Best Android camera phone

[Bodhitree]

So a friend of mine has declared an interest in photography, and he is going to upgrade his ancient Android smartphone to something capable of taking good pictures. Now I have told him it basically comes down to two factors, the hardware of the lens array and the software that is taking the picture.

As far as I know, the iPhone and the Pixel have the best software. The iPhone has good lenses, but the Pixels single lens is a weak point. The Samsung Galaxy and OnePlus have good lenses, but the software is less than stellar.

My friend is looking at the OnePlus Pro 9, is there a better camera phone I can recommend to him? I am wary of the Samsung phones, which tend to oversaturate pictures I recall reading.

 

[MBAir2010]

I'm taking a couple of weeks off of public chat forums online and read some fiction novels
and may learn how to read minds?

 

[Steve Adams]

Best camera is Fujifilm. Best camera on a phone is probably Huawei but unfortunately the great supreme orange ruler screwed that up.

 

[Bodhitree]

Nikon is a better solution for photography, or either Rikoh, Canon, Kodak etc.
phones are convenient way to snap a quick image of something.
when the subject needs to be taken seriously, only a real camera take make that happen.
Camera are more stable and can zoon in alot more effectively than the best phone.

He is not a professional photographer, and has no interest in trying to learn the knacks of that trade, as he has terminal cancer and is not expected to live beyond six months. He wants a good point and shoot experience from a device he can carry in his pocket, so that he can focus on composition and style.

 

[Steve Adams]

He is not a professional photographer, and has no interest in trying to learn the knacks of that trade, as he has terminal cancer and is not expected to live beyond six months. He wants a good point and shoot experience from a device he can carry in his pocket, so that he can focus on composition and style.

what's his budget? And sorry to hear. EFF cancer.

 

[Steve Adams]

I would actually go PIXEL if I were him.

 

[SteveJUAE]

The IPhone makes little sense who want's to learn an new Mobile OS for the sake of a camera, given circumstance etc

Any recent flagship Android phone takes good snaps , if he likes a feature rich interface then he may not enjoy the Pixel over others otherwise just get best featured lens

 

[Bodhitree]

what's his budget? And sorry to hear. EFF cancer.

He’s willing to spend to about 1000 euro’s.

 

[mi7chy]

If mobility is limited I'd go with something with good zoom and wide angle like the Galaxy S21 Ultra. One of my biggest pet peeves is funny skin tone and so far zero complaint. Even better is Sony a7S III.

 

[ian87w]

He’s willing to spend to about 1000 euro’s.

Get a Samsung Galaxy S21.
Not only he would get a huge upgrade of a phone, it has versatile camera setup, including directors view, which is super fun if he’s interested in vlogging.
Samsung frequently has the S21 series on promos and discounts, so he should be able to get the regular S21 for a lot less. Use the savings to get accessories like fast charger, TWS earbuds, cases, etc.

 

[michael9891]

Even better is Sony a7S III.

Bit of a strange thing to add. Considering it costs over 4x his budget and that's for the body alone. Plus they're clearly aimed at people more into videography than photography.

Personally, I'd go for the S21+/Ultra. Good quality phone, various lenses and easy to take quick, good quality photos.

 

[mi7chy]

Bit of a strange thing to add. Considering it costs over 4x his budget and that's for the body alone. Plus they're clearly aimed at people more into videography than photography.

Equivalent Sony FX3 is for video while the a7s III is for hybrid photography/videography. You can find much better deals for the latter though. If my time was limited I'd want it to be the best experience.

 

[Bodhitree]

It looks like a Samsung Galaxy S21 is the consensus favourite. I will put it to him as a well-balanced option.

 

[The Game 161]

S21 ultra is by far the most complete android camera out there imo

 

[Klyster]

He is not a professional photographer, and has no interest in trying to learn the knacks of that trade, as he has terminal cancer and is not expected to live beyond six months. He wants a good point and shoot experience from a device he can carry in his pocket, so that he can focus on composition and style.

Geez, that's rough, cancer is brutal.

Good on you for helping your mate out ?
I hope his remaining time is a lot longer.
I have the S21 ultra, the camera isn't perfect but it is handy in most situations, I'd certainly put it up there as a definite consideration.

 

[Steve Adams]

My mom had cancer. She beat it and is fine now. but "F" cancer.

 

[Bodhitree]

Geez, that's rough, cancer is brutal.

Good on you for helping your mate out ?
I hope his remaining time is a lot longer.
I have the S21 ultra, the camera isn't perfect but it is handy in most situations, I'd certainly put it up there as a definite consideration.

He went with the OnePlus in the end. He is happily snapping photo’s in his garden, trying out the portrait mode.

 

[The Game 161]

My mom had cancer. She beat it and is fine now. but "F" cancer.

My dad had it and got through but can't see in one eye now. Was such a rough time.

Feel for anybody who has had to go through that

 

[Steve Adams]

Yes. It's terrible. We had a couple of friends die from cancer in middle school. That's rough.