The iOS 18 Public Beta reveals a feature which gives control over the focus, as well as the brightness, of the flash in existing iPhone models.

Previous versions of iOS have allowed a few different brightness settings, but now the full feature set of the Adaptive True Town Flash is placed under the control of a new interface, which effectively means you can control the width of the beam.

You, too, can be a brave early adopter of the new iOS by downloading the public beta (yes, it's no longer just a developer beta since July 14), but YouTuber TechDroider has posted a video (above) which clarifies the operation of the torch and the animations in the latest beta.

The animation stems from the dynamic island, so we can assume that the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro, which both boast the Adaptive Truetone Flash and Dynamic Island, at least, will definitely support this feature.

Dragging your finger Left and right adjusts focus/angle, while up and down is brightness. A long-press brings up a full control.

The truetone flash is made up of 9 LEDs and multiple lenses, hence its ability to direct light as well as tweak the tone. Previously these abilities have been available only to developers and the Camera app.

The uses for people lighting subjects with their phone should be obvious, and if nothing else it is fun to play with.

The feature has been tweaked a little over the developer versions, and is now larger than the original.

Even if you don't download iOS18 now, it'll be a cool feature to have in the post for your new iPhone 15 Pro.

Check our guide to the best iPhone for photography.

If you don't want to pay top dollar but still want a great smartphone camera, loads of storage, decent gaming power, and all-day battery life, the Honor 200 Pro is poised to take pride of place in your palm and pocket. 

At £699 (roughly $880, AU$1,330), the Honor 200 Pro certainly isn't cheap, and going up against phones like the Nothing Phone (2), Google Pixel 8, and iPhone 14, it also needs to be more than just a great spec sheet.

To help it stand out, Honor has partnered up with Studio Harcourt, a French photography house behind an iconic black and white portrait style. The Honor 200 Pro emulates this style in its portrait mode, with tuning created in partnership with the studio.

The phone also features one of the largest primary camera sensors on any smartphone at its price, benefits from an ultra-wide camera with autofocus – typically reserved for flagships – and is powered by the mighty new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3.

There are a few grumbles out of the gate: unlike most phones at its price, the 200 Pro's frame is plastic, not metal. Some might also take issue with its curved screen – though this isn't something we mind – and the phone's cameras can be inconsistent. Despite some niggles, though, we'd say the Honor 200 Pro does just enough to be one of the best cameras of 2024, at least at its price, and here's why:

Honor 200 Pro design and screen

Honor's number series – the Honor 70and Honor 90 being the last two that launched in the West – all have a trademark style: a curved front, curved back, and a slimline profile, plus an elegant flourish here and there. The new Honor 200 Series carries this aesthetic forward; however, unlike past number series launches, the West is also getting a Pro model for 2024. 

If you thought Pro meant glass and metal, unfortunatley, you're only half right. The Honor 200 Pro does have a glass front and back, but its plastic sides do make it feel a little bit less premium than its price suggests it should.

On the plus, the Honor 200 Pro isn't too heavy despite its high-capacity battery. It's also relatively thin at 8.2mm, and the curved back and rounded corners make for a comfortable hold.

You can choose between three Honor 200 Pro colors: Black, Moonlight White (the version pictured), and Ocean Cyan. The two-tone/texture Cyan option didn't do it for us, but the white option has an elegant pearlesque shimmer, while the black one looks super-accessible, with both sporting frosted glass backs.

The phone is IP65 dust and water resistant and it has a pre-fitted screen protector. Whether or not you get a case or charger with your phone will depend on where you're buying it. In the UK, it doesn't look set to ship with one.

The Honor 200 Pro's screen is a 6.78-inch, 1224 x 2700 resolution panel with a pixel density of 437 pixels per inch. With a crisp picture and a quality AMOLED screen tech doing a great job of showcasing content, it's exactly what we would expect at the price.

The screen's official peak brightness is 4000 nits for HDR content, though full-screen brightness caps out at around 1200 nits in bright environments, making it relatively easy to see on a sunny day.

The Honor 200 Pro's adaptive refresh rate is also smooth at 120Hz, and there are extensive display color options and eye-care features in the settings, as well as 3840Hz PWM dimming for reduced screen flicker and eye fatigue at low brightness levels.

Some reviewers consider the curved screen sides a mark against the phone, though in our time with it, we didn't encounter any accidental presses, and it adds to the phones slim in-hand feel. Visually, it also gives the impression the Honor 200 Pro's bezels are tiny, making the picture more immersive. All things considered, therefore, as far as we're concerned, the 200 Pro's display is a quality panel for the price.

Honor 200 Pro camera specs

Honor’s partnership with the Paris-based Studio Harcourt is credited for its updated AI Portrait Engine debuted on the Honor 200 series - which introduces AI Shadow and Light, Optical Effects and Artistic Style Enhancement. The phone also packs Honor's latest photo processing, and it's the first time we've seen this hardware mix as well:

Main camera: The Honor 200 Pro’s main camera features a large, nearly iPhone 15 Pro Max-sized 1/1.3-inch Omnivision sensor matched with an f/1.9 aperture lens with OIS.

Telephoto camera: With a 1/2.51-inch, 50MP Sony IMX856 sensor and an f/2.4 lens with OIS, matched with a 2.5x zoom, the Honor 200 Pro's telephoto camera captures at a 68mm equivalent focal length. 

Ultra-wide camera: With autofocus as close as 4cm, the 200 Pro’s ultra-wide camera combines a 12MP resolution with an f/2.2 aperture and a 112º field of view.

Selfie camera: Finally, the high-resolution 50MP front camera is set alongside a depth sensor, has a fixed-focus f/2.1 aperture lens with a 21mm focal length, and supports 4K capture at up to 30fps.

In addition to the new Studio Harcourt Portrait Mode, the Honor 200 Pro's shooting modes cover the standard bases – Photo, Night, Video, Panorama – while also including some more off-the-wall options like Solo Cut for motion-tracked and cropped vertical video from a landscape recording.

Honor 200 Pro camera review

The Honor 200 Pro’s camera system is generally reliable, regardless of the camera you use. However, there is one caveat: ultra-wide lowlight photos and videos were the weakest categories in our tests.

Typically, Honor’s auto-processing is saturated with a healthy amount of contrast. The 200 Pro's photos don't always look the most natural, dialing up processing to Instagram-ready levels, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing, with output typically looking good.

As you can see below, detail is abundant across all photos when light is ample, the scene has a breadth of tones, and the hybrid zoom telephoto shot holds up well despite the Honor 200 Pro's optical reach capping out at 2.5x.

Focusing on the primary camera, it impressed us with its large sensor, which creates rich depth when capturing close-up objects and is relatively quick to focus. Unlike the Honor 90, which had a woefully underpowered processor, the 200 Pro is quick to take a photo, and processing won't leave you waiting too long. Its RAW photos also give you plenty of range to work with, not common in non-flagship phones, making for a good impression at the price.

Some lowlight and extreme mixed lighting examples below illustrate how capable the zoom is, and also how the ultra-wide camera struggles to keep pace with the primary and telephoto cameras. 

Typically, midrange camera phones forfeit zoom, with the OnePlus 12 being the entry-level to a quality, periscope telephoto camera. The Honor 200 Pro might well be the next best option despite missing out on a periscope, fitting given its lower price.

Despite its lowlight limitations, the ultra-wide camera is handy for macro photos in bright environments thanks to its autofocus, though we still found ourselves leaning on the primary and telephoto cameras whenever we could. 

The telephoto camera shines in Studio Harcourt's portrait mode. The black-and-white photos, in particular, strike a compelling balance. Honor also does a great job of combining classical with modern by enabling HDR on/off in portrait mode, not typically available. You can, therefore, choose between higher-contrast portraits or shots with a broader tonal range and a more modern look.

It's worth noting that the Portrait Mode can get depth separation wrong, so you'll need to get to grips with it to get the best from it, possibly dialing back the effect at times to create a more natural-looking image. Also, the color balance across cameras can be slightly inconsistent, though interestingly, we experienced less of this with the Honor 200 Pro than the flagship Magic 6 Pro.

Video is also impressive from the main camera, competing across lighting conditions, likely thanks to its sensor size. This is where the telephoto camera starts to struggle when the lights drop, and the ultra-wide is out for the count. Nevertheless, in bright environments, all three cameras capture solid footage.

Honor 200 Pro additional features

Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, the Honor 200 Pro delivers 2023-grade flagship performance, and with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, it's ready for multi-tasking and packs plenty of space for apps, files, photos and videos.

Gaming on the Honor 200 Pro is a generally smooth experience, with the phone able to playback Genshin Impact at maximum graphics settings for around 20 minutes before it starts to struggle. Drop the graphics settings and frame rates will steady quickly, making the phone a good shout for gamers who want a quality camera without spending too much.

Running Honor's Magic O 8.0 and Android 14, the Honor 200 Pro’s interface is smooth and stable. However, it is lumbered with too much bloat out of the box: Honor's App Market and the Google Play Store, Honor Docs and Google Drive, and third-party apps like AliExpress and Booking.com. Some of these are uninstallable and the UI definitely isn't a dealbreaker, but the bloat does detract from the phone's polish. 

The interface experience is generally smooth. Honor brings back the Magic Capsule introduced on the Honor Magic 6 Pro. This means the pill-shaped selfie camera gives big Apple Magic Island vibes, displaying useful information and easy access to music controls, navigation, and other background apps.

App support is great with the phone having full access to the Google Play Store, and you can choose either an application tray homescreen setup like a Google Pixel, or all your apps laid out for you to organise, like an iPhone.

The Honor 200 Pro’s 5200mAh battery lasts for a full day with heavy usage, even with a fair bit of gaming and photography. It supports 100W wired charging for a full charge in around 45 minutes, as well as 66W wireless charging. To take advantage of those max speeds, you'll need to pick up an Honor charger or Qi wireless charging stand, however, as neither is included with the phone.

Honor 200 Pro verdict

Anyone who doesn't need a flagship but wants their phone to last for a few years should consider the Honor 200 Pro. Powerful enough to keep pace with the latest games and tools, loaded up with enough storage for your apps, photos and videos, while lasting more than a day on a single charge, its hardware is relatively future-proofed.

It's also hard not to be impressed by its camera. We were able to get great-looking photos from all three cameras around the back, with the primary camera shining. The Studio Harcourt Portrait Mode also impressed us, not because it was a revelation, but because it tastefully added a classical portrait style while giving us the flexibility to tune results to our tastes in-camera.

Of course, there are aspects of the 200 Pro we would change given the chance: the plastic frame, busy interface, and occasionally inconsistent characteristics across photos. All things considered, though, at its price, the Honor 200 Pro delivers a nuanced camera system, impressive specs, and a great real-world experience.

If you spend a lot of time driving and have an iPhone, then you'll want a charger in your car. That way, you'll never run out of the juice you need for navigation, music streaming, and hands-free calling while you're on the road. 

And if your iPhone is MagSafe compatible (which applies to all models from the 12 series upwards), you'll be tempted by the idea of a magnetic charger. Because quite frankly, it means you can just get in the car, pop your phone onto a magnet, and drive. Which is a lot more convenient than messing about with a bunch of wires. 

That said, if you've recently shelled out a lot of cash on your phone and various other accessories, your bank account may be feeling the pinch right now. And so the high price of the Apple-approved Belkin Boostcharge Car Charger may be just beyond your reach. In which case, you'll be pleased to hear ESR Qi2 15W MagSafe Car Mount Charger is more than half the price.

That's not surprising: ESR has a strong reputation in making chargers that are generally cheaper than those from major brands like Apple or Samsung. But is this a great way to save money, or are you cutting off your nose to spite your face? I spent time with the ESR Qi2 15W MagSafe Car Mount Charger to find out.

ESR charger: Specifications

ESR charger: Price and availability

The ESR Qi2 15W MagSafe Car Mount Charger is widely available through both ESR's Amazon store and official website, catering to users worldwide. At the time of writing, it's $29.99 on Amazon, making it much more affordable than the Apple-approved Belkin Boostcharge Car Charger, which is $89.99 on Amazon. 

ESR charger: Build and handling

The ESR Qi2 15W MagSafe Car Mount Charger is small but perfectly formed with a sleek and modern design. It comes with two alternative ways of attaching it to the dashboard.

The first is a three-point mount with a support arm, which clips onto your air vent. The second is a dashboard anchor which uses a high-quality adhesive that means you can stick it pretty much anywhere you like.

Because this was for a review, I didn't necessarily want to attach this charger to my car forever, so I went for the clip, which I found easy to attach, remove and reattach. This would also be the best option if, say, you often switch between a personal car and a company car, or sometimes use your partner's.

Despite its low price, this product feels very well-made and sturdy. This helped to calm my nerves: after all, no one wants their expensive iPhone falling off the dash the moment their car hits a bump in the road. 

The strong magnets in this charger meant that attaching and removing my iPhone was pretty seamless; it snapped into place naturally and without any messing around. I also appreciated the fact you could angle your phone in both portrait and landscape modes, depending on what you or your passenger are using it for. 

The charger comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable as well as a small USB-A to USC-C adapter. On the downside, if your car doesn't have either a USB-A or USB-C port, you'll need an adapter to connect to its cigarette lighter socket.

ESR charger: Performance

Equipped with its official Qi2 certification, this charger provided pretty efficient 15W charging in practice. I managed to charge an iPhone 13 from empty to full in times ranging from 2hrs 47mins to 2hrs 53mins, which is about what I'd expect from a normal MagSafe charger. I also liked that there are blue lights on both the passenger and driver sides to show you that your phone is being powered.

Perhaps more importantly, the strong magnetic lock, combined with the sturdy mounting system, ensured that the phone remained securely in place, even during sharp turns or rough road conditions. Which, given my generally nervous state around expensive tech, was a big relief. 

ESR charger: Verdict

The ESR Qi2 15W MagSafe Car Mount Charger does what it's supposed to, simply and efficiently. It's easy to set up. It attaches magnetically to your phone easily. It charges your phone quickly. It lets you position your phone horizontally or vertically. And it comes with two mounting options: one that's more temporary and one that's more permanent. In short, if you're looking for an affordable way to charge a modern iPhone in your car, I would recommend this affordable option.

ESR charger: Alternatives

Despite likely still being around 6 months from launch, we've just had a leak of a possible Google Pixel 9 Pro. The leaked images show a device with a redesigned camera bump/island that was first displayed in renders back in January. This refreshed design is more prominent than the 'Robocop' wraparound camera island introduced with the Pixel 6, and appears to stick out further from the phone's rear panel. The new pill-shaped island's sharply defined edges are certainly distinctive, though we can't help but think its 'stuck-on' appearance makes it look like more of an afterthought than a neatly integrated design. Those chiselled edges also seem prone to catching on things and being chipped in daily use.

Within the camera island, the individual camera modules appear similar to those in the Pixel 8 Pro: the smaller round module on the left is likely the ultrawide camera, while the primary (wide-angle) module appears in the middle. We presume the rectangular module on the right is a periscope telephoto camera, again following the arrangement of the Pixel 8 Pro.

Read more: what is a periscope lens?

The leaked photos are rumored to show a regular 6.1-inch Pixel 9 Pro as opposed to a larger 'XL' handset. Consequently the phone appears relatively compact when placed alongside an iPhone 14 Pro Max. The leak also shows the edges of the phone, which share the same polished metal finish as the Pixel 8 Pro and has the usual array of power & volume buttons, a USB-C port and speaker outlet alongside that. Another leaked image shows the bootloader screen, displaying amongst other things that this handset is equipped with 16GB RAM, which if correct means the Pixel 9 Pro would have 4GB more memory than the Pixel 8 Pro.

But as with any rumor/leak so far from a phone's likely launch, take all this with a generous helping of salt!

Story credit: Rozetked

Can't wait for the Pixel 9 Pro? Read our guide to the best Google Pixel phones available now, and if you're happy to look further afield, check out some of the best camera phones of 2024

The iPhone 15 Pro Max's Camera app has an Action mode that stabilizes the shakiest camera moves. Plus the iPhone’s optical image stabilization hardware irons out the wobbles by physically vibrating the sensor in the X, Y, and Z axes. I was therefore keen to see how Apple’s top-of-the-range iPhone performed in comparison to the latest GoPro model, the Hero 12 Black, as the GoPro brand is synonymous with action cameras. 

To test the two devices I met up with stuntman Matt Igwe to film him performing parkour moves such as running, jumping, and flipping through 360º in an urban environment. I chose a stuntman to film as he’d know his limits and not risk being injured on the shoot. Check out the video below:

I chose not to use gimbals with the GoPro and iPhone as I wanted to see how both devices’ built-in stabilization software (and hardware) performed as I filmed the action handheld. 

To make the iPhone safer to handle (I’d previously managed to crack the screen on my iPhone 14 Pro Max) and easier to maneuver I placed it in a Neewer cage. I mounted the GoPro on a Volta, which made it easier to hold while following the action – plus the Volta’s Bluetooth connectivity enabled me to start and stop recording via a handy physical button on the handle.

After Matt had warmed up we started with a simple parkour routine where he ran, jumped onto a concrete bench, and then jumped through the air onto another bench. As I ran to follow Matt I gripped the handle of the iPhone’s Neewer cage in one hand while simultaneously holding the Volta-mounted GoPro in the other. The GoPro was set to shoot in 4K at 30fps. Because I chose Action mode for the iPhone I was limited to capturing a smaller resolution of 2K at 30fps. 

Both the handheld iPhone and the GoPro produced gimbal smooth footage, thanks to their software stabilization, though the GoPro had the edge in relation to its 4K resolution.

When you view the live feed of the action through the iPhone Camera app’s display during a take, the footage shakes wildly. However, this extreme shake is immediately ironed out when you view the recorded clip in the Photos app.  

Without a gimbal, you run the risk of tilting the camera and capturing a wonky horizon. The GoPro has a very useful Horizon Leveling menu option that keeps everything straight when shooting handheld, and the iPhone also produces a level horizon when shooting in Action mode.

Our next parkour sequence involved filming Matt do a 360º flip from the concrete bench onto the ground. I wanted to rotate the camera as he somersaulted to add a dynamic camera move to the sequence. As the iPhone was mounted in the Neewer cage I was able to use its handles to make the iPhone rotate 180º as Matt flipped through the air. 

This would’ve been a tricky camera move to perform with the GoPro using its stick-like Volta handle. Some gimbals have an Inception mode that causes them to rotate through 360º, but it would be a challenge to make them rotate at the same speed as our stuntman. By rotating the cage-mounted iPhone manually I was able to match the timing and speed of Matt’s jump perfectly.

The GoPro, however, did have the advantage as a wearable action camera. I purchased a harness and got Matt to wear it with the Hero 12 attached to his chest. The GoPro comes with handy presets including one called ‘Chesty’. This sets the camera to shoot a wide-angle clip with maximum stabilization – the perfect setting for capturing kinetic sequences when mounted on a chest harness. I was then able to capture striking POV shots as Matt flew through the air.

I wouldn’t have wanted to risk strapping my iPhone to a stuntman’s chest harness in case it got damaged, plus the lighter and smaller GoPro would be more comfortable for Matt to wear as he performed parkour.

Some parkour moves are over in seconds, so I set both the iPhone and the GoPro to shoot in their slow-motion modes. Both devices used a high frame rate of 120fps so I could slow them down in the edit while preserving a smooth motion. 

Here the GoPro had the edge by being able to shoot at a higher resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160) whereas the iPhone’s SloMo mode could only manage a smaller HD resolution (1080 x 1930). This means that the iPhone slow-motion sequence looked a little fuzzy in the 4K project’s timeline compared to the GoPro’s footage.

Testing both cameras in low light, the iPhone footage was bright and vibrant while the GoPro slow-motion clip was very dark. This could be because I’d limited the GoPro to a maximum ISO of 1600 while the iPhone sets ISO (sensitivity to light) automatically. 

Shooting with the GoPro at a normal frame rate led to better exposure in low light but, despite having Auto Boost stabilization turned, the handheld GoPro footage was less stable than that captured by the iPhone filming in Action mode (even though the iPhone complained about there not being enough light in our location).

Verdict

And the winner is… both and neither! Each camera has its own strengths and weaknesses. I thoroughly enjoyed using the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the GoPro Hero Black 12 to film our parkour sequences, and both devices performed well in bright light when it came to producing gimbal-smooth camera moves using in-camera stabilization. The two handles on the cage-mounted iPhone enabled me to shoot complex moves such as a 180º roll with precision, but the GoPro was more effective as a harness wearable action camera. 

Both could keep the horizon level and the action was gimbal-smooth, but the GoPro has the edge when shooting slow-motion thanks to its greater resolution. The iPhone appeared to have the edge in low light. So on future action shoots, I’ll take both cameras in my kit bag because they both have their own strengths to employ in different shooting scenarios.

You might look at the Honor Magic 6 Pro with its pill-shaped camera cut out and think – what an iPhone copy – and yes, there are some UI bits that do indeed make us think of iPhones, but for the most part, Honor's latest flagship is the least iPhone smartphone around.

While the iPhone 14 Pro introduced Apple's dynamic island, Honor's had a pill-shaped selfie camera for years – see the Magic 4 Pro and Magic 5 Pro – it's just been off to the side. Going beyond the selfie camera, while other brands like Samsung with its Galaxy S24 and Xiaomi with its Xiaomi 14 are channeling iPhone styling in 2024, the Honor Magic 6 Pro is a true individual, with its muted green vegan leather back, quad-curved screen and squircle camera surround.

Focusing on the cameras, this is one area in which Honor's Magic 6 Pro is the least iPhone of all. While Apple goes for a further-reaching 5x periscope, Honor dials back the focal length with a more modest 2.5x zoom. While Apple keeps a lower 12MP pixel count, Honor launches the highest-resolution telephoto camera around at 108MP.

In fact, the whole Magic 6 Pro camera experience seems to think differently. The main camera has a tighter wide angle at 27mm, plugging the gaps between its widest 13mm ultra-wide and 68mm telephoto that bit better. With all three cameras packing high-resolution – at least 50MP – sensors, the Magic 6 Pro really is an exciting camera phone. But is it a good one?

Honor Magic 6 Pro Design and Screen

Nowadays, there's nothing less Apple than a curved screen, and the Magic 6 Pro lives up to its anti-iPhone status with its quad-curved display. Reminiscent of the Huawei P50 Pro, the glass front flows into the sides, top and bottom for a really sleek feel.

The phone is about as big and heavy as mainstream mobiles get, combining premium glass and metal. It weighs 229g – more than the iPhone 15 Pro Max – and its 6.8-inch screen seems huge. Available in two colors, Epi Green and Black, while the green option, which we tested, has polished sides and a vegan leather back, the black Magic 6 Pro has matte sides and a glass back with a satin feel.

Honor's done an excellent job of making the Magic 6 Pro look and feel special and unique. Will it be for everyone? Probably not – especially given its weight – but as we'll come onto, the phone has the biggest battery of any mainstream flagship smartphone, potentially arguing away any complaints about its size.

With IP68 water and dust resistance, expect flagship durability, and while there is a pre-fitted screen protector out of the box, the Magic 6 Pro doesn't ship with a case, so you'll need to pick one up separately.

The 6.8-inch screen looks very good. It's an OLED panel with a roughly 20:9 aspect ratio, and while it isn't the sharpest around with a FHD+ resolution of 1280 x 2800, its almost iPhone 15 Pro-matching 453 PPI pixel density means it's still sharp enough for pixel-free viewing.

Just like with the iPhone 15 Pro line, the pill-shaped camera cutout does take a bit of getting used to, especially when playing back full-screen content. So too does the peak brightness, which climbs up to 5,000 nits when viewing HDR content. This is seriously bright, and actually uncomfortable to watch content in the dark. 

So while the Magic 6 Pro is excellent when beaming its peak full-screen brightness of 1600 nits, so you'll easily be able to see what you're doing, even outdoors on a sunny day, we'd urge Honor to dial down the peak HDR brightness, or at least calibrate it to be more comfortable when playing back HDR content at low brightness levels in a dark environment.

With a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and a screen flicker rate of 4320Hz, when you're not squinting at HDR content in lowlight, the Magic 6 Pro's display is very eye-friendly.

The addition of Netflix HDR certification is also a good thing in principle, with third-party services taking advantage of the display's full brightness. For fans of more natural-looking colors, you can also display content in sRGB P3, or Vivid mode, for a cooler, punchier picture.

Honor Magic 6 Pro Camera Specs

The Magic 6 Pro's triple camera is an interesting mix. While other brands are leaning into far-reaching zooms and 1-inch sensors, Honor's doing things a bit differently with its variable aperture main camera and its short-distance periscope camera, which caps out at an optical 2.5x zoom reach. In fact, its three camera focal lengths are generally unique, at 13mm (0.5x zoom), 27mm (1x zoom), and 68mm (2.5x zoom). 

27mm wide camera

Other camera phones tend to feature 24-25mm wide cameras, but Honor punches in a little further at 27mm for a slightly less wide-angle view. The 50MP sensor has a roughly iPhone 15 Pro-sized 1/1.3" size, and it's matched with an f/1.4 to f/2.0 variable aperture lens, which can be manually changed in Pro Mode, and automatically switches in Photo or Video Mode. The lens also packs OIS.

68mm telephoto camera

The 180MP telephoto camera on the Magic 6 Pro is an interesting one. While it only has a 2.5x zoom reach, it's actually a similar focal length to some 3x zoom cameras on phones that have wider main cameras, so don't be too put off by that 2.5x number. It's also the highest-resolution, largest sensor-size (1/1.4-inch) periscope camera on any smartphone, so its in-sensor cropping should compensate well for the nearer zoom range. 

With OIS and a wide (for a periscope camera) f/2.4 lens, while unconventional, the Magic 6 Pro's telephoto camera has a lot going for it on paper.

13mm ultra-wide camera

The ultra-wide looks set to be the least impressive camera on the Magic 6 Pro. Its 50MP, 1/2.88-inch sensor is competitive without being class-leading, while the wide autofocusing f/2.0 lens with a 13mm focal length and nearest focus distance of around 4cm should offer versatility.

Honor Magic 6 Pro Camera Review

The Honor Magic 6 Pro's camera is very good. When taking photos in bright environments, it doesn't struggle with grabbing plenty of detail and thanks to its autofocusing lenses matched with relatively large sensors and some powerful processing, it's also good at creating depth separation.

The nearer optical reach than some phones like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or S24 Ultra is noticeable when capturing zoomed-in, moving, or complex subjects in challenging environments. But when snapping typical still objects or scenes at up to 20x zoom, the Magic 6 Pro leans into computational photography and the sensor's sky-high resolution to deliver surprisingly detailed shots, even if they aren't class-leading. 

There's also plenty of AI at play, with the zoom redrawing simple objects to clean up lines and edges, as illustrated in the images below. This can make photos taken beyond 5x look like an oil painting, and while many will appreciate the lack of grain, photography purists might grumble at the lack of detail.

