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I spent a month with the top Android camera phones — what I love (and hate)

July 16, 2024

When it comes to capturing life's moments with stunning clarity, an Android camera phone is your go-to gadget. These devices blend the power of Android's versatile operating system with top-notch camera tech, making them perfect for both photography buffs and everyday users. Whether you're snapping pics of your latest adventure, recording a family gathering, or just capturing a beautiful sunset, an Android camera phone ensures you get the best shot every time. With options ranging from budget-friendly to high-end, there's something for everyone.

Let's dive into some of the top Android camera phones on the market. Each of these has been handpicked for its stellar camera capabilities, solid performance, and user-friendly features. We'll break down what makes each phone special and who they're best suited for. Whether you're a pro photographer looking for a reliable backup or a casual user wanting to upgrade, you'll find valuable insights here.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Google Pixel 8 Pro

What our experts say: The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a standout in the world of camera phones. Its exceptional camera quality, consistent color reproduction, and robust build make it a top choice for photography enthusiasts. The high-quality display with an adaptive refresh rate and good thermals further enhance the user experience. However, it's not the best for gaming and has some limitations in video performance and feature support in certain regions.

Who Should Buy this Product: This phone is ideal for photography enthusiasts who prioritize camera quality in a smartphone. It's also suitable for users who need a reliable device with good performance for everyday tasks, but it's not specifically designed for gaming.

Highlight: Best for exceptional camera quality and consistent color reproduction.

Pros:

  1. Exceptional camera quality
  2. Consistent color reproduction
  3. Robust build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2

Cons:

  1. Not the best for gaming
  2. Low video bit rate compared to other cameras
  3. Low-light video performance introduces noise

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is engineered by Google, featuring an all-day battery, a sleek and sophisticated design, and the best Pixel Camera yet. It comes with a charging cable and a Quick Switch adaptor, but the 30W USB-C Power Adapter is sold separately. The Pixel 8 Pro is compatible with all major carriers, though not all Pixel 4a (5G) and later phones have 5G functionality on all 5G networks. Available in three colors: Obsidian, Hazel, and Rose, the Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch Super Actua display, which is 42% brighter than Pixel 7’s display, and features a matte glass back with a polished aluminum frame. It also has a new temperature sensor on the back, allowing you to quickly scan an object to get its temperature. The Pixel 8 Pro features powerful, upgraded camera systems for stunning photo and video quality, plus game-changing editing tools. It also has Pro Controls, giving you more creative control of the Pixel Camera with settings like shutter speed, ISO, and more. The Pixel 8 Pro also has a new Thermometer app, which lets you take your temperature (or someone else’s) with a simple forehead scan and save your results to your Fitbit profile. It also has a telephoto lens, which captures 56% more light and takes 10x photos at optical quality.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

What our experts say: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers several significant upgrades over its predecessor, including a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, increased RAM, a larger battery, improved durability, and enhanced camera capabilities. These updates make it a compelling choice for users looking for a high-performance, foldable smartphone with advanced features.

Who Should Buy this Product: This model is ideal for tech enthusiasts and early adopters who prioritize cutting-edge technology, better gaming performance, and enhanced camera features. It's also suitable for those who appreciate the unique form factor of a foldable phone and are looking for a device that stands out in terms of design and functionality.

Highlight: Best for cutting-edge technology and foldable design.

Pros:

  1. More powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip
  2. Increased RAM from 8GB to 12GB
  3. Improved durability with IP48 rating

Cons:

  1. No change in charging speed (still 25W)
  2. No Wi-Fi 7 support
  3. No significant improvement in the visibility of the screen crease

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a foldable smartphone that was announced alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and other products at Samsung's July Galaxy Unpacked event. It features several new and upgraded components, including a new hinge, updated screen, and camera, and is priced at $1,100, which is $100 more than its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip 5. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 has a long-lasting battery, with the reviewer noting that it started at 100% and ended at 46% after a full day of use, which included heavy AI feature usage and photo/video taking. The phone's battery life was impressive, lasting through a full day of heavy use. The phone features a premium design with a glass front, aluminum frame, and glass back, and is available in various colors. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers a range of advanced AI features, improved camera capabilities, and a sleek design, making it a compelling option for those looking for a premium foldable smartphone.

