Tech recap 2024: Top five camera-centric smartphones from Oppo, Vivo, and Apple

2024 has been a stellar year for smartphone photography. Let's dive into five devices that truly pushed the boundaries of mobile imaging:

Oppo Find X8 Pro:

The Oppo Find X8 offers a compelling camera experience at a slightly more accessible price point compared to the Pro model. It features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, an ultra-wide lens, and a telephoto lens, delivering solid image quality and versatility.

The Find X8 also benefits from the MariSilicon X2 imaging NPU, enabling impressive image processing and enhancing low-light performance.

Strengths:

• Solid triple-camera setup with good image quality

• MariSilicon X2 NPU for enhanced image processing

• Competitive price point compared to the Pro model

Weaknesses:

• Lacks some of the advanced features found in the Pro model (e.g., Hasselblad collaboration)

Price: Rs 89,999 (Estimated)

Vivo X200 Pro

The Vivo X200 Pro establishes itself as a photography powerhouse. Its 1-inch main sensor captures stunning detail and dynamic range, while the periscope lens offers exceptional optical zoom capabilities. The AI-powered features intelligently enhance images, particularly in low-light conditions. Video recording capabilities are top-notch, with support for 8K resolution and advanced stabilization. However, the size and weight of the device might be a concern for some users.

Strengths:

• Exceptional main sensor with outstanding low-light performance

• Powerful periscope lens with impressive optical zoom

• Advanced AI for enhanced image and video quality

Weaknesses:

• Large size and weight

Price: Rs 119,999 (Estimated)

iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro Max continues Apple's tradition of delivering a refined and user-friendly camera experience. The 48MP main sensor captures impressive detail, while advanced computational photography features like Cinematic Mode and Photonic Engine elevate image and video quality.

Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem enhances the overall user experience. However, customization options for the camera are limited compared to Android devices.

Strengths:

• Excellent image and video quality

• Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem

• Advanced computational photography features

Weaknesses:

• Limited camera customization options

Price: Rs 124,900 (Estimated)

Google Pixel 9 Pro

The Pixel 9 Pro exemplifies Google's computational photography prowess. Features like Magic Eraser and Cinematic Blur deliver unique and impressive results. The device consistently captures excellent images and videos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.

While the camera software is exceptional, the hardware might not always keep pace with the software's capabilities.

Strengths:

• Exceptional computational photography features

• Outstanding low-light performance

• User-friendly interface with powerful editing tools

Weaknesses:

• Hardware limitations compared to some competitors

Price: Rs 109,990 (Estimated)

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a versatile camera system with a high-resolution main sensor and a powerful telephoto lens setup. It captures incredible detail and vibrant colors, making it an excellent choice for capturing landscapes and portraits.

Advanced video recording features, including 8K video recording, further enhance its multimedia capabilities. However, Samsung's One UI can sometimes feel cluttered with pre-installed apps.

Strengths:

• High-resolution main sensor with excellent detail capture

• Versatile telephoto lens system with powerful zoom

• Advanced video recording features, including 8K.

Weaknesses:

• One UI can feel cluttered with pre-installed apps

Price: Rs 114,990 (Estimated)

Note:

These prices are estimations and may vary based on regional availability and specific configurations.