With a near-focus distance of about 10cm from the 27mm camera, 4cm from the ultra-wide, and 30cm from the telephoto camera, each can capture its own style of macro photo, making the Honor Magic 6 Pro a great tool for fans of close-up shots.

The 27mm camera also has a variable aperture, switching between f/1.6 and f/2.0. This doesn't make a huge difference when it comes to background blur, but should be more helpful at managing exposure, making the Magic 6 Pro better able to handle dark and bright environments, particularly in video.

To give you an idea of how the Magic 6 Pro's zoom performs in an ideal environment, the photos below were taken at 68mm/2.6x, 135mm/5x, and 270mm/10x zoom. For anyone who wants a reliable sightseeing phone, Honoe's clearly created a fantastic option.

If we had to nitpick points that we don't love about the Magic 6 Pro's camera, there would be two. The first which we've covered a bit is the AI-zoom resulting in strange-looking textures, more so than even the Vivo X100 Pro. The second is the telephoto camera's color handling, which isn't always consistent with the wide and ultra-wide cameras. 

While Apple has been known to use wide camera information to manage ultra-wide and telephoto white balance, as you can see below, the Magic 6 Pro warms things way up for the zoomed-in shots. This is most noticeable at night and when there are light sources throwing the camera off.

The camera also struggles when zooming in on moving subjects, and it isn't uncommon to see a bit of highlight clipping in pictures, though at the other end, shadow detail is almost always excellent, with low noise and impressive amounts of salvageable texture.

The Magic 6 Pro is also billed as a great time-freezing tool for sports photography, and while this didn't wow us in low light, in bright environments, it does a solid job.

There's also a lot to be said for the 27mm wide-angle camera being less wide than 24mm competition. This marks what could be a trend towards a potential 35mm primary camera future for smartphones. We've already seen this with the Nubia Z60 Ultra, and Apple's Pro iPhones now have a 35mm digital lens, and we're all for this direction.

If you shoot a lot of smartphone video, you'll be well served with the Magic 6 Pro's 4K camera that can shoot at up to 60fps. Stabilised across zoom ranges with nippy autofocus, the primary camera is the most impressive and versatile, and there's a Pro mode that can manage aperture control when recording video for plenty of range even in bright environments. 

The selfie camera has a 50MP resolution and autofocus. It was mostly excellent in our time with the phone, particularly when coupled with a steady hand and a patient smile. Rushed selfies occasionally resulted in strange artifacting, possibly down to our phone packing early software, or because the phone couldn't nail processing in time. 

The front camera also captures excellent 4K video and the microphones do a fine job too, making the Magic 6 Pro a solid front and rear camera option for photos and videos

Honor Magic 6 Pro Additional Features

We've criticized Honor for not doing enough to update its interface since it split from Huawei in 2001, and the Honor Magic 6 Pro marks a huge step for the brand's MagicOS interface, with a few features helping it look and feel more unique.

Running MagicOS 8 and Android 14, Honor has applied some meaningful changes to its UI, with app shortcuts that can be expanded to make quick actions very easy, the WhatsApp shortcut is pictured below:

Arguably, the Magic 6 Pro's greatest performance achievement is its facial recognition, which even works with banking apps for near-FaceID levels of practical appeal. This might sound like a small thing, especially for iPhone users, but in the Android world, the Magic 6 Pro is one of the only phones to use 3D depth sensors to level up the face unlocking to be compliant with financial services.

We did run into a couple of issues with the Magic 6 Pro's UI – the Dynamic Island style animation that houses media controls and other elements occasionally bugged out, not allowing us to clear media that had been closed without us disabling and enabling notifications in the settings. This is likely down to the fact our phone ran pre-release software, but is worth noting nonetheless.

Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – the ubiquitous top-tier processor for Android flagships in 2024 – the Magic 6 Pro is an excellent gaming phone and powers through tasks, including 4K video edits in Lumafusion 

Honor throttles maxed-out gameplay to prevent heat build-up, so the phone stays relatively cool, but it's still able to run Genshin Impact at maximum graphics settings with very infrequent stutters, and thanks to the huge 5,600mAh battery, does so for longer than virtually all the competition. This puts Honor's latest flagship in the same club as the excellent OnePlus 12, able to make it well into a second day on a single charge with moderate use.

On top of the fact it lasts for ages, the Magic 6 Pro charges at up to 80W (charger sold separately), filling up in around 45 minutes. And with 66W wireless charging, it's also one of the fastest options around for anyone who likes a speedy power-up.

Add an ample 512GB storage and 12GB RAM, and the Honor Magic 6 Pro gives you plenty of space for content – with the storage capacity justifying the punchy price – and multi-tasking performance should keep up with your needs.

With a number of other highlights including an IR blaster so you can use the Magic 6 Pro as a remote control, an in-display fingerprint sensor that works in tandem with the phone's advanced face unlock, and powerful (albeit slightly tinny) dual speakers, Honor's 2024 flagship may not be perfect, but it's very, very good.

Honor Magic 6 Pro Verdict

If you want a camera phone that thinks a bit differently, the Honor Magic 6 Pro could scratch your itch. Its main camera's less wide angle is slightly nearer the revered 35mm mark than Galaxys and iPhones, Honor's processing delivers balanced photos, and the 68mm periscope camera balances nearby tele shots and far-reaching zooming very well. Even the ultra-wide does a commendable job, not dropping the ball without being standout.

Where the Magic 6 Pro struggles is serious zooming beyond 10x. Pictures it takes look good, but they look almost composited, dialing back noise and detail to give you a shot that more closely resembles an illustration. 

If, like most of us, you tend to shoot in the 1-6x zoom range, though, the Magic 6 Pro is a tonic to the slew of iPhone-style phones hitting the market. And with incredibly good battery life, fast charging, a huge amount of storage and a brilliant screen, while we wouldn't quite call the Magic 6 Pro the best camera phone of 2024, it's definitely a contender for best smartphone all things considered.

You’ve probably heard Samsung shouting about its new 200MP camera phone. Maybe I’m stuck in the dark ages – after all, a phone that’s five years old is a bit of a dinosaur – but I still do not see a need to upgrade from my humble iPhone 11. While 200MP camera phones sound impressive, I’m still not convinced that that many pixels are necessary – and as it turns out, you don’t get full use of them anyway.

Several camera phones of today boast sensors with megapixels well into the hundreds. Some of the best camera phones even have more megapixels than the highest resolution cameras, such as the Fujifilm GFX 100S, but that doesn’t mean you can take similar quality images. One of the biggest problems with 200MP camera phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is that, while they boast these super-high megapixel sensors, the sensors are really small and you can’t actually produce 200MP photos unless you manage to find and turn on the setting. 

Once upon a time it seemed like megapixels were the only thing that could improve a sensor and the general census was, the more the better. That doesn’t seem to be the case these days, as Apple has proved time and time again. Despite fitting the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 15 models with a 48MP sensor, most of the time you are still shooting at around 12MP – you have to enable a setting to shoot in 48MP resolution and, it turns out, it’s not all that special. 

If your ears pricked up when news first broke that Samsung was launching a 200MP camera phone, you’re not alone – but there are a few major things to consider. While a 200MP photo might sound like the best thing ever, in fact it limits your versatility. You can’t shoot in wide-angle, 3x or 10x telephoto modes, it takes up a lot more storage (a standard 12MP photo is max 5MB, whereas a 200MP photo can be as much as 50MB) and you don’t get to use any of the AI features which, arguably, will ensure a better final result. 

When looking at two images side-by-side, one shot at 12MP and one at 200MP on the same phone, there isn’t much difference between them. The 12MP looks like it has a bit more clarity and the 200MP presents more accurate colors, but there isn't much in it. Only as you zoom in and enlarge the shot do you start to appreciate the added quality of the 200MP image. But unless you’re printing photos bigger than a standard 6x4-inch print, you’re probably never going to benefit from all those extra megapixels. 

Camera phones have advanced massively over the last few years, and it isn’t enough to just increase the number of megapixels of a sensor to make it sellable. What impresses people now is smooth stabilization, AI-powered tools for removing objects, swapping faces and fixing blur, or having a camera that starts taking a photo before you’ve even pressed the shutter. 

Advertising a 200MP camera phone might sound good, but I’m not fooled. If I can still take perfectly good photos with my iPhone 11’s 12MP camera, I certainly feel no need to upgrade anytime soon – especially after finding out that the 48MP mode on the latest models isn’t even that good. I take hundreds of photos and already pay out for the 2TB storage plan on Google Photos – literally the last thing I need is to take photos that’ll take up even more space. 

Check out the best iPhones for photography and see how they compare to the best Android phone for photography – which, of course, includes some of the best Samsung phones.

The OnePlus Open is official, launching in the US, UK, and other markets with a triple-camera system and Hasselblad co-branding. It's OnePlus's first foldable, and it packs the most exciting camera of any folding phone we've used, with Sony's new stacked pixel sensor tech, a 70mm equivalent periscope system, and a high-resolution ultra-wide camera with autofocus. 

If you're wondering what makes the Open a Hasselblad phone, the iconic camera brand had a hand in the phone's Portrait, Pro, and XPan modes. 

Available in two colors, Black (vegan leather back) and Emerald Green (glass back), the Black version weighs 239g, while the green option weighs 245g making the green option just 5g heavier than an iPhone 14 Pro Max. Only the Emerald Green OnePlus Open is coming to Europe, while both the black and green options will launch in the US.

OnePlus Open price and availability

Foldables are expensive, so while the OnePlus Open's $1,699 / £1,599 / €1,799 price might sound astronomically high, compared to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Google's Pixel Fold, it's actually cheaper.

If you want to pick up the OnePlus Open, it's available from October 26 from OnePlus directly, with pre-orders running from October 20. 

OnePlus has some enticing after-sales support offerings to woo potential buyers: free inner display screen protector replacements for the warranty duration, four years of software updates, and five years of security updates.

OnePlus Open camera specs

The big thing about the OnePlus Open is its camera. No, really, it's a big thing. While the phone's frame and most of its body are relatively skinny – 5.8mm when unfolded – the camera bump appears to almost double that thickness. We're not grumbling at the fact, though, as this bump is likely why the OnePlus Open looks like it could be the best foldable camera phone around.

There are three cameras around the back of the phone, and all three capture with a high resolution, relatively large sensors, and wide apertures. Going into a bit more detail, the wide sensor is a Sony LYTIA-T808, a 52MP 4.3:3 stacked pixel sensor. 

The T808 sensor is interesting because it actually uses a 48MP area, and the rest to stabilize video (based on what we know about Sony's Xperia 1 V, which debuted the technology).

According to OnePlus, its stacked pixel structure means each pixel element is split across two layers. The photodiodes, which convert light to electrical signals, have more space to receive information, curb noise, and create detail.

While the OnePlus Open has a 1/1.35” wide camera sensor, which is about 20 percent larger than the primary sensor of Samsung's Z Fold 5, this doesn't account for the 4:3 crop that takes place, making the usable 48MP part of the sensor a bit smaller. This means we're a way off seeing a 1-inch sensor on a foldable, but OnePlus claims the Open should deliver a similar dynamic range to the 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensor, as found in the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

The ultra-wide and telephoto cameras also look powerful, especially for a folding phone. The 14mm lens has autofocus, which is missing from most folding phone ultra-wides, an f/2.2 lens, a 4cm nearest focus distance, and a 1/2" 48MP sensor. 

The 3x periscope camera has a 1/2" sensor for zoomed-in shots, marrying it with an f/2.6 aperture lens, OIS, and a 64MP high resolution. While the OnePlus Open's zoom won't reach as far as the Pixel Fold's, for example, its on-paper specs are superior, and in early testing, it captures a great amount of detail with a seriously pleasing shallow depth.

Here are a few sample photos we took on the OnePlus Open when we got a hands-on with the device ahead of our full review:

OnePlus Open additional features

The OnePlus Open looks like a flagship in every respect, bar one: it doesn't have wireless charging. If you can get past that, you won't find any standout chinks in its spec sheet.

Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with a massive 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, performance should be superb, and there's loads of space, too.

While there's no wireless charging, the phone does power up at a fast 67W, so according to OnePlus, it fills up from 0-100 percent in 42 minutes, and there's a 4800mAh battery inside.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the OnePlus Open other than its camera, is Open Canvas and its user interface in general. While many foldables like the Honor Magic Vs offer up the same core interface for their big, unfolded screens as for the phone-sized cover screen, OnePlus totally overhauls its big-screen experience.

As you can see in the photos below, there's a taskbar, which has become something of a 101 in good foldable experiences. The Open also supports split-screen or full-screen multi-tasking across three apps, docking unused apps off-screen, for easy tapping into view. 

On first impression, Open Canvas looks like a fantastic solution to the challenge of optimizing an interface for foldables.

As for the screens, the cover display is a familiar 20:9 aspect ratio – no Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 cramped typing here – and at 6.3 inches, it's a relatively comfortable size. With a large 7.8-inch unfolded display, the OnePlus Open's unfolded view is a bit more expansive than that of Samsung and Google's, with both featuring 7.6-inch screens.

OnePlus also makes bold claims regarding brightness, with a peak brightness of 2,800 nits and a max brightness of 1,400 nits in high brightness mode, and both screens look crisp and vibrant in the flesh.

While you can't dunk the OnePlus Open in water, it is IPX4 splash-resistant, and it's the only foldable that's tested to withstand a million folds and still work. It's also worth noting that its unfolded screen has the least visible crease of any foldable we've used on first impression, though we'll need to get the phone in to see if that holds true after real-world use.

OnePlus Open early verdict

The OnePlus Open looks like the foldable shake-up camera fans have been waiting for. There's no getting around the fact that great camera hardware takes up space, so seeing OnePlus carve out a ton of space for the cameras while making the rest of the phone relatively thin is excellent.

How OnePlus's imaging software pulls the mighty camera hardware together with Hasselblad features remains to be seen in our full review, so watch this space. If you're thinking about picking up a OnePlus Open and want to know what the competition looks like, check out our guide to the best flip and fold phones out now, and if you're leaning towards a traditional non-folding phone, here are our top picks for the best camera phones of 2023.

Editorial note: Basil has worked with Oppo's communications agency as a consultant. OnePlus and Oppo are part of the BBK group. Basil has never worked with OnePlus directly or any of its agencies. Having worked with Basil for years, we are confident in his ability to cover OnePlus in an unbiased way.

Before the iPhone 15 Pro was revealed in all its glory I wrote about the extensively trialed Action Button, which has replaced the mute switch with a customizable button. 

I was skeptical and, after a few days with my new phone, remain so. According to MacRumors, though, it seems that Apple might already be working on a solution for the iPhone 16.

• Read our iPhone 15 Pro Max review

The rumor is that the iPhone 16 will keep the Action Button (sadly, for me at least, there is no way they can roll back on all the hype of the user-definable button) but Apple will also add a 'Capture Button'. Hot on the heels of filling the camera app with equivalent focal lengths, it feels like Apple is really talking the language of photographers – which feels pretty good. I for one like Apple’s huge customer base to be nudged toward thinking photographically, rather than just 1x and 5x zoom!

Like many photographers I’m experimenting with my iPhone 15’s Action Button as the camera trigger, to save me a few valuable moments launching the app, so I’ve gone from the ultimate in tactile mute switches to having to swipe down and bring up an on-screen menu. In exchange, I can open the camera app faster and the button then becomes a shutter… but, well, pressing a physical button can jog the phone.

That, though, might also be solved by Apple’s "Project Nova", reported by MacRumors. The report tells us that the additional Capture Button will be capacitive – meaning it doesn’t physically move, but senses pressure – and likely feeds back using vibration (or the Taptic Engine as, Apple prefers to say) like the iPhone SE’s Home button. So if (and it’s a big if) Apple gets it right, then a more gentle press could make for a perfect shutter without causing camera shake – and feels very Pro. 

According to the rumor, the button will appear across the entire iPhone 16 line, which seems a bit unlikely to my mind – Apple has traditionally introduced things with the Pro series, like the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro, then filtered them down with the next generation. 

What could be more "Pro" than a potentially confusing extra button? One, though, that would let me have a physical mute switch back (albeit one not quite as good as on my iPhone 14) plus a better, quicker, camera activation option.

This is an early rumor, before the design is set or distributed to case makers, so nothing is guaranteed, but it is an exciting possibility. There is also discussion of a meaningful change in design, including a 0.2-inch bump in screen size across the line. We’ll have to wait and see.

Of course, if successful this button – expected to sit below the power button on the opposite side to the action and volume buttons – could also spell doom for all physical buttons. Many have spoken of the advantages of eliminating them; it would prevent dust and water ingress to the device interior, and some people even expect Apple to ditch any kind of physical port for the same reason. It's easy to paint the increments out in your mind that would see no 'real' buttons or ports by, say, the iPhone 19.

Just after getting USB 3.0 transfer speeds on the iPhone 15 Pro this doesn’t feel like a great prospect for photographers, but at least the iPhone 16 sounds like it might be an improvement!

See our guide to the best iPhones for photography and, crucially if you've jsut upgraded, the best cases for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Anker has reinvented its Nano range as a new series of products encompassing chargers and power banks of all sizes, and as the name hints at, the connecting theme of the new Nano series is that all these devices are small. Why the new line? Well, the iPhone 15 is just around the corner, and by all accounts the new generation of iPhones will finally make the jump to USB-C, so you best believe Anker will be ready to offer some new charging solutions to Apple upgraders.

The new Anker Nano series also has a new fun and colorful design to it, with a nod to the more colorful iPhone 14 models, and while we have seen all the elements of this new Anker Nano 30W power bank before in its other devices, it has been redesigned to fit the new Nano branding. So the new Nano power bank might look good, but does it still nail the basics?

Anker Nano 533: Specifications

Anker Nano 533: Key Features

The Anker Nano has been redesigned from previous Anker power banks, adding new colors and textures, although the power bank is still available in a demure black for those who want to keep it simple. The design has taken some big leads from Anker's previous power banks though with a built-in USB-C cable that also does double duty as a carry handle, as well as a TFT screen on the front showing battery percentage and how much battery is remaining in hours and minutes.

The Anker Nano 30W as its name suggests has a maximum power output of 30W when using a single USB-C connection, the power bank also has an additional USB-C and USB-A connecting, but when using all three connections together, the power output drops to a combined 24W across the three ports. The Nano 30W has a 10,000mAh battery that should be enough to charge an iPhone 14 or Samsung Galaxy S23 two to three times over. The power bank also has built-in temperature monitoring to ensure it never gets too hot.

Anker Nano 533: Build & Handling

The new design is really nice, and the power bank looks very cute, although I do also like the more serious-looking gunmetal grey power banks from Anker's more premium range. I have the blue power bank for review, which does clash a little against my boring all-black phone, so the choice of colors does make a difference.

The outside of the power bank has a ridged grippy texture which makes it easy to hang onto, especially if you are trying to juggle the power bank and your phone in one hand. The top is a tiny iridescent material that looks cool, but is a bit of a fingerprint and grease magnet and required a lot of wiping on my shirt.

There is a TFT screen built into the power bank, which is incredibly useful, I have used a lot of power banks now and this screen is by far my favorite way of monitoring battery percentage. However, I found that the percentage would get to 1% and only "1 minute" of power remaining, but it would still last for quite a while longer than that, so I am not sure it is calibrated perfectly.

The screen on the Anker Nano is very challenging to read in direct sunlight, with the material it sits behind just reflecting a lot of light, but if you shade it or turn it away from the light then reading it is fine. It is a shame that this screen also doesn’t show the output speed like some of Anker’s bigger power banks do, but I guess sacrifices have to be made versus those more premium products.

I can’t praise enough how incredible the cable being built into the power bank is, I can never seem to find a short USB-C cable when I need one, or I am just forever losing them, so this makes it so simple to know that I can just pull the power bank out and start charging in a flash. Doubling up the cable as a carry handle is also a nice touch, although I don’t tend to walk around swinging my power bank, it's an easy way to grab the power bank from the bottom of a bag. The cable feels very secure and I am not concerned about it getting damaged anytime soon, although I will be interested to see how it holds up in the long term.

Anker Nano 533: Performance

The Anker Nano 30W performed very well when used to charge my Google Pixel 7 Pro, it managed to charge the device to around 50% in just over 30 minutes, and around an hour and a half for a full charge. The Pixel has a 5,000mAh battery, so theoretically, I can get exactly two full charges out of the Nano 30W power bank. I would usually only use a power bank to charge my phone when it was getting dangerously low, so I actually was getting a few days of little top-ups out of this power bank.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max has the biggest iPhone battery at 4,323mAh battery, with the rest of the range packing smaller batteries, so iPhone users can get a little more mileage, although currently, you will need to plug a cable into the port on the side.

Neither the Pixel 7 Pro nor iPhone 14 Pro can use the full 30W speed to charge, with the Pixel topping out at 23W and the iPhone 15W of charging speed. Other Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S23 range however can take full advantage of the 30W speed (and can go even higher). However, it is good to know going into the future that this power bank is prepared for faster phones.

The Anker Nano 30W two ports on the side can be used for a range of other devices. I used these to charge my Pixel Watch and its notoriously lousy battery a few times, as well as my Fujifilm X-E4. Although using these additional ports means the not-capacious 10,000mAh tank will be used up much faster, so probably isn’t best to be relied upon on a regular basis.

Anker Nano 533: Verdict

The Anker Nano stands out as an adorable power bank available in a variety of colors and tiny pocketable size. The integrated USB-C cable is invaluable, addressing lifes perpetual struggle of locating a small USB-C cable when required urgently. Its dual function as a convenient carry handle is a thoughtful addition and makes grabbing the power bank on the go easier. The connection feels reassuringly secure, and hopefully will remain as durable over its lifetime. The capacity is intentionally limited to achieve a compact, pocket-friendly size, but will still equate to approximately two full phone recharges or more depending on your phone make and model. While the supplementary USB outputs are a welcome feature during battery emergencies, they will expedite the depletion of this power bank's modest power reserves.

Read more: find more of our top picks for charging your devices with our guides to the best GaN charger or for charging on the go check out the best iPhone power banks.

Apple has gone and done it – the clock is definitely ticking for the iPhone 15 launch, called the "Wonderlust" Event by Apple, which will take place at 13:00 EST, 18:00 BST on September 12 (03:00 on September 13 in Sydney).

As well as the new iPhone 15, Apple is expected to use the event to introduce new AirPods – or at least new cases with USB-C charging ports – as well as an Apple Watch Series 9 and a revised Apple Watch Ultra. There has also been some discussion over whether Apple might include a camera strap, or include a camera, with that device.

The center of attention, though, will be the iPhone 15 family. We've kept our eye on the latest rumors with our iPhone 15: What we know so far page, but things seem to be coalescing around:

• 3-nanometer A17 processor in the Pro & Pro Max
• USB-C charging port across all phones
• Customizable 'Action button' to replace mute switch
• 5x or 6x Optical zoom via periscope lens for Pro Max only
• Price rises, for Pro models at least

The price rises seem to be considered an inevitable response to wider inflationary pressures in the market, as well as an overall lowering in the rate people update their phones. The later is expected, by analysts, to mean corporate responsibility "requires" Apple to try and earn more from their phones by increasing prices if unit sales aren't doing the trick any more.

The other thing which seems to be causing a lot of discussion is the still unconfirmed periscope lens – the technology behind a more powerful zoom lens. Because it is physically bigger, most think it'll only fit in the larger 'Pro Max' phone, but that marks something of a change from recent iPhones where the camera blocks have been the same on both Pro models.

Oh, and since Apple used to like a 'One more thing...', another relatively recent rumor is that Apple will focus attention on the new USB-C charging by introducing colored braided charging cables. Perhaps they're hoping this will make the 'choice' to switch to the world's standard charging connection seem more like Apple's decision and less like a pro-environment directive of the European Union!

Whether you're thinking of splashing out or more excited by the prospect of a price drop for the iPhone 14 check back here nearer the time, we'll be covering the event live.

Get a feel for the current lineup by reading about the best iPhone for photography or the best camera phone.

Gimbals come in a wide range of categories, from heavy lifters such as the DJI RS 3 Pro which can carry a 4.5 Kg payload to the smaller and cheaper Hohem iSteady MT2 which has a payload of 1.2 kg.  Both of these 3-axis gimbals take a while to set up as you need to make sure that the payload’s lens and camera are balanced in the tilt, roll, and pan axes. 

The cheaper and lighter Hohem M6 is a smartphone-only gimbal that’s designed to get you up and running much more quickly, as you only need to balance the roll axis. This makes it an excellent entry-level gimbal for smartphone users who want to improve the production values of their video camera work. The M6 has a smartphone-compatible payload of 400g, which was adequate for my chunky iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Hohem iSteady M6: Specifications

Weight: 551g
Payload: 400g
Main material: High-Performance Composites
Smartphone Width: 58mm~98mm
Tilting range: 335°
Rolling range: 335°
Panning range: 360°
Battery life: Up to 18 hours

Hohem iSteady M6: Key Features

The Hohem M6 costs around $/£100 less than the Hohem MT2 but it still ships with the excellent magnetic AI vision sensor that enables the gimbal to tilt and pan to follow your every move. This sensor is compatible with any smartphone video app and it also doubles up as a mini fill-light.  This enabled us to get the gimbal to track our movement while shooting footage in the iPhone’s native Camera app. The more expensive iSteady MT2 can carry a mirrorless camera or a smartphone, whereas the cheaper iSteady M6 is for smartphones only. We tested the iSteady M6 with a chunky iPhone 14 Pro Max and the gimbal carried it smoothly and effortlessly.  

The iSteady M6 can also be controlled via the free Hohem Joy app. This is packed full of features such as gesture control (which enables you to make the gimbal track your moves without using the AI vision sensor). You can use also the app to make the gimbal track specific objects (though this feature was a bit of a hit-and-miss affair as we’ll discuss in the Performance section). The app also enables you to fine-tune gimbal properties such as the angle of the horizontal tilt (which can be handy if the smartphone’s horizon isn’t perfectly level). 

Hohem iSteady M6: Build & Handling

Compared to the more expensive Hohem iSteady MT2 the cheaper M6 feels more like a budget gimbal. The MT2 consists of many metal components whereas the M6 has a composite plastic construction. As with most gimbals, the M6 has a Mode button that enables you to quickly toggle through classic gimbal modes such as PTF (Pan, Tilt, Follow), POV (Point of View), and L(Lock). The chosen mode is displayed on a 0.91” OLED display. 

Thanks to the M6’s pistol grip design it is very comfortable to hold and the grip’s trigger can be used to recenter the gimbal with a double tap. Three taps on the trigger cause the gimbal to rotate your smartphone smoothly via 180º so you can switch seamlessly from a front-facing view to a selfie in a single take (or vice versa). Check out our supporting video in the Performance section to see the M6 in action.

Hohem iSteady M6: Performance

To test the iSteady M6 I took it to a windy rocky location. I attached the supplied mini tripod legs to the gimbal so I could pop it on the ground and use the AI vision sensor to track my movement as I walked and talked (see supporting video). Even when shooting into direct sunlight the vision sensor smoothly tilted and panned the gimbal to keep me in shot at all times  (as if I had a camera operator with me on location.)  

