Smartphone Reviews | Popular Photography https://www.popphoto.com/category/smartphone-reviews/ Founded in 1937, Popular Photography is a magazine dedicated to all things photographic. Wed, 15 Feb 2023 21:23:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://www.popphoto.com/uploads/2021/12/15/cropped-POPPHOTOFAVICON.png?auto=webp&width=32&height=32 Smartphone Reviews | Popular Photography https://www.popphoto.com/category/smartphone-reviews/ 32 32 The best Nokia phones for 2023 https://www.popphoto.com/gear-reviews/best-nokia-phones/ Thu, 21 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.popphoto.com/?p=179174
These are the best Nokia phones.
Abby Ferguson

Need a new phone, but your bank account is emptier than a glass of lemonade on a hot day? Then look no further than Nokia's fantastically affordable range of phones.

The post The best Nokia phones for 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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These are the best Nokia phones.
Abby Ferguson

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Best overall Nokia G20 Nokia G20
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Best camera Nokia 9 PureView Nokia 9 PureView
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Best battery Nokia G50 Nokia G50
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It wasn’t that long ago that Nokia was the leading phone manufacturer in the world and churned out some popular Nokia phones. But then along came Apple, Google, Samsung, and dozens of small independent manufacturers, such as Xiaomi and OnePlus, making it a very tough market to break into and survive in. 

It may have been a while since Nokia released a phone that everyone desperately wanted, such as the infamous Nokia 3310, but that does not mean that its phones are in any way poor or not worth your consideration. On the contrary, the best Nokia phones will give you plenty of quality and features at a more budget-friendly price than more prominent brands. 

How we picked the best Nokia phones

The team at PopPhoto has decades of experience in a variety of photographic and technological situations. We reviewed all the available phones that Nokia makes to compile the above list of phones. We considered essential specs like RAM, processor, screen technology, and storage. Lastly, as many choose smartphones to have a camera in hand at all times, we aimed to select products with quality cameras. 

Our focus was on those who want the best but may have a limited budget or don’t want to spend a fortune on a phone. The above list offers a range of budget-friendly phones that do an excellent job on a day-to-day basis.

The best Nokia phones: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Nokia G20

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Why it made the cut: While all Nokia phones are aimed at a lower budget target audience, the quality of the G20 still makes it feel like it’s at the higher end of the mid-range market. 

Key features:

  • Processor: Mediatek Helio G35
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Screen: 6.65 inch HD+
  • Cameras: Rear: 48MP main camera, 5MP ultra-wide angle & 2MP macro | Front: 8MP
  • Storage: 64GB (expandable up to 512GB)
  • Battery: 5050mAh and 10W charging

Pros

  • Large battery
  • Expandable storage
  • Stylish design
  • 3.5mm headphone jack

Cons

  • Slow processor and RAM

The Nokia G20 is a very stylish-looking phone with beautiful curves that make the phone seem like a smooth pebble. The front camera is small and discreet, while the rear camera arrangement is a circle at the top of the phone that looks strangely like a Tardigrade’s mouth.

Another great feature that has unfortunately become absent from phones in recent years is the 3.5mm headphone jack. Granted, many people use wireless headphones and earbuds now, but the option to use wired headphones is a welcome one.

Expandable storage is another feature that has more or less become extinct. It can be frustrating having to pay significantly more to get double the storage, so it’s great to see that Nokia is one of the few manufacturers keeping this option. The G20 can expand up to 512GB, which is on top of the 64GB it already has.

Considering that this is a very affordable phone, it is somewhat surprising to see a 5050mAh battery inside it, which means the phone can last longer when you need it. While 10W charging isn’t considered fast charging these days, given we now have 120W charging, it is still very decent and, again, considering the low price, is a welcome addition.

The processor and 4GB RAM aren’t the best in Nokia’s lineup, and at least on paper, it will be a slower phone. But most casual users will not notice. However, if you have a need for speed, then perhaps consider another Nokia phone. 

Best camera: Nokia 9 PureView

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Why it made the cut: The Nokia 9 PureView has a unique, five-camera setup that results in better color and depth thanks to three of the cameras capturing in black and white, allowing it to retain more detail.

Key features:

  • Processor: Snapdragon 845
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Screen: 5.99 inch QHD 2k OLED
  • Camera: Rear: five 12MP cameras (2 in color, 3 in monochrome) | Front: 20MP
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 3320mAh

Pros

  • Unique five-camera set up
  • Decent processor and RAM
  • Large storage 
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Small battery

Remember when phones didn’t even have cameras, much less five of them? These days, most phones that employ multiple cameras provide different focal lengths for multiple fields of view. The Nokia 9 PureView, however, has a different reason for the five 12 MP cameras, all of which have a 28mm fixed-focal length. Instead, the five-camera array has two (the centermost and central bottom) full-color cameras, and three are in black and white. The combination of color and monochrome cameras allows the phone to capture the full spectrum of light and gives you better photo quality. 

The method that the camera produces an image requires fast processing. And as a result, the processor, while an older Qualcomm processor, is a reasonably fast one. Combined with the 6GB RAM, the Nokia 9 PureView is a fast device that can do everything you need. Moreover, it comes with 128GB storage as standard, which is more than enough for everyday users. 

The screen itself isn’t the largest compared to other phones these days, but 5.99 inches is more than reasonable, and when you consider the affordable cost, this is a great size. 

The biggest downside to this phone, considering that it gives you a fast processor, large storage, and a great camera setup, is that the battery is only 3320mAh. It will still last approximately 10 hours on paper, but it’s not a lot if you use your phone throughout the day. 

Best battery: Nokia G50

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Why it made the cut: The impressive 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging means you will rarely get caught with a dead battery, meaning you can use your phone without fear. 

Key features:

  • Processor: Snapdragon™ 480 5G
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Screen: 6.82 inch HD+
  • Camera: Rear: 48MP main camera, 5MP ultra-wide angle, and 2-megapixel depth sensor | Front: 8MP 
  • Storage: 64GB/128GB (expandable up to 512GB)
  • Battery: 5000mAh and 18W fast charging

Pros

  • Large battery and fast charging
  • Great camera arrangement on rear of the phone
  • Expandable storage
  • Stylish design

Cons

  • Not the best screen

Released in 2021, the G50 is one of Nokia’s most recent phones. It has a very affordable price, like all current Nokia phones. Despite its reasonable cost, the Nokia G50 still has some fantastic features that give you more bang for your buck. 

For example, Nokia included a 5000mAh battery giving you more time to use your phone between charges. However, if you do find yourself running low on battery, the 18W fast charging capabilities can charge your phone in less than an hour. 

The phone comes in two storage options, 64GB and 128GB. There is also an option to expand storage to 512GB. It’s frustrating to see manufacturers move away from expandable storage as it is far cheaper to get a microSD card to expand your storage than paying for larger integrated storage. So it’s great to see Nokia keeping hold of this tradition.

With the Nokia G50, you get two cameras, a 48MP primary camera, and a 5MP ultra-wide-angle camera. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but they do a decent job and give you good quality when taking photos of your family and friends.

Sadly, the screen is not great. Surprisingly, this phone has some high-end features but loses out on a low-quality screen. That is to say that it is low quality by today’s standards. However, it is still decent enough to get by, especially if you aren’t using the phone for watching movies or editing photos. 

Long lasting: Nokia XR20

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Why it made the cut: It’s a beautiful phone designed and tested to military-grade standards, giving you something close to the legendary Nokia 3310.

Key features:

  • Processor: Snapdragon™ 480
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Screen: 6.67 inch FHD+
  • Camera: Rear: 48MP main camera, 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera | Front: 8MP
  • Storage: 128GB (expandable up to 512GB)
  • Battery: 4630mAh

Pros

  • IP68 rated
  • Rugged and durable
  • Attractive design

Cons

  • Average processor

The Nokia 3310 is infamous in the phone industry for being the toughest, meanest phone ever made. People have reported throwing it, stepping on it, even setting it on fire, and the crazy little phone carries on working like it was nothing.

