This group of smartphones priced under 1,000 euros ($1,075) are largely comparable in terms of the imaging performance of their main cameras. Despite sometimes appearing a bit limited due to its rather small image sensor, the compact Samsung Galaxy S24 is still capable of capturing beautiful photos. In low-light situations, photos taken with the Pixel 8 and OnePlus 12 sensor are slightly more interesting to us. Similarly to what we saw during our test the Xiaomi 14 flagship smartphone camera tends to produce softer images than its competitors. However, the phone is able to make use of its sharpness consistently in daylight and also boasts an impressive dynamic range.
The phones diverge more when we look at the other lenses. Not only do they vary in camera configuration (for example, triple or dual cameras), but there are also perceivable quality differences between them. However, lighting conditions are also a crucial factor in determining the performance of each phone.
While the upper mid-range phones certainly didn’t offer top-tier performance in our test shots, the quality of their main cameras is still very respectable.
For otherworldly shots, we prefer photos from the Pixel 8, but only when there’s adequate lighting. In darker environments, the Google phone might even be the worst in this comparison. Equipped with a 12MP ultrawide camera, the OnePlus 12 has proven to be a solid all-rounder in this respect.
The OnePlus also cuts a good figure when we look at telephoto lenses. In a well-lit scene, both the OnePlus 12 and Xiaomi 14 are able to deliver good-looking photos at 3x zoom. Zoom photography enthusiasts may not be as pleased with the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24.
Can’t find the right smartphone in this article? Still looking for a great camera phone? Then you should take a closer look at our list of the best camera phones. The list is updated regularly and features the current top ten camera phones, according to our reviews.