Due to the large size of my iPhone 14 Pro Max the magnetically attached AI sensor could catch on the roll motor when performing a low-angle shot, but you wouldn’t need the sensor to be attached when performing this type of manual camera move so that’s not a big issue.

When carrying it handheld the M6 performed classic moves such as pans and tilts smoothly and effortlessly.  By closing the gimbal’s mini tripod legs I could extend the length of the gimbal and position it close to the ground for dramatic sweeping tracking shots. These types of moves would be much harder to do with a handheld smartphone. 

Thanks to the mini-tripod I could place the gimbal on the ground to get a dramatic low angle. I could then use the joystick to perform smooth pans or tilts to manually follow my subject. By using the tripod I didn’t need to always carry the gimbal, which was especially handy when shooting a World War 2 re-enactment event that took ages to unfold. During this event, I tested the Hohem Joy app’s object-tracking feature. This involves drawing a box around a subject such as a vehicle. The app then attempts to pan the gimbal so that the chosen vehicle stays in shot. 

However, I found that the app soon got confused and the gimbal would start whip-panning left and right leading to unusable footage. As the military vehicles were camouflaged against a green background it’s possible that this was too challenging a test.  On the whole though I found that the gimbal made it very easy to for me perform a wide range of camera moves and I enjoyed using the physical record button to trigger the capture of clips and stills. 

Hohem claims a battery life of 18 hours. I found the battery performance was excellent and the gimbal was still running after two days of testing. In fact, my iPhone ran out of power before the gimbal did.

Hohem iSteady M6: Verdict

The iSteady M6 is a great gimbal for documenting events as its pistol grip shape enables you to carry your smartphone comfortably. The gimbal’s physical record button enables you to quickly capture the action as it unfolds. The gimbal pans and tilts to follow your hand moves, making it perform like an organic extension of your arm. The mini tripod enables you to film from ground level with no effort and you can use the joystick to perform smooth tilts and pans to follow the subject. We also liked the fact that you can pop your smartphone onto the gimbal’s clip mount and start shooting quickly (without wasting time balancing 3 axes). If you’re looking for your first smartphone gimbal then the Hohem iSteady M6 will do the job nicely.

Read more: get steadier videos with our picks for the best smartphone gimbals and the best DLSR gimbals for mirrorless and SLR cameras.

With September fast approaching, Apple is gearing up to release the new iPhone 15 family. Rumors and leaks are hinting towards the standard iPhone 15 getting some serious camera upgrades, while the Pro models seem to have less to shout about – with some Apple analysts suggesting it might be worth waiting until the release of the iPhone 16 in 2024 if you want to get some seriously upgraded features.

However, a year is a long time to wait to upgrade your camera phone. And even if the iPhone 16 could include an upgraded 48MP zoom camera, with WiFi 7 technology that can transmit data at 6GHz with speeds of around 40 GBps, if you’re looking to upgrade ASAP then waiting till 2024 is a bit of a stretch – especially if like me you’re still stuck in the “dark ages” with an iPhone 11.

• Check out the best iPhone for photography including older models better for a smaller budget and the latest most advanced features

If your main reason for upgrading your current iPhone is to benefit from a better camera, the iPhone 15 standard models are touted to feature the same 48MP cameras as in the current iPhone 14 Pro models. We’ve also heard rumors that the standard iPhone 15 models will include a stacked sensor, which will improve low-light capabilities, noise reduction and overall image quality. With the addition of increased battery life, and the replacement of the infamous Lightning port with a universal USB-C port, the iPhone 15 to me is looking very desirable. 

I could wait until 2024 to get the iPhone 16 but, realistically, it’s likely to be well out of budget (the iPhone 15 alone is expected to cost two hundred bucks more than the iPhone 14) – plus the thing I care about the most is the camera. As previously mentioned I currently use an iPhone 11 and, to be honest, I don’t have a massive issue with the image quality. Sometimes I do wish that the wide-angle camera was better, but I don’t use it all that often. So while a 48MP camera would be amazing to have, it's definitely more of a 'want' not a 'need'. 

According to Apple analyst Ross Young, via HD Tech, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max could benefit from a much larger screen – 6.3 and 6.9 inches respectively, which for me is just too big. The standard iPhone screen is perfect for my small hands; any larger and I’d find it a struggle to hold unless using a pop grip, and it wouldn’t fit in the pocket of most of my jeans / trousers.

Despite being a photographer, I have never bothered to invest in the Pro or Pro Max iPhone models. When I really need to take amazing photos I use my Sony A7 III, but when I don’t have it on me I still get by with the image quality of an iPhone 11. I don’t want to wait over a year to upgrade so, even if the iPhone 16 is going to include all the bells and whistles, I’m just not patient enough to wait for it. 

This is everything we know about the iPhone 15 so far – including rumors, leaks and our own speculations. 

For the last 20 years, I’ve been making (and sometimes scraping) a living as a self-employed photography writer. The main tool of my trade for most of this time has been the trusty DSLR, although now I find myself reaching for my iPhone more often – and for the last couple of years, my DSLRs have remained largely untouched. 

Although primarily a Canon fan, I used a wide range of camera brands so I could write a series of 'Photography Focus' guides on mastering each camera’s menus and features. I also had to juggle shooting with a Nikon for my regular N-Photo magazine tutorials and a Canon for PhotoPlus magazine features (which made packing camera kit for holidays an extra challenge!). 

However, nowadays I almost exclusively shoot the assets for my online and print articles on my iPhone 14 Pro Max. So how did this switch from DSLR to iPhone happen? 

Well, as a long-time iPhone user, I’ve always enjoyed having one of the best camera phones to hand when my DSLR wasn’t nearby. Over the years, the iPhone has evolved and become capable of taking better and better photographs. Then a game-changing development arrived in 2016, with the arrival of Portrait mode on the iPhone 7 Plus. This enabled me to get a background bokeh without fiddling around with aperture value settings.

Of course, the early Portrait mode results were awful, with irregular fringing around the edge of the 'cut-out' subject (and it only worked with people, not objects). These days, however, Portrait mode can add a convincing bokeh to any subject – and I love the fact that I can dial the blur amount up or down in post without having to fiddle around with focus stacking on a compatible DSLR. 

Then another nail in the coffin of my DSLR dependency arrived with the iPhone 12 Pro and its ability to shoot in Apple ProRAW. This enabled me to edit the iPhone’s DNG files in Photoshop’s Camera Raw workspace as I did with my Canon's CR2 files and Nikon’s NEFs. 

I am also liberated by the convenience and ease of shooting with an iPhone. With a DSLR I had to decide whether to use center-weighted metering or spot metering to make sure I didn’t overexpose the sky or underexpose the subject. 

The iPhone’s AI analyses different parts of the shot and creates a separate exposure for key areas, including people. This means blown-out highlights are less of a problem and I can just point and shoot to capture the moment (or avoid the time-consuming practice of merging a DSLR’s bracketed exposures). 

I’m a keen videographer, too, and I used to shoot video professional projects on my Canon, with the Canon EF 24-70MM f/2.8L USM lens perfect for 'talking head' style interviews and the f/2.8 aperture added a pleasing background bokeh. Although along came the advent of Apple’s Cinematic mode, and now I can achieve similar results on my Pro Max (and even change the focus points in post). 

The iPhone’s optical image stabilizer enables me to shoot tripod-steady locked-off shots or smooth pans while operating handheld, so there’s no longer any need to lug a bulky tripod to a shoot. 

Its ability to shoot smooth handheld video has enabled me to grab lots of editorial stock footage without being harassed by men in fluorescent jackets. I no longer get asked by police why I’m filming on city streets as the iPhone is not as conspicuous as a DSLR, and as police sell well on stock sites they are happier to let me shoot them for editorial purposes when I use my iPhone.

Although when it comes down to it, the essential reason that I use my iPhone is that I can get paid for the images that I produce with it, despite their non-DSLR pedigree. While writing this piece I spotted 7 pages of my recent software reviews in issue 271 of Digital Camera magazine. I enjoy the immediacy of seeing my reviews being published on this website, but it still gives me a dopamine boost to see my work in print – and the iPhone-sourced shots look great in physical media! 

I’m not saying that the quality of image produced by the iPhone is superior to my DSLR – far from it. The iPhone still struggles to match the quality of a DSLR, especially in low light. But its portability, versatility, and the fact that I can earn my 'bread and butter' by using it means my Canon is likely to remain on the shelf while I take my iPhone everywhere. 

Not convinced you're ready to give up your camera just yet? Check out the latest models in our guides to the best DLSRs cameras and of course the best mirrorless cameras.

If you've been following the iPhone 15 rumor mill, you'll know that there has been a lot of back-and-forth about the likely image sensor in a premium iPhone 15 Pro Max. Will it be a bigger 1-inch IMX989, or the same old IMX803 48MP 1/1.28-inch quad-Bayer sensor.

Perhaps there is a 'third way'. Sony's new IMX903 and IMX907 chips are being touted to steer somewhere between the two size-wise but include a layer of sub-pixels which can improve focusing, and dual-layer transistor pixel sensor tech.

Specifically, we're looking at two new image sensors:

Sony IMX903

Size: 1/1.14-inch (0.877)
Resolution: 48 Megapixels
Pixel size: 1.4µm pixels
AF: Dual-pixel (so each pixel made of two photo-diodes)
Extra features: Dolby Wide Dynamic Range, 4K high frame rate, Cinematic Mode

Sony IMX907

Size: 1/1.12-inch (0.893)
Resolution: 50 Megapixels
Pixel size: 1.4µm pixels
AF: Quad-pixel (so each pixel made of four photo-diodes)
Extra features: Dolby Wide Dynamic Range, 4K high frame rate, Cinematic Mode

How does that make 200 megapixels, you reasonably ask? Samsung has used the same logic in the past; if there are 50 pixels of 1.4µm and each has four photodiodes for the AF system, bish bosh, 200MP. So this chip will have 200MP is the same way that Samsung's ISOCELL HP2 chip – used in the Galaxy S23 – does.

Whether the S23's photos are actually better than the iPhone 14 is another discussion altogether, and something we've looked at in our Samsung Galaxy S23 v iPhone 14 v Google Pixel 7 Pro comparison.

We'd expect both to use Sony's stacked sensor design which places the photodiodes above the transistors rather than sharing the same space. 

Circling back to the starting point, it does seem that these new additions to the Sony range – if indeed these specs prove true – won't be in the iPhone 15, but in the IMX903 we're almost certainly looking at the iPhone 16 Pro Max's main camera sensor, as well – according to GSMarena via Sparrows News– to a Sony Xperia Pro-I sequel phone.

These are rumors, but from sources who have got a few things right in the past. In the meantime, perhaps it's best to just check out the best camera phones available now, or for iPhone 14 users hoping for a meaningful upgrade this September, perhaps you just need a fresh iPhone 14 Pro Max case to see you through another 12 months!

See our iPhone 15 rumors hub

Three cameras good, two cameras better? 

Following the leak of a promotional video for the Sony Xperia 5 V, it looks like Sony is set to make waves in the smartphone market once again with its imminent release – but the first impression is a puzzling one. 

• These are the best camera phones from big brands such as Google, Apple, Samsung and more

Drawing inspiration from its high-end flagship counterpart, the Xperia 5 V is expected to showcase a design consistent with Sony's premium camera phones. However, while the front design is expected to remain largely unchanged from the Sony Xperia 5 IV, the 5 V holds a noticeable difference on the rear. 

Unlike the triple-camera setup seen in previous models, Sony has opted for a dual-camera configuration – which seems like a step backward, but perhaps signals a potential reimagining of the brand's photography concept. With Sony's reputation for exceptional camera technology, this change has stirred up anticipation among photography enthusiasts.

Though Sony has kept the detailed specifications under wraps, leaks posted by Sparrow News have provided an enticing glimpse into what this premium smartphone might have to offer. The Xperia 5 V is rumored to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen2 processor, ensuring blazing-fast performance and seamless multitasking capabilities. Moreover, users can expect the convenience of 33W wired charging, so charging on the move will be quick.

To cater to different user preferences, the Xperia 5 V is expected to come in two variants: one with 16GB of RAM for heavy multitaskers and power users, and another with 12GB of RAM for those seeking performance without breaking the bank.

Adding a touch of personal style, the Xperia 5 V will be available in three color options: blue, black, and white. Admittedly this seems a little boring, considering the available colors of the iPhone 14  or Google Pixel 7, but at least there is a choice.

As the official launch date approaches, tech enthusiasts and Sony fans worldwide eagerly await more information on the Xperia 5 V. With its sleek design, powerful internals, and enhanced photography capabilities, the Sony Xperia 5 V is set to be a premium powerhouse that will undoubtedly turn heads in the smartphone market.

Check out the best budget camera phones if you're after a decent camera that won't cost the Earth.

These digital days most action cameras and smartphones use software algorithms to stabilize handheld footage. Devices such as the iPhone 14 Pro Max also use a mechanical optical image stabilization system to iron out handheld shakes and wobbles.  So do you need to cough up your hard-earned cash to buy a gimbal like the Hohem iSteady MT2?  If you’re a serious videographer who wants to add some creative camera moves to their repertoire then my answer is a definite ‘yes’.  The iSteady M2 does much more than simply keeping your footage looking smooth and steady as I’ll explain…

Hohem iSteady MT2: Specifications

Weight: 653g
Payload: 1.2kg
Main material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum & High-Performance Composites
Camera Width: 60mm~97mm
Tilting range: 290°
Rolling range: 200°
Panning range: 360 °
Battery Life: Up to 17hours

Hohem iSteady MT2: Key Features

The iSteady is a typical 3-axis gimbal that enables your smartphone, action camera, or mirrorless camera to perform professional-looking camera moves such as pans, tilts, rolls, and also Steadicam smooth tracking and dolly shots. Thanks to an attachable mini tripod the iSteady can also become an autonomous camera operator. Simply pop the tripod-mounted gimbal on the ground and set the Hohem Joy app to Gesture control. You can then use a hand signal to trigger the gimbal to follow your every move as you walk and talk freely on location. It will even tilt down to keep you in the shot if you crouch. Another hand gesture will cause the gimbal to stop following you and the recording will be saved. Check out our supporting video to see this cool feature in action. 

The Hohem Joy app enables you to unleash a range of creative shooting modes such as Inception mode. This causes the gimbal to position the camera horizontally and rotate it through 360º to capture the types of shots made popular by the movie Inception. We had fun with this mode on our test shoot as you can see from our video. You can also trigger Inception mode by tapping the Mode button three times. The mode button will also toggle through classic gimbal shooting modes such as PTF (Pan, Tilt, Follow), POV (Point of View), and L (Lock).

The Hohem Joy app is very handy, though you can use the gimbal while filming in other apps such as the iPhone’s Camera app. This enables you to shoot using the iPhone’s Cinematic mode (which you couldn’t access if you were filming in the Hohem Joy app.)  However, if you shoot in your smartphone’s native app you won’t have access to the Hohem Joy app’s motion tracking features. 

This problem is solved by the purchase of an additional Fill Light with an AI Vision Sensor. The sensor clips onto the MT2 gimbal magnetically. You can then use gesture control to make the gimbal follow your every move without having to operate via the Hohem Joy app. If you press the physical control dial’s button on the side of the gimbal you can activate the sensor’s fill light and then rotate the control dial to adjust brightness, color temperature, and even mimic colored gels by adjusting RGB values. 

Another key feature is the iSteady’s quick-release plate. I tend to shoot video in horizontal landscape mode so my footage will fill a widescreen TV, but if I did have a burning desire to quickly capture a vertical portrait-oriented clip for an Instagram reel I could slide the l-shaped bracket out of the gimbal and then re-insert it in a vertical orientation (as you’ll see from our supporting video).  

Hohem iSteady MT2: Build & Handling

The iSteady has a tactile pistol grip which has a ribbed surface that gives you a strong purchase on the gimbal. The three-axis arms and motor housings are constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum which gives the gimbal a reassuringly solid feel (which is reflected in its relatively expensive price). 

The control dial on the side has a ribbed rubber ring that makes it easy to rotate with precision.  This enables you to perform operations such as pulling focus when using the Hohem Joy app.  When using the app you can also take advantage of the physical zoom dial below the OLED screen to re-frame from a close to wide composition.  You can also re-assign this dial to pull focus instead.  The OLED screen gives you useful information such as the current shooting mode or the color temperature of the optional fill light.

One unusual feature that I’ve not encountered on a gimbal before is the option to fine-tune the angle of your smartphone’s default tilt angle by manually pulling the motor into the desired position. When you hold the smartphone at the desired angle for two seconds the tilt motor remembers this position.  This goes against my natural instincts to manually apply pressure to a gimbal motor but the technique works without harming the motor. You can also of course manually position the tilt axis using the more conventional approach of pushing the joystick up or down. 

Hohem iSteady MT2: Performance

As you’ll see from our supporting video the iSteady performed relatively well on location. My model Paulina had no trouble activating the Hohem Joy app’s face-tracking feature using gesture control and it caused the gimbal to follow her every move (even when her face turned away from the camera).  But when I recorded my intro to the supporting video the Hohem Joy app struggled to follow me. I think this was because my face was backlit against a bright white sky. However, by clipping the magnetic AI tracker to the gimbal I was able to get the gimbal to pan and tilt to follow me while filming in the iPhone’s native Camera app. 

Confusingly you need to use different gestures to make the gimbal auto-track you when using the app or the AI sensor. The sensor requires an OK gesture to get started. The app requires you to make a 'Victory V' style gesture to start auto-tracking. Both the app and the AI sensor are happy with a raised palm to stop the tracking.  

One downside of the AI sensor is that it won’t start or stop a recording - you have to remember to tap the record button in the camera app of your choice.  If you use gesture control in the Hohem Joy app then it will start and stop recording as well as tracking you.

This is the eleventh gimbal I’ve tested for Digital Camera World and I thoroughly enjoyed using the iSteady MT2 to capture a variety of smooth pans, tilts, and tracking shots while filming actress Paulina Cherry walking through a crowded city location.  The additional Inception mode also inspired me to shoot a couple of cinematic rotating angles that I enjoyed cutting together in Final Cut Pro. 

The Hohem Joy app is packed full of social media pleasing tricks such as a Dolly Zoom. This attempts to mimic the elastic spacial distortion caused by zooming in on a subject while tracking away from them. I tried using this mode five times without capturing a convincing dolly zoom, so I’ll file that under 'gimmick'.  However, the CloneMe mode was excellent. This causes the gimbal to pan and take three separate shots. It then stitches the shots seamlessly together.  This gave me the idea of capturing my actress having a row with herself which was fun to shoot and the result looks great, so that creative panorama went straight up on my social media feeds. 

Hohem iSteady MT2: Verdict

The Hohem iSteady MT2 is relatively expensive when compared with a similar smartphone gimbal such as the Zhiyun Smooth Q4. Both of these gimbals feature the option to track a subject via their supporting app and you can also use a physical dial on each gimbal to zoom in or out. They both feature a magnetic fill light attachment too.  

However the Hohem iSteady MT2’s black and orange aluminum body looks and feels much more like a professional gimbal compared with the light grey plastic body of the Smooth Q4, and this quality and design is reflected in the higher price. The iSteady’s magnetic AI sensor also enables you to track a subject using your smartphone’s native camera app (whereas you need to use the Smooth Q4’s Zy CaMi app to perform object tracking). 

Read more: find the best gimbal for steadying your smartphone footage with our guide to the best smartphone gimbals, or to step up your content production check out our guide to the best DSLR gimbals for mirrorless and SLR cameras.

The iPhone 15 hasn’t even been released yet and already there are rumors flying around about the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Year after year, we see pretty notable upgrades between iPhone models but when it comes down to it, the changes to the camera are what matter most. 

September might signal the end of summer (or the end of winter, depending where you live) but it’s also when the latest iPhone is generally released. In just a couple of months we will be able to get out hands on the new iPhone 15 family for the first time and – rumor has it – all the models will feature a 48MP main camera, not just the Pro. This is a huge upgrade from the previous 12MP camera found in the standard iPhone 14, but already there is talk about what the iPhone 16 Pro Max could feature. 

• These are the best iPhones for photography – from the latest and most powerful to more affordable older models

Expected in September 2024, the iPhone 16 Pro Max could include a super telephoto periscope zoom camera according to GSM Arena. If true it will extend the zoom range from 77mm (3x optical / 15x digital) on the current iPhone 14 Pro Max to an impressive 300mm! As things stand the best camera phones include models such as the Google Pixel 7 Pro which has a 5x optical and 30X digital zoom and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra which has up to 100x digital zoom. 

We’ve already established that a mirrorless camera is not a smartphone upgrade. They both have their time and place. However, for those people who don’t want to carry around anything bigger than their pocket, increasing the zoom capabilities while maintaining picture quality is a big tick. 

It’s crazy to think that the first ever iPhone (and, coincidentally, smartphone) was launched way back in 2007. It completely revolutionized the mobile phone industry and ever since there has been stiff competition to improve the camera, processor, screen resolution and battery life. While some brands have come and gone (remember HTC?!) some have continued to get better and better. Apple may have been around for the longest, but Google – who first released a phone in 2016 – is now a serious competitor when it comes to specs and value for money. 

Before we start getting excited about the iPhone 16 though, let’s hold out for the official iPhone 15 to find out whether everything we know about the iPhone 15 so far is true.

If money is tight check out the best budget camera phones which still deliver good quality photos and videos

Honor has announced the successor to its Magic V and Magic Vs, the aptly named Honor Magic V2, launching in China, with a global launch expected to follow later this year, possibly as the Magic V2?

The widely available Magic Vs has been one of the most affordable book-style foldable phones since it landed at the beginning of 2023, combining big, usable screens with plenty of storage while undercutting the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. 

The Vs’s cameras failed to wow us when we tested it, missing out on optical image stabilization (OIS), and the phone was considerably larger than some other folding phones launched in China, like the compact Oppo Find N2. 

Honor’s clearly kept one eye on the competition with its update, as the Honor Magic V2 addresses most of these first-gen limitations, weighing less than an iPhone 14 Pro Max and adding OIS to the camera mix.

Honor Magic V2 cameras

The Honor Magic V2’s triple rear camera setup includes a 50MP main camera with an f/1.9 lens and OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide camera with an f/2.0 lens, and an f/2.4, 20MP telephoto camera with OIS and a three times zoom.

There are two punch-hole selfie cameras, one in the cover screen and the other in the large, main display, and these clock in with 16MP resolution and f/2.2 aperture lenses.

While we don’t know what sensor array Honor has opted for, the added OIS and resolution bump from 8MP to 20MP for the telephoto camera all bode well for its latest foldable.

Light and bright

The Magic V2 fast becomes one of the lightest foldables around, weighing just 231g in its vegan leather flavor. That’s significantly lighter than an iPhone 14 Pro Max, which weighs a hefty 240g.

Available in glossy black, Silk Black, Silk Purple and Gold, the phone’s profile is 9.9mm thin – currently the thinnest of any book-style foldable – and it sports a titanium hinge, so it should be secure as well as svelte.

As for the all-important displays, you might think that this lighter weight might mean smaller screens, but the V2 almost matches the Honor Magic Vs’s offering like-for-like, with its 6.43-inch front display and a 7.92-inch main display.

Better than the ample size of the screens, the front and main screen of this foldable enjoy the same 120Hz refresh rate, identical pixel densities – 402 pixels-per-inch (PPI), and similarly beaming peak brightness of 1600 nits from the main display, and 2500 nits from the cover screen.

Honor’s also carried forward its eye care, as championed on its other phones, including the Honor Magic 5 Pro and the recently tested 200MP midrange champ, the Honor 90. That means in addition to 3840Hz PWM dimming, the phone has passed the VICO visual comfort test with a rating of A+, and it’s TÜV Rheinland circadian-friendly certified.

The rest looks good too

With its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 power, 16GB RAM and either 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage, gamers should have a great time loading Honor’s Magic V2 choc-full of triple-A titles. 

Thanks to 66W fast charging and a large 5000mAh battery, topping it up shouldn’t leave you waiting around, and while it charges, you can enjoy stereo sound from its dual speakers. 

Should the phone launch in the UK and other Western markets, users can look forward to full Google Play Store access, as we’ve come to expect from Honor devices since the brand parted ways with Huawei. 

So if you’re in the market for a foldable and haven’t settled on one just yet, with the Galaxy Z Fold 5 expected to drop at the end of July and OnePlus foldable leaks popping up online, 2023 looks set to be an exciting year. And if you can’t wait, the incredibly capable Huawei Mate X3 is on hand right now, albeit with no Google services, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is still the most durable foldable on the block.

Find out more about the best flip phones and best fold phones in our guide. Or you can find out which are our favorite phone cameras in our guide to the best camera phones or the best Android phones.

As we edge closer to September (or, as we call it, the new iPhone month), we all start to speculate on what features will be included and will the upgrade be worth it. With the launch still a couple of months away, there has already been some massive iPhone 15 leaks and while some things remain the same, there are some very exciting changes, especially for the camera on the standard iPhone 15 models. 

We had already heard rumors that the entire iPhone 15 family would boast a 48MP camera- that's a massive upgrade from the 12MP sensor in the iPhone 14 to the same 48MP sensor as found in the iPhone 14 Pro models. This has now all but been confirmed which is great news for anyone interested in the standard models but those looking to buy the Pro or Pro Max may be left wondering what will set it apart.

• These are the best iPhones for photography - from the latest models to more affordable earlier releases

According to India Today, the iPhone 15 Pro models are likely to include a telephoto optical lens and a LiDar scanner which can improve low light capabilities, produce sharper images, and enable users to use augmented reality apps. It’s also expected that the camera on the pro models will extend more than on existing pro models to compensate for a periscope lens that will allow a 5-6x zoom. 

If you use your phone a lot, it will be welcome news that the iPhone 15 series is set to have an increased battery capacity of 3,877mAh while the Plus models will have a massive 4,912mAh battery - a significant increase on the iPhone 14 Plus 4,325mAh. Translated into hours of use, it means you could the standard iPhone 15 could last for nearly 24 hours of video playback while the iPhone 15 Pro Max could last up to a jaw-dropping 32 hours which contends with the successful Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. 

The biggest change across all the iPhone models will be the removal of Apple’s decade-old lightning cable in favor of the universal USB Type-C port following new EU guidelines. Apple may have lost the ability to monetize on their unique port but for almost everyone, this will be a welcome move as most devices these days are USB-C.

When it comes to screened display, the iPhone 15 will remain the same in terms of size but we could see an improved 120Hz refresh rate though this is unconfirmed. Powering this in the standard iPhone 15 models will be the same Bionic A16 chipset as found in the iPhone 14 Pro models while the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Mac models are likely to benefit from Apple’s latest and greatest, Bionic A17 processor. 