It’s been many a year since Nokia released anything similar to this level of indestructibility. While the Nokia XR20 isn’t as indestructible as the 3310 (simply because modern technology is more fragile), it is a beast in its own right. 

The XR20 was designed and tested to MIL-STD-810H rating. That rating means that it is a military-grade phone and can withstand temperatures as low as -13°F and as high as 131°F. In addition, it’s IP68 rated, so it is dust, dirt, and sand resistant and can be submerged up to 4.9 feet underwater for an incredible 30 minutes. So if you need to make a call while it’s raining, or you drop it in the mud and need to wash it, you won’t need to worry much about damaging it. 

It can also withstand drops up to 5.9 feet. If you are concerned about dropping it in general, then there’s an accessory attachment loop (another helpful feature of a bygone era) where you can add a loop to wrap around your wrist. Finally, if the above doesn’t convince you how durable this phone is, the screen is made from Gorilla™ Glass Victus™, which is the toughest screen Nokia has ever used on its phones. 

In the photography industry, a weatherproof compact camera is well protected and durable but usually looks incredibly ugly. That is not the case with the Nokia XR20. It is, simply put, beautiful. The two cameras are arranged at the back in a simple square but with an “X” shape that connects the cameras, light, and sensor, which is very aesthetically pleasing.

The 48MP main camera and 13MP ultra-wide-angle cameras are standard Nokia cameras with lenses made by Zeiss. It’s not outstanding, but it’s not terrible either. The 4630mAh battery is decent enough and will last the better part of the day on paper. 

The processor is rather average, though, which is surprising considering the 6GB of RAM. It’s not the worst, by any means, but it feels like a bit of an oversight given the specs the rest of the phone has.

Best budget: Nokia 8.3

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Why it made the cut: This phone came out in 2020 but still has some fantastic features and specs, giving you a great phone at a highly affordable price. 

Key features:

  • Processor: Snapdragon™ 765G
  • RAM: 6GB/8GB
  • Screen: 6.81 inch FHD+
  • Camera: Rear: 64MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide-angle, 2MP macro | Front: 24MP
  • Storage: 128GB (expandable up to 512GB)
  • Battery: 4500mAh and 18W fast charging

Pros

  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Large battery and fast charging
  • Dual SIM
  • Striking design

Cons

  • Inconvenient Google Assistant button

Nokia released its 8.3 in September 2020, so it’s a fairly old phone by today’s standards. That said, this phone is still very good and worth considering if you are on a budget.

It comes with a Snapdragon™ 765G processor, which isn’t the fastest Qualcomm makes but is more than enough for everyday use. And when paired with the 6GB or 8GB RAM, the phone does a good job handling all your needs. 

Overall, the phone is rather stunning with its two-tone gradient back. The rear camera arrangement doesn’t take up much space, so looks rather striking. The front camera is in the top left corner rather than centrally located, which may be an issue for some. It feels good to hold in your hand, although with a 6.81-inch screen, it’s not the smallest of phones.

The 68MP main camera is good enough for most users. Keep in mind, however, that as a budget phone, it will not provide groundbreaking quality by any means. The battery is 4500mAh and comes with 18W fast charging, which is a welcome surprise as you don’t often see a large battery and fast charging on a budget phone. It should reliably last a day, depending on your use. 

Like most Nokia phones, you get the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack. A headphone jack is handy, even if you do not use it very often, as it’s great to have a backup in case your wireless headphones/earbuds run out of juice. However, one thing that is not as useful is the inclusion of a Google Assistant button on the left side of the phone. It’s not in the best location and can result in accidental requests for Google Assistant’s help, which pauses your music or movie and becomes an inconvenience. You can turn this feature off, but you cannot remap it to something else, so it just becomes a useless button.

Things to consider before buying the best Nokia phones

Looking for a new phone can be overwhelming. Even within the Nokia brand, there are many different models offering different features and specs. But, one thing that all Nokia phones have in common is that they run on an Android user interface. So while there are many other decisions to make, you won’t have to decide on a UI. Read on to learn what you should consider when choosing a new Nokia phone.

Processor

The processor is what controls the phone. A faster processor means it can handle instructions and information better and quicker. If you are someone that opens multiple apps, watches movies a lot, and/or plays games on their phone then a faster processor is ideal. In addition to this, the more cores (or processing units) that a processor has the less energy it uses and the cooler it will be to hold.

RAM

The RAM, or Random Access Memory, is how much data the phone can handle. One example of what RAM, denoted by a higher GB, does is it helps store your current activities in short-term memory banks that let you pick up where you left off. So the more RAM you have, the faster you can access that information, which is perfect if you jump from app to app, activity to activity. Your phone will feel much faster if you get one with more RAM.

Camera

Most people want a phone with a decent camera as a minimum. Premium phones will focus on advanced features like night modes, portraits with shallow depth of field, or long exposures. But the Nokia range will suit you fine if you are not that interested in fancy camera tools and want a phone camera that just takes sharp photos. Most of them will have a wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle lens so that you can take pictures of groups or landscapes during your travels. 

In terms of quality, the more megapixels the camera has, in theory, the better the quality. While this doesn’t tell the full story, as many factors affect a camera’s abilities, such as AI and the quality of the hardware, it gives you a rough indication of the camera’s potential. 

Battery

One other thing that old phones have over modern smartphones is battery life. An older phone, such as the Nokia 3310, uses far less power to operate. Most people would only use those phones to call and text and maybe play Snakes (remember that classic game?). However, these days people use their phones for all sorts of functions, which requires much more battery power. 

Battery charge is measured in milliampere-hour (mAh), and the higher the number, the longer that battery will last, on paper at least. Keep in mind that external power banks are relatively small and affordable, allowing you to charge your phone on the go. So battery charge these days is more a matter of convenience than a deal or no deal feature.

Storage

The more storage the phone has, the more apps, photos, and other data you can keep on it. If you are not planning on playing games or downloading dozens of apps, smaller storage, such as 64GB, should be okay. However, almost everything nowadays requires an app, which quickly eats up storage space. So, if possible, it is worth going for a higher storage capacity. 

Screen size

Screen size is important to consider because of how it will feel in your hand and pocket. The 3310 was tiny, and you could easily work it with one hand, but the same cannot be said for some modern phones. While a larger screen is more beneficial for watching media on your phone, larger phones can be cumbersome. So unless you know you’ll be using the phone primarily for consuming media, a moderate screen size is likely ideal.

FAQs

Does Nokia still make phones?

Yes, Nokia still makes phones. It may not be as popular as it once was or release as many phones, but it still makes them. It doesn’t target the premium market as Samsung and Apple dominate that. Instead, it focuses more on the budget and mid-range markets.

Which Nokia phone is unbreakable?

The infamous Nokia 3310 was considered an indestructible phone (as long as you don’t drop-kick it). However, phones–and arguably a lot of other products–are not as durable these days. The lack of durability is because they are thinner and have more fragile technology inside them. As a result, phone cases are generally crucial to keeping your phone safe. That being said, the XR20 is very durable as it is made and tested to military standards. It is an excellent phone if you are accident-prone.

Are Nokia phones worth buying?

If you are looking for a high-end, premium phone with features like wireless charging, adjustable refresh rate, etc., then Nokia might not be the phone for you. They are still great phones but fall in budget and mid-range markets. Therefore, the specs and features are not as good as Samsung’s flagship, for example. However, if you don’t need high-end specs, Nokia phones are reliable and durable.

Why is Nokia 3310 so strong?

