldn’t let it submerge in water.

Honor 400 – Native camera app

Just like other devices in the series the camera app is responsive and easy to use. Switch AI Photography on in the settings and the phone will automatically recommend the best shooting mode after analysing the subject and lighting conditions. 

Apart from the basic Photo mode that opens quickly if you double tap the power butto you also have a dedicated Night mode, as well as Portrait Video and Pro which features RAW capture.

With Moving Photo, a feature first introduced on Apple devices you can capture a 3 second clip and select the best frames or convert it into a short video. While AI Super Zoom will enhance your images when zoomed in over the 15x mark. This function does a far better job of creating realistic enhancements than previous versions, but can still end up adding things that weren’t there before.

The artistic Harcourt Portrait profiles and film simulation options are available in Portrait mode. Here the Beauty mode offers filters to refine your self-portraits but even in regular settings it delivers great results.

As a key difference between the 400 Lite and 400 version, you have a dedicated Super Macro mode and the Harcourt profiles available for portraits.

Honor 400 – Image quality and performance

As you would expect, the main camera yields the best results with a 200MP sensor (27mm equivalent at 1x) which uses pixel binning technology to output 12.5MP images. Image results from this camera are balanced and show overall sharpness and good amount of detail retained in highlights and shadows. This main 1x camera also serves as the base for the 2x and 4x magnification options, and thanks to the dual Image stabilisation featuring OIS and EIS it does a great job at shooting blur-free images even further zoomed in.

The ultra wide-angle 0.6x option (equivalent to 16 mm) is backed by a smaller 12MP F2.2 sensor, but results from this camera appear well matched. to the brighter main camera, with colours slightly on the cooler side as opposed to the warmer-toned images from the main sensor, but it is not a stark difference.

Just like the 400 Pro you have three beautiful Harcourt Portrait options (Colour, Black and white and Vibrant) which deliver natural-looking separation between the subject and background and a very pleasing out-of-focus effect.

Selfies are backed by a 50MP sensor with a fixed focus, because of the lack of autofocus, you may end up with softer results in some cases, but overall it delivers detailed shots and realistic-looking skin colour and texture even in low light.

It was a joy to use the Honor 400 for macro photography; however, the main photo mode and the dedicated super macro seem to have behaved very similarly for macro shots and close-ups. Even though we have a dedicated ultra wide-angle and macro lens I recommend using the main sensor at 2X or 4X magnification as it has image that realisation, better resolution end you can get close up to your subject without casting a shadow. The results are impressively sharp and detailed.

In the dedicated night mode, you have the ultra wide-angle 0.6x camera and the wide-angle main camera available in 1x and 2x magnification. The ultra-wide fares remarkably well but delivers slightly less saturated images, whereas the brighter main camera with a f/1.9 lens captures sharp and well-detailed shots with minimal flare around light sources.

Honor 400 – Value for money

The Honor 400 is available in most territories, but unfortunately not officially sold in the US. As for Europe, it is available in a smaller battery version with 5300mAh capacity and 8GB of RAM. With the rest of the territories enjoying a generous 6000mAh battery and some the choice between 8GB and 12GB of RAM.
In the UK the two different storage options cost £349 for the 256GB/8GB and £399 for the 512GB/8GB version. You will find other mid-range devices like the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy A56, both shooting 12MP downsampled images from their main sensors, too. And even though the A56 (£424/256GB) offers a third camera at the rear, it is only a 5MP macro unit that wouldn’t tip the scales in its favour. On the Google Pixel 9a the dual cameras put in a similar performance, but its selfie camera is only 12MP. The Honor 400 beats both in terms of battery size and fast charging, and is probably on par with their image quality, all the while costing considerably less.

Honor 400 – Verdict

Considering its photography prowess, the Honor 400 is a well-made little phone. Don’t let the fact that it only has two cameras at the rear put you off. By cropping into the main sensor’s high-resolution images, you have yourself a capable telephoto unit that delivers sharp and detailed results up and AI Super Zoom steps in over 15x zoom to enhance and correct images.

The second, ultra-wide camera is a slightly weaker performer but still fares well, whereas the front camera shoots appealing selfies and has a wide enough focus field; autofocus would have been a welcome addition. All that said, the Honor 400 was a joy to use for photography and would make the average user very happy indeed.

Related reading:

• Samsung Galaxy A56 vs Google Pixel 9a
• Best camera phones for photography
• Best smartphones for portrait photography

The post Honor 400 review – sweet spot between price and performance appeared first on Amateur Photographer.

The Moto G56 is the latest addition to Motorola’s budget phones, announced alongside the Moto G86 and G86 Power. With the G-series, Motorola is committed to releasing affordable and functional phones that provide good battery life and a clean user experience, and the G56 is no exception. But how good is its camera set-up?

