In the fiercely competitive world of flagship smartphones, night photography and videography capabilities have become a crucial benchmark for determining the best device. The in-depth comparison video below from Techmo explores the performance of the Vivo X200 Pro, OnePlus 13, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and Galaxy S24 Ultra across various camera features, from portrait mode to telephoto lenses. By analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, you’ll gain valuable insights to help you decide which smartphone best suits your needs for capturing stunning low-light images and videos.
Portrait Mode: Balancing Bokeh and Detail
Portrait mode is a true test of a smartphone’s ability to create DSLR-like bokeh effects while maintaining the integrity of fine details. In this category, the Vivo X200 Pro stood out from the competition, delivering natural-looking bokeh and enhanced detail retention. However, it occasionally struggled with over-smoothing skin textures, which may be a concern for some users. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, on the other hand, faced challenges with inconsistent white balance and visible grain in low-light portrait shots, detracting from the overall image quality.
The OnePlus 13 provided reliable results in portrait mode, but its limited aspect ratio and zoom options may restrict creative flexibility. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max excelled in accurately capturing skin tones, a crucial aspect of portrait photography. However, it fell short in preserving intricate details, particularly in hair and telephoto portraits, which may disappoint those who prioritize fine textures.
Selfie Camera: Prioritizing Natural Skin Tones
For selfie enthusiasts, the accuracy of skin tones is a top priority. In this regard, the iPhone 16 Pro Max emerged as the leader, consistently producing natural-looking results across a range of lighting conditions. The Vivo X200 Pro, despite its strengths in other areas, struggled to match the consistency of its rivals in selfie mode. Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and OnePlus 13 delivered acceptable selfie results, but they lacked the refinement and accuracy seen in the iPhone’s output.
Main Lens: Mastering Low-Light Performance
The main lens is the backbone of any smartphone camera, and its performance in low-light conditions is a critical factor. The Vivo X200 Pro demonstrated exceptional capabilities in this area, capturing night scenes with well-balanced white balance and effective light management. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra struggled with overexposed highlights, especially in snowy environments, and exhibited noticeable grain in low-light shots.
The OnePlus 13 introduced a warm orange tint to its low-light images, which may appeal to some users but could be considered a drawback by others. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, while delivering consistent results, failed to impress with its low-light performance, producing images that lacked the wow factor.
Ultrawide Lens: Capturing the Bigger Picture
Ultrawide photography poses unique challenges for smartphones, as they must maintain detail and minimize noise across a wider field of view. In this category, the Vivo X200 Pro proved to be the frontrunner, offering well-balanced details and minimal noise in its ultrawide shots. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, however, struggled with excessive noise and inconsistent white balance, which detracted from the overall image quality.
The OnePlus 13 faced issues with exposure shifts that compromised the quality of its ultrawide images. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, while producing acceptable results, delivered muted colors that lacked the vibrancy and impact of its competitors.
Telephoto Lens: Zooming in on the Details
Telephoto lenses play a crucial role in capturing distant subjects with clarity and detail. In this category, the Vivo X200 Pro emerged as the undisputed champion, thanks to its large sensor that enables exceptional light capture and detail retention, even in challenging low-light conditions. The OnePlus 13 performed admirably for its price point but couldn’t quite match the fine detail achieved by the Vivo.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra offered decent stabilization in its telephoto shots but fell short in terms of detail preservation. Unfortunately, the iPhone 16 Pro Max struggled with noise and delivered underwhelming results, making it the weakest performer in the telephoto category.
Video Performance: Balancing Stabilization and Detail
Night videography requires a delicate balance between stabilization and detail retention. The Galaxy S24 Ultra excelled in this area, producing smooth and stable footage even in low-light conditions. The Vivo X200 Pro captured impressive details in its videos but suffered from noticeable shakiness, which may be a concern for some users.
The OnePlus 13 struggled with exposure control, resulting in inconsistent video quality. The iPhone 16 Pro Max faced recurring issues with green dots appearing in its footage, significantly impacting the overall video quality and making it the least impressive performer in this category.
- Vivo X200 Pro: Exceptional telephoto performance and balanced results across other modes.
- OnePlus 13: Strong overall performance, but held back by quirks in its camera app.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: Showed potential but struggled with ultrawide and portrait modes.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Persistent issues with green dots and underwhelming telephoto results.
Summary
If night photography and videography are your top priorities, the Vivo X200 Pro offers the most well-rounded package, with its superior telephoto lens performance and consistently high image quality across various modes. The OnePlus 13 and Galaxy S24 Ultra provide competitive alternatives, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max falls short, particularly in low-light scenarios, making it the least attractive option for night photography enthusiasts.
By understanding the unique capabilities and limitations of each flagship smartphone, you can make an informed decision and choose the device that aligns with your creative goals and preferences. Whether you prioritize portrait mode, selfie quality, or telephoto performance, this comprehensive comparison provides the insights you need to capture stunning night photos and videos with your chosen smartphone.
Source & Image Credit: Techmo
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.