Smartphone cameras have not only played a large role in defining the legacy of one of the most important consumer products available today, but have also served as a microcosm of what is possible, cramming as much technology as possible into a confined space.
It is not surprising, therefore, that cameras are among the top features users continue to watch out for before purchasing a smartphone.
“The camera comes within the top three features of smartphones … it is very important to establish that a phone has a fantastic camera,” Ahmad Boarki, a UAE-based reviewer of consumer technology, told The National.
“There are times that I hold on to a phone longer and there are times when I can't wait to remove my SIM card out of the phone because it takes terrible pictures.”
Judging smartphone cameras can prove to be tough, especially with the innovation lines continuing to be blurred by a similar set of features across all devices.
In The National's reviews of the Apple iPhone 14 line-up, Samsung's Galaxy S22 and foldables, we took into consideration camera functionality, image quality, ease of user experience and how much of an improvement they are from their predecessors.
Pricing is relative, since this takes into consideration what additional features a smartphone has or lacks.
DxOMark, one of the top smartphone aggregators globally, combines smartphone performance and the quality of the user experience. Their scores are backed up by “exhaustive protocols”.
The good number of ties in the top 10 — and throughout its list of more than 100 devices — are an indicator that smartphones apparently share similar features, albeit delivered differently.
“Smartphone cameras have turned everyone into a photographer … reliance on a smartphone camera means that image quality must be good in various usage conditions, from the easiest to the most challenging one, helping to capture the moment without any difficulty,” researchers at DxOMark said.
The number of photographs taken worldwide is expected to hit about 1.72 trillion in 2022 — up more than 43 per cent from last year's 1.2 trillion. And of this, about 1.6 trillion, or 92.5 per cent, will be taken on smartphones, according to data provider Photutorial.
There are times that I hold on to a phone longer, and there are times when I can't wait to remove my SIM card out of the phone because it takes terrible pictures
Ahmad Boarki,
consumer technology reviewer
Smartphone camera capabilities have equal importance to businesses, helping teams to co-ordinate complex tasks to keep operations running smoothly, said Abhay Ganesh, B2B category management lead at Samsung Electronics, the world's largest mobile phone manufacturer.
“Many enterprise teams rely on smartphones to quickly capture and share images and video … remote colleagues can see a more detailed view of everything they are collaborating on, whether it is a project site or an event space,” Mr Ganesh said.
Mr Boarki said smartphone manufacturers were expected to use more cameras that have triple-digit sensor counts — 100 megapixels and above — and combine them with even more advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning.
“I do not believe that smartphone cameras have peaked … we are going to see the best of [both] worlds in 2023,” he said
How we rated cameras on smartphones we reviewed in 2022
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G: The details on lights are good and the overall results aren't overexposed. If you look closely, however, there is some blur with moving subjects or objects. A sample video also shows that it can hold up pretty well at night, although there is some grain in some of the darker areas.
Samsung Galaxy Flip 4: There are no veritable upgrades on this front but the Flip 4's cameras are up to the task, with clean, crisp shots. However, night or low-light shots tend to be grainy.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: In well-lit situations, colours are bright and rich, with clear details. At night, it also retains clarity — albeit with smudges — and one particular thing we like about it is how it processes lights, preventing scattered results and reflection. In either situation, there tends to be a little overexposure.
Apple iPhone 14: The device's Photonic Engine technology results in outstanding images. You will be able to control your focus with a few taps on the screen but, overall, the brightness, white balance and exposure blend in well with each other. Exposure is equal to the actual environment. The same goes for night shots, which are true to form.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max: The camera really stands out during night time. Video is also unquestionably good. A major reason for the iPhone's success in the past couple of years has been its cinematic mode, which Apple touts as being Hollywood-grade. The improved stabilisation offered by the device is also a big plus.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus: The results are at par with the 14, with images looking natural and not overexposed.
ENGLAND TEAM
England (15-1)
George Furbank; Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell (capt), Elliot Daly; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Courtney Lawes; Charlie Ewels, Maro Itoje; Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Joe Marler
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, George Kruis, Lewis Ludlam, Willi Heinz, Ollie Devoto, Jonathan Joseph
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness'
Director: Sam Raimi
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg and Rachel McAdams
Rating: 3/5
The years Ramadan fell in May
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
The specs
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Power: 480hp at 7,250rpm
Torque: 566Nm at 4,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: L/100km
Price: Dh306,495
On sale: now
Elvis
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Company name: Farmin
Date started: March 2019
Founder: Dr Ali Al Hammadi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: AgriTech
Initial investment: None to date
Partners/Incubators: UAE Space Agency/Krypto Labs
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
The%20pillars%20of%20the%20Dubai%20Metaverse%20Strategy
%3Cp%3EEncourage%20innovation%20in%20the%20metaverse%20field%20and%20boost%20economic%20contribution%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20outstanding%20talents%20through%20education%20and%20training%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20applications%20and%20the%20way%20they%20are%20used%20in%20Dubai's%20government%20institutions%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAdopt%2C%20expand%20and%20promote%20secure%20platforms%20globally%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDevelop%20the%20infrastructure%20and%20regulations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
A%20Little%20to%20the%20Left
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMax%20Inferno%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PC%2C%20Mac%2C%20Nintendo%20Switch%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Gulf Under 19s final
Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B
Play-off fixtures
Two-legged ties to be played November 9-11 and November 12-14
- Northern Ireland v Switzerland
- Croatia v Greece
- Denmark v Ireland
- Sweden v Italy
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Company%20Profile
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Red Joan
Director: Trevor Nunn
Starring: Judi Dench, Sophie Cookson, Tereza Srbova
Rating: 3/5 stars
Countdown to Zero exhibition will show how disease can be beaten
Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease, an international multimedia exhibition created by the American Museum of National History in collaboration with The Carter Center, will open in Abu Dhabi a month before Reaching the Last Mile.
Opening on October 15 and running until November 15, the free exhibition opens at The Galleria mall on Al Maryah Island, and has already been seen at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
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Kanye%20West
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FORSPOKEN
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Final%20Fantasy%20XVI
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Diablo%20IV
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Assassin's%20Creed%20Mirage
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Starfield
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