Motorola Moto G56 at a glance:

• Main camera 50MP Sony LYTIA600 sensor, f/1.8, PDAF, 1x with 2x crop available
• Ultra wide angle camera: 8MP f/2.2 aperture
• Selfie camera: 32MP
• 6.7inch LCD, 120Hz refresh rate, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i
• 5200mAh battery 30W charging
• Ram/Storage: 8GB RAM +256GB storage extendable to 2TB
• OS system: Android 15
• IP68 & IP69
• Size: 165.8 x 76.3 x 8.4mm
• Weight: 200g

We review smartphones from the perspective of choosing a smartphone for its photography and camera performance, so we’ll be starting by looking at what the Moto G56 offers in terms of the cameras and what features are included for photography and video.

Moto G56 – Features

For £199, it is one of the cheapest phones the firm offers, only beaten by the Moto G15 at £139. The G56 features a new 50 MP Sony LYTIA600 sensor with bright f/1.8 aperture, PDAF and 0.8 μm pixel size, an incremental update over the G55. The main camera uses Quad Pixel Technology, which aids low-light performance and helps control noise, but seems to have lost OIS in the meantime. The second camera is a more moderate 8MP ultra-wide-angle one with an f/2.2 aperture. For selfies, it is equipped with a 32MP f/2.2 HDR camera, which has a 0.7μm pixel size. 

The Moto G56 records FullHD 60p video using the main camera; there’s no 4K recording available. When using the ultra-wide camera, you are further limited to only 30p. It is one of the first devices that received the brand new MediaTek Dimensity 7060 processor and features a 5200 mAh battery, unusually big for this price and could see you through a whole day with constant use, but it supports slow, 30W wired charging only.

The Moto G56 comes with Android 15, with two further OS updates promised. As the latest Android 16 is already out, Motorola announced that it will be available for the series, with the official availability timeline to be confirmed. Given their notoriously bad track record rolling out updates, let’s hope customers won’t have to wait too long this time. 

Unlike most budget smartphones, the G56 has an extendable memory from the base 256GB to a very generous 2TB, but keep in mind SDXC cards with that kind of capacity will set you back another £200.

Moto G56 – Handling and design

At first sight, you can easily double-take the moto G56 for a quad-camera phone, but in fact, it only has two cameras at the rear just like the G55 had. The one on the top right is a flash and the one below is an ambient light sensor.

I liked that, despite being a budget device, it came already equipped with a clear case. But I have to admit Motorola’s eco leather cover has such a nice feel in your hand that for the first time I thought, here’s a phone I wouldn’t want to snap a case on. 

It also boasts the highest available dust and water resistance rating at IP68 & IP69, and a sturdy Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display. Altogether pretty impressive for a phone for £199. The only blip is that it features a plastic frame, which makes it more susceptible to scratches and damage, so that clear case might just need to go on.

With an 83% screen-to-body ratio, the G56 has a considerably thicker bezel on the bottom, which gives it an uneven look, but it doesn’t negate the fact that the large 6.7inch FullHD LCD display delivers sharp and detailed images. Testing the G56 during a UK heatwave, I’ve found it very difficult to see the screen in very bright sunlight; however, under more mild conditions, it had no issues at all. Considering how many really sunny days we get around here, this really shouldn’t hold you back.

Moto G56 – Native camera app

Motorola phones run near-stock Android, meaning while they do come with some pre-installed apps, they typically have a cleaner interface with a focus on user experience rather than being cluttered with apps. As part of this arrangement, the Moto G56 doesn’t come with a pre-installed gallery app; instead, it relies on Google Photos for organising and editing as well. If you want more advanced tools, you can always download a dedicated gallery and photo editing app from the Google Play Store.

Motorola has a fun way of launching the native camera app, just by quickly twisting your wrist twice, you open the default Photo mode, and you are ready to take pictures, or alternatively, double-press the unlock button.

The Native camera app is somewhat pared back in a user-friendly, uncomplicated way. Instead of having to swipe up in the default Photo mode, you have Google Lens, aspect ratio, and timer on top of your screen. In Portrait mode, it relies solely on the main camera and lets you select how much background blur you want to apply.

Pro mode lets you control white balance, shutter speed, ISO, EV and to my surprise, RAW and RAW+JPG capture. This is only available while the 3:4 aspect ratio is selected and shots pixel binned 12MP images. To exploit the full 50 MP sensor, navigate to the Ultra resolution mode under the More tab. Here you’ll find a panorama, tilt shift, timelapse, dual capture video, and a photo booth mode available as well. The camera app is customisable, you can drag your most-used modes to the main screen selection instead of always having to navigate under the more tab, a simple addition I would love to see on higher-end models too.

There are various capture methods, like Smile capture and Palm capture, where just by raising your hand, you can start 3 second timer. It works from up to 2 meters, and can come in handy when taking group photos or fully length self-portraits. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work in video mode and is only available on the selfie camera.