The Nokia 3310 is so strong, at least compared to smartphones, for a few reasons. First, the 3310 is a small phone made predominantly of quality, highly durable plastic. It has a tiny screen, which means there is less glass to break if it is dropped. And finally, there are fewer components inside since it is such a basic, simple phone. 

Smartphones are bigger, which means more holes and gaps where water and dust can seep in. And they have significantly larger screens, which are more susceptible to damage, making them much more fragile than the 3310.

Final thoughts on buying the best Nokia phones

While Nokia isn’t leading the industry with new designs, it is producing well-made phones built to last at an affordable price. Its phones also retain things like expandable memory and headphone jacks, making them enticing for users who prefer those. 

The post The best Nokia phones for 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best camera phones of 2023 https://www.popphoto.com/story/reviews/best-camera-phone/ Fri, 04 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.popphoto.com/uncategorized/best-camera-phone/
The best smartphone cameras
Stan Horaczek

From casual shots to social media-worthy portraits, your smartphone camera is your direct connection to the world.

The post Best camera phones of 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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The best smartphone cameras
Stan Horaczek

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

Best Android Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra smartphone Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
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Samsung updated it’s top-end phone with even more AI.

Best overall iPhone 13 Pro Max Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
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Apple’s flagship smartphone has one of the best phone cameras on a phone so far.

Best low-light Google Pixel 6 Pro smartphone Google Pixel 6 Pro
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Google’s AI prowess shines when the light gets low.

If you think about it, social media might not have grown so quickly and become so ubiquitous without the smartphone camera. Imagine it—a purely text-driven experience would have only progressed so far and likely would have gotten old fast. But once people were able to take hi-res pictures, edit them on their phone, add filters and animated stickers, and then post them directly to their platform of choice, it changed the phone from something you use to reach out to others into something you use to present your personal perspective on the world.

As quality has increased, the importance of the smartphone camera has only continued to grow. In fact, it’s one of—if not the—most important selling point when new smartphone iterations are launched. People want to know they can make themselves and others look amazing without having to lug professional-grade cameras and lenses around with them wherever they go. One well-equipped smartphone camera is all you need, and you have plenty of options when searching for the right one. Here’s how you can get started finding one of the best camera phones for you.

How we picked the best smartphone cameras

We started our quest for the best smartphone cameras with a survey of the current models from the big manufacturers. We relied on a mixture of hands-on testing, editorial reviews, user feedback, and spec comparisons to choose the models that offer the best overall performance. It takes more than just amped-up specs to make a great smartphone camera.

Features to look for in the best camera phones

The smartphone camera quickly went from a neat perk to an essential feature, and each new phone has upped the ante in terms of higher resolutions, more versatile presentation formats, and more sophisticated editing capabilities. So while you still want to consider basic things like battery life, app availability, and calling plan options, getting an amazing camera on your phone is pretty much top priority. And, yes, you do have options. Don’t get stuck with subpar performance—here’s what to look for when shopping for the best camera phone.

Does your phone offer zoom power?

There’s an impressive new development in camera phones: the optical zoom. Earlier camera phones were equipped with digital zoom, which relied on software to get close to the object you were shooting. The camera would take the portion of the image you framed and capture the image, but with fewer pixels, often resulting in a picture that was blurry, pixelated, and less detailed. While improvements in sharpening image software have improved these pictures, they’re still not as sharp as photographs captured using optical zoom.

Now, camera phones can allow for 3x and 10x optical zoom, with some advanced options even offering up to 100x space zoom. Optical zoom requires the mechanical movement of the lens in order to magnify the image, which results in some amazingly detailed photos at any focal length. For a handheld device, that used to be a challenge, but modern phone technology means you can capture crystal-clear images even from afar.

Do you want to capture high-quality video?

If you’re ready to up the ante on your YouTube channel or Instagram reels, it’s worth it to invest in a cell phone with advanced video capabilities. In fact, whether you’re a casual videographer or looking for more professional-grade videos, it’s never been easier to get amazing video from camera phones. The best smartphone cameras for taking video will offer crisp 4K (or 8K) resolution video, wide-angle lenses, advanced zoom capabilities, improvements in color capturing, and corrections for night vision and low light environments. In fact, the latest from Apple (iPhone 12 Pro Max) offers a unique new feature for video: the ability to shoot with Dolby vision, which records with 60 times more colors (it’s so impressive, it’s the format used by film studios).

Are you a professional who wants to use more than one lens?

It’s clear that smartphones offer us so much more than just amazing cameras and video. But if you’re using it in lieu of a physical camera, you want to select the best smartphone camera possible. The best camera phone for pros will offer multiple lenses, allowing for the ability to customize the camera settings for optimal portrait shots, wide-angle, zoom functions, and micro settings for close-up shots. They should also offer multiple photography modes for quick visual effects as well as photo and video editing modes. Expect to pay a premium for quality—professional-level camera phones will usually hover over $1000.

Will you be shooting in low-light environments?

Even with phones that capture full 4K video and hi-resolution images, a little thing called “night time” can still seem like an insurmountable hurdle. Blurry lights and indistinct details ruin perfectly good photos once the sun goes down, and using the built-in flash usually makes everyone look like they’re trapped in the headlights of an oncoming car. But if you want to take decent nighttime pics, look for a phone that captures a burst of photos and stitches them together to create one crisp and contrasted low-light image.

What do you do when your kids start asking you for an iPhone?

It’s the moment you’ve been silently dreading as a parent. Your kids reach that age where it’s time to have “the talk—” no, not about the birds and the bees, but about smartphones. They are going to want one, and you’re going to have to relent at some point. But you don’t necessarily have to invest a ton of money in something that they’re just learning to use (and learning to be responsible for). Look for a more affordable and durable option that will still give them the capabilities to get creative with the camera, whether they’re taking family vacation photos or snapping selfies with their best friend.

Best overall: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

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Why it made the cut: A large sensor and a fast lens combine with high-end AI smarts to make the best phone camera around.

Specs:

  • Screen size: 6.7 inches
  • Still photo resolution: 12 megapixels
  • Max video resolution: 8K
  • Camera modules: Ultra-wide, wide-angle (main), and telephoto

Pros: 

  • The best overall image quality on the list
  • Apple’s new picture styles tone down the overly aggressive HDR
  • Big sensor and fast lens
  • Cinema mode adds unique elements to video

Cons:

  • Big and heavy

With an impressively long battery life (up to 20 hours of video playback), the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a bright, crisp OLED screen and high-end cameras. The ProRAW mode captures images that have a wide array of editing capabilities, while the film-grade Dolby vision video allows for high-level editing and imaging of 4K video. All these features come with a high price tag, and a bit of a heavier weight compared to other iPhone models—but if you’re looking to level up your content creation, this pick has all the bells and whistles to capture stunning high-definition photo and video. The overall image quality has taken a big jump since the already excellent iPhone 12 Pro Max thanks to a new sensor and lens system.

Best Android: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

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Why it made the cut: You’d be hard-pressed to find a camera feature on the market that this phone doesn’t offer.

Specs:

  • Screen size: 6.8 inches
  • Still photo resolution: 108 megapixels
  • Max video resolution: 8K
  • Camera modules: Ultra-wide, wide-angle (main), telephoto, and telephoto zoom

Pros: 

  • 10x optical zoom
  • Laser AF system
  • Super high-res 1080-megapixel main camera
  • 10x optical zoom

Cons:

  • Processing can be heavy handed

The most advanced offering from Samsung features a multi-lens camera with a high 108MP resolution, so you can shoot high-resolution photos or combine those pixels into groups to get more detailed images at lower resolutions.. Zoom features on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra are also impressive, with their dual-lens combination offering 3x and 10x optical zoom. This pick also can shoot video in 8K for sharp, professional-quality footage with the press of a button. The laser-based AF also helps the phone focus faster. When it comes to smartphone cameras, this one promises every cutting edge feature you can think of. Samsung has also improved it’s night shooting modes as well as its AI-powered portrait modes to make them even more effective than before.

