Want to take the absolute best photos possible with your phone? Choosing which smartphone to use is more difficult than ever.
In 2024, there’s an array of superb camera phones to choose from, including the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Google Pixel 8 Pro, Honor Magic 6 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
As you can see, the majority of these are Android phones. Recent iPhone models are right up there, but Android handsets match and even surpass Apple in some areas.
However, it’s a different story with regard to video. The iPhone 15 range has a significant lead in terms of both quality and consistency, with 2022’s iPhone 14 handsets not far behind. Even the best current Android flagships can’t compete.
In short, if video is a top priority for you, get an iPhone. It’s no wonder most content creators on the likes of TikTok and Instagram aren’t using a Samsung or Google phone.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
I saw this first-hand when using the Honor Magic 6 Pro at a music festival recently. It took some superb photos, and I personally liked the video I was able to capture, but there were undeniable flaws with the footage.
Colour accuracy and exposure were slightly off on more than one occasion, while it often struggled to know what to focus on. These issues are easy to excuse in personal use, but mean you simply can’t rely on it for anything more serious.
It’s no wonder most content creators aren’t using a Samsung or Google phone
The experience hasn’t been identical with every Android phone I’ve tested, although all have had issues with video quality in some shape or form. The footage isn’t bad, it’s just a big step down from stills, making it unsuitable for most professional scenarios.
It doesn’t help that optical image stabilisation (OIS), present on at least one lens of practically every mid-range and flagship Android phone, is noticeably worse at enabling smooth video than the iPhone.
Sadly, this applies to both front and rear cameras, with the former particularly important for video calls and social media content. If you want to look your best on video, an iPhone is still the way to go.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
It’s difficult to understand why this disparity still exists. Android phones have some of the most advanced camera hardware around, while the quality of stills proves that most companies are getting it right in terms of software processing.
My only explanation is that video quality is a priority for Apple in a way that no Android phone maker is willing to match. The iPhone has a reputation as a device that filmmakers and vloggers use, so Apple needs to cater to that market.
That’s reflected in marketing, with Android companies focusing heavily on promoting the quality and versatility of the phone for photos, with video often only getting a quick mention.
The quality of stills proves that most Android phone companies are getting it right in terms of software processing
As someone who regularly switches Android phones but rarely uses an iPhone, this drop-off in video quality is very frustrating. With a bit of luck, the growing influence of AI on smartphones will help Android handsets to close the gap, but it could also enable Apple to extend its lead.
But until then, anyone getting a phone for their video-loving mother should follow Apple CEO Tim Cook’s advice and “buy your mom an iPhone”.
See our round-up of the best iPhone models to buy right now. Alternatively, our overall best smartphones guide includes both iPhone and Android phones.
