Shootouts

This is the best smartphone camera of 2017

By Alvin Soon - 4 Feb 2018

Seeing in low light

HTC U11. f/1.7 at 4.28mm, 1/17 sec, ISO 457.

Seeing in low light

Shooting in low light is one of the most challenging situations for any camera, but especially smartphone cameras. Their smaller sensors can gather less light than cameras with larger sensors, and the struggle can result in more noise and smudged detail.

Winners: Samsung Note8

The Samsung Note8 turns in an excellent performance when it comes to low light photography. It manages to retain image details, while keeping image noise to a minimum. The HTC U11 comes in a close second, but it produces more image noise with less detail.

As for the other smartphones, the Apple iPhone X continues its history of smudging details once the light goes dim. To its credit, its OIS is better than the Note8’s, keeping more low light images steady and sharp.

The Google Pixel 2 XL curiously falters in low light, with more image noise than the Note8. If you apply some noise reduction in post, however, they still look really good. The Huawei Mate 10 Pro manages to keep noise levels down but at the expense of fine details. 

The LG V30+ and Sony Xperia XZ Premium are plagued by loss of image details and high noise levels in low light, and the Xperia XZ is weakened further by its lack of optical image stabilization.

Join HWZ's Telegram channel here and catch all the latest tech news!
Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.