Best low light: Google Pixel 6 Pro

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Why it made the cut: Google used its AI expertise to make this one of the best low-light phones around.

Specs:

  • Screen size: 6.7 inches
  • Still photo resolution: 50 megapixels
  • Max video resolution: 4K
  • Camera modules: Ultra-wide, wide angle, and 4x zoom telephoto

Pros: 

  • Excellent in low-light
  • Natural-looking images with Google HDR
  • 50-megapixel resolution on the main camera
  • Google’s Magic Eraser tool really does feel kinda magical

Cons:

  • Just OK screen

One of the main selling points of the Google Pixel 6 Pro is its “Night Sight” function. Essentially, instead of trying to capture a single (probably blurry) night photo, this function captures an equal amount of light over a burst of many photos and then merges them to create one sharp, dark image with more balanced colors. It’s a huge step up and basically, helps make night photos if not 100% perfect, at least more salvageable than those taken with a simple smartphone camera. In addition to their advanced low light photography tech, the Google Pixel also features an ultrawide lens for sweeping landscape shots and a stunning portrait light mode. The main camera’s 50-megapixel resolution pulls lots of detail out of any scene and the Magic Eraser tool easily removes unwanted objects with spooky ease and accuracy.

Best for kids: Apple iPhone SE

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Why it made the cut: 

Specs:

  • Screen size: 4.7 inches
  • Still photo resolution: 12 megapixels
  • Max video resolution: 4K video
  • Camera modules: Wide-angle

Pros: 

  • Affordable
  • Includes Apple’s most recent system on a chip so it has access to advanced processing
  • One camera module simplifies operation

Cons:

  • Lacks some extra features like optical zoom

One of the more affordable iPhones, the Apple iPhone SE still delivers what you love about Apple products without carrying the extra burden of being incredibly expensive. It has a slim, light design, is water-resistant, but still has bells and whistles like full 4K video, 4.7-inch retina HD display, TouchID security, and more than enough processing speed to handle apps and games. It’s the first iPhone that doesn’t feel remedial in the slightest.

Best budget: Pixel 5A

Why it made the cut: It only has one camera module, but it’s a solid all-around performer.

Specs:

  • Screen size: 6.3 inches
  • Still photo resolution: 12.2 megapixels
  • Max video resolution: 4K
  • Camera modules: Wide-angle

Pros: 

  • Solid overall image quality
  • Excellent low-light capture
  • Natural-looking HDR

Cons:

  • Lacks super-wide and telephoto lenses

You don’t need a ton of camera modules to make an excellent smartphone camera. The Pixel 5A only has one camera on the back, a wide-angle, 12-megapixel camera that shoots natural-looking HDR with the help of Google’s advanced image processor and AI smarts. Despite its price, you still get a relatively roomy 6.3-inch screen and some advanced shooting features, including low-light shooting modes. It’s not the best smartphone camera around, but it costs a third as much as the best smartphone camera around.

FAQs

Q: Which is the best camera phone in 2021?

Loaded with 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras, a 5x optical zoom range, night mode (including night portrait mode), Smart HDR 3, and 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording, it’s hard not to single out the iPhone 12 Pro Max. With its quick refresh rate and ability to pick up details in dark environments, the Google Pixel 5 is also a winner.

Q: Is it better to buy a camera or a phone?

Not to pass the buck, but it depends on what you’re looking to do. If you want to embark on a career in photography (or even an in-depth hobby), you likely want to look into a powerful, versatile camera with multiple lenses and other accessories. But if you just want to level up your social media posts and need a device that can also serve you apps, take calls and texts, and be by your side even when you’re not shooting pics, then invest in a great camera phone.

Q: What makes a good camera phone?

When judging a good versus a bad camera phone, you’ll want to measure things like megapixels (which impacts the final image resolution), aperture size (which affects how light or dark an image is—camera phones have one fixed aperture size so look for one that’s as wide as possible), and lens quality (which can help you avoid blurry long-range pics).

A final word on shopping for the best camera phones

At this point, it feels almost silly to separate the camera from the rest of the smartphone. Having all you need in one device—a camera for capturing special moments, apps for sharing them on social, and messaging services to stay connected— just makes sense. And now that smartphone cameras deliver professional-quality images and editing capabilities, there really is no doubt. Just consider what your needs are and how you plan to use the images you capture when selecting the best camera phone for you. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a social media junkie, there are options and variations to suit your needs.

The post Best camera phones of 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Apple’s new entry-level iPhone SE receives a performance boost, 5G, and a ‘smarter’ camera https://www.popphoto.com/gear/new-third-generation-apple-iphone-se/ Fri, 11 Mar 2022 22:22:27 +0000 https://www.popphoto.com/?p=164876
The new iPhone SE third generation.
The third-generation iPhone SE brings 5G support and more to the table. Apple

A relatively modest update will nevertheless see Apple's bezel-tastic, entry-level iPhone series extended into the 5G era.

The post Apple’s new entry-level iPhone SE receives a performance boost, 5G, and a ‘smarter’ camera appeared first on Popular Photography.

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The new iPhone SE third generation.
The third-generation iPhone SE brings 5G support and more to the table. Apple

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Late last year, Apple overhauled the top end of its smartphone lineup with four widely-lauded iPhone 13-series phones, earning rave reviews and more than a few sales in the process. But while these models have certainly proven popular, the cost and size of flagship phones may not be for everyone.

This week, Apple announced its latest entry-level model phone, the third-generation iPhone SE, which gains Apple’s latest chipset, a 5G antenna, a smarter camera, and more.

A very familiar design

If you’ve used the earlier second-gen model, the latest iPhone SE variant is going to feel mighty familiar, as its physical design is nearly unchanged. It’s still based around a 4.7-inch display, which is the smallest and dimmest of any of the current iPhone models. Apple stuck with IPS LCD technology, as opposed to OLED, so it also lacks HDR support.

Yet despite its small screen, the phone itself is almost exactly halfway between the size of the iPhone 13 and 13 mini models. This gives it a rather retro feel, as do the chunky bezels, the lower of which plays host to a combined physical Home button and fingerprint reader.

The new iPhone SE third generation.
The new SE has just one rear camera. Apple

Camera hardware remains the same

The new iPhone SE sports the same hardware in its front- and rear-facing cameras as its predecessor.

The sole rear camera still captures 12-megapixel imagery from a wide-angle f/1.8 lens, while the front camera retains the same 7-megapixel resolution and f/2.2 aperture of the second-gen SE. There are more changes on the software front, though, which aim to make the most of the phone’s boosted performance courtesy of the updated chipset.

Camera software improvements

The SE III uses Apple’s latest Smart HDR 4 algorithms as seen previously on the iPhone 13-series phones. That’s actually two iterations newer than the second-gen Smart HDR 2 algorithms shared by the SE II and iPhone 11-series.

Compared to earlier versions, Smart HDR 4 is said to yield more attractive skin tones for up to four subjects at once, as well as improve both contrast and lighting. The third-gen Apple iPhone SE is also the first in its series to include Apple’s multi-shot Deep Fusion technology, which first landed in the iPhone 11-series in late 2019.

A sample photo from the iPhone SE third generation of an African American women.
A sample photo shot using Smart HDR 4. Apple

Deep Fusion works silently in the background, capturing a rolling buffer of varied exposures from the image sensor as soon as you open the camera app. When you hit the shutter button, the last nine of these frames—four standard exposures, four short exposures, and one longer one—are seamlessly combined to create a single output image with improved detail, reduced noise, greater dynamic range, and better color.