Moto G56 – Image quality and performance

As you can expect, the main wide-angle 50MP sensor and subsequently its 1x and 2x options yield the best quality results. However, it uses pixel binning technology and effectively outputs 12MP images. It delivers appealing images, especially when viewed on the phone screen, but I wouldn’t recommend you to start zooming in and subjecting them to scrutiny on a computer. The ultra-wide angle 8MP camera is a nice-to-have, but there’s a noticeable resolution drop, and colours appear more saturated from this camera.

Portrait and selfie performance leave something to be desired. When bokeh is ramped up, it struggles to separate the subject and background and ends up creating rugged edges or odd outlines.

Even though there isn’t a dedicated Macro shooting mode, I’ve found that using the 1x and 2x options of the main camera in the regular Photo mode, you can achieve great close-up and macro shots. The 0.5x ultra-wide-angle camera has a much longer minimum focusing distance, rendering it useless for close-ups.

Low light and night photography is supported by the Quad Bayer sensor. Trying the night vision mode under More tab seems to deliver identical results to the default photo mode, and as you would expect, low light performance is best from the main f/1.8 camera.

Moto G56 – Value for money

The Moto G56 represents amazing value for money, considering its feature set at this low price point. As an interesting move from Motorola the G-series is available across select countries in Asia, Europe, Latin America and Oceania, but not in the US. As an alternative for the US market, and also as an even cheaper option, you can have a look at the Samsung Galaxy A16 at $174/£139 which has a smaller screen but similar battery capacity, features a triple lens set-up with a 50MP main, but lower resolution secondary and front cameras.

If you are on an even tighter budget, consider the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 at £169 with 108MP main, 8MP ultra wide and a 2MP macro camera. If you can spend a bit more I recommend the Tecno Camon 40 Pro if you manage to find it in your territory it has a good 50MP main camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS), an 8MP ultra-wide angle camera, and 50MP f/2.4 selfie camera with auto-focus at around $330/£250 and it can also record 4K video.

Moto G56 – Verdict

You will struggle to find a budget smartphone with an IP69 rating and a battery capacity of over 5000mAh, not to mention that you can expand the memory up to 2 TB. The Moto G56 is a simple but solid phone with a decent main camera that performs well in a variety of shooting scenarios. It even offers RAW capture. Even if the ultra-wide angle camera lags behind, you will be hard pressed to find specs like these at £199.

Related reading:

• Motorola Edge 50 Pro review: quality middle ground?
• Motorola Razr 50 Ultra Review – Flip or flop?
• Motorola Edge 60 Fusion – Advanced features in a budget package

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The post Motorola Moto G56 review – Affordable, durable, expandable appeared first on Amateur Photographer.

Nothing has been making affordable phones for a number of years now, now with the 3rd generation of phones, in the form of the 3a and 3a Pro. These new models offer a triple camera setup on the rear with the usual ultra-wide and wide angle cameras joined by a third telephoto camera. The 3a offers a 2x telephoto camera, whilst the 3a Pro comes with a 3x telephoto unit. Let’s find out how the 3a performs, to see if it should be considered one of the best budget phones available? 

At a glance

• 50MP f/1.9 main camera, 24mm equivalent, OIS, PDAF
• 50MP f/2.0 telephoto camera, 50mm equivalent, PDAF
• 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide, 15mm equivalent
• 32MP f/2.2 selfie camera (1080p)
• 4K video from main/telephoto cameras (after update)
• 6.77inch 120Hz, HDR10+ AMOLED screen, 3000nits peak
• 5000mAh battery, 50W wired charging
• 163.5×77.5×8.4mm, 201g

The first thing to stand out about all of Nothing’s phones, is the design, which even to this day remains unique in styling, thanks to the clear glass back and exposed inner design. The original Nothing phone filled this with a number of “Glyph” lights, and the latest phone follows the same design principles, however, with a reduced number of LEDs. Despite there being a slightly less impressive lighting setup, the phone still looks impressive, with a new blue option being particularly pretty. The phone we have is in white, but in addition to a new blue version, there’s also a black colour option. The “Glyph” lights aren’t just for effect, they also provide notifications, as well as additional lighting when used for photography. 

Features and Handling

Starting with the cameras, there’s an 8MP ultra-wide-angle 15mm equivalent camera which is fixed focus – so without auto-focus this can’t be used for macro photography. There’s a main 24mm equivalent camera, and a 2x telephoto camera, equivalent to 50mm. Both of these are 50MP sensors, with pixel-binning down to 12MP and both have auto-focus. You can shoot at 50MP or 12MP from these cameras, and the 2x camera offers a further zoom option of 4x (at 12MP). Only the main camera features optical image stabilisation (OIS), which means the view from the telephoto camera can seem wobbly when composing shots.