All in all, it seems the iPhone 15’s most exciting upgrades will be delivered to the standard models. Some top-spec differences set apart the pro models but you can't deny that a 48MP in the lowest prices model is something worth shouting about. There's been no mention of price or color options (although I'm hoping they'll be better than the iPhone 14 color palettes as I was not the biggest fan). I say bring back the colors of the iPhone 11 as I'm a sucker for pastels but keep these advanced specs.

If you're not a fan of Apple, check out the best camera phones which include models by Google, Samsung and Sony

Sure as night follows day, the iPhone 15 will follow the iPhone 14. Apple has been treating us to a new model reliably every year and the iconic phone series is the company's biggest profit center, so we're confident this year will be the same.

Apple don't share a lot of information in advance, but as a big company that has an enormous impact a lot of other sources seem to share info. Apple has to share case specifications in advance, and details with manufacturing partners, for example. Things always get out, and we're listening.

We're organizing this page into Leaks that have an identifiable source, Rumors which are doing the rounds, and Expectations from those in the know, as well as a list of FAQs.

iPhone 15 Camera Leaks

Leaks about iPhone 15

We don't expect lots of leaks, even with the date now announced, because Apple keeps a tight ship, but we have started to see some revelations since developers gained access to iOS17, and because case designers know the final shape.

Now, since Apple have announced the event, and invitation images have started to circulate, people have got some artwork to influence their speculation.

Rumors about iPhone 15

iPhone 15 Expectations

iPhone 15 FAQ

The Huawei Mate X3 is the most impressive foldable we’ve tested to date. Not only does it combine a full, phone-sized cover screen with a big main display, but it’s also thin, light, and IPX8 water and dust resistant.

 Launching alongside the mighty P60 Pro, Huawei’s flagship camera phone, the two-in-one folding Mate X3 also promises a best-in-class camera experience, thanks to its periscope camera, which is usually reserved for thick, traditional flagship mobiles like the Google Pixel 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

• Read our guide to the best Android phone for photography

But you’d expect the very best specs in a phone that costs £1,999 / € 2,199.00 / $2,550, and you’d also expect it to be easy to use too.

Given the fact Huawei’s kit is held back by no access to 5G or Google services, though, is the Mate X3’s incredible hardware little more than a tragically brilliant flourish amidst an overriding compromise, or does it stand tall as a triumphant package inside and out? The answer: a little bit of both. 

Huawei Mate X3: Design

There’s one area the Mate X3 is an unequivocal winner, and that’s design.

Before you even look at the phone in the flesh, its dimensions are standout for the right reasons.

Folded, the Mate X3 is just 11.8mm thin – not much thicker than many non-folding smartphones. But the real silver bullet is its weight – it's just 239g. That means Huawei’s managed to make this phone 1g lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro Max (both phones pictured above), despite the fact it packs two screens and a periscope camera.

With the Mate X3, Huawei really has shot down the foldable competition’s hardware one by one, making the Galaxy Z Fold 4 look chunky, the Honor Magic Vs look clumsy, and the Google Pixel Fold, unnecessarily squat.

Now we’ve covered the sheer brilliance of the phone’s dimensions, we can appreciate its flourishes. First up – water resistance – IPX8 rated, just like the Galaxy Z Fold 4. While Samsung loaded up its phones with a hinge gap to strike that IP rating, Huawei’s foldable snaps shut with two perfectly flat sides giving it the edge.

What’s most impressive about the Mate X3 isn’t just that its design beats out competition that’s almost a year old from Samsung, it’s that it bests the current slew of foldables coming out of China right now as well.

Available in Black, Dark Green, Gold, Violet, and White, the Mate X3’s style combines with its slender credentials to create a mature, premium-looking experience.

We tested the vegan leather green option, and it feels solid, both when open or closed, measures just 5.3mm thin when flat – barely thicker than the USB-C charging port, and the hinge feels smooth at virtually every point in the opening process – not quite Samsung solid, but still superb.

Huawei Mate X3: Screens

There are two types of foldable – flip phones and large-form – and the Mate X3 falls into the latter category. That means it has two screens you’ll be interacting with a lot. On the front, there’s a traditional-sized, 6.4-inch cover screen, while inside is a 7.85-inch, nearly square tablet screen.

The first thing to mention is that unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 4, the Mate X3’s cover screen is a relatively traditional 20.9:9 aspect ratio. That means that it isn’t as narrow as Samsung’s foldable, so the whole experience feels less cramped.

The Mate X3’s screens are both 120Hz OLED panels that are bright, punchy, and look mighty in the flesh. Both are also sharp, with over 400 pixels in every inch, so whether watching, gaming, or reading, visuals are on point.

More impressive than the standalone screen quality is the lack of a crease along the center of the main display. A combination of factors affects the screen crease – hinge mechanism being the most notable – and a reduction in crease size usually requires a larger hinge. The fact Huawei’s managed to create a skinny, big-screened folding phone with a smaller crease line than the much chunkier competition is incredibly impressive.

Practically speaking, the larger inner display is perfect for reading, showing off photos, and enjoying a split-panel view of apps like Outlook and WhatsApp. It's also great for gaming, and desktop versions of most websites are easy enough to read too.

When it comes to streaming content, old school, 4:3, and even 16:9 content is best placed on the main display, while super wide 21:9 videos look great on the front display, so when watching cinematic movies, you don't have to open up the phone.

With excellent brightness levels and viewing angles, use across both screens is great whether outdoors or indoors, cementing the Huawei Mate X3 as the most polished foldable around from a hardware point of view.

Huawei Mate X3: Camera specs

The main camera on the Huawei Mate X3 is a 50MP sensor matched with an f/1.8, 23mm lens with OIS. We don’t know how big any of the sensors in Huawei’s new phones are – it holds its cards very close to its chest – but based on the depth of field pulled up in close-up shots, it’s probably a little smaller than that of the Galaxy Z Fold 4.

Foldables don’t tend to have powerful telephoto performance, but the 12MP, f/3.4, 125mm periscope camera on the Mate X3 has a mighty optical reach, equivalent to five times zoom, and packs OIS.

The final part of the rear camera trinity is a 13MP, f/2.2, 13mm ultra-wide. This is also the phone’s macro camera thanks to the fact the lens gets autofocus.

There are two selfie cameras on the Mate X3 – one at the top of the cover screen, and the other at the top of the main display. Both are 8MP resolution with f/2.4 aperture fixed-focus lenses.

Huawei Xmage

Huawei made its biggest strides in imaging during its partnership with Leica, which lasted from 2016 with the launch of the P9, through to 2022. Now, Huawei's branded its own imaging system as Xmage.

This Xmage system is what Huawei credits for its flagship P60 Pro's excellent camera performance, but it's also set to boost its entire portfolio of smartphones, including the Mate X3.

From an imaging philosophy point of view, Xmage focuses on enhancing four elements: optical, mechanical, imaging, and processing. 

Optical covers individual lenses, taking what Huawei learned during its time working with Leica and developing it. The P60 Pro's best-in-class telephoto macro capabilities suggest Huawei's in a good place here.

Mechanical refers to the sensor and lens array setup. This includes lens group arrangement, once again, as demonstrated by the P60 Pro packing the nearest-focusing periscope camera we've tested.

Imaging focuses on the hardware used to capture the photos – Huawei's SuperSensing sensor, as well as the new anti-shake sensor rotation system on the telephoto camera.

The final element, processing, is relatively self-explanatory, covering the XD Fusion Pro engine matched with Huawei's XD Optics to create the computational photography-powered photos Huawei has become known for.

Based on our time with the P60 Pro – Huawei's imaging flagship – it's clear this is a company that can make a superb camera phone, but can it repeat that success on a foldable?

Practically speaking, when you tap the Xmage icon in the camera menu, you're prompted to choose between Original, Vivid, and Bright – mirroring the Leica looks on current-gen Xiaomi phones, and the options Apple offers when you first fire up an iPhone's camera.

There's also an option to toggle Master AI on and off – and while casual users will enjoy its automatic scene detection, it also boosts contrast and sharpness, so we tended to leave it off for a more natural look to photos we took.

As illustrated below, Huawei supports part-folded capture, so you can use the Mate X3 as a stand and angle the camera for a steadied long-exposure shot – and it works to great effect.

Huawei Mate X3: Camera review

For anyone who wants a P60 Pro-grade camera on a foldable, the Huawei Mate X3 isn't it. The phone's lowlight performance and dynamic range just can't stack up to Huawei's 2023 flagship, the Mate X3 misses out on the P60 Pro's variable aperture, and the periscope camera isn't a telemacro lens system – so can't capture close-up shots.

Another specific area the Mate X3's camera falls behind high-res non-folding competition with large, 1-inch, or similar-sized sensors is detail, and the ability to crop into shots. Nevertheless, what the Mate X3 does deliver is a best-in-class system for a foldable.

The first highlight of the X3's camera is its optical range. As you can see in the photos below, it starts at a super-wide 13mm, and goes all the way through to a far-reaching 125mm. In bright environments, shots across all three cameras look rich and balanced. While contrast can be high for our tastes in shots captured with Master AI on, turn it off or shoot RAW to switch to a more natural look.

Compared to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4 specifically, where the Mate X3 wins out is color management – Samsung's photos are just too vibrant, while Huawei's are significantly more realistic.

The Mate X3 also preserves highlight and shadow detail nicely, and noise is generally well managed. You can see below that both the dog's fur and shadow detail in the harness are visible, and there's plenty of information in JPGs to pull out.

The images below were all taken in low to middling light on the main camera, and the Mate X3 automatically activates a night mode of sorts to help brighten things up. Across the different textures of the subjects in all photos, the phone retained impressive detail, though in mixed-lighting environments, struggled a little with white balance.

The two shots below were taken using the 5x zoom, periscope camera, and illustrate the impressive separation you can capture between foreground and background objects, as well as the telephoto camera's multi-purpose use for portraits – human and animal.

Video taken on the Mate X3's main camera looks excellent, with Huawei's stabilization right up to 4K 60fps impressing. While many other smartphones struggle indoors, the Mate X3 actually does a respectable job capturing clips in middling light, though shines in brighter environments.

You can capture selfies with one of the two 8MP punch-hole cameras, or with the main camera, opening the phone and activating the cover screen as a preview display. Whichever you go for, the results are flattering, however, if you use the main camera, the Mate X3 could be the best phone around for selfies. Its photos are loaded with detail, enjoy a natural depth, look clear in most environments, and can be edited extensively.

Huawei Mate X3: Additional features

Despite its top-tier hardware, Huawei has to pare back some features in order to sell its phones in the West. That’s why the Mate X3 misses out on 5G, and possibly why it features a last-gen Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, and not a 2023 8 Gen 2 chipset.

Practically speaking, the lack of 5G will depend heavily on where you live. If you’re in a city in the UK, for example, you might feel it more than someone in a more rural region, with speeds on average being about 25-40% slower in our time with the phone.

As for the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 – for most, this will pack ample power. Genshin Impact played back on the Mate X3 with minimal slowdown, we were able to shoot and edit 4K videos and day-to-day performance is fluid too.

What will more likely hold you back is the lack of Google Play Store. Huawei’s solution, Petal Search is better than ever, giving you access to apps missing from the Huawei AppGallery, but the experience isn't always smooth, and it takes a level of know-how to manage a Huawei phone in 2023.

Almost all of the apps we needed could be downloaded through one of Huawei’s two app portals, though we came across three that just wouldn’t work – CityMapper, Happy Cow, and HBO Max (now Max). These require Google services to run.

Games are also hit-and-miss on the Mate X3. If you’re coming from an Android phone, importing your save data might not be possible – specifically, if it’s linked to Google Play Games. What you can do in most cases is start a new game across most titles.

Huawei does get some software elements very right on the Mate X3. Apps like Lightroom are brilliant to use on a big screen, and between the phone's split-screen and floating window features, you can comfortably run four apps at once, docking unused apps on the edge of the UI when done.

Available with 512GB storage as standard in the UK, where it's on sale in Dark Green for £1,999 / € 2,199 (roughly $2,550), that's plenty of space. You can also bump up the storage with a nano memory card, and the phone takes up to two SIM cards (provided you aren't using a memory card).

The power button is a fingerprint scanner, quickly getting you into the phone, and there's also face unlock too. The phone runs EMUI 13.1.0 on top of Android, which is why you can install Android apps on it, even though it doesn't support Google services.

As for battery life, thanks in no small part to the supremely usable cover screen, we were able to get a comfortable day out of the 4800mAh battery in the Mate X3. After all, we seldom needed to open it, minimizing power use.

The phone charges quickly at up to 66W, hitting 50 percent in around 20 minutes, and fully charging in a little less than an hour. Unlike most foldables, the Mate X3 also charges wirelessly at up to 50W with a compatible wireless charger, making it the fastest-charging foldable system around.

If you consider yourself a geek and like to tweak your tech to kingdom come, the Mate X3 could be perfect for you. Sideloading APKs and figuring out occasional app workarounds could be a worthwhile task for the reward of using the best folding phone hardware around.

But between the high price and the faff of non-Google software, anyone after an affordable, easy option will be well served to look elsewhere.

Huawei Mate X3: Verdict

For a peek into the future of foldables, look no further than the Mate X3. It's the first to deliver a full-sized, dual-screen experience in a compromise-free body that's lighter and more manageable than some non-folding phones.

There are some obvious caveats when talking about Huawei phones, and in particular, the Mate X3: it's incredibly expensive, is missing 5G, and the lack of Google support hurts the app experience and the phone's ease of use significantly.

Huawei's P60 and Mate X3 are both at the top of their game when it comes to imaging, though, and the Mate X3 is a masterclass in foldable design and a technology showcase in general.

Read more: If Huawei Mate X3 doesn't do it for you, check out the other best flip and fold phones

Protecting your iPhone 14 with a high-quality screen protector is essential if you want to keep your device in top condition. While Apple's newer phones feature stronger materials, it's a misconception to think screen protectors are no longer necessary. 

Even the toughest smartphones are still vulnerable to cracks and breaks. Given the cost and inconvenience of repairing a damaged iPhone 14, investing in the right protection is a smart move.

I've rounded up the best screen protectors for the iPhone 14 available today. Once you've made your choice, consider pairing it with one of the best iPhone 14 cases or explore options for the iPhone 14 Pro Max cases, iPhone 14 Pro cases, or iPhone 14 Plus cases —to ensure maximum protection for your phone.

Best iPhone 14 screen protectors

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FAQs

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How to choose a screen protector

When it comes to choosing a screen protector, there are a number of key factors to consider. Firstly, if you work from home, you might benefit from a blue-light-blocking screen to keep your eyes strain-free. If you work in construction, consider a screen protector made with tempered glass and advanced drop protection. A bit of a germaphobe? A screen protector with antimicrobial coatings will help to prevent and eliminate surface bacteria from lurking on your phone screen.

If you're a photographer and smartphone shooter, you might want to pair your screen protector with a strong phone case with raised edges to protect your camera unit from any cracked lenses upon impact. Maybe even consider purchasing a separate camera lens protector too. 

Note too, that the iPhone 14 shares the same sized screen as the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, so screens sold as suitable for those phones will also work with the iPhone 14.

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How we test

In all honesty, there's no real way to test a screen protector thoroughly enough without actually putting our own phones in danger. So for this reason, we base our recommendations on things like quality and materials used, ease of application, and most importantly the price range and value for money. 

We weren't born yesterday, and we know that most manufacturers will exaggerate and upsell key features of screen protectors knowing that you'll never test them. For example, some products might be listed with 10ft drop protection, but we aren't about to find out whether that's true. 

With this in mind, we tend to take things with a pinch of salt when it comes to testing screen protectors, but we'll only recommend products that we would purchase ourselves, from brands that we're familiar with in having tested other products from their catalog and we can safely vouch for their reliability and quality. 

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Summer has only just begun but some Apple enthusiasts are already looking forward to September, when the launch of the new iPhone 15 series is expected. The upcoming announcement promises to bring a host of significant upgrades to the standard iPhone models, potentially bridging the gap with their more premium Pro counterparts especially when it comes to camera capabilities.

Rumor has it that the 48MP main camera found in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will feature in every phone in the iPhone 15 series lineup; the current iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus have 12MP main cameras. But, according to ITHome,  Sony (who supplies camera parts for Apple) is struggling with "insufficient production capacity" which could cause delays. 

• The best iPhone for photography is usually the latest but you'll be surprised at how good older models are too!

Sources suggest that one of the primary reasons behind this setback is the surge in demand for color filter films, which are crucial for the enhanced camera modules expected to grace the basic iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models. While the news of high-megapixel sensors across the range is very welcome, those hoping to upgrade sooner rather than later may be disappointed if the launch is delayed due to parts shortages. 

Since all iPhone 15 models are supposedly going to have an upgraded camera system, the main difference between the basic and Pro models will likely be the inclusion of the A17 processor chip, which might be reserved for the more expensive phones. It’s also thought the look of the iPhone 15 will change again to fit more in line with the new rounded Macbooks. 

Perhaps the biggest change to the iPhone 15 series for most people will be the eradication of the lightning port charger in favor of a universal USB-C port. While some Apple users might be sad to say goodbye to the unique charger, personally, I cannot wait to be able to top up my phone with my friends' chargers – even those who don’t own an Apple device! It’s been a long time coming, and Apple certainly didn’t want to budge, but thanks to new European laws, the decision was made for them. 

If you love using your camera phone for photography why not check out the best lenses for iPhone and Android camera phones

The best screen protectors for the iPhone 14 Pro Max are invaluable if you want to keep your expensive smartphone nice and safe (and let's face it, why would you?). Screen protectors are designed to prevent any excess damage to your device upon impacts, and can also protect your expensive smartphone from unwanted fingerprints, bacteria, oils, sweat, plus daily scratches from keeping it in a bag or pocket. 

Yes, the newer iPhones are made of tougher materials, but that doesn't mean they don't need protection. No smartphone is indestructible, and even the best rugged phones have their limitations. And you'll want to keep your phone screen as new and gleaming as possible, not only for the purpose of reselling it when the time comes, but screen protectors offer peace of mind that if you ever drop your phone, there's an extra layer of safety between your device and an expensive screen repair. 

Already purchased a screen protector? The next step is securing a reliable and sturdy phone case. Take a look at our guides to the best iPhone 14 Pro Max cases, as well as the best iPhone 14 Pro cases, not forgetting the best iPhone 14 Plus cases, and if you have the standard model, the best iPhone 14 cases. 

Our top choices

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FAQs

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How to choose a screen protector

Firstly, make sure you buy a screen protector that fits your actual phone, as they do vary in size. Secondly, if you're a bit of a germaphobe, a screen protector with antimicrobial coatings will help to prevent and eliminate surface bacteria from lurking on your phone screen. Worried about dropping your phone? Then you need a strong Tempered Glass screen protector to withstand hefty drops. And if you're concerned about eye strain, look for blue-light-blocking cover. 

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How we test screen protectors

When it comes to testing screen protectors, the reality is that we can't put our own phones at risk to do so. As a result, our recommendations are based on factors like the quality and materials used, the ease of application, and most importantly, the price range and value for money.

We're not naive: we understand that most manufacturers tend to exaggerate and oversell the key features of their screen protectors, knowing that customers won't actually test the claims. For instance, some products might boast 10-foot drop protection, but we're not about to verify that claim ourselves.

Keeping this in mind, we approach screen protector reviews and recommendations with a healthy dose of skepticism. We're committed to only suggesting products that we would be willing to purchase ourselves, from brands that we're familiar with and have tested other products from, ensuring that they are reliable and of high quality.

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All the rumors were pointing to a new primary camera for the iPhone 15 Pro Max – and perhaps a new zoom, too – but now it sounds like there might not be such a big change from the IMX803 48MP module in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.

With its launch coming in just a few months, the iPhone 15 rumors have been coming thick and fast. This latest claim has been reported by generally reliable rumor site GSMarena, but represents a bit of a backward step from the previously expected Sony IMX903 1-inch sensor. If it does come along, the potential advantages are true 12-bit Dolby Vision HDR recording, so we were pretty excited.

• When we first heard the rumor, we talked about why a 1-inch sensor isn't actually 1-inch (or even close)

It also seems that the same M12 display panel will make its way into the iPhone 15 Pro Max, according to the source, Revegus, powered by a 3nm A17 Bionic. That, at least on paper, sounds like an improvement – the iPhone 14 Pro has 4nm A16 Bionic processors, so that's something!

The iPhone 14 Pro's main camera sensor is a Quad Bayer array of 48MP, though both the wide and 3x tele cameras are 12MP. Arguably the improved optical image stabilization was the main improvement – not the resolution – when the 14 Pro arrived, but a lot of people were excited by the bigger pixel count.

A 1-inch (in so far as that dimension is true) sensor has been used before in a phone: the Sony IMX989 in the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. But the rumor mill suggests that the IMX903, which we might not now see, was expected to cost the manufacturer twice the amount.

Another phone rumor source, Ice Universe, told followers that the iPhone 15 Pro would use about 90% of the area of the IMX903, as Sony had with its Xperia Pro-I. 

On the other hand, rumors still point to a potentially much better optical zoom (5x or 6x has been suggested). That would necessitate mechanical re-arrangement inside the case, including a so-called periscope lens design (no, nothing pops out). 

On a personal note, every year I tell myself I won't upgrade my iPhone and go through the heart-wrenching process of auctioning the old one and praying it won't get stolen by a porch pirate. This year I really might not have a reason to give Apple a pile of my hard-earned.

Of course, there is another hypothesis that has been discussed. An iPhone Ultra, presumably with a similar price differential to the Watch Ultra, which is nearly twice the price of a standard Apple Watch. Look too at the price differential between the iPad Air and iPad Pro. Apple is not shy of wildly more expensive products, so if you're looking for a higher-spec camera don't give up hope – just temper your expectations.

One option would be to check out other phones in our best camera phones list, and since much of what people are looking for in a high-end device is quality video for filmmaking and vlogging, perhaps check our list of best vlogging cameras instead.

Apple fans may be disappointed to hear that the release of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus could be delayed. A recent report from Haitong Intl Tech Research analyst Jeff Pu suggests that there may be issues with a crucial component needed to fit the 48MP camera on the lower-priced models. 

At the beginning of this year, Pu had predicted that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus would feature a 48MP camera similar to the one found on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, in his May newsletter for Haitong International Securities clients, Pu indicated that the stacked CIS (CMOS Image Sensor) required for the 48MP camera may not be delivered on time, leading to a possible delay in the production schedule.

• Check out the best camera phones perfect for taking high-quality photos and videos

According to Phone Arena, the news has sparked concern among Apple enthusiasts who are eagerly awaiting the release of the iPhone 15. If the standard models are delayed, it could have a significant impact on the company's sales and overall revenue. Apple typically releases its new iPhone models in September, but it remains to be seen whether the company will stick to this schedule. 

It is worth noting that Pu has not provided any concrete information about the potential delay, and his comments are based on speculation and his analysis of the market. Given his track record of accurately predicting Apple's moves, he is known to be a pretty reliable source so we can assume that he could be right. 

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be powered by a 3nm a17 bionic SOC while the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will be fitted with the same 4nm A16 Bionic application processor found in the current iPhone 14 Pro models. Pu has also said to expect the iPhone 15 series to be the first with a USB-C charging port, moving away from Apple’s own lightning port following new EU regulations that all smartphones must be USB-C compatible.  All models will be available with 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of storage other than the Pro version which has a 1TB option.

Apple has not yet commented on the issue, and it remains to be seen whether the company will address Pu's concerns publicly. As of now, Apple fans will have to wait and see whether the standard models of the iPhone 15 will be delayed or if the company will be able to overcome any production issues in time for a September release.

Also check out the best budget camera phones - older models equipped with decent cameras that will save you money but still take impressive photos

Sony's announced its 2023 flagship smartphone, the Xperia 1 V, and it comes complete with a new type of CMOS image sensor spearheading its triple camera mix. 

The camera phone competition is fierce right now, with established players like Google's Pixel 7 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro being challenged by the likes of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and the Huawei P60 Pro, but where does Sony fit into this mix?

It's clear based on the Xperia 1 V's features and price it sits at the prosumer end of the spectrum. The phone can double up as an external monitor and recorder for an Alpha camera, features granular controls over photo and video capture, and costs a very punchy £1,299 (approximately $1,680).

Sony's launching the Xperia 1 V in three colors: Black, Platinum Silver, and Khaki Green. It brings back the same styling we've seen with past Sony flagships like the Xperia 1 IV, but updates it with a slightly textured back panel.

Unlike other flagships, Sony has clung onto its 3.5mm headphone jack and camera button, so wired photography fans and folks who love a two-stage shutter release are in luck.

On the front and back of the Xperia 1 V is Gorilla Glass Victus 2, there's a metal frame, and its styling is angular and tall, thanks to a 6.5-inch 21:9 OLED screen dictating the phone's shape.

Sony isn't pulling any punches with its screen tech, cramming the display with 4K resolution, HDR credentials, and bringing back the smooth 120Hz refresh rate we saw on the Xperia 1 IV.

As for the camera, Sony's upped its main sensor size to 1/1.35-inch, around 70 percent larger than that of the Xperia 1 IV. That means it should be better at grabbing light and handling noise, but Sony's also switched up the sensor structure to give its latest flagship a helping hand.

Going into specifics, Sony separated the photodiodes and transistors on the sensor across two layers, giving the transistors more space to help improve capture quality.

So while the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and the Vivo X90 Pro are rocking Sony's large, 1-inch camera sensor in their phones, for its Xperia flagship, Sony's opting for tech-over-size with its new 50MP main sensor.

The secondary cameras also impress, with the telephoto module from the Xperia 1 IV making a return, and offering a continuous zoom between 85mm and 125mm, and there's also a 12MP ultra-wide camera too.

Sony's migrated some Alpha features to the Xperia 1 V, like Vlog mode, so the camera can intelligently focus on a subject and whatever's in their hand as they bring it into frame.

The new Xperia flagship can also plug into YouTube Live directly through its Video Pro app, complete with a chat window, and its photo and video pro tools now support portrait-orientation capture for the first time.

Less impressive, this looks like the first Sony phone to have a computational photography night mode that might, possibly rival the best out there. We haven't tested it yet, but have struggled with Sony's lack of willing to embrace computational photography in the past. With any luck, the Xperia 1 V marks a shift towards its nighttime photography being more competitive.

Other specs include 256GB storage as standard, support for an SD card up to 1TB, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 power. Given our positive experiences with this processor's heat management,  we're hopeful that Sony's 2023 Xperia flagship won't suffer from the overheating issues that plagued its predecessors.

If the phone can keep its cool, the fact it also bundles in wireless charging and a large 5000mAh battery should all help make it the best Xperia to date, and possibly even one of the best camera phones of 2023.

You'll be able to pick up an Xperia 1 V in late June if you live in the UK either from Sony directly, or on contract with EE, O2, or giffgaff. 

Check back for our full Xperia 1 V review in the coming weeks, and to find out whether Sony's latest flagship is a perfect companion to some of the best Sony cameras of 2023.