And the best news? Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion work with both the rear-facing and the front-facing cameras. In addition to these, the SE can now shoot high frame-rate 1080/120p video, for a slow-motion effect in Full HD.

Compared to the iPhone 13 cameras

Software improvements aside, the 3rd-gen iPhone SE’s camera hardware is still far less sophisticated than that of the iPhone 13 models. For one thing, there’s no optical zoom at all, as it lacks the ultra-wide cameras of all four phones, plus the telephoto camera of the Pro and Pro Max. Nor is there any sensor-shift image stabilization.

The SE’s rear camera is also noticeably less bright than those of higher-end models, while its front camera has a significantly lower-resolution sensor. The front camera lacks depth detection, too, meaning it can’t be used for Face ID. And the rear camera lacks the Pro and Pro Max’s LIDAR autofocus tech, and macro shooting capabilities.

A sample photo from the iPhone SE third generation of a parrot.
A demonstration of results from the newly-added Deep Fusion algorithms. Apple

The new SE also doesn’t support “Cinematic mode,” introduced with the iPhone 13-series, nor is there “Night mode“. You also won’t find options for ProRAW capture or Dolby Vision HDR. And digital zoom is limited to 5x, which is the same as the base iPhone 13 models, but much less than the 15x digital zoom offered on the iPhone 13 Pros.

Other improvements

The iPhone SE III uses a variant of Apple’s latest A15 system-on-chip (SoC), which Apple says should help improve battery life by up to 25% compared to its predecessor. This, along with the addition of a sub-6GHz 5G antenna, should make the phone feel a lot zippier than the previous version.

The new iPhone SE third generation.
The 2022 iPhone SE will ship in a choice of three different colors. From right to left, they’re (PRODUCT)RED, starlight, and midnight, which is shown from both front and rear. Apple

Storage options now top out at 256GB, which is twice as much as the previous generation. And support for alternative global positioning technologies has also been added. Like its predecessor, the new SE is IP67 rated for water resistance and supports wireless charging.

Price and availability

Available for preorder now, the third-generation iPhone SE will be priced from $429 for the base model with 64GB of storage. Doubling this to 128GB will raise the price by $50 to $479, while the top-of-the-line 256GB version will add a further $100 for a final cost of $579.

The post Apple’s new entry-level iPhone SE receives a performance boost, 5G, and a ‘smarter’ camera appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Sony’s new Xperia Pro-I smartphone uses the same 1-inch sensor as the RX100 VII https://www.popphoto.com/gear/first-look-sony-xperia-pro-i/ Thu, 28 Oct 2021 23:52:15 +0000 https://www.popphoto.com/?p=155302
The new Xperia PRO-I smartphone.
Sony's new flagship smartphone sports a large 1-inch sensor. Sony

The Xperia Pro-I is Sony's first smartphone with a 1-inch sensor + integrated phase-detect AF. But note, the camera isn't making use of the entire sensor area.

The post Sony’s new Xperia Pro-I smartphone uses the same 1-inch sensor as the RX100 VII appeared first on Popular Photography.

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The new Xperia PRO-I smartphone.
Sony's new flagship smartphone sports a large 1-inch sensor. Sony

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Earlier this week, Sony unveiled an enticing new “professional” smartphone, the Xperia Pro-I. It should be particularly intriguing to photographers and videographers since it sports a large 1-inch-sized sensor, the same one found in the Sony RX100 VII premium compact. It also offers quite a few impressive features, sure to appeal to content creators, including 20 fps burst shooting with AF/AE, 12-bit RAW recording, and 4K/120p video capture.

However, it’s worth pointing out, the Xperia Pro-I is only using a 12-megapixel crop from this 20-megapixel 1-inch sensor, utilizing about 60% of the total surface area of the chip. And so, while image quality should still be excellent, it won’t be a match with the RX100 VII.

Let’s take a look at some of Xperia Pro-I’s key specs.

Here’s a quick video tour of the new Xperia Pro-I smartphone.

Xperia Pro-I camera key specs:

  • Main camera uses a 12-megapixel crop from a 20-megapixel 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor
  • 1-inch sensor is paired with a 24mm f/2 equivilent Zeiss lens
  • 315 phase-detect AF points cover 90% of the frame (main camera)
  • 16mm f/2.2 equivilent ultra-wide angle lens paired with 12-megapixel 1/2.9-inch sensor
  • 50mm f/2.4 equivilent portrait lens paired with 12-megapixel 1/2.9-inch sensor
  • 4K/120p video capture
  • 20 fps burst shooting (with AF/AE)
  • AF tracking with eye detection (stills and video mode)
  • 12-bit RAW output (from all three cameras)
  • 512GB of built-in sotrage + a Micro SDXC memory card slot (for memory cards up to 1TB in capacity)
  • Compatible with mobile 5G

Main camera & features

The new Xperia PRO-I smartphone.
The sensor in the Xperia Pro-1 is borrowed from the RX100 VII compact camera. Sony

While the Xperia Pro-I is Sony’s first 1-inch sensor smartphone, it’s not the first smartphone to use a sensor this size. For instance, earlier this year, Sharp introduced the Aquos R6, which uses a 1-inch sensor. And if you want to go all the way back to 2014, the Panasonic CM1 also made use of a 1-inch sensor.

By comparison, the iPhone 13 Pro’s main camera uses a smaller, 1/1.65-inch sensor, though the iPhone offers a faster f/1.5 lens, compared to the Xperia’s f/2 lens.

But what really sets the Xperia Pro-1 apart is that it has a 1-inch sensor with integrated phase-detect AF. This is the same type of AF you find in high-quality Sony cameras like the recent Sony a7 IV, as well as the RX100 VII.

Both of these cameras offer outstanding AF performance, with highly-accurate AF tracking and eye detection. And we expect the same excellent level of autofocus reliability from the Xperia Pro-I. It’s also worth noting, the phone’s AF tracking+ eye detection can be used during both stills and 4K video capture.

The new Xperia PRO-I smartphone.
The phone offers 3 cameras: a 16mm ultra-wide, a 24mm wide-angle (main camera), and a 50mm portrait camera. Sony

Ultra-wide & portrait cameras

The Xperia Pro-I also offers a 16mm equivalent ultra-wide camera and a 50mm equivalent portrait camera. Both of these cameras use a 12-megapixel 1/2.9-inch sensor, which is quite a bit smaller than the sensor used by the main camera. And neither sensor offers phase-detect AF. That being said all three of the smartphone’s cameras can output 12-bit RAW files.

Physical design

The Xperia Pro-I offers a large, 6.5-inch OLED HDR 4K display, that has a refresh rate of 120Hz. This should provide a smooth user experience when you’re composing stills and/or videos. And video playback should also be smooth. The display is made from Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus, and so it should be relatively scratch- and shatter-resistant.

The smartphone itself is just 3.5mm thick and it offers an IP65/68 waterproof rating. Other design elements content creators will appreciate: a physical shutter-release button and a 3.5mm audio jack.

The device is powered by a 4500 mAh battery with rapid charging capability (50% in 30 minutes). And users can transfer files quickly thanks to a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port.

The new Xperia PRO-I smartphone.
The phone offers a large 6.5-inch OLED HDR 4K display. Sony

Video features

Xperia Pro-I shoots up to 4K/120p video and Sony’s Optical SteadyShot should help keep hand-held footage looking smooth (there’s also electronic IS). The unit features both a stereo microphone as well as a mono microphone next to the camera module, meant for capturing human speech clearly.

The camera also has new “Video Pro” and “Cinema Pro” shooting modes. The former is geared toward content creators looking to share videos from the field, including vloggers and journalists. This mode allows users to adjust basic settings like focus, exposure and white balance on the fly and with ease. The latter takes inspiration from Sony’s more professional-level video cameras and offers advanced cinematic features including focus pulls and more.

