The latest smartphones shoot video in 4K, and sometimes even 8K! Gadgets keep getting better and better using computational photography to overcome limitations. At the same time, the smartphone is always with you, which is ideal for travel, everyday shooting, and seizing the unexpected moment.
To be true, a usual smartphone cannot fully compete with a good video camera for a vlogger, for example, the matrix of a smartphone is smaller than that of full-size cameras, so in most cases, the quality of your smartphone 4K videos will be lower than 4K video using cameras.
Other downsides include insufficient image control, rather narrow dynamic range, and limited zoom capabilities. However, there are top models of smartphones, the video quality of which can please you. Especially if you are a vlogger who wants the ability to shoot at any moment without much effort!
Top smartphones with the best cameras
Huawei P40 Pro
- Main wide-angle camera (23 mm): 50 MP, f / 1.28, 1 / 1.28 “, pixel size -1.22 microns, omnidirectional phase detection autofocus, optical stabilization system
- Ultra-wide-angle camera (18 mm): 40 MP, f / 1.8, 1 / 1.54 “, phase detection autofocus
- Telephoto (125 mm, repetitive): 12 MP, f / 3.4, 1 / 3.4 “, phase detection autofocus, optical stabilization, 5x optical zoom
- Depth sensor: ToF 3D
- Video: 4K at 30/60 fps; 1080p at 30/60 fps, 720p at 7680 fps, 1080p at 960 fps; HDR; electronic stabilization based on gyroscope
- Additional features: HDR, RAW
- Selfie camera: Main wide-angle (26 mm): 32 MP, f / 2.2, 1 / 2.8 “, pixel size – 0.8 microns, autofocus
- Depth sensor / biometrics: ToF 3D
- Video: 4K at 30/60 fps, 1080p at 30/60 fps
- Additional Features: HDR
- Display: OLED, refresh rate 90 Hz, 6.58 inches, 1200 x 2640 pixels, aspect ratio – 19.5: 9
In the flagship category, Huawei smartphones has two offers at once – Huawei P40 Pro and Huawei Mate 40 Pro. The cameras in these models do not differ dramatically, but the price differs greatly.
The main wide-angle camera with an f / 1.28 lens takes great low-light photos and the 50 megapixels pay off here.
Among the video characteristics of this smartphone is a mega slowdown – 7,680 frames per second for 720p video. Full HD can be slowed down by shooting at 960 fps.
The P40 Pro selfie camera is one of the top-of-the-line cameras on the market. In addition to excellent resolution, autofocus, and an optional time-of-flight (ToF) sensor for bokeh and biometrics, there is an option to shoot 4K videos at 60 fps, which will appeal to vloggers.
But! An offensive problem for Huawei – Google Play Store and other Google services are not supported by the gadget.
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
- Main wide-angle camera (26 mm): 12 MP, f / 1.6, 1 / 1.72 “, pixel size – 1.7 microns, Dual Pixel phase detection autofocus, built-in stabilization system
- Ultra-wide-angle camera (13 mm): 12 MP, f / 2.4, 1 / 3.6 “
- Telephoto (65 mm): 12 MP, f / 2.2, 1 / 3.4 “, pixel size – 1 micron, phase detection autofocus, optical stabilization, 2.5x optical zoom
- Depth sensor: ToF 3D LiDAR scanner
- Video: 4K at 24/30/60 fps; 1080p at 30/60/120/240 fps, 10-bit HDR, Dolby Vision
- HDR (up to 60 fps), audio recording in stereo
- Additional features: HDR, RAW
- Selfie camera: Primary wide-angle (23 mm): 12 MP, f / 2.2, 1/4 “, pixel size – 1.12 microns
- Depth sensor / biometrics: SL 3D
- Video: 4K at 24/30/60 fps, 1080p at 30/60/120 fps; electronic stabilization based on gyroscope
- Additional Features: HDR
- Display: Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 1200 nits maximum brightness, 6.7 inches, 1284 x 2778 pixels, 19.5: 9 aspect ratio
By far one of the best, if not the best smartphones and cameras on the market, belongs to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The top-of-the-line resolution and frame rates are complemented by the ability to shoot high-quality HDR content and record stereo sound.
The huge Super Retina XDR display is visible even in bright sunlight, so taking photos and videos with this iPhone is a pleasure.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Main wide-angle camera (24 mm): 108 MP, f / 1.8, 1 / 1.33 “, pixel size – 0.8 microns, phase detection autofocus, optical stabilization system.
- Ultra-wide-angle camera (12mm): 12MP, f / 2.2, 1 / 2.55 “, pixel size – 1.4um, Dual Pixel autofocus, Super Steady video stabilization
- Telephoto (70 mm): 10 MP, f / 2.4, 1 / 3.24 ”, pixel size – 1.22 microns, Dual Pixel phase detection autofocus, optical stabilization, 3x optical zoom.
- Telephoto (240 mm, periscopic): 10 MP, f / 4.9, 1 / 3.24 ”, pixel size – 1.22 microns, Dual Pixel phase detection autofocus, optical stabilization, 10x optical zoom.
- Video: 8K at 24 fps; 4K at 24/30/60 fps; 1080p at 30/60/240 fps; 720p at 960 fps, HDR 10+; audio recording in stereo; electronic stabilization based on gyroscope
- Additional features: auto-HDR, RAW
- Selfie camera: Primary wide-angle (23 mm): 40 MP, f / 2.2, 1 / 2.8 “, pixel size – 0.7 microns, phase detection autofocus
- Depth sensor / biometrics: SL 3D
- Video: 4K at 30/60 fps, 1080p at 30 fps
- Additional functions: HDR, video call from two cameras
- Display: Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10 +, 1500 nits maximum brightness, 6.8 inches, 1440 x 3200 pixels, 20: 9 aspect ratio
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the company’s top smartphone. 10x optical zoom on a periscope telephoto lens. 8K video, which many still consider being more of a marketing gimmick. Optical stabilization does not work at this resolution, so you need to shoot with a tripod in good lighting. At the same time, the videos come out huge in size, and the smartphone overheats. Despite the questions about the 8K mode, the 4K video recording in the S21 Ultra is excellent (detailed clips up to 60 fps).
Stereo audio recording is also an option.
The 108MP main module normally uses pixel binning to create 12MP images. And 108-megapixel photos are an option only for perfect lighting.
The front 40-megapixel camera can shoot and 4K video takes the quality of selfies and vlogs to a new level!
The 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED screen is unquestionably good – at 1500 nits brightness it’s easy to shoot and view footage even on a very sunny day.
So what should you choose? iPhone or Samsung? Both smartphones capture high-quality photos and videos, and their displays are perhaps the best on the market. The P40 Pro smartphone is also pleased with the quality of video content, but the lack of Google services is a significant disadvantage.
Photo by Steve Gale
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