The camera app…

Is easy to use and has a number of useful options that are quick and easy to access. There are dedicated night and portrait modes, as well as Expert mode that gives you manual controls. In the normal photo mode, the night mode will be automatically activated if needed. The portrait mode gives you background blur controls, as well as letting you adjust the virtual aperture.

The playback mode is also good, with a pleasing display and plenty of information provided when you select the photo details.

There are two buttons on the left of the phone, the usual volume buttons, and on the right of the phone are two more buttons, one larger than the other. The larger button is the usual power button which can be double-pressed to quickly access the camera. The second button gives access to “Essential space” – a notes system that lets you take audio notes and other notes, you can’t customise this button. This is an entirely pointless button for me, but hopefully Nothing will allow this to be customised to open something I find useful. Speaking of buttons, the placement of the buttons meant I regularly accidentally took screen shots, and often pressed them unintentionally, as they are right where I tend to hold the phone when picking it up and putting it down. Many other phones have the buttons higher up to avoid this.

Performance

The telephoto camera lacks OIS (optical image stabilisation) which makes for a slightly unpleasant shooting experience – unless you’re able to hold the phone perfectly still you’ll see a wobbly jittery view of the scene, which can be off-putting. 

Colour reproduction is okay, and certainly a little better after the recent updates, but there is still a little bit of colour inconsistency visible when switching between the three cameras. It’s possible, depending on how and where you shoot, that you may not notice this, and it may also be improved with future updates. It’s mostly when taking photos of the same scene with all three cameras that you notice this most.

A059 · f/2 · 1/100s · 7.1mm · ISO54

Nb. During the process of reviewing this phone, a number of updates were released that promised to improve zoom operation, improve skin tone, enhance white balance (indoors from rear cameras), and give better clarity and tone when capturing portraits (when shooting in backlight conditions). Another update added 4K video for the telephoto camera.   

Low-light

Low light performance is good from the main camera with OIS helping, and even the telephoto camera does a reasonable job too, considering its lack of optical image stabilisation.

Close-up

A059 · f/1.88 · 1/100s · 5.56mm · ISO67

It’s possible to take close-up photos with the main camera, and this lets you get reasonably close. You can also use the 2x telephoto camera, with the 4x option giving a closer crop. Whilst the results aren’t as impressive as phones with dedicated macro modes, considering the price of this phone, the results should keep most people happy.

A059 · f/2.2 · 1/436s · 2.68mm · ISO50

The selfie camera is fixed focus and does a reasonable job, giving 32MP images. It’s also possible to use the portrait mode and add artificial blur to the background if you want.

Value for money 

This is where the Nothing 3a really shines, offering a triple camera setup for around £329, this is cheaper than the nearest competitor from Motorola Edge 50 Pro, with a triple camera setup and a £350-400 price tag, however the Motorola offers a 3x telephoto with OIS, and a selfie camera with auto-focus. Another option from Nothing, is the 3a Pro with 3x telephoto camera, or the CMF Phone 2 Pro, which is also from Nothing, but cheaper than the 3a, with similar triple camera setup. If your budget can stretch further, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is another option, with 7 years of updates, but of course, a much higher price tag compared to the Nothing 3a.

Verdict 

The Nothing 3a looks unique and it makes you want to love it, with a great user interface that also looks much more stylish than most other phones. The inclusion of a triple camera setup on the rear is generous, especially for the price. The 2x telephoto camera may seem a little bit lacking, as you can often get good 2x crops from a good main camera, however, if you think of the 2x telephoto camera as a 2x/4x camera, then it starts to make more sense. If this is a real deal-breaker, then the 3x telephoto camera on the 3a Pro could be for you – it also benefits from OIS on the telephoto. 

In terms of photographs from the camera(s) on the phone, we’re left a little disappointed by the overall look of the photos. If you view them on the screen or at a smaller size they look good, and in isolation they look good enough. But if you start looking at them in detail, or compare them to other phones, you really can tell the difference between photos from this phone, and those from a Google or Samsung phone. The difference perhaps is that Google and Samsung have hundreds if not thousands of people working on the camera performance, over 10+ years, and that really shows in the results.

A059 · f/1.88 · 1/50s · 5.56mm · ISO223

With two updates being released whilst reviewing the phone, both including improvements to the camera system, it’s clear that Nothing do want to give the best photographic experience possible, but software updates are never going to resolve hardware limitations like fixed focus on the selfie and ultra-wide cameras, and the lack of OIS on the telephoto cameras. For these features you will need to look to other phones.

But, I think, for most people, the Nothing phones are likely to be chosen for how they look, rather than as a serious photography tool. The blue Nothing Phone 3a looks like nothing else! So, if photography isn’t your primary need for a phone, and you just want something that looks amazing, and is good value for money, then the Nothing 3a is an extremely stylish option. 

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