Accessory “Vlog Monitor”

Sony's new Vlog Monitor attaches to the back of Xperia Pro-I.
Sony’s new Vlog Monitor attaches to the back of Xperia Pro-I. Sony

Sony also introduced a new $200 “Vlog Monitor” to go along with the Xperia Pro-I. It attaches to the back of the device and communicates with the Xperia Pro-I via USB-C cable. The unit adds a 3.5-inch display (1280×720 resolution), 3.5mm microphone jack and a hot shoe mount. It’s also Bluetooth enabled and can be paired with Sony’s GP-VPT2BT Bluetooth shooting grip (shown here).

Sony Xperia Pro-I: Pricing and availability

The Sony Xperia Pro-I is available for preorder now, unlocked, and ships in December 2021 for ~$1,800. The new Vlog Monitor and leather cover will also be available in December 2021, for approximately $200 and $90, respectively.

The post Sony’s new Xperia Pro-I smartphone uses the same 1-inch sensor as the RX100 VII appeared first on Popular Photography.

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The best Android phones for any budget or style https://www.popphoto.com/reviews/best-android-phones/ Tue, 17 Aug 2021 19:19:26 +0000 https://www.popphoto.com/?p=152381
Find the best Android phone for your life.
Daniel Romero, Unsplash

Android phones have come a long way. Today, the best Android cell phones are incredibly powerful and varied—and there's a model for every consumer.

The post The best Android phones for any budget or style appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Find the best Android phone for your life.
Daniel Romero, Unsplash

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Best Samsung Galaxy phone The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the best Samsung Galaxy phone. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
SEE IT

Probably the best Android phone on the market. 

Best camera phone on Android The Google Pixel 5 has the best camera phone on an Android. Google Pixel 5
SEE IT

This camera phone provides stellar nighttime photography.

Best budget Android phone The Google Pixel 4a is the best budget Android phone. Google Pixel 4a
SEE IT

This model is fast, affordable, and sleek.

One of the great things about the best Android phones is that many different manufacturers can make their own, compared with the small lineup of iOS phones all made by Apple. The top Android, Google, and Galaxy phones vary dramatically in size, style, and price, but that’s what makes them interesting.

How do I pick the best Android phone?

Android phones come in sizes ranging from tiny to enormous, made by giant companies like Google and Samsung, as well as emerging makers many Americans haven’t heard of yet. Some phones have two screens; some have flexible folding screens. If you’ve already decided on Android, that doesn’t necessarily narrow things down. It can still seem like there are tons of options.

In general, Android phones come in three price categories. There are the flagship phones, which are the best, fastest, and most expensive phones in a given manufacturer’s lineup. These can cost upwards of a thousand dollars, but they’ll have the best screens, the fastest processors, the most storage, and the most cutting-edge technology. Then there are the budget phones, which can cost as low as $300. These have improved in recent years; many of them remain underpowered, but there are a few that are surprisingly good. A newer category is the mid-range: around $400 to $600, with perhaps not the highest-end tech but without any real weaknesses, either. 

What’s the best Samsung Galaxy phone?

Samsung sells more Android phones than any of its competitors, and it’s easy to see why. The company is great at absolutely maxing out the specs, cramming more features and hardware options than anyone else into their phones. Early on, Samsung phones have sometimes attracted criticism for the way they modified Android—including new apps and a new aesthetic, for example—but recently, they’ve pared down.

Samsung makes a pretty wide range of Android phones under the “Galaxy” brand. There’s the Galaxy S line, which is the company’s normal phones; the Galaxy Note line, for larger phones; the Galaxy Z Fold, which is a folding phone; and the Galaxy Z Flip, which is…also a folding phone, though it flips vertically (like an old-school flip phone) rather than horizontally. 

Best Samsung Galaxy phone: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

SAMSUNG

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The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is probably the best Android phone on the market, period, in terms of specs. It has a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes everything feel smoother and more natural. It takes 8K video and has a 10x optical zoom on its camera. Plus, it includes 5G support for the fastest service. It has a processor that could well be faster than your home computer! That doesn’t come cheap, but if you want the best, well, here it is.

Related: Curious about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2? Check out this review of the multitasking champion phone.

What’s the best camera phone on Android?

A tricky thing about modern smartphone cameras is that you can’t really tell how good they are just by reading the specifications. Megapixels don’t mean much these days; the best Android cameras rely on the phone’s image processing software to make the photos as good as possible. That said, if you do a lot of zooming, it might make sense to look for a phone with an optical zoom, which magnifies the image by moving the lens, rather than simply taking a picture and then enlarging a section of it. 

What you should look for in the best Android phone camera depends on what kind of photographer you are. Do you like messing around with settings and white balance and aperture? Go for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. But if you just want your phone to take the best pictures with the least amount of work, the Google Pixel 5 is our pick.

Best Android camera phone: Google Pixel 5

Google

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Google’s Pixel phones, like the Google Pixel 5, never have the most powerful camera hardware, but the photos they take are often considered the best. That’s thanks to the company’s image processing, which analyzes photos and changes them to be more clear, more vibrant, and better to look at. Google also has “Night Sight” in its Pixel phones, a feature that enables nighttime photography that’s better than what any other company has yet managed.

What’s the best foldable Android phone?

Folding phones have been around on Android for a couple of generations now, something Apple can’t claim; Apple has yet to release even its first. These phones generally operate in two ways: Either the phone folds out into a tablet-level size, or it is a large phone that folds down to be nicely pocketable. 

The early generations of this tech had flaws, with very obvious creases in the screen, astronomically high prices, and a tendency to break. But the newer versions are sturdier, faster, more capable, and, well, still expensive. But being able to fold your phone is just so cool and, ultimately, pragmatic.

Best foldable Android phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

SAMSUNG

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The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the style of phone that folds out into a larger, nearly tablet-sized device. It has a 6.2-inch display on the outside, great for quick checks and texts while on the go, but then folds out into an enormous 7.6-inch gadget, great for multitasking, typing longer emails, watching videos, and playing games. The price has gone down recently; at its original listed price of $2,000, it was hard to recommend, but with prices dropping to nearly half that, it’s a great buy.

What’s the best small Android phone?

There’s no getting around it: phones, especially Android phones, are getting bigger and bigger. And just when you think they can’t get any bigger? They do. For some people, bigger is just fine: more screen real estate for gaming or videos, the ability to make text bigger, that kind of thing. For other folks who like to keep their phones in their pockets or who want the ability to operate their phone with one hand, it’s not so good.

Small phones simply don’t sell as well as big phones, and the manufacturers often either don’t make them or only make them with middling hardware. But there are a few out there that are nicely pocketable and still perform well.

Best small Android phone: Asus ZenFone 8

ASUS

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Look, if you’re really into the idea of a small phone above all else, the Apple iPhone 12 Mini is considered the best. But in the Android phone world, there’s a worthy competitor in the Asus ZenFone 8. It includes a superfast Snapdragon 888 processor—the same one in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra—but in a small package, with a tiny (by today’s standards) 5.9-inch screen. One major downside: This phone only works with GSM networks, so if you’re locked into Verizon, this phone is a no-go.

What’s the best budget Android phone?

When looking at budget Android phones, you should start with the company that, well, makes Android in the first place: Google. Google’s Pixel line includes the “a” line—the Pixel 3a, 4a, and, likely soon, the 5a. These phones aren’t the fastest and don’t come with the best camera hardware, but that turns out to not really matter. 

Google knows Android better than anyone, because it’s a Google product, and they have all the tricks to get the most out of the slightly cheaper hardware the Pixel “a” line uses. Don’t bother looking at the megapixel count: Google’s Pixels, even these budget ones, use intelligent software to optimize photos, negating the need for cutting-edge hardware. As a result, these phones feel faster, and they take better photos than much more expensive phones. In fact, the Pixel’s camera is generally held to be the best in the entire industry—at least as good as any iPhone camera.

