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.
Brief scoreline:
Manchester United 2
Rashford 28', Martial 72'
Watford 1
Doucoure 90'
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Indika
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MORE ON TURKEY'S SYRIA OFFENCE
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
The specs: 2018 Ducati SuperSport S
Price, base / as tested: Dh74,900 / Dh85,900
Engine: 937cc
Transmission: Six-speed gearbox
Power: 110hp @ 9,000rpm
Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.9L / 100km
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Price, base: Dh399,999
Engine: Supercharged 6.2-litre V8
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 707hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 875Nm @ 4,800rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 16.8L / 100km (estimate)
Points classification after Stage 4
1. Arnaud Demare (France / FDJ) 124
2. Marcel Kittel (Germany / Quick-Step) 81
3. Michael Matthews (Australia / Sunweb) 66
4. Andre Greipel (Germany / Lotto) 63
5. Alexander Kristoff (Norway / Katusha) 43
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 582bhp
Torque: 730Nm
Price: Dh649,000
On sale: now
The Good Liar
Starring: Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen
Directed by: Bill Condon
Three out of five stars
Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
The specs
Price, base: Dh228,000 / Dh232,000 (est)
Engine: 5.7-litre Hemi V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 395hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 552Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.5L / 100km
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
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Results
4.30pm Jebel Jais – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (Turf) 1,000m; Winner: MM Al Balqaa, Bernardo Pinheiro (jockey), Qaiss Aboud (trainer)
5pm: Jabel Faya – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: AF Rasam, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
5.30pm: Al Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Mukhrej, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: The President’s Cup Prep – Conditions (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Mujeeb, Richard Mullen, Salem Al Ketbi
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club – Prestige (PA) Dh125,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Antonio Fresu, Abubakar Daud
7pm: Al Ruwais – Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Pat Dobbs, Ibrahim Aseel
7.30pm: Jebel Hafeet – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Nibraas, Richard Mullen, Nicholas Bachalard
ICC Awards for 2021
MEN
Cricketer of the Year – Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Test Cricketer of the Year – Joe Root (England)
WOMEN
Cricketer of the Year – Smriti Mandhana (India)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Lizelle Lee (South Africa)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Tammy Beaumont (England)