Motorola’s been pumping phones out lately, with a collection of budget G-series options, and higher-end handsets – most recently, the Edge 40 Pro and Edge Plus (2023) – but the new Edge 40 sits somewhere in the middle at £529 / roughly $665. 

In a nutshell, the Edge 40 is like any midrange mix – it has some high-end bits, a few compromises, and a lower price tag than alternatives like the Motorola Edge 40 Pro and Edge 30 Ultra. 

Getting into specifics, the Edge 40 has a seriously smooth 144Hz screen, which outclasses much pricier 120Hz competition like the iPhone 14 Pro and Galaxy S23 Ultra when it comes to smoothness.

The phone also has a super-sleek design, measuring just 7.45mm thin, and is available in a fancy vegan leather finish that actually covers the camera frame. If you want color options, Motorola delivers with either Black or Green in vegan leather, or for fans of traditional glass backs, a soft Blue option.

Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8020 processor, the Edge 40 might not pack MediaTek’s top-tier, Vivo X90 Pro Dimensity 9200 power, but for the price, it should perform like a champion.

Matched with an ample 128GB or 256GB storage, the phone also packs plenty of space for files, photos, movies, and more.

Motorola also offers its stock take on Android with at least three years of operating system updates, and four years of security updates, so future-proofing is on-point too.

The phone’s even IP68 water-resistant, which you seldom seen at the price, and its 4400mAh battery powers up at 68W, and ships with a fast charger in the box. According to Moto, that means 15 minutes powers the Edge 40 by 50% which wipes the floor with Samsung and Apple’s nippiest charging speeds.

So, it’s pretty clear Motorola means business with its latest Edge despite its price – but how’s its camera looking? Wide open, thanks to that f/1.4 aperture lens on the main 50MP camera sensor.

There’s also a 13MP ultra-wide camera which doubles up as a macro option for close-up photography, and a 32MP selfie camera too.

While it’s just been announced for the UK thus far, it isn’t beyond reason to expect the Motorola Edge 40 to get a US launch in the coming months under a different name given that’s what Moto did with the Edge 40 Pro. Either way – folks in the UK should be happy – while this midranger will unlikely be the best camera phone of 2023, it could well be one of the best options at its price.

See more from Motorola in our guides to the best Motorola phones, or check out how the Edge 40 compares to rivals in our guides to the best budget camera phone and the best Android phone for photography.

The Galaxy A54 5G is Samsung's lower-cost alternative to the flagship Samsung Galaxy S23 series. Starting at $499 / £449 / AUS $699, the A54 isn’t quite half the S23’s price, but it isn’t far off. 

So what do you compromise when you opt for Samsung’s affordable series? The design is less premium for starters – there’s a plastic frame instead of a metal one on the S23. The Galaxy A54 5G also misses out on wireless charging and a flagship processor, and its entire camera system is stripped back too.

Samsung isn’t a total buzzkill, though, loading up the A54 with some serious highlights for the price. It’s water and dust resistant, has a great-looking screen, and its main camera packs OIS – hardly a given for a midrange phone.

Alternatives include the excellent Pixel 6a (and the rumored Pixel 7a when it drops, expected in May), the Nothing Phone (1), and past-gen devices like the iPhone 11 (128GB) and Oppo Find X2 Pro, which can be picked up for around the same price.

So while the Galaxy A54 5G may be a value-tastic Samsung phone, how does it fair against the best budget camera phones?

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Design

When it comes to design, if the S23 was Lego, the A54 5G would be Duplo. It clearly speaks the same design language, but its styling is clunkier.

Weighing 202g and measuring 8.2mm thin, it’s far from the chunkiest phone in the shop, but its plastic frame and very simple styling slightly miss out on the maturity of alternatives like the Redmi Note 12 Pro or Pro Plus, or the Vivo V27.

Thanks to a Gorilla Glass 5 front and back, while there’s a clunkiness to the A54 5G, it’s still sandwiched in glass, so feels solid. And with IP67 water and dust resistance, it’s also one of the best-protected phones at its price.

Available in Lime, Graphite, Violet, and White, the A54 has a charm about it, even if its style and chunky plastic frame didn’t wow us.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Screen

With a 6.4-inch screen, Samsung keeps things conservative, making the A54’s display an easy-to-handle size that sits somewhere between the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max.

It’s nice and sharp with a wide Full HD resolution (1080 x 2340), and thanks to its Super AMOLED technology and a high max brightness of 1000 nits, whether you’re watching content or swiping through photos, the screen beams brilliantly.

On the subject of content, the A54 5G supports HDR10+, so has a rich tonal range when playing back compatible content, and with a 120Hz refresh rate, feeds, and web pages also glide with buttery smoothness.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Camera Specs

With a triple camera system, the Galaxy A54 combines a well-specced 50MP main camera with a 12MP ultra-wide camera and a 5MP macro camera.

Going into a bit more detail, the 50MP main camera has an f/1.8 lens, phase-detection autofocus, and its sensor is a large 1/1.56”. While this won’t sound big compared to flagship phones, for the price, it’s respectable, so should deliver decent lowlight performance and even a shallow depth when subjects are less than a meter away.

The ultra-wide camera is 12MP, and the lens has an f/2.2 aperture and a 123˚ field of view. Finally, for the rear camera mix, there’s a 5MP, f/2.4 fixed-focus macro camera.

Selfies are taken on a 32MP camera which is nested in the top centre of the screen. It has an f/2.2 aperture lens with a 26mm field of view, and the sensor measures 1/2.8" – not too bad for a front camera.

As far as shooting modes go, there are all the usual suspects: Photo, Video, Portrait, Fun, Night, Pro, Pro Video, Single Take, Food, Panorama, Slow-mo, and Hyperlapse.

Unfortunately, Samsung’s A54 5G doesn’t support RAW shooting, whether in the Pro mode or third-party apps like Lightroom. This is especially frustrating for photographers as the phone has a habit of over-processing photos.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Camera Review

Samsung heavily processes photos. Its phones have stylized punchy saturation, boosted contrast and sharpening, and generally high exposure.

The look is more measured than Motorola’s photos, but the A54 5G definitely isn’t the most nuanced of camera phones, even at its price.

Don’t get us wrong, there’s plenty of good stuff here. The A54’s OIS and auto night mode really help its main camera when it comes to nighttime photography.

The large sensor does indeed deliver a beautifully shallow depth of field, and photos from the camera look Instagram-ready when captured in well-lit environments.

The main camera also has impressive dynamic range when you give it a steady hand. The phone seems to hold the shutter open a little longer to pull out details from highlights and shadows.

On a sunny day, the macro and ultra-wide cameras do an admirable job of capturing landscapes or high-impact close-up shots, though the macro camera isn't usable when the lights go down.

We also really like the A54 5G’s video. Super Steady Mode caps out at 1080p and does indeed capture super steady video – great for kids and specifically usable when there’s loads of light. At night, it pulls up extra noise, so will want to be avoided.

Standard Full HD 30fps video is more usable in darker environments and is still held together nicely with OIS and EIS – a great balance.

Unless you’ve got the phone on a tripod, you’ll want to avoid 4K 30fps and Full HD 60fps video due to limited to no stabilization at play.

Samsung Galaxy A54 Additional Specs

Just like the Galaxy S23 series, the A54 5G runs Android 13 with One UI 5.1. This isn’t a carbon copy of a flagship Galaxy experience – there’s no DeX, for example, Samsung’s desktop interface that projects from the phone.

Despite some compromises, though, the A54 5G has great Windows integration so you can see your access messages and us phone apps on a big screen, amongst other smart features.

While last year’s A53 was crippled by its terrible performance, this year, the Exynos 1380 powering the A54 does a good job of keeping things flowing for the most part.

The A54 5G's performance isn’t best-in-class – for not much more money than the 256GB A54 5G, you can pick up a RedMagic 8 Pro – a fantastic gaming phone. But at the very least, processor speeds don’t hold the phone back from being good enough, which was the case on last year's Galaxy A53 5G.

The phone’s available with 8GB RAM, and either 128GB or 256GB storage. It also has microSD card support, so you can easily bump that up, giving you plenty of room for apps on the phone, and photos and videos on a memory card.

To securely get into your phone, there’s an in-display fingerprint scanner which works well, and face recognition too, which uses the front camera.

With a huge 5000mAh battery and modest power and screen demands, it’s no wonder that the Galaxy A54 5G can easily last a day, possibly even two with light use.

The phone also has fast(ish) charging at 25W, so powers up fully in just under 90 minutes. Thankfully for anyone who needs a quick top-up, the first 50 percent can be had in a little under 30 minutes. As with iPhones, there’s no charging brick in the box, just the phone and a USB-C cable.

Unlike the S23 series, the A54 also misses out on wireless charging which isn’t unheard of at the price – the lower-cost Nothing Phone (1) has it, for example.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Verdict

Samsung’s A54 5G isn’t best Android phone around when it comes to style or power, and its camera system’s held back by some heavy processing. But if you can handle Samsung’s saturated, high-impact look, then it could be the best camera phone at the price for you.

The fact it combines optical image stabilization with a large primary sensor means shots and videos look well held together, even at night. 

For anyone who wants a Galaxy S23-style UI, the A54 is also a great way of paying a little less but getting much of the same look and feel Samsung’s flagships offer.

The type of user who might feel frustrated with the A54 5G, however, is the slightly geeky photography fan who will want to either shoot in RAW, or have more pared-back, natural-looking processing in automatic mode to edit. If that's you, then you might fare well with a Redmi Note 12 Pro+ phone, for example. In fact, we'd go so far as to say, Samsung would do well to take a leaf out of Apple or Xiaomi’s book, and upon launching the camera app, ask users if they want more vivid or natural processing.

All said and done, though, the A54 5G is still a solid smartphone across the board, especially when you factor in that gorgeous display and its IP67 dust and water resistance.

Read More: Find out more about the latest and greatest Samsung phones in our guide to the best Samsung phone. Or for the rest of the smartphone world, read our guides to the best camera phone, the best Android phone for photography.

iPhone 15 rumors are hotting up, and the latest speculation suggest the range topping iPhone 15 Ultra could pack the largest image sensor yet in an iPhone. According to Apple tipster Ice Universe, the iPhone 15 Ultra - allegedly the new 'Pro Max' in the iPhone range - will receive Sony's new IMX903 48MP sensor. Hardly earth-shattering in terms of megapixel count, now Android phones have hit the 200MP mark, but the IMX903 stands out thanks to it's large 1/1.14-inch sensor size. By comparison, the current iPhone 14 Pro Max is equipped with a Sony IMX803, measuring 1/1.28 inches.

Why do larger sensors matter?

The bigger the sensor area, the more light it can capture during a given exposure time. This in turn should result in better resolving power, dynamic range and lower image noise levels. In fact, the physical size of a camera's image sensor matters far more than its outright megapixel count. By default, a 48MP sensor like the Sony IMX903 allegedly in the iPhone 15 Ultra will group - or 'pixel bin' - four adjacent pixels together to form one large group pixel, meaning your 48MP sensor actually produces 12MP images.

Therefore, a native 12MP sensor of the same physical size *should* theoretically produce similar image quality. Likewise, a 108MP sensor simply groups 9 adjacent pixel together (in a 3x3 array) into one big combined pixel, again resulting in a 12MP image. Sure, there's usually an alternative camera setting where you can opt to shoot at the sensor's full resolution, with no pixel binning. But unless the shooting conditions are completely optimal, those miniscule little sensor photosites ('pixels') are likely to generate increased noise, grain and reduced dynamic range when working independently, due to their small size reducing their individual ability to gather light.

The 1-inch sensor lie

However, it's not just the megapixel count of a phone camera sensor which is hiding a secret. Even the physical sensor size quoted by the phone (or sensor) manufacturer is highly deceptive. At 1/1.14-inches, the iPhone 15 Ultra's sensor is only fractionally smaller than a 1-inch sensor - a size already present in flagship Android phones like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. You'd be totally forgiven for thinking this means the sensor measures one inch - or 25.4mm - across the diagonal of the sensor, except it doesn't. In reality, a 1-inch image sensor is only 15.86mm across the diagonal, equating to a sensor area of only 13.2 x 8.8mm, or to put it another way, roughly one third smaller than you were expecting.

Such blatant false advertising seems like a class-action lawsuit in the making, but annoyingly those corporate suits do have a get-out. See, when 'inches' are used to describe the size of an image sensor, it's got nothing to do with the actual size of the sensor. Rather, it's referring to the diameter of a glass vacuum tube as used in video equipment since the 1930s - an outdated and confusing analog hangover that has somehow found its way into the terminology we still use to 'measure' some digital imaging sensors. For a more detailed explanation of what on earth is going on here, check out this PetaPixel article, and if you want to know the actual size of your phone's image sensor, this quick reference table from Design Reviews is very helpful. TLDR: the actual size of a camera phone sensor is roughly two thirds the advertised measurement.

But back to the iPhone 15 Ultra. Putting aside the fact that whatever camera sensor it has will conform to a stupid measurement convention, we'll still potentially have the best ever image quality from an iPhone. We can't wait.

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It still seems bananas to me: a 200MP camera phone. A camera, on your phone, with 200 megapixels. I still can't get my head around it – it's utterly wild. 

However, to me that's all it is: wild. Because "wild" doesn't automatically equate to "necessary" – or even "good". And just because a 200MP camera phone sounds like an ungodly amount of resolution, I think we all see through the smoke and mirrors. 

Just think about it for a minute: most iPhones today still have a 12MP main camera (though the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max both hit 48MP). Then there's something like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, a 200MP camera phone. On paper, that's a 1,567% increase in resolution.

Can even the most ardent S23 shooter put their hand on their heart and tell me that there's really a 1,567% increase in picture quality? Or even a 156% increase in picture quality? Because I don't see it. Admittedly I wear glasses, but I literally do not see it.

As a scientific achievement, yes, I concede that it's pretty incredible to squeeze hundreds of megapixels onto a tiny camera sensor. However, to quote the great Dr Ian Malcolm, "scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn't stop to think if they should."

Given all the controversy over Samsung apparently faking moon photos  and the ongoing issues with Samsung phones blurring images, it feels like the scientists might have been focusing on the wrong thing (literally, when it comes to the latter).

And what are all those pixels even good for, anyway? Again, I look at photos taken on my humble iPhone next to those on my friends' 200MP camera phones like the S23 or Xiaomi 12T Pro – my 12MP photos are simply better. 

The quality is better in low light, the colors are more natural in good light, and the computational software – which is actually the most important thing on a camera phone – is simply superior. And given that pixel binning is so prevalent in hi-res phones, the resulting files aren't that much different in resolution anyway.

Those of us who witnessed the megapixel arms race in traditional cameras know all too well that there's more to great pictures than pixel counts. I've got 16MP cameras that blow away these 200MP camera phones – so please let's dispel the notion that it's some kind of holy grail. 

It isn't. 

Until a traditional camera hits 200MP, at least… 

There has been a significant shift in the global smartphone market lately, as tech giants Apple overtakes Samsung in terms of the number of smartphone users worldwide, as well as the rising popularity of the brand. 

Data gathered from the Mobile Vendor Market Share Worldwide report from GlobalStats has been analyzed by the team over at Atlas VPN, revealing the results and in turn, the new shift in the smartphone industry. 

• See our picks of the best camera phones in 2023.

We may only be three months into 2023, but there's already been a surprising change in structure determining the 'top dog' of the smartphone industry. For photographers especially, having a smartphone that can capture a high-quality image is essential, and the best iPhones for photography are on the rise. 

With the release of the latest iPhone 14 range of devices, it appears that Apple is spearheading a recent surge in sales and has finally overtaken Samsung in the global smartphone market as the most popular smartphone in 2023, at least according to the GlobalStats Mobile Vendor Market Share Worldwide report.

The Atlas VPN team has been digging through the data from the latest Mobile Vendor report and has found that Apple’s market share in February 2023 was 27.1%, whereas Samsung has fallen only slightly below, making up 26.75% of the market share in February 2023. 

Key findings also established that 1.85 billion people are using iPhones in 2023, whereas Samsung smartphones had 1.82 billion users in 2023, out of the total (roughly) 6.84 billion smartphone users worldwide.

Samsung has been the dominant player for several years in the cell phone industry, with the highest market share of all smartphones through 2022. This makes the sudden, however slight, fallback in Samsung's rank interesting. For the last three months and the entirety of 2023, iPhones are now the leading smartphone.

Is this just a short-term trend? Or perhaps it's the beginning of a new era as older iPhone generations drop in price, and the newest Samsung Galaxy S23 series suffers some seriously bad publicity, accused of camera issues resulting in a blurry photo warning as well as faking captured images of the moon.

It's important to note that these figures from the report and analyzed data are just estimates, and it's impossible to track and trace every cell phone sale, especially with the popularity of purchasing secondhand smartphones, as well as the fact that many people might have multiple devices, work-issued phones, and could even be using both Apple and Samsung devices at once.

Interestingly, Atlas VPN also found that Xiaomi phones comprised 12.29% of the market in February this year, while Oppo had a 6.86% share, and Huawei smartphones have been on the decline for the past 6 months reaching a market share of just 4.84% last month.

Atlas VPN's Cybersecurity writer, Vilius Kardelis, has shared that, "While it is impossible to predict the future with certainty, Apple's success will likely continue due to its strong brand image, customer loyalty, and effective marketing. While Samsung is undoubtedly a formidable rival, it will need to innovate and differentiate itself to catch up to Apple.”

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The Mobile Photography Awards has just announced the winners of its 12th annual competition which recognizes talented smartphone photographers. This year a record number of entries were received from photographers all over the world but surprisingly hardly any of the winning images were shot on the latest camera phones such as the iPhone 14 or Google Pixel 7. 

First place was awarded to Australian photographer Glenn Homann for his stunning portfolio of work which featured colorful architectural shots, a dreamy slow shutter capture of a waterfall, and a striking portrait of a bearded old man (among others) . His mesmerizing photos were taken on an iPhone 12 but it was the vivid colors, dramatic lighting, and compelling compositions that won Homann the $3,000 cash prize and the title of Mobile Photographer of the Year. 

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On winning the award, Homann said, "Oh wow, I'm blown away. This recognition means a lot to me, and I hope it will inspire others to explore the endless possibilities of mobile photography."

Daniela Calo who used her iPhone 11 Pro to shoot a comical photo of nuns on a beach titled Nunset won the people category, Dorota Yamadag stole the show in the architecture category with her photo Steel. Glass. And All that Jazz while an incredibly detailed shot of a bug's eyes taken by Fabio Sartori came first in the macro category. 

The MPA is split into twelve categories: black and white, landscape, street photography, portraits, architecture, digital fine art, macro, people, darkness, travel, silhouettes, and water/snow/ice and there is also a photo essay category. With so many genres coved, the MPA can be entered by anyone who loves shooting with their phone and the submissions are always incredibly diverse. Each category winner will also be awarded a cash prize of $250 and will be featured in the MPA exhibition. 

Daniel Berman, the founder of the Mobile Photography Awards, said, "The judges had a difficult job selecting the winners. We are confident that the winning images represent the best of mobile photography." Mobile photography has come a long way, and it's exciting to see the quality of the images that can be created with just a smartphone. The Mobile Photography Awards is a testament to the power of this medium, and we are thrilled to be a part of it."

The competition started in 2011 - the same year the iPhone 5 launched with its 8-megapixel eyesight camera with video recording, panoramic mode and face detection. In just over a decade, camera phone technology has advanced monumentally with cameras now boasting multiple lenses, 200MP sensors, ultra-smooth stabilization and advanced eye and face detection modes.  Camera phones have made photography accessible to millions of people worldwide and its important competitions like this celebrate it. 

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Outex has long been manufacturing underwater housings to allow photographers to take their cameras under the water, or out in aggressive weather. Outex’s approach is a flexible skin for the device, with an optical glass dome so the image quality isn’t compromised (offered in both flat or dome options). It’s a patented design that leaves access to camera controls and viewfinder, and now it has created a new skin to fit many people’s best camera: the phone. On the face of it, that seems a great idea, but does it work? Also, given Outex’s pro glass is designed for full-sized lenses, are we looking at some serious overkill? We decided to find out in a nearby muddy pond!

Specifications

To fit: All Apple iPhone and iPhone Max models, Google Pixel phones, and Samsung Galaxy and Galaxy S Ultra phones. 

Waterproof: Depth of 10m (33ft)

In the box: Universal phone cover, optical glass dome 

Dimensions (case): 150 x 180 x 15mm

Dimensions (dome): 130 x 130 x 65mm

Design and handling

The Phone Pro kit consists of a gorgeous dome of glass fitted to a black screw mount and what looks like a phone-shaped prophylactic. The camera case is a single piece of slightly cloudy clear rubbery plastic, which is thin enough to operate a touch screen through. To fit the phone you need a small amount of assembly; the handset needs to be persuaded into place. We found this was possible with an iPhone 14 Pro Max in a case (though Outex suggest using without one). More or less any phone with the main camera on the top left (including Samsung’s Galaxy line) will fit, so you can swap phones as you choose.

One your phone is more-or-less in place, you take the ring and manipulate it into a groove in the 120mm cut-out circle which you just squeezed your phone through. Then, finally, gripping the ring through the rubber, you screw the domed glass lens on. This has a quality tooth grip and the rubber isn’t slippery so it’s easier to manipulate than you might imagine. After that, it’s time you use your phone’s camera as usual.

Performance

The Outex system manages to live up to its promises. Although we’ve not had the opportunity to test below 1m of pressure, we had no issues with leakage. The glass provided an exceptional image through all of the iPhone’s cameras. There was no distortion visible in the images or video, though the water we tested didn’t really lend itself for the zoom lens! The more significant factor is the lack of light bending, and that the dome is sufficient to minimise the apparent thickness of the waterline, making possible under/over shots.

We were impressed that that the phone’s touchscreen even seemed to work under the surface. The shutter button will also work, though is less tactile than the bare handset given the even ‘universal fit’. It’s just as sensible, though, to hit record once and keep capturing footage. 

Viewing the screen is subject to some air bubbles but it is perfectly possible to compose a shot.

We also found the thoughtful wrist strap with pull-tight grip did a good job of ensuring we could briefly let go of the phone and housing without the worry of losing it.

Verdict

There are a lot of reasons why you might want to make your phone camera your underwater – or damp conditions – device of choice. Pro video recording apps can make your phone equivalent to some top notch cameras, and the options for immediate editing and sharing without the trouble of copying/downloading are high on that list.

That said, the Outex’s undoubted quality is reflected in the price. While the flat glass version ($149) puts it in the accessory bracket, go for the $349 Dome kit and you’re spending a similar amount to a waterproof action cameras like the best GoPros. There is something to be said for having a separate device, especially weighed against the time taken to remove and keep safe the delicate glass and sheath of the Outex offering. 

The dome, however, does offer serious photographers more than a GoPro can. The distance from the camera’s lens opens photographic possibilities which surface tension on a small lens makes impossible. For that reason alone, this is an easy recommendation for serious enthusiasts and pros.

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The new DJI Osmo Mobile SE could be perfect for content creators on the move, where it's important that kit is lightweight, portable and has decent battery life. 

For people who primarily use one of the best phones for video, DJI already offers an impressive range of gimbals – but the DJI Osmo Mobile SE is one of the most impressive yet, with a smaller form factor and a bigger battery than the popular DJI Osmo Mobile 6.

DJI makes some of best smartphone gimbals and, although we haven’t yet had a chance to get our hands on the Osmo SE, we have a sneaking suspicion that this could end up going straight to the top of the list. 

Osmo Mobile 6 it features DJI’s intelligent ActiveTrack 5.0, which is able to track a person or object in shot using a social Vision Recognition Technique, so whether you’re shooting a skateboarder or a dancer, you know that your subject will always be the main focus. 

If you already have the Osmo Mobile 6 but are looking to switch to something smaller, the Osmo SE is compatible with all the same accessories – including a magnetic clamp that enables you to snap your smartphone in and out and the grip tripod so you can shoot handheld, which is perfect for recording a timelapse.

The Osmo Mobile SE also supports Motionlapse and Hyperlapse, and even comes with a simple Motionlapse template so you can transform highlighted clips into professional-looking videos. 

A small but high-torque brushless motor enables the gimbal to compensate for slight shifts, even when using a larger and heavier smartphone such as the iPhone 14 Pro, and pairs with 3-axis image stabilization so you can shoot shake-free, silky smooth footage. 

The most significant advantage of the Osmo SE over the Osmo Mobile 6 is its size. Thanks to a collapsible design, when folded down it's just 167 x 108.5 x 46.5mm and unfolded it's 262.5 x 119.5 x 104mm, so it can easily fit into a rucksack or even a tote bag. 

It also has a larger 2,6000mAH battery, capable of running for up to 8 hours, so you can shoot all day without having to charge. The downside is that it takes almost twice as long to charge (2 hours, 12 minutes instead of 1 hour, 24 minutes) but they both have USB C-type charging, so you can charge on the move. 

Despite the improved portability and battery life of the DJI Osmo Mobile SE it’s actually even cheaper than the Mobile 6, starting at just $109 / £95/ AU$159 and is available now directly from the maker. 

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In the year running up to its 2023 flagship line, the 13-series, Xiaomi's been making waves globally with its camera news, especially since it announced its partnership with Leica, and the co-development of the 1-inch IMX989 sensor with Sony. Yes – Xiaomi stumped up a hefty chunk of change for the sensor's development, and so it could get exclusive access to the tech for its 12s Ultra – the first phone to launch with the RX100-sized sensor.

While the Ultra was a China-only release, now, Xiaomi's ready for the IMX989 world tour, with the new Xiaomi 13 Pro bringing both the big sensor and Leica camera software to MWC 2023. 

Launching alongside the smaller Xiaomi 13, the 13 Pro costs £1,099 (approximately $1,320), and is set to launch across Europe and the UK, as well as other global markets – though, once again, no US availability has been confirmed yet.

The 13 Pro looks like a winning phone when you look at its specs. It's got a premium design with a ceramic finish, that mega-camera-sensor at the helm, cutting-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 power, and a big battery with fast wired and wireless charging.

Where the 13 Pro's specs appear to miss the mark are flourishes and camera zoom. What do we mean by flourishes? It doesn't pack an S Pen like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, for example. It also misses out on the zoom of competitors like the Honor Magic 5 Pro, and Google Pixel 7 Pro.

With cheaper competition from Google packing more zoom, and such a strong showing from recent affordable flagship phones like the OnePlus 11, is the Xiaomi 13 Pro's huge camera sensor enough to woo photographers on the hunt for a new phone, and is it worth that sky-high price?

• Order from Xiaomi UK from £1,099

Xiaomi 13 Pro: Design

Elegant and weighty, at 229g, the Xiaomi 13 Pro isn't much lighter than the beefiest smartphone on the block, the 240g iPhone 14 Pro Max. Unlike Apple's superphone, though, the 13 Pro is curvaceous with its tapered sides and edge-free ceramic back. The weight also adds a sense of premium to the whole phone, emphasized by the stark, metal frame.