Best budget Android phone: Google Pixel 4a

Google

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With an absolutely top-of-the-line camera and quick performance, the Google Pixel 4a dramatically outperforms its price. You’ll also get a headphone jack—a rarity in many modern phones, which have moved to Bluetooth (of course, this phone also has Bluetooth). You won’t get some bonuses like wireless charging, but that’s a small price to pay. Just like this best Android phone under $500.

FAQs

Q: What is the best Android phone in 2023?

The best Android phone this year—and that answer changes often—will vary based on your needs. Perhaps the most complete, high-end Android phone right now is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, but it’s pretty pricey. The Google Pixel 4a 5G is a more affordable option in the mid-range, or the Google Pixel 4a (sans 5G) at the budget level.

Q: Who owns Android?

Interestingly, nobody actually owns Android; it is an open-source operating system, like Linux, which means everyone is free to use and modify it to their heart’s desire. In practice, though, Google has created its own core version, complete with Google services like Google Maps, Gmail, and Chrome, which the vast majority of Android phones use.

Q: What’s better: Android vs. iOS?

Ah, the age-old question of Android vs. iOS. There’s no answer, of course; each mobile operating system has its own strengths and weaknesses. iOS is more reliable thanks to tight hardware-software integration, has a cleaner accessory and support system, and many users prefer it aesthetically. Android phones are more varied, offer a greater variety of apps and uses, and Android has a more efficient style of notifications. 

A final word on the best Android phones

Buying a new phone is a fun process, especially if you’re looking for the best Android phones (and cases). There are so many options, from tiny phones to foldable to beefy flagships— you’re bound to find the perfect one for you. Making decisions about style, camera, and budget in advance should help narrow down your research and let you make the best choice for you or a family member.

The post The best Android phones for any budget or style appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Review: Olloclip 3-in-1 Macro iPhone Camera Lens https://www.popphoto.com/gear/2014/01/review-olloclip-3-1-macro-iphone-camera-lens/ Wed, 29 Jan 2014 01:51:20 +0000 https://www.popphoto.com/uncategorized/gear-2014-01-review-olloclip-3-1-macro-iphone-camera-lens/
Olloclip 3-in-1 Macro Lens for iPhone

This iPhone add-on enables true close-up photography to help you rake in the "likes"

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Olloclip 3-in-1 Macro Lens for iPhone

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In the past, I’ve wrestled with my opinion of smartphone camera add-on lenses. On one hand, they give you more photographic options, which is almost always a plus. On the other hand, carrying around an extra piece seems to subvert the simplicity of smartphone photography, which is, in my opinion, its greatest strength. Since I picked up the Olloclip Macro back at CES, though, I’ve been very impressed with not only how well it performs, but how willing I’ve found myself to actually carry it around.

What is it?
The Olloclip Macro is a small clip that attaches to the iPhone, placing optics over the built-in camera, giving it impressive macro capabilities. There are three different configurations, giving you 21x, 14x, or 7x magnification.

In addition to the optics, you also get caps for the glass, a carrying bag, and in the case of the Macro, translucent plastic hoods that hold the lens the proper distance from your subject to achieve optimal focus.

Using it
The Olloclip concept really couldn’t be simpler. A metal bracket has a lens on each side. When you slide the bracket over the corner of the phone, the optics line up the iPhone’s built-in camera. One of the drawbacks is that it’s not really compatible with any phone case beyond the Olloclip case, which isn’t the most protective thing. So, if you’re using some kind of protective case, you’re going to have to take it off before you get down to macro business. I actually didn’t find this nearly as annoying as I thought I would.

Carrying it around is pretty simple, too. It takes up more space than the smaller Olloclip because of the translucent hoods, but even still, it’s less cumbersome than a typical lipstick. I had no problem sticking it in my jacket pocket where it has lived ever since. If I had a purse, it wouldn’t be an issue at all. A fanny pack would also work, but, well, you know…

Image Quality
I didn’t go in expecting greatness. After all, we’re adding more glass into the equation here and pushing a tiny camera past its usual capabilities doesn’t always produce excellent results. But overall, I was impressed with the images I’ve gotten out of the Olloclip.

I immediately started with the highest magnification lens, which is 21x. I’m not typically a macro shooter, so its ability to get this close isn’t something I’m used to. Because it’s so close, the depth of field is still very narrow, despite iPhone’s small sensor. You can see very clear distortion and (sometimes substantial) softening at the edges of the frame, but the center stays fairly sharp. If you go in expecting DSLR-like results, you’ll be disappointed. But, if you consider how far you’re pushing a lens that little, the results become more impressive. The technical shortcomings fall to the wayside in the wake of new photographic opportunities.

At 21x magnification, you get into microscope-like territory. You’re so close to most objects that they’re rendered simply as patterns created by the textures of their surfaces. It’s addicting. I showed my kids and they were enthralled, wanting to take a close-up look at just about everything.

At 14x and 7x, the edge distortion and softness lessens, but it’s still certainly noticeable. The fisheye effect is correctable in software, but since I found myself sharing most of the photos via Instagram, the square crop did away with most of the wonky edges anyway.

It’s important that you keep the actual lens bracket in the correct spot. It can slip a little when you’re using it and if it’s not totally centered, the distortion gets out of hand rather quickly.

What’s good?
The only other macro lens I own fits my film camera and doesn’t often see the light of day. Using this little $70 add-on, however, quenched my casual macro cravings with no problem. Is it a tool for serious macro work? Probably not, but in a landscape that’s literally bombarded with smartphone photos, this let me make images that stood out.

It’s small, light, easy to use, and the translucent hoods even make it simple to keep things steady and blur-free, which is not typically an easy task. The high-quality glass didn’t improve optical performance, but it also didn’t ruin it, which is as much as one can ask from a smartphone add-on.

What’s not good?
As I mentioned before, attaching the lens does add another step to the smartphone photography process. Also, carrying it around isn’t overly convenient unless you have a jacket with a pocket or a purse. I wouldn’t be surprised to crack one of the hoods after a couple weeks of pocket transportation. In a way, you have to change the way you shoot to accommodate the lens, but as a result you get pictures that wouldn’t otherwise be possible, so you have to weigh the tradeoff.

It’s also very small. In some ways, that’s a plus, but some of the pieces seem like they may be easy to lose in the long run. The 14x optic screws off and is roughly the size of a dime, so if it gets loose in your pocket, that may be it. Not a deal breaker, but something to keep in mind in case you’re the disorganized type (which I am).

Should you buy it?
If you’re thinking about investing in a nice 100mm macro for your DSLR, this isn’t going to replace it. But, if you’re curious about close-up photography, this is a great way to get your feet wet. If you’re sharing a lot of images online, the softness and distortion likely won’t even be apparent.

And if you’re chasing after “likes” online, the uniqueness of the images will likely deliver all the adoration your internet ego desires. Just don’t overdo it.

