August 19th, 2024 - 5:00pm
The smartphone, once a simple communication tool, has transformed into a true pocket photo studio. With increasingly powerful sensors, versatile lenses, and sophisticated software, our phones allow us to capture precious moments with quality that rivals digital SLR cameras.
Taking professional-quality photos with your smartphone: it's possible
The photographic performance of a smartphone depends closely on its technical specifications. While megapixels alone don't tell the whole story, there are key elements to consider when choosing your next device.
The basics of photography in 3 points
Sensors: the heart of the camera
The size of the sensor, directly related to the size of its pixels, affects image quality. The larger the sensor, the more light it captures, reducing digital noise and offering finer details, especially in low light.
Resolution, expressed in megapixels, determines the maximum size of the image without apparent loss of quality.
Lenses: the eye of the smartphone
The lens determines what you see on the screen. A wide aperture (like f/1.8) allows more light to enter, perfect for night photos. The focal length influences the angle of view, with a short focal length (wide-angle) capturing a wider field of view, while a long focal length (telephoto) brings distant subjects closer. Optical stabilization ensures sharp images, even when in motion.
Processor: the brain of the smartphone
The processor plays an essential role in image processing. It enables capturing high-resolution photos, applying real-time filters and effects, and optimizing camera performance.
A powerful processor allows for quick processing of data from the sensor and optimizing image quality. The latest processors integrate dedicated artificial intelligence processing units, enabling advanced features such as scene recognition, portrait mode, or night mode.
Artificial intelligence in mobile photography
Artificial intelligence has revolutionized mobile photography, democratizing features that were once reserved for professional cameras. By analyzing image data in real-time, AI optimizes shots, corrects flaws, and offers new creative possibilities.
Different types of AI in mobile photography
Scene recognition identifies the subject of the photo (portrait, landscape, food, etc.) and automatically adjusts the camera settings for optimal results.
Automatic HDR combines multiple exposures using AI to create an image with a wider dynamic range, reducing overexposed and underexposed areas.
AI becomes a true photo assistant, selecting the best shot, combining multiple photos to achieve the perfect image, or removing objects or people to enhance a shot.
How to find the ideal smartphone for photography?
To choose the ideal smartphone, it is essential to define your needs and budget. If you simply want a device to capture beautiful photos with ease, an entry-level or mid-range model will suffice. However, if you are a photography enthusiast and want to make the most of your smartphone, a high-end model will be more suitable.
The best smartphones for photography: an overview by price range
The choice of the ideal smartphone for photography largely depends on your budget and specific needs. Manufacturers offer a wide range of models, from entry-level to technological flagships. Each of these categories offers distinct photographic performance.
Entry-level: essentials within reach
Entry-level smartphones have made significant progress in recent years. They now offer respectable photographic quality for everyday use. While their sensors may be less powerful than those of high-end models, they can capture sharp and colorful photos in normal lighting conditions. Even these models feature AI that optimizes shots and corrects imperfections.
With affordable prices, these smartphones are ideal for those who want to explore mobile photography without breaking the bank. Additionally, these smartphones offer essential features for capturing beautiful photos, such as portrait mode, HDR, etc.
In this category:
Xiaomi 12: Excellent value for money
Samsung Galaxy A35: A reference in its category
Honor 90: A deluge of megapixels
Mid-range: enhanced performance and features
Mid-range smartphones offer an excellent balance between performance and price. They are equipped with larger and brighter sensors, as well as more powerful processors that enable faster and more efficient image processing. Shooting modes are also more varied, often including an ultra-wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens.
These smartphones offer versatility and more advanced capabilities, such as optical zoom or a powerful night mode.
In this category:
Google Pixel 8: Impressive performance enhanced by AI
Samsung Galaxy A55: A well-balanced model
Fairphone 5: A powerful and environmentally friendly smartphone
High-end: performance in a pocket-sized format
High-end smartphones are the undisputed champions of mobile photography. They are equipped with more powerful sensors, brighter lenses, and the most powerful processors on the market. AI is perfectly integrated, offering creative features and stunning results.
These devices offer exceptional image quality with precise details, accurate colors, and low noise. With lenses ranging from ultra-wide-angle to telephoto and even macro lenses, you can explore all types of photography. Advanced features also enable even higher-quality results, such as pro mode, RAW shooting, or 8K video.
In this category:
iPhone 15 Pro : A reference in mobile photography
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: A photographic powerhouse with integrated AI
Google Pixel 8 Pro: Excellent photos and advanced AI