While it's available in certain regions in a black ceramic or white ceramic, only the black one can be picked up from Xiaomi's site in the UK at the time of writing this review. As premium as it looks and feels, the mirror finish clings onto fingerprints, so if you want a phone that looks box-fresh, put it in the included soft plastic case. 

There's also a pre-fitted screen protector as well, the phone's tested to IP68 standards, so can handle a dunk or barrage of dust, and the screen is made of Gorilla Glass Victus, so should be relatively scratch-resistant, even if the screen protector is removed.

All the phone's buttons are on the right side, along the tapered, polished metal frame. At the base is a USB-C port and loudspeaker, as well as the SIM tray, and at the top is a 3.5mm headphone jack. 

There's a mighty camera bump around the back of the 13 Pro. It's a big squircle, so seems a bit iPhone-like, but rather than jut out, the ceramic back smoothly curves to create the raised triple camera system. Inside the camera squircle is a Leica insignia, as well as the wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto camera modules, and an LED flash.

While there's nothing about the 13 Pro's design that makes us fall in love with it, if you want a premium-looking, feeling phone that's as hardy as a 2023 flagship should be, it doesn't disappoint. 

Xiaomi 13 Pro: Screen

A high point of the Xiaomi 13 Pro is its screen. The WQHD+, 3200 x 1440 resolution panel is sharp, and with its ample 6.73-inch size and tall 20:9 aspect ratio, the phone delivers immersive visuals, especially for movie watching and gaming. 

Xiaomi uses a Samsung AMOLED panel, so that explains the vibrant, punchy colors on show, and the curved glass and slim bezel only adds to the package's appeal.

The LTPO display tech means a variable refresh rate is possible, so the phone can technically ramp up or down smoothness between 1-120Hz to save power. We only found the interface did this in Netflix and YouTube, though, taking visuals to 60Hz from 120Hz, so you'll only get battery gains from the tech if you hammer video playback. Still – it's nice to have in case of further optimization.

We were also very happy with screen viewability in our time with the phone. Advertised brightness can be hiked up to 1200 nits, and in high brightness mode – i.e. when the phone detects sunlight, this climbs to 1900 nits.

Xiaomi 13 Pro: Camera specs

Xiaomi's 13 Pro combines a few different Leica elements. From a hardware point of view, there's a Leica Vario-Summicron lens, and from a software point of view, there are two different modes – Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant.

Of course, the headline hardware isn't from Leica, it's from Sony, and it's that 50MP 1-inch IMX989 sensor, featuring native 1.6-micron pixels, which combine with four-in-one pixel binning to create a 3.2-micron 'Super Pixel', as Xiaomi calls it. That's matched with a 23mm, f/1.9 aperture lens packing OIS for a powerful primary camera setup.

With a 75mm telephoto camera, the Xiaomi 13 Pro isn't the weakest zoomer on the scene. Its 50MP resolution has a Samsung sensor at the heart, and it's matched with an f/2.0 lens and OIS. What made us fall in love with this telephoto camera, however, is that it's actually a tele-macro camera – an evolution of the 5MP module on the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 11. With a nearest focus distance of 4cm, therefore, you can take dynamic macro shots across all three cameras. This makes the Xiaomi 13 Pro one of, if not the most versatile macro camera phone around.

Finally for the back, and there's the ultra-wide 50MP Samsung sensor with a 14mm focal length, an f/2.2 aperture, and 5cm macro focus.

When it comes to the looks, we already mentioned Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant, but there's also a Leica Master-lens system, which consists of four preset shooting modes: 35mm Black and white lens; 50mm Swirly bokeh lens; 75mm Portrait lens; 90mm Soft focus lens.

Shooting modes include Pro, Documents, Video, Photo, Portrait, Night, 50MP, Short video, Panorama, VLOG, Slow motion, Time-lapse, Movie effect, Long exposure, Supermoon, Dual video, and Clone.

Pro mode is where you can shoot RAW photos, and these are captured at different resolutions depending on the camera you're using. The ultra-wide and primary cameras capture roughly 12MP RAW photos, while the telephoto camera's RAW photos are around 10MP. There's no scope for full-resolution, 50MP RAW capture.

Flip the phone around, and selfies are captured on a 32MP OmniVision camera sensor matched with an f/2.0 lens. While the rear camera can shoot at up to 8K resolution, the front camera caps out at Full HD.

Xiaomi 13 Pro: Camera review

Thanks to its large main camera sensor, the Xiaomi 13 Pro is instantly a novel camera phone that's poised for portraits. Photos of people look rich in detail, and the phone delivers better foreground/background separation than anything else widely available. 

We also really like the Leica-fication of Xiaomi's flagship cameras. The Leica Authentic look is very subdued – too much so for our tastes, but it does feel like a tonic to the hyper-zingy snaps captured on many phones these days. That said, the Leica Vibrant isn't overkill, so we tended to shoot in that mode.

Detail from the main camera is strong when the light is right. In dimly-lit scenes though, it drops, with moving subjects will create a bit more blur than we expected – so a steady hand is necessary. The auto mode doesn't ramp up the ISO (and shorten the shutter speed) as readily as some other camera phones.

While the main camera is definitely the best when it comes to dynamic range and performance across conditions, we're happy to see all three of the Xiaomi 13 Pro's cameras perform at least respectably, capturing plenty of detail even without upping the resolution to 50MP. 

The ultra-wide camera is the least nuanced of the bunch – great for expansive snaps, and its macro feature is handy, but it isn't going to win any awards. 

The versatility of the telephoto camera, however, really does give it an edge over competing camera phones. While on paper, the zoom range seems similar to that of the iPhone 14 Pro, the macro focus feature makes it a superb option for nearby photography.

You can see a photo below captured using the telephoto camera. While using the ultra-wide would have created an ugly shadow, and using the main camera shot with too shallow a depth of field, the Xiaomi 13 Pro's telephoto camera captured a unique, preferable photo with a superior balance of detail and depth.

The Xiaomi 13 Pro's nighttime photography doesn't quite transform night-to-day like Samsung's photo processing. Handheld, lowlight photos aren't tack-sharp either, as you can see below. If you really like the HDR-style night photography look of phones like the Google Pixel 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, therefore, Xiaomi's slightly more traditional, pared-back take on computational photography might not do it for you.

The Xiaomi 13 Pro's selfie camera does a good job of balancing a flattering beauty filter with realistic results, unlike older Vivo phones we've reviewed – namely the X80 Pro.

As far as videos go, nippy autofocus and impressive noise handling combine across all three cameras to make the Xiaomi 13 Pro a bit of a Full HD and 4K champ. 8K video is only captured on the primary camera, but even that is held together well, making a strong case for big sensors when it comes to raw video quality.

Xiaomi 13 Pro: Additional features

We have to hand it to Qualcomm for its latest chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. While last year's 8 Gen 1 got hot in just about every phone that launched with it after 15 minutes of gaming at maxed-out settings, its successor (not counting the much improved 8+ Gen 1) is one cool cat.

We played Genshin Impact on the 13 Pro for 30 minutes on maxed-out graphics settings over 5G and it got warm, but never uncomfortably hot which is excellent going. The power behind the phone also ensures that the whole interface operates like a well-oiled machine, and that's despite Xiaomi's heavy skin, MIUI 14 that sits on top of Android.

While MIUI isn't any heavier than Samsung's OneUI, Xiaomi's interface doesn't add as much utility – there's no desktop interface when you hook the phone up to a big screen, and because there's no pen, unlike the S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra, a comprehensive notetaking suite isn't baked in.

Scratch the surface, though, and what Xiaomi does is make the whole experience feel a bit more iOS-like than competing Android phones. This should help someone transitioning from an iPhone feel a bit less like a fish out of water.

While Xiaomi's official site only lists a 256GB storage option in the UK, some markets will get a 512GB version, and that's the 13 Pro we tested. Whichever you go for, there's no microSD card support, though there is an ample 12GB RAM.

Xiaomi's 4820mAh battery is a little smaller than the roughly 5000mAh found in competing phones like the Honor Magic 5 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, but the modest difference isn't enough to stop it from lasting a comfortable day even with some gaming, watching and music listening.

In the box, the phone ships with a 120W wired charger, so you can power up in around 20 minutes which is excellent. There's also 50W wireless charging support too, though we found our 13 Pro unit to be a bit fussy about wireless charger positioning.

Xiaomi 13 Pro: Verdict

When we first saw the Xiaomi 13 Pro, we were underwhelmed. It has hardly any zoom compared to periscope cameras, and the main standout camera feature – that 1-inch sensor, is something we saw a good while ago on another Xiaomi phone, the 12s Ultra. After a couple of weeks with it, though, we've come to appreciate the ways Xiaomi's latest flagship gets so much right.

For starters, the phone's ceramic design and mirror finish look very premium, even if it is a little flagship-by-numbers. The screen is also vibrant, bright, zingy, and optimized for Netflix HDR and Dolby Vision content.

Most importantly for us, the phone doesn't rely on its main camera to do all the heavy lifting. Yes, the 1-inch sensor-packing primary camera is exceptional for portrait photography, and its performance, especially when shooting in Pro mode is a serious flex. But it's the telephoto camera's macro capabilities that gave us a little something extra we didn't know we needed, and then there's the solid-performing ultra-wide.

Round the whole imaging experience off with strong video capture, a respectable selfie camera, and back it up with excellent performance whether gaming or going about your day, and aside from a handful of niggles, the Xiaomi 13 Pro has left us with an excellent impression.

So if you want a big-sensor smartphone to capture great automatic photos, and stellar RAW and manual photos if you're prepared to dive into advanced modes, the Xiaomi 13 Pro could be for you. While Xiaomi's new flagship can't outperform the iPhone 14 Pro when it comes to finesse, or the Galaxy S23 Ultra when it comes to zoom range, it's still one of the best camera phones of 2023.

• Order from Xiaomi UK from £1,099

Read more:

• If Xiaomi's 13 Pro doesn't do it for you, check out the other best camera phones you can buy today, and check out the best Xiaomi phones

Apple has just released a brand new iPhone… well, sort of. 

It has launched the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus in a happy sunshine yellow – and of all the days to release it, of course, Apple picked a day when it’s winter in the northern hemisphere and actually snowing in the UK.

The iPhone 14 was already one of the best camera phones and now it's even better. Yellow is the color of spring, it’s a sign of warmth to come, and without this color yellow, everyone's favorite (or least favorite) car game wouldn’t exist. It’s not unusual for Apple to introduce a brand new color option to an existing lineup, but it's been a while since we've seen a yellow phone. 

• Check out the best iPhone 14 deals, even if you don't want a banana-colored phone

In March 2022, Apple unveiled a gorgeous forest green color available for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, but we haven’t seen a yellow iPhone since the iPhone 11 was released back in September 2019.

Anyone hoping to pick up this joy-inducing new color in a 14 Pro will be left disappointed, though. Since the vibrant tone doesn’t really match the darker hues of the pro range, it’s only available for the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus. 

Other than the color, of course, everything else has remained the same. It still has the same 12MP main camera, up to 26 hours video playback, the A15 Bionic chip, tough smartphone glass, water resistance and 5G connectivity. 

If mellow yellow isn't enough to tempt you, in September the iPhone 15 will be due – and rumor has it that it will be available in a gorgeous dark red color. Red isn't the most uncommon iPhone color, however, thanks to the ProductRed series that helps to raise money for life-saving HIV treatment and is available for the iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone SE, iPhone 12 and the 8th generation Apple Watch.

Colors already available for the iPhone 14 include midnight, starlight, blue and purple, but yellow is by far the standout in our opinion. 

Check out the best iPhones for photography if you want tippy top photos, or the best budget camera phones for when you're on a budget, and take a look at the best selfie sticks – perfect for taking group photos or self-portraits.

So long as the big three phone makers keep churning out top-specced phones year after year, there will be the endless debate of which phone is the best camera phone for photography and video.

Apple has long been the dominant premium phone maker, with its iPhone range dominating sales charts around the world. Apple’s camera strategy has always been less-is-more, never one to be the first to a headline feature, it has concentrated on fully incubating ideas, and putting some of the best camera and software experiences together. With the iPhone 14 Pro, released in Oct 2022, Apple finally relented and upgraded the main camera sensor to 48MP, allowing more pixels for Apple’s proprietary Deep Fusion processing to play with.

Samsung by comparison, is very much more-is-more, always reaching to add the very latest new and exciting developments in its latest flagship. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the newest phone on the block, released in February 2023, and packed with all the latest camera and processor tech, including a big AMOLED screen, an inbuilt S Pen stylus, and a total of five separate cameras including a 200MP main sensor and a 10x optical zoom, emphasizing Samsung’s generous approach to phone design.

Finally, our last contender comes from Google, which despite making the world's most popular operating system, is far from the biggest-selling hardware brand (yet). However, the Pixel phones have crept onto everyone's radar slowly and steadily with its plaudit-grabbing software-based approach, improving on pedestrian camera hardware with some artificial intelligence magic. Released in October 2022, the Pixel 7 Pro is Google’s most ambitious and premium phone yet, with a hugely improved build quality, a beautiful screen, and a trio of cameras including a 50MP main sensor and a 5x optical zoom.

I have taken hundreds of photos with all these cameras to test out how each system handles different kinds of photography. I have broken them all down into different categories below to compare, with some example images hand-picked from many to show the differences (or similarities) in the cameras. As a side note, the cameras were tested in the middle of a cold, dull  winter here in the UK, and the pictures reflect that! Your experience might differ in brighter climates.

1. Camera modes

First, we will take a look at the level of control over the camera settings that each phone manufacturer gives you out of the box. While there are third-party apps such as Halide or Adobe Camera that give each phone more fine-grained control and RAW imaging, we want to assess each phone's default camera experience. 

Samsung's 'more' approach shines through again here, as the only manufacturer to offer a full manual mode directly in the native camera app, allowing you to choose every setting from the aperture, shutter speed, white balance, and exposure compensation, while this might be overkill for most, it is a very appreciated option for those that want it. In comparison, the Pixel 7 Pro offers a slider for exposure compensation and white balance, which are probably the only two settings needed for most. The iPhone 14 Pro only offers a gesture to change exposure compensation.

Above: The camera apps for each of our contenders.

For optional camera modes, it is a much tougher race with all three phones offering mostly the same features. Google currently has the edge with its motion photos, a clever use of AI to produce effortless and instant action panning shots and long exposure photos. Google and Samsung also both offer a specialized astrophotography mode for capturing better images of the night sky.

Otherwise, all three phones have very similar and comparable optional modes, including a night photography mode, for better low-light images, portrait photography for artificially blurred backgrounds, panoramic modes for stitching images together in-camera, and a macro mode for close-up images.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra / Google Pixel 7 Pro (tie) – Samsung's pro photo and video modes are a boon for serious shooters, but Google software trickery to create Motion shots is unmatched. Apple fails to offer any photo modes over the other two.

2. Main cameras

The main camera on all three phones is where each company has focused its most attention on development and marketing, this test will explore how they work in general-purpose photography during daytime or good light (for low light and night shots see section 4).

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's big headline-grabbing feature is its 200-megapixel main camera sensor, and yes, you can actually take full 200MP photos, although be aware that each 200MP is about 50MB in size compared to 5MB for its 12MP version. The 200MP photos are considerably more detail packed than the 12MP photos, although in almost all cases of using the images online, especially social media, the 200MP files will need to be reduced and that extra detail will be lost to varying degrees.

Above: A 50% crop of the 200MP and 12MP images. Look especially closely at the detail in the tree and brickwork in the three images, the 200MP photo packs in a lot more detail to the point where it looks like an entirely different device took the image, but is ten times the file size.

The Galaxy's camera in its usual 12MP default mode exhibits Samsung's signature photographic style, which is large amounts of oversharpening and oversaturation. This will come down to individual preference in how you like your images to look, but personally, I cannot get along with Samsung's style. The sharpening can look very overprocessed and the colors, especially skies and trees, can look so saturated it is occasionally nauseating. The processing on these images sometimes looks like they have come from a lesser phone that is trying to account for its shortcomings in hardware, and Samsung doesn’t need to process photos like this.

The Google Pixel 7 Pro has a 50MP main sensor, but you cannot unlock its full potential, with it only giving you the option of 12MP photos, but then the 12MP photos look this good then you can’t complain too much. The Pixel photos are the most naturally balanced out of all three phones, with colors being very accurate, if occasionally a little washed out, photos look naturally sharp without looking processed, and also white balance reflecting reality, even if it is a drab winter's day.

The iPhone 14 Pro is neck-and-neck with the Pixel, its 48MP sensor reduces to 12MP photos, but it offers the same great sharpness, with bright but not overdone colors, and great color balance, I cannot fault the main iPhone 14 Pro camera for outdoor shots.

Above: Samsung has created a sky that is a much brighter blue, this was a cold winter's day in dreary London, not Mykonos. This is a scene with lots of lines and textures, and the S23 Ultra oversharpens the details a lot producing a weird effect in the stony floor and trees. The iPhone and Pixel create a much more accurate scene.

Above: The Pixel and iPhone again can't really be separated on this one, with both producing lovely images with great sharpness near to far. The S23 Ultra again comes in with oversaturation in the sky, and while the near focus and sharpness on the boats are very good, the clarity on the background is not as strong.

Above: All three cameras perform very well here, although the color balance is furthest away on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, with overly yellow/green tones.

Winner: Pixel 7 Pro / iPhone 14 Pro – this one is too close to call with both phones offering very similar and very pleasing photo processing in good light, with great sharpness and accurate colors. Samsung's colors and sharpening are divisive and not to my tastes.

3. Telephoto Cameras

To put it plainly, you just can’t beat an optical zoom, but Google is going to try and give it a run for its money. The Galaxy S23 Ultra takes an easy lead here with its optical zoom lenses for 3x and 10x photo and video that provides sharp and clear photos, although attuned to the rest of the cameras on the Galaxy, slightly overprocessed. Optical zoom is one thing though, and with the S23 Ultra, any digital zooming beyond the 10x camera produced pretty poor results, with monumental levels of smoothing and saturation, I think we have got to the bottom of why Samsung includes 5 optical lenses.

Above: The comparison above shows the focal length differences between the optical zooms on the three cameras. 

Google offers a 5x optical zoom on its Pixel 7 Pro, which in itself is terrific quality, and the Pixel really shines when digital zooming up to 10x. The large 48MP sensor allows Google's AI to work its magic producing astounding looking 10x photos, although it could turn up the sharpening just a little. While still not as natural as the optical zoom on the Samsung, without close inspection, you might not even notice.

The iPhone has a paltry by comparison 3x optical zoom, while optically it is excellent at its three-time magnification, it really doesn't stack up against the longer zooms in the other phones. The iPhone digital zoom is also a long way behind the Pixel, when zooming in to 10x digitally, the resulting images look both over-smoothed and over-sharpened.

Above: The Samsung phone with its 10x optical zoom has a clear edge in terms of sharpness, the Pixel does a very amicable job to make up the difference, while the digital zoom on the iPhone has a lot of work to do.

Above: The optical zoom on the Galaxy trumps the others, although the Pixel's zoom does very well on the bird subjects, only losing some detail in the background.

Above: The iPhone's 3x optical zoom is potentially outperformed by the Pixel's digital zoom, with Apple applying some aggressive oversharpening and far too warm colors. The Samsung's 3x optical zoom camera again nails the details best.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – optical zoom triumphs still over digital, although Google is catching up fast with its processing. The iPhone has a long road to go with its digital zoom processing and middling optical zoom length.

4. Wide-angle Cameras

Let's talk about wide-angle cameras. The unloved child of the phone lenses, its there when you need it, but it will never be your favorite lens. All three phone makers know this and spend the least amount of time talking up their wide-angle cameras, and the least amount of development. All three phones offer tried and tested wide-angle cameras, which means, not the latest technology, so don't expect results to match the main camera photos.

All three phones have incredibly similar 12-megapixel wide-angle cameras, that all perform very similarly. The only difference between the cameras is processing, with the Galaxy exhibiting more sharpness and saturation, while the Pixel and iPhone are more balanced and appear to offer control of highlights.

Above: All three phones perform really well here, the Pixel 7 Pro captures the scene most accurately, the iPhone captures the most detail in the cloudy sky, but the colors are washed out, and the S23 pumps the saturation a little too much.

Above: Again, all three are decent, with the iPhone and Pixel handling the corner diffraction the best. The S23 Ultra's colors are again just very weird, especially on the tree to the right.

Winner: iPhone 14 Pro / Google Pixel 7 Pro – both offer the more balanced images, with more accurate color and white balance, although there is really not much wrong with Samsung's efforts either.

5. Night and Low Light Photography

This is the hardest one to call as all perform equally as well, with all three companies' low light processing coming through strongly. We tested the main camera sensors, as this is where the software can really shine, with increased pixel counts, all three phones use pixel binning to coalesce individual pixels into larger combined pixels with more detail. Night modes are available using the other cameras, but with much-diminished returns.

The Pixel 7 Pro does the best job here in terms of contrast, although the S23 Ultra gives it a good run for its money by producing more sharpness in the image. The iPhone offers less contrast and weaker color.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers the sharpest low light photos, with Samsung’s liberal attitude to sharpening actually working well for these nighttime shots, with the S23 Ultra capturing the most texture in surfaces. However, sometimes the colors were a little off, with the S23 choosing to incorporate green hues in highlights where there shouldn’t be, and while the white balance was mostly accurate, it swayed a little warmer than in the actual scenes.

The Pixel 7 Pro has the most natural colors of all three phones, offering a very accurate white balance, the sharpness of the photos is good enough without being overdone, although they don’t look quite as tack sharp next to the S23 Ultra's heavy processing. The Pixel manages to maintain the best contrast in any of the phones, being the only phone that does not over-lighten the shadows.

The iPhone also offers great sharpness in its low-light photos, and while the colors tend to be accurate, they lean heavily on warm tones, so images were consistently coming out not reflecting reality. One issue with the iPhone, in scenes of high contrast, it would struggle to allow dark areas to remain dark and would try to evenly light a whole scene instead of portraying it accurately.

The Pixel 7 Pro produces the most color-accurate image with good sharpness and contrast. The Samsung image is plenty sharp but oversaturated with a strange inaccurate yellow hue.

Nearly impossible to separate, the Pixel 7 and S23 Ultra both do a fantastic job on this photo. The iPhone struggles with trying to lighten up the shadows too much.

Winner: Google Pixel 7 Pro – a very tough call against the Galaxy, but the Pixel offers the best accurate colors and great contrast control. The Samsung offers the most texture and detail, while the iPhone’s overly warm hues and over-brightening let it down.

6. Portrait Modes

Each manufacturer is constantly trying to outdo the others with its improvements in AI in image processing, and in no place have we seen this come to the forefront than in 'portrait modes'. This is the mode that lives in the camera app of each phone and uses AI algorithms to find the edge of a person or object and then artificially blur the background, in an attempt to look more like a DSLR/mirrorless camera photo. 

All three phones in practice are actually very accomplished at this now, with all the cameras doing a good job of locating the edge of my person and blurring the background. There isn't much to separate the phones on here. Google and Samsung have a bit of a hard edge to their blur, while Apple likes to have their blur soften around a subject, each is its own look, but I wouldn't say either is better, and neither looks like a true photo taken with a large camera/lens.

Above: At night all three phones do a good job of maintaining detail. The Pixel does the best job, with its night mode capturing the best skin tones and colors, although the iPhone is a close second. The Galaxy gives my skin a weird green tinge and makes me look a little sickly. 

Above: All three have different styles, with the iPhone coming in very flat, with a little too much brightness, the Pixel and Galaxy are more punchy, and offer a little more contrast and dynamic range in the sky behind. 

Winner: Google Pixel 7 Pro – Another win for the Pixel, with the Pixel's excellent night mode shining through on low-light portraits and offering good detail and separation during the day.

7. Selfie Cameras

The iPhone has a slight advantage over the Galaxy, with a wider aperture, however, both cameras shoot 12-megapixel selfies with their front-facing cameras. The Pixel comes in slightly behind with 10.8MP, but in reality that is a very marginal difference. 

The phones are all capable of a 1x selfie mode, which offers a more flattering angle, and a 0.7x group selfie mode, which is a wider angle, and means more people can get in the image, but the image is more stretched and unflattering. 

You can see in the range of photos below that the Pixel applies a much more contrasty finish to its front-facing camera than the other two phones, with Apple and Samsung going hard on brightening the photo/face to an even light, in the pictures below the lightening on my black coat is too much. The iPhone is actually the worst offered here. 

Above: Selfies taken on all three phones at 0.7x and 1x selfie modes.

Above: A simple selfie against a white wall. You can see the different white balances in play, with the Samsung actually going a little cool and washed out, and the iPhone has gone too warm and very over-brightened. The Pixel sits in the middle and offers the best skin tone and contrast.

All three phones can use their AI-powered portrait modes on the front-facing cameras too. The iPhone has the added benefit of its face-ID system also offering depth information for the front camera to apply these portrait effects. This, works very well, in that the portrait mode on the iPhone was the best, but its overall image had some over-brightening issues.

The over-brightening has nothing on the Galaxy, where I don't know quite what is happening. The Pixel on the other hand was a little too dark, although this contrast still makes the best photo out of the three. Getting the most accurate skin tone and colors.

Above: The front-facing camera with each brand's portrait mode algorithms. The iPhone offers the best edge and separation, but the Pixel has the most pleasing skin tone and contrast.

Winner: Google Pixel 7 Pro – The combination of excellent (if a little too dark) contrast and better skin tones makes this a win for the Pixel. The iPhone and Samsung both apply lightning too aggressively resulting in an unnatural-looking photo.

8. Macro Modes

All three phones have a dedicated macro photography mode for close-up imaging, and while they all work well enough to be useful, none of them are outstanding examples of what can be achieved with a good macro lens on a mirrorless camera. 

All three phones have the same issue of macro photos looking like a quick zoom effect, with the center of the image a sharp circle surrounded by a strange blur with a lot of weird colors. The photos remind me a lot of very old vintage camera optics. This might be something to do with the phones using their wide-angle cameras for macro work, which is not the ideal focal length, with a full-frame camera macro lens typing being 90mm.

The Pixel 7 Pro is the best out of the three, with excellent sharpness in the center with some blurring around edges, but very little color fringing for artifacts, although I found I could not get quite as close with the Pixel as the other two phones, although this was irrelevant as the closer shots with the other two phones were worse quality.

Above: The Pixel created the most balanced image without too much blur around the edge. The other two phones struggled with blur and introduced some color fringing toward the top of the image.

The Samsung is very sharp in the center, although exhibits a lot of Samsung's signature oversharpening, although the blur and color effects around the edges of the object and photo were the most significant and distracting.

The iPhone is sharp in the center and controlled its color-fringing effects better than the Samsung. Although in certain scenarios the iPhone just could not focus on certain objects, when testing on a MicroSD card (below), after about five minutes of trying I abandoned my attempt.

