Camera Showdown: Which Mid-Range Smartphone Captures Better Photos and Videos?
Explore an in-depth camera comparison between two standout mid-range smartphones, revealing which device excels in photography and video performance.
Which mid-range smartphone delivers superior photo and video quality?
Popular tech reviewer SuperSaf conducted an extensive camera comparison between two notable mid-range smartphones launched in 2020: the refreshed iPhone SE and the recently unveiled OnePlus Nord. Both models are unique as Apple and OnePlus primarily focus on flagship devices, yet these smartphones are similarly priced, making this comparison particularly interesting.
In all screenshots below, images from the iPhone SE appear on the left, while those from the OnePlus Nord are on the right.
Both smartphones performed admirably when capturing scenes with complex colors, effectively handling shadows and bright highlights.
When it comes to portrait mode, the iPhone SE takes the lead. Its system more accurately identifies object boundaries, whereas the OnePlus Nord occasionally struggles, such as failing to detect the edges of eyeglasses, causing parts of the frame to blur. Additionally, the iPhone offers more precise color reproduction, especially in subtle color shades.
Regarding macro photography, both devices deliver comparable results, though neither excels. The iPhone SE lacks the ability to focus closely, which can be mitigated by shooting from a slightly greater distance and cropping the image. Conversely, the OnePlus Nord manages close focus but suffers from poor color accuracy and low image quality. For better macro shots on the OnePlus, it's preferable to use the main camera instead of the 2-megapixel macro lens.
One area where the OnePlus Nord clearly outperforms the iPhone SE is low-light photography with night mode enabled.
However, when using the ultra-wide camera in night mode, the OnePlus Nord's performance declines, even falling behind the iPhone SE. That said, both smartphones produce modest results in this category, far from the vibrant images users might want to share on social media.
On the front-facing camera front, the OnePlus Nord captures brighter photos under identical conditions and includes more subjects within the frame thanks to its wider lens. Its images also benefit from higher resolution, resulting in more detailed selfies. However, some users may find the skin brightening effect and less accurate color reproduction less appealing, which ultimately comes down to personal preference.
For nighttime selfies, neither smartphone is ideal. The iPhone SE tends to produce grainy images, while the OnePlus Nord tries to counteract noise through post-processing, resulting in softer, less natural photos. Again, this is subjective, but users shouldn't expect flawless night selfies from either device.
Additionally, the reviewer noted that slow-motion video capture and audio quality during video recording are superior on the iPhone SE. Nevertheless, overall, the OnePlus Nord impressed more due to its versatile camera features and more affordable price point.
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