Sony Xperia 1 IV
Sony may be the pricier of the smartphone world, overshadowed by the slew of iPhones and other cheaper Android devices, but for passionate photographers and videographers, its premium phones always offer something a little different. Xperia 1 IV is no exception, with a triple rear camera setup consisting of three 12MP sensors with Dual Pixel PDAF. The latter means focusing is extremely fast, making it an ideal choice for those who want crisp shots of hyperactive children and/or pets.
Even better, its zoom lens is a variable affair, allowing you to dial in optical zoom levels from 3.5x to 5.2x. This is, for all intents and purposes, a world first in a smartphone, a very clever trick that will greatly appeal to those looking to close the distance to their targets without disturbing them or getting physically close.
As you would expect from Sony phones, you get the best out of their cameras when you use the Pro mode, tweaking the settings until you reach some impressive results. It’s pricey, and not for casual users who just want to point and shoot with AI-enhanced results, but if you have the patience and passion, this is one of the most unique smartphone camera systems available today.
Google Pixel 6a
Google has stuck with what it knows best with the 6a, combining the smartest software-powered camera with a palatable price tag to provide the phone with the most impressive photography experience on offer.
Powerful algorithms make the most of the 12MP main sensor, paired with a 12MP ultrawide secondary camera. Shots from both cameras are full of detail, nicely exposed, with no unsightly hint of noise, and they work well in dim conditions, too. Autofocus is fast, and auto HDR does a great job of exposing bright skies without losing detail in the shadows. Skin tones are also impressive, with Google using a custom Real Tone algorithm for more accurate results.
There’s no dedicated telephoto (aka zoom) camera, which is to be expected at this price, but considering you’re still getting the same software tricks as the pricier Pixel 6 Pro (like the Magic Eraser), it’s hard to complain. Easily one of the best camera phones out there for the money you pay.
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