Above: The iPhone had a nightmare on this one and couldn't focus at all using its macro mode for some reason. The Galaxy could get quite close, but the Pixel offers a slightly wider but sharper and clearer macro.

Above: The iPhone and Pixel get a lot of detail while maintaining a good contrast and accurate color. The Galaxy is sharp but washes out the color of the leaf and over-brightens the whole scene.

Winner: Google Pixel 7 Pro – while not being able to get in as close as the other two, it produced the cleanest and most controlled image, when the iPhone could focus properly, it produced nearly equal macro shots, with the Galaxy bringing up the rear.

9. RAW

For the uninitiated, RAW photos are images captured directly from the camera sensor, prior to the software applying any processing to them, hence being raw data, this data is much more in-depth, and can be manipulated in image editing software such as Adobe Lightroom to produce unique edits without affecting the photo quality. The biggest downside of RAW photos is their generally massive file sizes. 

Each of the three phones offers a RAW capture mode, although neither the Pixel nor iPhone can touch the fine-grained control of the Galaxy S23 Ultra RAW photos. The Samsung offers full manual control over its RAW capture, allowing every setting to be dialed in individually. You can record RAW in 50MP or 12MP from the main sensor, or 10MP/12MP from the other sensors depending on their maximum size.

The iPhone allows you to shoot in its excellent proprietary Apple ProRAW format, in either 12MP or 48MP sizes, although it lacks the pro-control features offered by the S23 Ultra, instead relying on the camera software to nail the exposure and other settings. Either a good or bad thing, depending on your viewpoint, the iPhone requires you to turn ProRAW on for each photo you wish to capture, you cannot just leave it on and save images in RAW and JPEG at all times. While this is a huge space saver, not having dozens of unwanted RAW images, you might miss out on having that perfect photo in RAW format later if you forget or don’t have time to turn it on.

Bringing up the rear is the Google Pixel 7 Pro, offering RAW capture, but only at 12MP from all its three rear cameras, there are also no manual controls when taking RAW images, however, you can shoot in RAW and JPEG full time, with the RAWs sorted into a separate folder that can easily be organized and wiped clean.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – the largest megapixel RAW files with the most fine-grained control. Apple offers up excellent ProRAW images, while Google just about does the minimum.

10. Conclusion

Okay, let's get this out of the way. All of these phones are excellent phones that take fantastic pictures that you can share and treasure, each has its own quirks and personality that might appeal to you as a photographer. So there is absolutely no right or wrong answer in picking which of these is the best camera phone.

Saying that... the best camera phone is the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Not only winning the most categories in this little test, but it is also the phone that shows itself as the best all-rounder, with versatility in everyday photography, night stills, and macro, even its selfie camera came out the best. It is also significantly less expensive than its two rivals.

The Apple iPhone 14 Pro still does what it does best, and offers a signature warm iPhone look and consistent, accurate, and true-to-life colors, this is probably the best phone of the three for the most natural and unprocessed photos, with the other two phones having more brand-specific character to their photos.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the phone to buy if you love zoom. Nothing can touch the three and ten times optical zoom lenses on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, the photos from the long 10x lens are the standout, with a lot of detail packed in, this might be the perfect camera if you are a keen bird watcher or sports enthusiast. 

Read More:

• The best camera phones
• The best Android phone for photography
• The best iPhones for photography

When it comes to capturing video for a YouTube channel or corporate production it’s a simple matter to record great-looking High Definition footage thanks to devices such as the iPhone 14 Pro (which is what we used to record this review’s supporting video). However, your production’s sound quality can often be comparatively subpar, especially if you use your computer’s built-in mic.  Focusrite’s Vocaster Studio series is designed to elevate your audio production values so that their quality matches that of your project’s HD video footage.

The Vocaster One Studio and Vocaster Two Studio kits enable you to record your voice via dynamic vocal mics that have an XLR connection. This three-pin connection will be familiar to audio and video industry professionals. Unlike desktop condenser USB mics such as the Simorr Wave U1 which picks up sound from a relative distance, the Vocaster Studio’s dynamic vocal mic is designed to be placed close to your mouth. This physical proximity gives your voice a more intimate presence than you tend to get with desktop condenser USB mics such as the Blue Yeti.

The cheaper Vocaster One Studio set contains a DM1 XLR mic and a beautifully designed mini Vocaster mixing desk which makes it perfect for capturing voiceover work (check out the end of our video review to see and hear the Vocaster One in action). However, in this review, we’ll focus on the more expensive Vocaster Two Studio kit as it contains all a podcaster needs to capture professional quality audio from a range of sources - such as interviewees via a second XLR mic or from a smartphone via a Bluetooth connection into the Vocaster Two mixing desk.

Specifications

Microphone: Vocaster DM14v microphone 
Headphones: HP60v closed-back studio headphone
Cable: 3m XLR cable
Connections: 2 XLR microphone inputs, 1 x 3.5mm TRRS phone connection, 1 x 3.5mm TRS camera out, USB-C socket, 2 x 1/4" headphone outputs, 2 x 1/4" balanced speaker outputs
Wireless: Bluetooth send and receive audio from smart devices

Key features

The Vocaster Two makes it easy for you to capture a strong audio signal courtesy of an Auto Gain button. Tap this button and then speak for 10 seconds. The Vocaster Two will adjust the mic’s input levels to capture your voice loud and clear but without peaking (distorting). If you do need to go 'off air' for a quick cough then there’s a handy Mute button on the Vocaster desk. 

The Vocaster Two desk is split into two sections - the Host controls are on the left of the desk and the Guest controls are on the right. If the guest plugs their own XLR mic into the back of the desk you can tap the Guest button and use the main dial to control their audio input levels. 

There’s also a Mute and Auto Gain button on the right-hand side of the Vocaster Two so you can control the guest’s mic input audio independently of yours (the host). You can also twiddle a separate dial to adjust the level of sound in the guest’s headphones (as long as their ‘cans’ are plugged into a connect a smartphone to the Vocaster Two via Bluetooth.  You can then host a guest via a phone-in to join your podcast recording (as you’ll hear in our supporting video review).

If you don’t need guests to join your podcast then consider the cheaper Vocaster One Studio as this lacks the second XLR input and the additional Bluetooth connectivity provided by the Vocaster Two Studio. However, we do have some reservations about the cheaper mic that ships with the Vocaster One Studio as we’ll explain in due course.

The Vocaster Two Studio kit is supported by a free Vocaster Hub app. This app provides an alternative collection of clickable icons that do the same job as the buttons on the Vocaster Two. We found it most useful in turning on the Auto Gain feature to capture decent sound levels. 

You can also use it to try our different podcasting voice presets such as Clean or Bright. We found that while the presets didn’t sound any different from each other the overall enhanced voice quality did sound clearer and sharper (while still having a pleasing Bass presence).  If you own the more basic Vocaster One Studio then the Vocaster Hub’s graphics are reduced to reflect its simpler status.

Build and handling

The Vocaster Two Studio kit’s professional DM14v microphone plugs via a generously long 3-meter XLR cable directly into the Vocaster Two mixing desk. The black metal mic is reassuringly solid and is branded with the Vocaster logo so it’ll look good in your video podcasts (and it’s complemented by the branded pair of closed-back HP60v studio headphones that ship in the Vocaster Two Studio box). 

When you speak into the microphone a color-coded level indicator flickers into life on the Vocaster Two desk.  The level indicator is curved to follow the shape of the circular level input dial at the center of the Vocaster Two - an attractive and functional design feature.  If your voice is too loud then the indicator peaks into the red. A quick tweak with the large input level dial soon gets your sound levels back into the green.

Performance

The supplied DM1 dynamic vocal mic in the cheaper Vocaster One Studio kit isn’t as good as the DM14v XLR microphone that ships with the Vocaster Two Studio. 

The Vocaster One Studio’s DM1 mic lacks a pop shield which can lead to the presence of annoying plosive sounds polluting your podcast. The foam pop shield on the Vocaster Two’s DM14v is very effective and you can say ‘Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers’ without fear of popping. Because both kits’ mics are designed for voice, you can speak directly into them and get a close and intimate sound that’s perfect for podcasts (as you’ll hear from our accompanying video).  

While recording our test video of the Vocaster Two’s mic in action we were concerned by the sound of neighboring builders hammering away. However, because the mic was so close to our mouth we were able to capture excellent quality sound while keeping the builders’ noisy banging at bay! 

Although the Vocaster Two Studio kit allows you to use a professional XLR mic you still need to connect the Vocaster Two desk to your computer via a USB cable. This extra link in the hardware chain could explain why our test recording suffered from a little latency (delay). The Vocaster Two’s audio was 3 frames out from the video that was streaming from our iPhone 14 Pro to our iMac. 

We captured the sound from the Vocaster Two and the video footage from the iPhone’s camera directly into a QuickTime movie on the iMac. It’s possible that the streaming iPhone footage caused the latency instead of the Vocaster’s XLR to USB audio chain. 

Whatever the case of the latency it was a simple matter to detach the Quicktime footage’s audio from its video in Final Cut Pro and offset it by three frames to get the sound and vision in sync (see our accompanying video). As a sidebar, by using the iPhone’s camera to wirelessly stream footage into QuickTime on the iMac we were able to add an attractive Portrait Mode style background bokeh to our review’s video clips.

One niggle occurred when we recorded an audio interview on the Vocaster Two desk via Bluetooth. The Vocaster Hub app has a Bluetooth slider that should enable you to adjust the levels streaming from the iPhone. However when we adjusted the slider the iPhone interviewee’s levels still sounded the same.  While listening to the iPhone interviewee from the headphones they sounded fine in the Show Mix but their voice was louder in the QuickTime movie that we recorded. Fortunately, we were able to reduce the phone-in subject’s levels by tapping the volume down button on the iPhone.

And finally, although the mics in both Vocaster Studio Kits ship with a clamp and a mount you’ll need to purchase a microphone stand to attach the mic too. We picked up a Billion stand from Amazon for next to nothing.

Verdict

The Vocaster Two Studio will certainly improve the audio production values of a podcaster’s production and it provides easy ways to feed in the voice of your show’s guests - either from a phone-in via Bluetooth or from an XLR hardwired co-host (as long as they bring their own XLR mic to the party).

I’ve used a Blue Yeti USB mic for years to record my voice for various projects and reviews but the superior audio quality produced by the Vocaster Two Studio means my Blue Yeti’s days are numbered. There’s a new kit in town! 

Read more:

• Best microphones
• Best USB mics
• Best iPhone mics
• Best lavalier microphone
• Best shotgun mics
• Best XLR mics
• The best microphone isolation shields

There are quite a few near-indestructible phones on the market right now, but this brand-new Cat contender exceeds even the highest of military-grade standards in areas of drop testing from heights of 6 feet, and is able to withstand extreme temperature ranges from -22 degrees Fahrenheit to 167°F for an entire day!

The Cat S75 is also waterproof, and resistant to sand, dust, and dirt with an impressive IP69K rating. It's equipped with a waterproof 50-megapixel main camera that boasts an f/1.8 aperture, plus underwater photo modes. But the most impressive spec of this newly announced device is its satellite capabilities. 

• These are the best rugged phones in 2023

Announced as part of the Mobile Word Congress (MWC) 2023 event taking place in Barcelona, Spain, as we type, the Cat S75 is said to be the Bullitt Group's toughest 5G phone yet and able to shrug off anything and everything that life throws at it, sitting at the very edge of technical and engineering innovation.

If you can't bury your phone in the hot Sahara desert sand and still send satellite messages, or swim with sharks underwater while snapping photos, or if your phone can't survive a free-fall drop onto hard steel surfaces - then is it really worth owning?

Cat phones can supposedly survive up to 30% longer than the average smartphone, and gone are the days of worrying about your phone falling off of the coffee table (or even into the club toilet) as most modern non-Apple devices are made from much tougher stuff lately, and the new flagship Cat S75 is setting an advanced standard of what your smartphone should be able to endure in 2023. 

Bullitt Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of rugged phones, including Cat and Motorola devices, and it has now succeeded in the creation of the world's very first satellite messaging smartphone with an included two-way satellite messaging capability through the company's satellite service plan, as well as the Bullitt Satellite Messenger proprietary app. 

We know what you're thinking, didn't Apple do this first with the SOS Emergency Satellite feature introduced with the iPhone 14 series? Well technically, no. 

We reported back in December 2022 that the Bullitt Group had partnered with MediaTek in an effort to win the mobile space race by using the MediaTek NTN (non-terrestrial network) chip in a new flagship device.

The Cat S75 is equipped with this NTN chip, but it differs from the Apple iPhone 14 satellite functions in that the Cat S75 will allow for seamless messaging between the satellite user and another phone on a normal network, plus direct connectivity from the device to geostationary satellites that are situated 37,500km above the earth, making it possible to send a message or make an SOS assistance request to anyone (not just emergency services) without signal. 

As for the triple camera array, the CAT S75 will feature a 50MP main sensor, 8MP wide sensor, 2MP macro sensor with an underwater mode on the rear, and an 8MP front-facing selfie camera. Cat even says that it will keep your warranty intact if you've submerged the device five meters deep into water, it's that confident in the waterproof functionality of this new flagship.

Other amazing features of this phone include its rigorous testing to withstand drops from 1.8 meters, high humidity, salt fog conditions, intense vibration, and tumble tests. Despite being put through the worst possible conditions, the Cat S75 includes Bullitt’s Hygiene+ technology – with all external surfaces containing antimicrobial silver ions to fight surface bacteria. 

The display is a 6.6” FHD screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz, plus the superior  5000mAh battery provides up to 2 days of power without needing a charge, perfect for camping. MediaTek’s Dimensity 930 octa-core 2.2GHz processor is what powers this device, and 6GB of RAM are installed with expandable internal storage. 

Heralded as the most "reliable" phone, the CAT S75 is a game-changer for trialing new reliable methods of connectivity. The corporate Vice President at MediaTek’s wireless communications business unit, JC Hsu, has shared that:

"Satellite technology for any smartphone is the next big step in mobile connectivity, and what MediaTek has delivered with its stand-alone, standards-based satellite communications chip. We successfully worked with Bullitt, integrating our 3GPP NTN technology and chipset into the world's first commercially available devices with two-way satellite messaging." 

Hsu continues, "It’s a significant advancement for remote users and emergency services, but this technology also paves the way for other unique smartphone satellite communication and connectivity markets."

The CAT S75 is available to pre-order now $630 / £549 / AU$960 including a 3-month free trial of the Bullitt Satellite Messenger Essentials service plan, which will include up to 30 direct-to-satellite messages per month.

• You may also want to check out the best rugged tablets, as well as the best rugged laptops for those who combine work with adventure. 

• Check out the best waterproof cameras if you love underwater worlds, and see our review of the new Doogee S96 GT which also boasts underwater photo modes. 

The expected launch of the iPhone 15 may be over six months away, but the first artist renders of what the new family of Apple smartphones will look like are starting to appear. We have heard lots of rumors, but the vision of what these may mean to the physical phone is genuinely exciting to those of us that love our photography.

The promise of curvier contours, and finally the adoption of a USB-C socket are just the start…  3D renders by concept artist Ian Zelbo (via 9to5Mac) show just how big the camera bump will likely be on the back of the iPhone 15 Pro. And those triple lens peaks definitely look BIG!

The website reports that these artistic representations are "based on a CAD model provided to 9to5Mac by a reliable case manufacturer.... CAD files like the ones these renders are based on are given by Apple to factories in Asia to prepare phone cases ahead of launch. This is to ensure that cases are available when the device launches. The specific CAD here comes from a factory out of China that is seemingly the first to get these files. Historically, CAD files are accurate to the final device in terms of both dimensions and design, as having inaccurate ones would be costly to case designers and factories".

Whether these are real, however, we won't actually know until the phones actually get released, most probably around September time. 

However, with reports of the iPhone getting a new Sony sensor, and the possibility of incorporating a periscope lens, it is not that surprising that the rear camera unit will be getting bigger. But hopefully that, of course, brings the promise of better pictures - particularly as the new sensor is said to offer increased dynamic range and lower noise. You may need bigger pockets thought too!

Check out all the iPhone generations to date

A first-generation iPhone in its original box recently sold for over $63,000 by auction house LCG, after starting at $2,500 and receiving a total of 27 bids. The 8GB model was owned by tattoo artist Karen Green, who was given the phone as a gift back in 2007 shortly after it launched.

Karen left the iPhone unopened for 16 years. In the original listing from LCG auctions, they describe how she was given the phone by friends, but as she had just bought a new phone herself, she never opened it and a couple of years later she was told that it could be valuable to a collector.

"We are pleased to present an iconic factory-sealed, first-release iPhone in outstanding condition," LCG writes. "Our offering was consigned by the phone’s original owner, Karen Green, and is coupled with a great backstory that was first shared on the Treasure Hunt segment of the syndicated television show The Doctor & The Diva. This is the first original iPhone in acceptable condition to hit the auction block since the record-breaking sale in October."

The auction was open between February 2 and February 19, and in the end, the first-gen iPhone sold for $63,356.40, more than 105 times its original price.

Apple products have always had a certain cult-like following, beloved for their sleek, minimalist design and groundbreaking features. The original iPhone was unveiled by the late Steve Jobs at Macworld, San Francisco, with the well-known phrase "Apple is going to reinvent the phone."

It launched with a 4GB or 8GB capacity, for $499 and $599 respectively, and was the combination of a mobile phone and an iPod, with an internet connection. It also had a 2MP camera, which is nothing compared to today's 200MP camera sensors, but was wildly impressive in 2007.

At the time, Nokia was the world's largest phone maker (remember them?), while Blackberry devices were enjoyed by business users. The iPhone was revolutionary in part because it appealed to the public and cut out hardware buttons seen on most phones to replace them with a touchscreen interface.

It's not hyperbole to say that, 16 years after its launch, the iPhone has become the most iconic electronic device ever invented. The best iPhone devices are still considered the best camera phone by many today, with the Apple iPhone 14 Pro leading the way in 2023.

Is it so hard to believe that this pristine iPhone is worth over $63,000 dollars? First-generation iPhones have previously sold at around $30,000 to blue-chip investors and Apple collectors. And because Karen's phone was in its original sealed packaging, and an 8 GB rather than 4 GB model, its value soared. The phone can't actually be used, as AT&T’s 2.5G Edge network has been shuttered, so its true value lies in the history and the legacy of the device, rather than the material product.

Check out all the iPhone generations to date

The OnePlus 11 5G isn't a Pro model, but don't be fooled – this is the most balanced phone we've seen from OnePlus in years. Despite missing out on wireless charging, it sports a slick glass and metal design, the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon power, and a very attractive price. What's also delightful is the fact that, unlike other recent OnePlus phones, it's launching in the US.

Costing $699 / £729, the OnePlus 11 5G hits the market with plenty of competition. There are the similarly priced 200MP Xiaomi 12T Pro and Motorola Edge 30 Ultra, and it undercuts the iPhone 14 by around $120 / £100. So why's our money on this new OnePlus?

It's one of the first phones to pack the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, so should be a gaming champion. It also includes the same powerful camera system introduced on the OPPO Find N2, and it's very well-priced, given the spec. 

Also read our guide to the best Android phone for photography.

Undercutting top-end flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra also gives OnePlus a pass, so it doesn't have to compete on things like zoom range or pack a huge, Vivo X90 Pro-grade, 1-inch camera sensor. 

As a result, the OnePlus 11 5G doesn't need to be the best camera phone, it just needs to be the best at its price. And you know what? We think it is.

OnePlus 11 5G design

If you're thinking about buying the OnePlus 11 5G, get the black one. It's also available in a fingerprint-loving, glossy green, but the black version feels better and looks fresher for longer. It has a diffuse, matte texture that's rich to the touch, and it's great at fending off smudges.

The phone's screen and back both taper into the metal frame elegantly. Unlike the OnePlus 10T, the 11 5G sports an alert slider, last seen on the OnePlus 10 Pro, and the polished metal frame feels and looks great. 

We like the loud, off-center, circular camera surround. It's a bit of a statement, bleeding into the back of the phone from the side, and the Hasselblad insignia stands out nicely. 

The glass over the cameras feels smooth, though it has a fine craquelure texture beneath it, and tiny micro-dials around the circumference that add a watch-like quality to the bezel.

The 11 5G also has some weight behind it at 205g, feeling both solid and elegant, and it's relatively slender at 8.5mm. There's also a pre-fitted screen protector on the Gorilla Glass Victus screen for added protection. Meanwhile, the back is Gorilla Glass 5, though there is no case in the box or an official water resistance rating.

Ultimately, OnePlus has made a premium-looking, feeling phone with a couple of flourishes that does what it needs to do at its price.

OnePlus 11 5G screen

The OnePlus 11 5G's screen is a Super Fluid AMOLED panel with a 120Hz display, complete with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+. It curves off at either side, so gives the illusion there's less bezel than there is, and as soon as it fires up, looks expansive and high-quality.

At 6.7 inches and with a resolution of 3216 x 1440 pixels, OnePlus brings back the clarity we've come to expect from the line, cramming in 525 pixels in every inch of screen (PPI). That's iPhone 14 Pro-beating levels of sharpness.

OnePlus has included plenty of display settings so you can make the visual experience your own. In addition to dark mode, and other standard features, the phone's Video Enhancement Engine features an Image Sharpener and a Video Color Enhancer, as well as a handy option to brighten up HDR video.

Set the screen refresh rate to either high (120Hz) or standard (60Hz), with the high setting automatically switching down to 60Hz when using an app like Amazon Kindle, which doesn't need silky motion smoothness. 

We had no issues seeing what was on-screen outdoors on a sunny day, and the OnePlus 11 5G's LTPO 3 panel, in general, looks fantastic head-on or off-angle. Animations have punch and pop, illustration-heavy games like Marvel Snap look sumptuous on it, and photo editing in apps like Lightroom are also on the money.

OnePlus 11 camera specs

OnePlus is an OPPO brand, and nowhere is that clearer than in its camera setup. Just like the OPPO Find N2, the OnePlus 11 5G is Hasselblad co-branded. It also shares identical camera hardware with – a 50MP Sony IMX890 at the helm, a 48MP ultra-wide, and a 32MP portrait camera. 

Diving into specifics, the main 50MP camera features a relatively large 1/1.56-inch sensor. It's matched with a six-element lens, optical image stabilization, and a 24mm focal length, as well as an f/1.8 aperture.

The ultra-wide camera has a 1/2-inch Sony IMX581 sensor with a 48MP resolution, as well as an f/2.2 six-element lens with a 115º field of view. As for the 2x zoom portrait camera, its 1/2.74-inch 32MP sensor is matched with a roughly 50mm lens and an f/2.0 aperture.

OnePlus's shooting modes include all the usual suspects – Photo, Video, Portrait, and Night. These are supplemented by the Hasselblad Pro Mode, Panorama, Slow motion, Time-lapse, Film, Long exposure, Dual video, Tilt-Shift, and XPAN mode – results pictured below.

We love the fact OnePlus gives us control over the interface layout, so shooting modes we use frequently are where we need them to be. We're also happy that OnePlus has brought back the Film mode, so can capture LOG-type footage that's ready for editing. In automatic video mode, you can shoot up to 8K resolution at 24fps for plenty of versatility in your edit.

Selfies are shot on the 20MP Sony IMX471-powered front camera, which features a fixed-focus f/2.45 lens and 16MP resolution, complete with support for up to Full HD video capture.

OnePlus 11 5G camera review

What we love about the OnePlus 11 5G's photos is that they almost always look balanced. They aren't the sharpest, they don't pack the most background blur, and they definitely aren't the very best across lighting conditions – but nine times out of ten, they're balanced.

Is this down to the Natural Colour Calibration with Hasselblad optimization we've also seen on recent Oppo phones? Or does the "13-channel multi-spectral sensor for light-color identifying” in this phone actually work? We couldn't tell you why – but we can tell you that the OnePlus 11 5G is a no-frills camera phone champ.

Images from its main camera have a great amount of detail, contrast, and saturation and are usually exposed very well. Dynamic range is broad, but not HDR-effect unrealistic, so should please photo purists and folks who love pulling out shadow detail alike.

Colors also strike a healthy balance of looking both natural and punchy. A photo captured alongside the Galaxy S23 Plus showed Samsung's more aggressive processing compensated for ambient light with a heavily corrected white balance. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 11 5G's photo looked like what the eye saw, delivering a more natural tone.

The OnePlus 11 5G does a good job in low, mixed, or ambient light. Its noise suppression isn't class-leading, but it can still capture a beautiful shot when matched with a steady hand. Below, you can see some examples of hand shake softening the foot shots, though the portrait, taken in the same environment, looks superb given the limited light available.

There's no getting around the fact that both the ultra-wide and portrait cameras are weaker than the main camera, and markedly so in poor light. At its price and positioning, though, they still best the secondary cameras on phones like the Xiaomi 12T Pro by a country mile and benefit from that tasty OnePlus color science.

The ultra-wide in particular doubles up as a macro camera, with a nearest focal distance of around 10cm.

We're excited to see what OnePlus can do with a 1-inch sensor or, less specifically, better hardware. Occasionally, the 11 5G's shutter speed just couldn't keep up with our subjects – the dog picture above was the a crisp shot in a flurry of blurry ones. With a larger sensor and better light-grabbing hardware, though, the OnePlus 11 would be better able to stop time, adding another highlight to its balanced camera.

Selfies from the OnePlus 11 look fine, though the camera is frill-free. No autofocus means you'll want to grab shots at arm's length, but even so, casual shots and video calls are all handled well.

OnePlus 11 5G additional specs

With Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 power, the OnePlus 11 5G goes toe-to-toe with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra when it comes to performance, with both phones scoring around 4850 in Geekbench (multi-core). 

It's no surprise games are handled well, from simpler titles like Marvel Snap, through to the more demanding Genshin Impact, and the phone doesn't get as hot as last year's 8 Gen 1 OnePlus 10 Pro. 

With either 128GB (UFS 3.1) or 256GB (UFS 4.0) storage, there's plenty of space, and the higher-capacity version ships with faster storage and 16GB RAM, so should tear through tasks for years to come. If you like to store tons of offline content or capture a lot of 4K or 8K footage, there's no SD card slot – just a dual-SIM slot, so pick up the higher-capacity option, and the phone also supports eSIM as well.

Running Android 13 – the latest version of Google's OS, with OnePlus's OxygenOS 13, the OnePlus 11 5G is future-proofed from a software point of view too. App support is excellent, and the interface, which feels like a love child between OxygenOS of old and Oppo's ColorOS, performed well in our week with the phone.

The large 5000mAh battery also helps the OnePlus 11 5G last all day, irrespective of whether you're taking a lot of photos or gaming on the go, and with its very fast 100W charging speeds, you can power up in under half an hour, with 12 minutes of charging taking the battery to 50 percent. 

The lack of wireless charging initially put us off, but when you consider the phone's price, and the convenience its fast charging offers, the OnePlus 11 5G battery package is still a good one.