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vivo X100 Pro

vivo X100 Pro

What our experts say: The vivo X100 Pro is highlighted as one of the best camera phones available in the market, offering advanced photography features such as telephoto and macro lenses, Zeiss T* coating for reduced glare, and excellent low-light performance. It also boasts a high storage capacity and a powerful processor, making it a versatile device for both photography enthusiasts and general smartphone users.

Who Should Buy this Product: This phone is ideal for photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera phone with advanced features. It's also suitable for general users who need a high-performance smartphone with ample storage and smooth operation.

Highlight: Best for advanced photography features and high storage capacity.

Pros:

  1. Advanced camera features including telephoto and macro lenses
  2. Excellent low-light performance
  3. High storage capacity (512 GB)

Cons:

  1. Potentially smoother skin effect in portrait mode if beauty mode is not turned off
  2. No specific mention of water resistance or durability features

The vivo X100 Pro is a high-end Android smartphone released in 2023. It features a powerful MediaTek Dimensity processor and 16 GB of RAM, expandable to 32 GB, ensuring smooth performance for gaming and multitasking. The phone has a high storage capacity of 512 GB, making it ideal for users who need ample space for their photos, videos, and apps. The vivo X100 Pro boasts a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, providing a vibrant and immersive viewing experience. The phone's camera setup includes a 50 MP main camera, an ultra-wide-angle camera, and a telephoto camera with 4.3x optical zoom, offering advanced photography capabilities. The camera app offers numerous features and tools, making it easy to capture stunning photos and videos. The vivo X100 Pro also has a large battery with fast charging capabilities, providing long battery life and convenient charging options. The phone runs a bloatware-free version of Android 14 with Funtouch 14, offering a clean and customizable user experience. The vivo X100 Pro is available in various colors and features a premium design with a glass front, aluminum frame, and glass back.

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Infinix Zero 30 4G

Infinix Zero 30 4G

What our experts say: The Infinix Zero 30 4G is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a range of high-end features typically found in more expensive models. It boasts a 3D curved AMOLED display, a 108 MP main camera, and a 50 MP front camera, making it ideal for vlogging and photography. The device also supports fast charging and has a large battery capacity, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Who Should Buy this Product: This smartphone is perfect for budget-conscious consumers who want a high-quality device for photography, vlogging, and gaming. It's also suitable for users who need a reliable phone with a vibrant display and robust performance for everyday tasks.

Highlight: Best for budget-friendly high-end features.

Pros:

  1. Affordable price
  2. 3D curved AMOLED display
  3. 108 MP main camera

Cons:

  1. No ultra-wide-angle lens
  2. Needs more optimization for certain games
  3. Lack of some premium features found in higher-end models

The Infinix Zero 30 4G is a smartphone released in 2023, featuring advanced specifications and features. It has a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 360Hz touch sampling rate, providing a smooth and responsive user experience. The phone is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor and comes with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, ensuring robust performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The Infinix Zero 30 4G features a 108 MP main camera and a 50 MP front camera, making it ideal for photography and vlogging. The phone also supports fast charging and has a large 5000 mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting performance. The Infinix Zero 30 4G is designed to provide a premium user experience with its advanced display, powerful performance, and robust camera capabilities. It is available in various colors, including Sunset Gold, Misty Green, and Pearly White.

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Conclusion

So, there you have it! Picking the right Android camera phone can really up your photography game and overall smartphone experience. Each of these phones offers something unique, catering to different needs and preferences. The Google Pixel 8 Pro shines with its top-notch camera quality and consistent color reproduction, making it a favorite for photography lovers. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 brings cutting-edge tech and a cool foldable design, perfect for tech enthusiasts. The vivo X100 Pro is great for those who want advanced photography features and lots of storage, while the Infinix Zero 30 4G offers high-end features at a budget-friendly price, ideal for those watching their wallets.

No matter which one you choose, you're getting a fantastic Android camera phone that will help you capture life's moments with stunning clarity and detail. So, take your time, think about what you need, and pick the one that fits your lifestyle best. Happy snapping!

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