Which smartphone is best for photos? Independent tests show that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a winning model

For many people, the photographic aspects of smartphones are a deciding factor in their purchase. Of course, each smartphone manufacturer in most cases claims that their model is truly revolutionary and provides the best image quality. However, these words are often empty marketing that has nothing to do with reality. It was therefore decided to conduct independent tests in which users choose the best smartphone for photography that we can currently buy.

Marques Brownlee once again decided to conduct a test among users whose task was to determine the best smartphone for taking photos. Ultimately, one manufacturer dominated the podium.

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The tests covered twenty different smartphones, the names of which are shown in the screenshot below. Photos from three categories were taken into account: those taken during the day, at night, and using portrait mode. On a special site, users chose from all the photos the one they thought was the best in each category. Two random pictures appeared on the screen, not identified in any way, and the person then selected one of them and so on until all the pictures were exhausted. Ultimately, thanks to this, a rating system (ELO) was created, which indicates the best smartphone in a particular field.

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When it comes to daytime photos, the Google Pixel 7a turns out to be the best smartphone. Interestingly, the Google Pixel Fold took second place and the OnePlus Open took third place. At the bottom of the ranking was the Apple iPhone 15, which performed worst in this scenario. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra performed equally poorly and ranked penultimate. The results were really surprising, because Apple smartphones are considered by many to be the best for photos and videos, followed by Samsung devices. Unfortunately, both products failed in this category.

Ranking of the three best smartphones for taking photos in the “Daytime Photo” category.

Comparison of the Apple iPhone 15 smartphone with the Google Pixel 7a in the “Daytime Photo” category.

The complete ranking of the best smartphones for taking photos in the “Daytime Photo” category.

In the second category, that is, in the case of photos in worse lighting conditions, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro turned out to be the king. So you can see that the latest generation has its good sides and its weak sides, although if only the first category is taken into account, completely different conclusions can be reached. Right behind the Apple smartphone was the Google Pixel 8 Pro, and then again the Google Pixel 7a. You can already assume which smartphone will eventually take the lead when it comes to photographic aspects.

Ranking of the top three smartphones for taking photos in the “Night Photo” category.

Comparison between the Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Oppo Find X6 Pro smartphone in the Night Portrait category.

The complete ranking of the best smartphones for taking photos in the “Night photo” category.

When it came to the last category, i.e. portrait mode photo, the best result was the Google Pixel 8 Pro, followed by the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, then the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. But the biggest surprise was the Sony Xperia 1 V smartphone, which was the only one that did not deal with this condition (photos were taken several times to check if something was wrong). So we are dealing with a device that costs 6.5 thousand PLN. PLN, which was created to take pictures, however cannot even cope with this task. However, if we sum up the entire ranking and take the average scores, there are three smartphones on the stand: Google Pixel 7a, 8 Pro and Fold.

Ranking of the three best smartphones for taking photos in the “Portrait Mode” category.

Photo taken with a Sony Xperia 1 V smartphone in Portrait Mode category.

The complete ranking of the best smartphones for taking photos in the “Portrait Mode” category.

Complete ranking of the best smartphones for taking photos. Average score that summarizes each category so far.

Source: YouTube @MarquisBrownlee