More than just snapshots: the most popular smartphones with top cameras

No smartphone can do without a camera. But the image quality is often just enough for uploading to the Instagram profile. But there are also models that can seriously compete with digital cameras.

They are ready to go immediately, deliver excellent image quality and some models are so robust that they cannot be harmed by water, dust or falls: digital cameras are still indispensable for ambitious photographers or for special areas of application. Otherwise, the smartphone is usually sufficient if it has a usable camera. A clear advantage: the device is almost always at hand when you need it. In addition, the images can be edited and shared online right away. The price comparison at guenstiger.de has selected the currently most popular models.

Nokia Lumia 1020

With the Lumia 1020, Nokia has released a 4.5 inch smartphone that also impresses professional photographers with its camera qualities. The 41 megapixel sensor delivers images with a resolution of up to 38 megapixels. This is much too big to share and send, so you can optionally save a copy in 5-megapixel format. Thanks to the BSI structure (Back Side Illumination), the sensor is very light-sensitive, which enables relatively low-noise night shots. A xenon flash also provides good illumination in the dark. Also on board are an autofocus, an integrated image stabilizer and a stepless quadruple zoom. Videos are recorded in full HD quality.

The special camera application from Nokia adjusts itself automatically to the respective recording situation, otherwise certain settings such as focus and shutter speed can also be set yourself. The Vyclone app can also be used to combine various film recordings into one video. The software also synchronizes and processes material from different users. Nokia's Lumia 1020 is currently available from 370 euros.

Nokia Lumia 925

The Lumia 925 measures 4.5 inches.

(Photo: Nokia)

At 158 ​​grams, the Lumia 1020 is not exactly lightweight. If you prefer something slimmer, the Lumia 925 is a device that also uses Pureview technology and, like the top mop model, comes with a Carl Zeiss lens and six lenses. Otherwise, the equipment is a bit more modest: the camera has a resolution of 8.7 megapixels, offers an optical image stabilizer and double LED light. Geo-tagging also tells you where each photo was taken. With the 3-in-1 app, users can switch between the Pro mode for aspiring professional photographers, the Smart mode with many artificial effects and the video function. The smartphone supports PhotoBeamer (https://www.photobeamer.com/) and can therefore also be used as a projector. The Lumia 925 is currently available from 270 euros.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom

The two Nokia devices both work with Windows operating systems. An Android alternative comes from Samsung with the Galaxy S4 Zoom, which is aimed in particular at amateur photographers. It has a tenx optical zoom and can therefore capture sharp images from a long distance. The optical zoom is otherwise unusual on camera phones, because the technology needs space. The 4.3 inch Galaxy is therefore not exactly slim at 1.5 centimeters.

The CMOS sensor reaches 16 megapixels, an optical image stabilizer should not be missing here either. A special gimmick is the In-call Photo Share function, with which photos can be taken and sent while calling. The Photo Suggest app suggests pictures from other users in order to find the most beautiful photo spots even when traveling. Mode Suggest also recognizes lighting conditions and motifs and recommends optimal settings. The price of the Samsung Galaxy S4 with 16 gigabytes is currently around 210 euros.

Samsung Galaxy S5

The Galaxy S5 is brand new on the market for currently 540 euros. Samsung has also come up with a powerful camera for its new flagship. With 16 megapixels it doesn’t compete with the resolution of Nokia's 1020, but at least in good lighting conditions it can be used to take excellent pictures. The Galaxy S5 records videos at 30 frames per second. Also worth mentioning is the fast autofocus, which only takes 0.3 seconds to focus. HDR (High Dynamic Range) should also ensure successful recordings with backlighting or subjects that are in the shade. Thanks to the selective focus, users can focus on a specific part of the image while the rest is slightly blurred. This creates images with depth of field.

HTC One

HTC is not participating in the megapixel arms race and is instead using a large sensor.

(Photo: picture alliance / dpa)

HTC is known for its interesting camera phones, so the HTC One is a good choice for anyone who likes to use their device to take pictures. The 2013 model is currently available in an elegant aluminum look for just under 310 euros. The One works with a special UltraPixel camera that takes vivid images with intense color depth. The optical lens system makes it possible to capture significantly more light than comparable models. With a resolution of only 4.3 megapixels, more light falls on the individual pixels, which should result in good images even in poor conditions. The disadvantage: the few pixels are clearly visible on larger printouts. It is filmed in full HD and, if desired, in slow motion. Here, too, there are numerous filter functions, many effects and manual setting options.

Sony Xperia Z1

Testers praise the tidy camera surface of the Z1, among other things.

(Photo: Sony)

With the Xperia Z1, Sony has created a real digicam alternative. It comes up with a potent 20.7 megapixel camera, an F2.0 aperture should bring enough light to the sensor even in poor lighting and thus improve the image quality. The manufacturer's own image processor Bionz, which is also used in Sony digital cameras, was integrated. In addition, users receive a triple zoom lens. With the timeshift function, you can shoot a maximum of 61 photos within two seconds. The "Superior Automatic" automatically selects the optimal setting for a photo from 36 types of scenes. The Steady Shot function guarantees smooth photos. With HDR you can also take good pictures in strong backlight. Thanks to the robust housing, the Z1 is also an option for more extreme outdoor use, even underwater recordings are possible. If you are still looking for the right beach companion, the Xperia Z1 is currently available for around 390 euros.

iPhone 5S

When it comes to resolution, Apple does not set up any superlatives with the iPhone: As with the two previous models, the iSight camera has eight megapixels, but the camera of the iPhone S5 is supposed to deliver better images than its predecessor. This is ensured, among other things, by the sensor, which is 15 percent larger. This lets in a lot of light and ensures high-contrast images. In addition, the camera offers a series picture function, in which ten photos per second are created. A white and an amber-colored LED are used as flash sources, which together enable an optimal color temperature. The automatic image stabilization also ensures blur-free recordings. Slow motion videos are created at 120 frames per second and in HD quality. A panorama function for 360-degree photos is also on board. If necessary, you can also take pictures in 1: 1 format, which can be useful for square profile pictures, for example. The 16 gigabyte version of the iPhone 5S currently costs around 575 euros.