Official Site

21x

21x

A close-up of ice crystals on a window using the 21x optics and then collar. You can see that the center of the frame is fairly sharp.
Screen

Screen

A typical screen from a porch door with the 21x optic. This gives you a good idea of how much distortion you get at the edges with the highest magnification.
Jeans

Jeans

At 21x, you really are getting very close. This macro shot of jeans reveals texture that’s not otherwise visible.
Sugar Packets

Sugar Packets

A shot of some sugar packets using the 14x optic. You can see just how shallow the depth of field is when you get up this close, even with the iPhone’s small sensor.
Salt Shaker

Salt Shaker

Another example shot with the 14x optics, this time of a salt shaker. Once again you can see the shallow depth of field. It actually throws some pretty nice bokeh.
Salt

Salt

Generic table salt photographed with the 21x optic. You can see that it’s a victim of camera shake, which isn’t uncommon when getting up this close.
Lettuce

Lettuce

This lettuce shot with the 14x optic was tricky to get. The depth of field is so shallow and holding the camera still is tricky, so you have to do a little trial and error before things look just right.
Speaker cover

Speaker cover

This abstract of a speaker cover shows what happens when you switch up the angle of the 21x optics. When you’re not shooting straight on, you can get a better idea of how narrow the depth of field really is. It also helps that the iPhone loves to shoot pretty much everything at F/2.2.
Egg Carton

Egg Carton

Could you tell this was an egg carton without looking at the title? Probably not. At 21x magnification, like I said before, things tend to get very abstract.
Lavender

Lavender

This was shot with the 14x optic and you can once again see where the sharpness begins to fall off. But, as long as you keep your subject near the middle, it looks fine.
Ukulele Strings

Ukulele Strings

Another example of the 21x optic shot from an angle.
Eyeball

Eyeball

This eyeball selfie was shot with the 14x optic because it’s easiest to hold in front of your eye without mashing down your eyelashes. This one was particularly tricky because I couldn’t actually see what I was shooting. Still, it’s not a bad frame considering the means of taking it.
Plywood

Plywood

A close-up of a knot in a piece of sanded plywood taken with the 21x optic.
21x Magnification

21x Magnification

A standard piece of lined paper taken with the 21x optic. See the next two slides to see the difference in magnification.
14x

14x

This is the middle optic. You can clearly see the distortion of the lines, which would likely benefit from some fixing in post.
7x

7x

The least magnified optic lets in more of the scene, but it’s still a lot closer than the typical iPhone camera can get.

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Podo is a Stick-and-Shoot Camera You Control from Your Phone https://www.popphoto.com/gear/2015/03/podo-stick-and-shoot-camera-you-control-your-phone/ Thu, 17 Jan 2019 17:38:55 +0000 https://www.popphoto.com/uncategorized/gear-2015-03-podo-stick-and-shoot-camera-you-control-your-phone/
podo

These cute little cameras can turn anything into a photo booth

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podo

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Podo is a wireless, Bluetooth-connected camera that you can stick anywhere and control from your cell phone. These mini, colorful cameras have taken to Kickstarter to get funding, but have already surpassed their goal, and are attracting a lot of attention.

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Podo uses a washable, sticky pad that includes a strong magnet and can hold on to any flat surface. The camera shoots photo, video, and time-lapse, and is controlled by your phone so you can preview the picture before you capture it.

When you trigger Podo from your phone to take the image, it counts down and then captures the shot. Once you have what you want, the images transfer to your phone instantly using Bluetooth, and you can edit and share them.

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Weighing in at only 1.8 oz and measuring just 2x2x1 inches, these little cameras can go just about anywhere.

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That little body packs an 8MP image sensor, 4GB of memory, a micro-USB port, LEDS for powerful flash, and a rechargeable Li-ion battery.

Podo will retail for $99 when it hits stores, but there’s still a chance to get one for $89 through Kickstarter.

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Kickstarter: Moment Case Makes iPhone 6 Into an Interchangeable-Lens Camera https://www.popphoto.com/gear/2015/01/kickstarter-moment-case-makes-iphone-6-interchangeable-lens-camera/ Thu, 17 Jan 2019 17:26:11 +0000 https://www.popphoto.com/uncategorized/gear-2015-01-kickstarter-moment-case-makes-iphone-6-interchangeable-lens-camera/
Moment Case

This new case would make shooting with the iPhone 6 even better

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Moment Case

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A new iPhone case from the creators of Moment Lenses wants to make shooting with your iPhone similar to shooting with an interchangeable-lens compact (ILC). The product launched on Kickstarter yesterday and has already passed it’s funding goal, which is good news for mobile photographers. While there are plenty of awesome lenses on the market that you can mount to your phone, it can be cumbersome to remove protective cases to attach magnetic lenses. Sometimes with all that fumbling you actually end up missing whatever shot you were trying to capture.

The Moment Case eliminates the need for a metal plate to attach a lens, and with any luck will also put an end to missing shots. The case has a special stainless steel interface for Moment lenses, a feature that also makes it safer to keep a lens attached to your phone in between shots. The case is able to detect when the lens has been attached via Bluetooth, and if you are shooting through the free Moment app, the lens and case combo will give you more control.

Another cool feature is the electronic shutter button that mimics the shutter on DSLR cameras and ILCs. The shutter on the Moment Case features half and full press features—pressing half way down allows you to lock focus and exposure and holding the shutter all the way down activates burst mode. There is an option to attach a wrist strap or neck strap to the case too, so there is less worry of shattering your phone while attempting to get an awesome shot.

For the time being the Moment Case is only available for iPhone 6, but cases for more phone models may be available at a later date. If you back the project soon, you can snag the case for only $49. If you donate $125 to the campaign, you can pick up the case and a lens (18mm wide or a 60mm tele). The cases are estimated to ship in June.

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iPhone 5s Gallery https://www.popphoto.com/gallery/iphone-5s-gallery/ Thu, 17 Jan 2019 15:06:29 +0000 https://www.popphoto.com/uncategorized/gallery-iphone-5s-gallery/
lowlight.jpg

Should you buy the 5s for its camera?

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lowlight.jpg

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Photojojo Introduces Iris Add-On Lenses For Smartphone Cameras https://www.popphoto.com/photojojo-introduces-iris-add-on-lenses-for-smartphone-cameras/ Thu, 17 Jan 2019 17:58:36 +0000 https://www.popphoto.com/uncategorized/photojojo-introduces-iris-add-on-lenses-for-smartphone-cameras/
Photojojo Iris Smartphone Lenses

With optical glass and aluminum bodies, these look like high-end smartphone lenses

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Photojojo Iris Smartphone Lenses

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Photojojo Iris Smartphone Lenses

Clicking through the Photojojo store, it’s easy to get lost in their sea of nifty photography gadgets. Now, they’re introducing their own series of add-on smartphone camera lenses called Iris.

There are three lenses in the collection, including a macro, a wide-angle, and a fisheye in case the wide-angle isn’t wide enough for you. Rather than relying on a specific phone case or a sketchy sliding mount system, the Iris lenses actually use a simple cord that wraps around the phone and holds the lenses securely in place. That’s a big plus if you’re already using a case you like and don’t want to change it for an accessory lens. Attached to the cord is a lens carrier for transporting the lens itself.

The lenses are made with optical grade glass settled into aluminum housings, so they’re meant to be high-quality rather than just a toy to mess around with. As people take smartphone photography more seriously, accessory lenses like this have been growing in appeal.

The lenses go up for pre-sale on November 19th, but you can sign up on the Photojojo page to get first access to the orders.

Clicking through the Photojojo store, it’s easy to get lost in their sea of nifty photography gadgets. Now, they’re introducing their own series of add-on smartphone camera lenses called Iris.

There are three lenses in the collection, including a macro, a wide-angle, and a fisheye in case the wide-angle isn’t wide enough for you. Rather than relying on a specific phone case or a sketchy sliding mount system, the Iris lenses actually use a simple cord that wraps around the phone and holds the lenses securely in place. That’s a big plus if you’re already using a case you like and don’t want to change it for an accessory lens. Attached to the cord is a lens carrier for transporting the lens itself.

The lenses are made with optical grade glass settled into aluminum housings, so they’re meant to be high-quality rather than just a toy to mess around with. As people take smartphone photography more seriously, accessory lenses like this have been growing in appeal.

The lenses go up for pre-sale on November 19th, but you can sign up on the Photojojo page to get first access to the orders.

The post Photojojo Introduces Iris Add-On Lenses For Smartphone Cameras appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

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