OnePlus 11 5G verdict

If we could use one word to describe the OnePlus 11 5G, it would be "balanced". The phone balances a very fair price with a rich feature set and a powerful camera system, and importantly – doesn't pull up any real red flags. 

By going back to its roots, OnePlus has created a phone that doesn't need to compete on every single feature. It costs less than the incredibly expensive iPhone 14 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, so its zoom range can afford to be pared back, and the lack of wireless charging isn't a deal-breaker.

In the core areas you need your smartphone to be great – design, screen, primary camera, performance, battery life – OnePlus absolutely nails it. While in the past, therefore, we weren't sold on OnePlus being absorbed into Oppo, if this phone's anything to go by, the future is once again bright for this once plucky upstart.

Pre-order the OnePlus 11 5G at the OnePlus store

For a great alternative to the OnePlus 11 5G that costs a bit more, but levels up the camera zoom, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is a fine choice – and if you want a lower-cost Pixel, check out our best Google Pixel phones guide to help you find the right one for you.

It's not always easy finding the best deals on Samsung's latest devices, but if you buy at the right time or from the right retailer you can often find a saving. These are the best deals on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra right now, which has recently been launched by Samsung at the 2023 Galaxy Unpacked event.

Our aim is to help you find the best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra deals available right now.

We know that the latest flagship from Samsung may never be as cheap, compared to other Android devices such as the best Google phones. But that extra investment gets you a device that regularly sits atop our list of the best camera phones available today.

And the good news is that Samsung deals are fairly regular. The biggest reductions are often saved for the biggest sales events of the year, but you can usually find a discount or two every so often.

Best Samsung S23 Ultra deals:

The headline feature of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is its brand-new 200MP primary camera sensor, almost a two times increase from the S22, it also eclipses the latest 50MP sensors in the latest iPhone 14 Max and Google Pixel Pro 7. Samsung's Expert RAW app can now record images in 50MP (previously 12MP on the Galaxy S22), giving even more control in editing for serious phone photographers.

For video, the S23 Ultra can shoot 8K at 30fps with a viewing angle of 57-80 degrees. Samsung is claiming merging pixels on the 200MP sensor will work to create a more cinematic look. An improved adaptive VDIS (image stabilization) system now uses AI to analyze subject movement and lighting conditions to improve performance.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with a 6.8" QHD+screen with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, a first for the smartphone industry. The S23 Ultra screen is curved on the sides, but less severe than last year's model, offering more flat surface than available on last year's model.

Samsung's new Advanced Vision Booster mode is an automatic color management system for its latest screens that adjust the screen temperature, colors, and contrast for three different ambient lighting conditions and eye comfort.

The S23 Ultra is powered by the very latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. Samsung claims the new Galaxy series offers the best mobile gaming experience available, supported by a large 5000mAh battery.

An updated One UI 5.1 offers modes and routines for different parts of your day such as sleeping, driving, or at work. Bixby Text Call will also now allow users to respond to phone calls with a voice-dictated text from the call screen. And Samsung Notes now allows collaborative editing in a Google Meet video call.

For more details read our Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review and check out the best Galaxy S23 Ultra cases

You might also like to see the best flip phones & best fold phones, and find out why our expert reviewer thinks that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is THE best choice for photographers (at the time of writing, at least).

Canon is taking further steps into the world of virtual reality with Kokomo Solution – VR software that enables face-to-face communication in a virtual space with live-action video. 

Canon first unveiled Kokomo at CES 2022, describing it as a product that offers a "real together experience", but back then it was still in its infancy. Now Canon has announced that a free early access version will be available from February. 

Kokomo works alongside compatible VR headsets, such as the Meta Quest 2 (previously known as the Oculus Quest 2). Without the need for complicated multi-camera setups, family and friends from all over the world can easily communicate in a virtual space that feels intimate.

• These are the best VR headsets for a 360° experience

Using an app on a compatible smartphone, such as the iPhone 14 Pro or Google Pixel 7, users can connect with callers who also have a compatible headset and communicate as if they were face-to-face. In a post-pandemic world where video calls have become the norm, applications such as Kokomo provide a solution to interacting with friends, families or colleagues that don't live locally in a way that feels more personal. 

The software works using image processing developed by Canon, which recreates the user's face and space captured through the smartphone app, enabling users to make an “Immersive Call”.

When using a compatible smartphone that can capture full body images, the user can also interact using gestures – while a built-in media player enables users to share videos and photos in a virtual world. 

As well as the default virtual space, which allows users to interact in a relaxed and chilled environment, users can also choose different spaces in which to hold a call – such as 'Malibu Trailer' modeled on Malibu, California, 'North Shore' or 'Mountain Tea House'. At CES 2023, people were also able to test out a brand new VR experience inspired by M Night Shyamalan's new film, Knock at the Cabin. 

As VR headsets continue to drop in price and become more accessible, these apps are almost certain to become increasingly common. With software such as Kokomo Solution, communication with friends and family who live far away has never been so "real".

Check out the best Canon cameras including a range of classic DSLRs and the latest mirrorless systems

Motorola has become known for churning out capable midrange and budget phones, but it's failed to take on the mightiest camera phone competition – but that changes with the premium Edge 30 Ultra. 

The first seriously high-end phone from Motorola in years, the Edge 30 Ultra combines flagship power with a strikingly elegant design, complete with tapered edges and a slim profile. 

Also headline-grabbing in the camera department, the Edge 30 Ultra is the first phone to bring a 200MP camera system to market.

With tons of pixels spread across a sensor that’s larger than that of an iPhone 14 Pro, it’ll be interesting to see whether Motorola’s Edge 30 Ultra can best Apple's mightiest iPhone to date in the camera department.

While Motorola phones haven't always hit the mark with their photo processing, with any luck, this ultra-premium package will combine great-looking, sounding hardware and upgraded image processing.

Also read our guide to the best Android phones.

Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and screen

The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra combines curved glass on the front and back with an aluminum frame, so instantly feels premium. 

It's thin, at 8.4mm, and not too heavy at 198.5g, but it's still a handful thanks to its large 6.67-inch display. Elegant in the hand, rich to the touch, on first impression, the Edge 30 Ultra is a winning piece of design. 

On the bottom side of the phone is a USB-C port, a loudspeaker, and a SIM tray. To the right is a volume rocker and power button, and at the top, a Dolby Atomos insignia, foreshadowing decent quality stereo sound.

Understated, the phone's glass back is finished with a matte texture that has a diffuse look, so doesn't reflect light or hold onto fingerprints with any intention. We reviewed the Interstellar Black model, though it's also available in Starlight White.

All things considered, we’re big fans of the Edge 30 Ultra’s design. It reminds us that Motorola is still relevant in the high-end space, even after years of churning out affordable phones.

Also impressive is the Edge 30 Ultra’s screen. It’s an OLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, so looks super-smooth and very punchy. 

Motorola has tuned the colors to strike a fine balance between vibrant and natural, and with its 10-bit coverage, gradients look smooth, and HDR10+ video is supported.

Perhaps one area the Edge 30 Ultra falls behind top-tier flagships like the Oppo Find X5 Pro is resolution. With 1080 x 2400 pixels, Motorola's phone is slightly less sharp than the finest iPhones and Samsung Galaxys. Nevertheless, only real pixel peepers will consider the Edge 30 Ultra unsharp, given it still crams 395 pixels in every inch of screen.

With its beaming 1250 nits maximum brightness, even in sunny climes, it's easy to see what's on your screen, and thanks to a host of customization options within the settings, you can also adjust the display settings to tweak saturation and color balance to best suit your tastes.

Motorola Edge 30 Ultra camera specs

The big-hitting news when it comes to the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra's camera is that it features a primary 200MP sensor, which is Samsung's latest, ISOCELL HP1. This is a 1/1.22-inch sensor, which is physically larger than the sensor in the iPhone 14 Pro Max – a mighty spec considering the phone is significantly cheaper.

The 200MP sensor captures 12.5MP photos by default thanks to its 16-to-one pixel binning. The camera also benefits from OIS and a wide f/1.9 aperture lens.

The two other cameras on the Edge 30 Ultra are less standout, with the 12MP telephoto camera only delivering a two-times zoom range and a very traditional 12MP resolution. 

Thankfully, Motorola still includes a competitive ultra-wide camera, combining a 50MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, a large 1/2.76-inch sensor, and autofocus. The latter point means the Edge 30 Ultra's ultra-wide camera can capture macro shots as well as traditional ultra-wide landscape-style photos.

The big pixel counts aren't limited to the back of the phone – the selfie camera is a 60MP module with an f/2.2 lens and a 1/2.8-inch sensor – impressive on paper for a front camera. Employing four-in-one pixel binning, it captures 15MP photos as standard.

The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra's shooting modes are very traditional and include Slow motion, Photo, Video, Portrait, Pro, Panorama, Dual capture (across photo and video), Night vision, Document scan, Spot color, Ultra-Res, and Timelapse. 

Ultra-Res is Motorola's brand of 200MP, full resolution capture, while Dual capture takes a photo or video with both the front and rear cameras simultaneously with a split-screen view.

The Edge 30 Ultra's large, high-res sensor can also shoot video at up to 8K resolution, and if you're happy with 4K capture, you can also turn on HDR10 recording.

Motorola Edge 30 Ultra camera review

You can see the three optical focal lengths of the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra below as you scroll through the pictures. The photos are taken at three selectable ranges within the UI – 0.5x, 1x, and 2x.

In addition to illustrating the optical focal lengths, the images below also showcase the difference between the three cameras when shooting in challenging lighting. The primary camera is clearly the best performer, gathering more information from darker areas, while the secondary cameras struggle.

While the three cameras don't capture equally impressive photos at night, in bright scenes, they all do at least a good job, though none win us over entirely owing to Motorola's image processing. Photos pack over zealously boosted contrast, so the Edge 30 Ultra's camera hardware is ultimately held back by the camera's processing.

Evenly-lit, light subjects, like the sheet below, captured using the macro mode with the ultra-wide camera, look good and are rich in detail. Darker elements, though, like the coffee grounds, disappear into a blob of amorphous black.

Some will likely appreciate Motorola's pre-filtered aesthetic. Traditionalists, however, will resent needing to dial back contrast or shoot in RAW to capture photos with any dynamic range in the shadows.

Shoot in RAW or with a third-party camera app, including Lightroom, and the results are generally more reliable when it comes to shadow detail. 

Despite our quibbles with the Edge 30 Ultra's heavy-handed contrast, there's a lot we like about its camera system. The ultra-wide camera is powerful, and generally, the camera system's colors looked on point. 

The primary camera's huge sensor also captures beautifully shallow depth of field when shooting nearby subjects, and the Ultra-Res mode retains a lot of detail when lighting is ideal. 

As for the selfie camera, the Edge 30 Ultra's is one of the most flattering around. Turn off all the AI enhancements, and it still applies a beauty filter – there's no way the photo above isn't enhanced in some way to smooth out skin and brighten elements like eyes and dark circles.

All things considered, while the Edge 30 Ultra's camera still falls victim to much of what makes every other Motorola phone inferior to top performers, thanks to its lower price and powerful hardware, the camera system is still a mighty package. This is especially true when it's matched with one of the best camera apps, or if you capture photos in RAW.

Motorola Edge 30 Ultra additional specs

Running Android 12, Motorola's flagship supports a wealth of apps out of the box – all you need is a Google account to get you off the ground. It's also loaded up with plenty of value adds out of the box in Motorola's Ready For feature.

Ready For activates when you plug your compatible Motorola phone into a PC or external monitor and offers different experiences for each.

Hooked up to a Windows device, the Edge 30 Ultra can display apps, mirror your phone UI, use the handset as a webcam, and activate wired tethering on your computer. 

Hooked up to a display via HDMI to USB-C, the phone can project a desktop UI to the screen, so it's poised for mouse and keyboard productivity. It can also shortcut you straight to big-screen gaming, video calling, or watching with compatible apps like Netflix and Disney+.

Married with the Edge 30 Ultra's mighty Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, up to 512GB storage and either 8GB or 12GB RAM, and whichever way you cut it, the Edge 30 Ultra is a productivity powerhouse and a confident gaming phone too.

Biometric security is also handled by an in-display fingerprint scanner that was responsive in our time with it, and there's also support for Face unlocking within the settings.

While the phone's battery is a bit smaller than many competing options at 4610mAh, it still comfortably saw us through a full day, and the fact it combines very fast 125W charging and 50W wireless charging means that even if you need a midday top-up, it won't take long.

Motorola Edge 30 Ultra verdict

If the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra's camera software processed out photos with a bit more nuance, the phone would have been a hands-down five-star option. Its design, screen, performance, and camera hardware all help it shine.

We don't even mind the phone's limited telephoto reach, given the fact it's priced so fairly – significantly less than the priciest Androids or iPhones.

For most, therefore, the Edge 30 Ultra is a very smart option. While discerning photographers will resent Motorola's heavy-handed image processing, there are still ways around this, so while it misses out on being one of the best camera phones of 2023, based on value and overall performance, it's still one of the best smartphones out now.

If you're thinking about a Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and want to try Ready For, check out some USB-C hub options to help you hook it up to an external display. 

Alternatively, for a phone range with more nuanced photo processing and similarly great value, have a look at the best Google Pixel phones to see which might be right for you.

The latest rumors suggest that we just might have a little more to look forward to with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, due out this October. Reports suggest that we are going to be treated to the 48-megapixel sensor seen on last year's iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models.

Apple's updates to its latest vanilla iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus were a little bit disappointing, offering basically the same phone as the previous year. There is nothing inherently wrong with that, as the iPhone 14 still is one of our best camera phones and on our best iPhone for photography list, but it would have been great to see some new features to get excited about on its midrange device.

Current intel from 9to5 Mac suggests that Apple will stick with the two-camera setup on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, with the 'standard' wide lens getting the three-stacked 48MP sensor. It is looking unlikely that the vanilla iPhones will inherit the telephoto lens or LiDAR system from the Pro models, as Apple will most likely want that to remain a selling point of their more expensive phones. 

The 48MP sensor on the iPhone 14 Pro is excellent and is a major step up from the 12MP sensor found on the regular 14 models. Not only can you get bigger photos, with more sharpness and clarity, but it also allows a huge raft of new features including Apple's 2x oversampled digital zoom, better natural subject isolation, and all the deep-fusion AI technology Apple is working on, as well as RAW photos.

A lot of mid-range Samsung phones and Google Pixel phones, including the excellent Google Pixel 6a, have had large megapixel sensors for a while, so it is good to see Apple keeping up with the competition in this department.

Rumors suggest Apple might also have a special camera announcement poised for the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max (or iPhone Ultra if rumors are to be believed), with reports suggesting that we might see the debut of a 12-megapixel 6x telephone periscope lens, which will also function as a 3x zoom. This will be in addition to the regular wide angle, and super-wide camera lenses that are mainstays on the iPhone range.

You can find out more about the best camera phones, the best budget camera phones, and the best lenses for iPhone.

Apple had a strong 2022, with a raft of updates to their popular products, including the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, and the M2 iPad Pro.

Apple's iPhone for photography lineup continues to include some of the best camera phones out there, and its new models add ProRAW image capabilities. Its iPad range still continues to dominate tablets market as well as our list of best tablets for photo editing. New and improved in 2022 with the latest powerful M2 processors, the gap between laptops and tablets is shrinking fast.

Apple's latest M2 processors in its MacBook range also bring its raw power to photo editing, making the MacBooks some of the best photo-editing laptops on the planet. We can't wait to see what Apple has in store in 2023 and hope that it has a few shocking reveals for photographers and creatives alike.

What could we see from Apple iPhone in 2023?

Apple's iPhone 14 range was another round of fantastic upgrades and still sits very pretty on our list of best camera phones. But honestly, they were a little boring compared to previous years. With only minor redesigns to the cameras and body, the biggest new feature was the nice but gimmicky dynamic island. Does Apple have anything more significant coming for its iPhones?

iPhone 15 / iPhone 15 Plus

Based on current rumors and speculation, it looks like we are due an incremental upgrade for the base-level iPhone next year. Last year, Apple ditched the iPhone Mini and replaced it with the 6.7" Plus, and this looks likely to stay, with Apple planning to release both the regular (6.1") and Plus size again. 

Design-wise, expect much of the same, with maybe a few new color choices. There is a chance that this year we might see USB-C finally arrive on iPhone, but don't count your chickens, as the EU has given Apple until 2024 to comply. The biggest change to expect is the addition of the dynamic island, which was reserved for only the top-tier phones in 2022.

In terms of camera specifications, it looks like the iPhone 15 will inherit last year's cameras from the iPhone 14 Pro, which will be a nice step up from the current model – but it's never exciting to get old tech. We will also be looking at an upgrade to the A16 processor featured in last year's Pro model. 

iPhone 15 Pro

Not much is currently known about the regular old iPhone 15 Pro, with much of the buzz going to its larger sibling (below). 

What we can expect though is a similar design to last year, with the stainless steel frame and glass sandwich and a 6.1" screen. There is a rumor that the back panel will be slightly more rounded at the edge to make it more comfortable to hold, but that has been disputed by other sources.

If the USB-C port makes it to any iPhone in 2023, you can probably expect the Pro to be included.

Based on previous history, the Pro phone would also likely get upgraded to the latest Apple A17 processor, with all the power and performance boosts that it brings. In the camera department, while nothing is confirmed, it would be very surprising not to see some improved sensors in the Pro, combined with some new AI and deep learning tricks from the latest A17 processor.

There is a rumor that Apple is testing under-display fingerprint readers in its iPhones. These have featured in the best Android phones for a few years and have gotten very good in the last couple of generations, so it is about time for Apple to add them as a sign-in option. Although don't expect face ID to go anywhere; Apple would most likely offer both sign-in methods.

iPhone 15 Ultra

Apple is heavily rumored to be replacing the iPhone Pro Max version with a new iPhone 15 Ultra. This would closely follow its strategy with the Apple Watch, which last year got an Ultra version, with a slew of new features, and a hefty price increase. 

We don't quite know what features Apple might add to this Ultra version yet. The Watch Ultra was a more rugged adventure watch, but that wouldn't really make sense for an iPhone. Although we could see the titanium frame from the Watch Ultra make its move to iPhone.

We could finally see the long-rumored debut of a periscope lens in an iPhone, which would give Apple's flagship the optical zoom reach to match up with the latest Pixel 7 Pro or even Samsung's monster 10x optical zoom in the Samsung S22 Ultra.

Might we even see the debut of the M2 chip in a smartphone? Or at least an M2 Lite? This is pure speculation, however, Apple's in-house chips are by far and away its biggest success story from the last few years, so it's likely they would be pleased to grab more headlines with their silicon.

Something we do think we know is the price. It is expected that the Apple iPhone 15 Ultra will come with at least a $200 price increase. If this is $200 on top of last year's price remains to be seen, as the entire iPhone range might be in for a price hike.

iPhone SE

Currently, no new iPhone SE is expected until 2024. The current iPhone SE is one of our best budget phones but is already falling behind the stiff competition as companies like Samsung release newer budget models like the excellent Pixel 6a.

What could we see from Apple iPad in 2023?

iPad Pro

It is likely that Apple will release a new and updated iPad Pro in the next 12 months. Apple released the last two iPad Pros in April 2021 and October 2022.

We should probably expect the latest iPad to come with new Apple M3 silicon, with Apple consistently updating the M chip in the previous two models year after year.

The biggest change we are expecting is in the screen size, with a colossal 16-inch iPad Pro potentially on the way. There are also rival reports suggesting that this might be limited to just 14.1 inches. Apple made a lot of changes to iPadOS to make it easier to multitask and use peripherals, so a 14.1 or 16-inch iPad would essentially release Apple's goal of making the iPad Pro into a legitimate laptop competitor. However a bigger screen certainly comes with a bigger price, so don't expect this 16-inch iPad to come cheap.

In the design department, everything looks set to remain the same, with the same mini-LED screen being used on the latest models. It does look like the front camera might move to the long edge, which would match Apple's move on the regular iPad 10.2" last year.

The rest of the range

We don't have much to go on for the rest of the iPad range. Apple has overhauled the design of the regular iPad, the iPad Air, and the iPad Mini substantially in the last couple of generations, so we would not be expecting anything major in that department. We may see re-releases of essentially the same models as the current generation, but with slightly newer chips.

What could we see from Apple MacBook in 2023?

MacBook Pro

We look set to see a new pair of 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros in the first half of 2023. After last year's debut of the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips in the MacBook Pros, we will very likely see the M2 Pro and M2 Max silicon in these latest models. 

This would continue Apple's slightly confusing strategy of debuting its chips in a 13-inch model and then releasing these upgraded versions. So we might also see a 13-inch MacBook Pro towards the end of the year with an M3 chip.

Everything else on the new 14 and 16-inch models looks set to stay the same, with a pretty significant overhaul coming to the MacBooks last year with the return of MagSafe, the HDMI port, and much improved webcams.

MacBook Air

The MacBook Air got the M2 chip at the end of last year, as well as a very nice new blue option for the chassis. Based on current rumors, don't expect much beyond the potential upgrade to the latest M3 chip, and maybe some fun new color options.

What could we see from Apple Mac in 2023?

iMacs

Are we finally going to see the iMac Pro? Apple released the excellent iMac 24-inch M1 in 2021. This came with a very good screen, but not up to the lofty standards of designers and artists. The M1 chip in the 2021 model has also now been completely eclipsed by the latest coming from Apple's design department.

Pros across the world have been crying out for an iMac Pro ever since the previous version was discontinued in 2021. Apple has shown it is capable of producing some of the best screens in the world with its Apple Studio Display, and its M1 Ultra is setting benchmarks on fire. So is the time for an iMac Pro now? Rumors from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo certainly think so, and we really hope they are right!

Mac Studio

We last saw an update to the Mac Studio in April last year, which added the latest and most powerful processors with the M1 Pro and M1 Ultra. The Mac Studio is a fantastic compact little desktop, so we are not expecting much to change with the design, but we are hoping for a new Mac Studio with upgraded M2 Max and Ultra chips that offer even more raw power!

Bonus Rumors

VR / AR Headset

Apple is rumored to have a new VR/AR headset coming out in 2023 to rival the Meta Quest 2 and the best VR headsets. You can read the latest in this report from Tom's Guide.

A Car

In 2014 Apple started working on "Project Titan", which allegedly was an attempt to build a car to rival the latest Teslas. This project is rumored to have been scaled back quite dramatically in the latest round of fiscal tightening. However, the project is now rumored to be for semi-autonomous self-driving technology.

Apple isn't just the iPhone company, and we are likely to see a lot of other updates coming to Apple's ecosystem, with potential upgrades to its Watches, AirPods range, Beats headphones, AirTags, and more. Apple might even be buying a soccer team. 

What else might we see making its way from the depths of Apple's R&D department next year? Stay tuned for all the latest Apple rumors. You can also check out our guides to the best camera phones, the best tablets for photo editing, and the best photo-editing laptops.

Back at the end of October, when the rumor that the iPhone 15 Ultra, believed to be replacing the iPhone 14 Pro Max, would be made from titanium rather than a stainless steel casing, which Apple's been using since the 2017 iPhone X, we said it would be expensive. Now the usually reliable @LeaksApplePro, who dropped the titanium bombshell has leaked, writing for HowToiSolve (via TechRadar) that the iPhone 15 Ultra might start at up to $1,299 (but didn’t provide pricing for other regions).

• These are the best iPhones for photography

Titanium is one of the costliest industrial metals – at least ten times the price of stainless steel – so we knew if this rumor were to be true there would certainly be a price hike for the consumer. Using @LeaksApplePro’s $1,299 starting price and comparing it to the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s starting price of $1,099 / £1,199 / AU$1,899, means a minimum increase of $200 / £230 / AU$350. 

A $200 price hike is a biggy, especially in today’s troubled economic climate, but we are still excited about the iPhone 15 Ultra for a number of reasons, not least the titanium body, which would mean Apple is either building an immensely strong phone or a very light one (without sacrificing strength). Compared to stainless steel, at the same weight, titanium’s strength-to-weight ratio means it can provide the same strength at 40 percent of the weight. 

iPhone 15 Ultra: Rumors so far 

As well as the rumored titanium body and price hike, there are other exciting leaks around the expected flagship, which is said to come with upwards of 256GB of storage – twice that of the 128GB starting capacity of the iPhone 14 Pro Max – another rumor that makes you think the price hike may be warranted.

Again from the prolific, yet anonymous, @LeaksApplePro, this time speaking directly to Fobes has said that the transition back to curved edges – a look that goes back to the 2013 iPhone 5C which was arguably Apple’s best phone ergonomically – is under “strong consideration” but hasn’t yet been decided upon.

Earlier this month we got new intel, courtesy of MacRumors, that suggested that the two high-end iPhone models will feature haptic buttons on the side and create larger differentiation between Pro and non-Pro handsets. The benefit of this is that there would be fewer entry points for dirt and water to get into the handset. 

Another recent rumor says we can’t expect the long-awaited Apple chip to debut until at least 2025 and so Qualcomm is predicted to remain the supplier of modems for all iPhone 15 and indeed iPhone 16 models instead. Currently, then, it’s expected that all iPhone 15 models, including the Ultra, will be powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X70 modem, which was announced in February.

@LeaksApplePro, responsible for many of the rumors we’ve shared here has also said the Dynamic Island to stop being a Pro exclusive and feature in all models instead, and all models in the iPhone 15 series ditching the Lightning port in favor of USB Type-C. 

Analyst and leaker Ming-Chi Kuo (via TechRadar) who has a decent track record for Apple information, also alleges that all models in the upcoming iPhone 15 family will have a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port. In his series of tweets, Kuo claims that only the two tiger-end models will benefit from the extra speed potential of USB-C. The two higher-end models will supposedly support either USB-C 3.2 data transfer speeds -which can reach 20Gbps - or Thunderbolt 3 speeds - which can achieve up to 40Gbps.

The Apple iPhone 14 sees the newer SoC on the Pro model only and @LeaksApplePro says this will also be the case next year with standard iPhone 15 models getting the A16 Bionic and the Pro models featuring an all-new A17 one. 

Again from the mouth of @LeaksApplePro,  Apple may be working on 8K video recording support and the tech giant is looking to improve battery life for the new series. It’s rumored that on the iPhone 15 Ultra model, Apple is aiming for the battery to last 3-4 hours longer.

Lastly, earlier this month, a new leak from Nikkei (via SonyAlphaRumours said that Sony will supply Apple with its latest state-of-the-art CMOS image sensor and that the new component is expected to feature in the iPhone 15 series. Sony's new image sensor will give roughly double the saturation signal level in each pixel – that's compared to a conventional camera phone sensor, meaning that iPhone 15 Ultra users would be able to capture far better-quality photos compared to the iPhone 14, thanks to all the extra light and could potentially expect overexposure and underexposure to become a thing of the past.

The iPhone 15 family, including the iPhone 15 Ultra,  is expected to launch in September 2023, in line with Apple’s standard launch model, and we can expect many more leaks and rumors before then.