In the world of photography, we still see a lot fewer women photographers than men, even though a lot of women study photography. This makes us wonder why, in a time when people are talking a lot about making things equal for everyone, women still have a hard time being recognized in photography. Women face challenges in getting their work shown, published, or even getting certain jobs. Throughout history, there have been some amazing women photographers who have done great work and changed the industry. But still, women are not as common in photography as men. Since March is when we celebrate International Women’s Day, we decided to focus on some incredible women photographers from all over the world in this Asian Photography Magazine issue. We want to show you their amazing work, talk about what they have added to photography, the challenges they faced, and how they succeeded. We hope their stories inspire girls and women who love photography. We also want everyone else to support and recognise the achievements of women in photography.
What can be considered as good sound is subjective, but with the slew of phones getting launched in the budget category, earbuds are also a category that has heated up in the past few years. OnePlus, who entered this segment a few years back have had some products that’ve done well in the market, while others that haven’t. They recently launched the OnePlus Buds 3 at a price of ₹5,499, which offers features that aren’t available in this segment. Does it deliver a punch in this segment? Let’s find out.
Design and Specs
OnePlus Buds 3 – Metallic Grey or Splendid Blue
The OnePlus Buds 3 are available in Metallic Grey or Splendid Blue, featuring a metal construction with a dual matte plus glossy finish that strikes a balance between style and subtlety. These stem-cell design buds offer IP55 rating for water and dust resistance. Their stems are slightly curved inwards and with the rubberized ear tips, they are comfortable for prolonged periods.
OnePlus Buds 3 Stems
The stems are equipped with capacitive touch controls, allowing users to swipe up or down to adjust the volume, tap once to answer calls or skip tracks, and long-press to switch noise cancellation modes. However, they lack a default gesture for pausing or playing music, which can be customized Bluetooth settings on OnePlus or Oppo devices. The touch controls on the OnePlus Buds 3 are responsive and reliable, although they can be a bit unresponsive at times.
The design of the case is similar to the Pro series and features the OnePlus logo, pairing button and the Type-C charging port at the back. Each bud weighs approximately 5 grams, with the case contributing an additional 40 grams.
OnePlus Buds 3 Case
In terms of technical specifications, the Buds 3 are equipped with 10.4mm dual drivers and support Bluetooth 5.3, along with the LHDC 5.0 audio codec, in addition to standard SBC and AAC codecs, making them compatible with a wide range of Android and iOS devices. They also feature multiple device pairing and Google’s Fast Pair for a quicker connection process with Android devices.
OnePlus Buds 3 Case
Sound Quality
The OnePlus Buds 3 offer good audio quality, producing a bass-heavy sound with minimal distortion. There’s no need to turn the volume up high to enjoy the deep sounds. Sometimes, they play the deeper and middle sounds too loudly, but they usually work well with musical instruments and the singing sounds quite balanced. It’s advisable to adjust the EQ settings for a better experience across different types of music.
The microphone quality on the Buds 3 is commendable, providing clear call audio even in outdoor environments. This ensures that conversations are easily understandable by the person on the other end.
In terms of active noise cancellation, the Buds 3 perform satisfactorily for their price range. While audio quality is best with noise cancellation off, turning it on significantly reduces background noise. The transparency mode is also effective, allowing for awareness of surroundings without needing to remove the buds.
The Buds 3 excel in syncing audio and video, including high-bitrate content, and their gaming mode reduces latency for a seamless gaming experience. The feature that pauses and plays audio upon removing and reinserting the buds works smoothly, enhancing user convenience.
Battery
The OnePlus Buds 3 boast remarkable battery performance, delivering around 7.5 hours of playtime with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled. When ANC is turned off, users can enjoy an extra 3 hours of usage. For daily listeners, charging the case once a week suffices. These results are especially notable when using the LHDC codec on OnePlus devices, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Conclusion
For the price of Rs. 5,499 and with offers the OnePlus Buds 3 are a pretty good product. And you can see an improvement in audio quality and tuning as well, indicating that the company is listening to the feedback and also heading in the right direction. Although they haven’t reached perfection yet. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is effective, the microphone delivers clear sound, the earbuds fit comfortably in the ear, and they boast impressive battery life. We give our thumbs up to the OnePlus Buds 3 and surely recommend them for anyone looking for quality earbuds.
Sony India recently unveiled the Alpha 9 III, a camera incorporating a global shutter system, marking a noteworthy advancement in digital imaging technology. This new model promises to mitigate common photography challenges, such as distortion and blackout during high-speed captures, offering burst speeds up to 120 frames per second.
The device is outfitted with Sony’s cutting-edge autofocus system, capable of executing up to 120 focus calculations per second, and supports flash synchronization at any shooting speed. This combination of features is designed to meet the demands of professional photographers who require precision and reliability to capture fleeting moments.
Mukesh Srivastava, Head of Digital Imaging Business at Sony India, highlighted the camera’s potential to set new standards in photography, emphasizing its ground-breaking 120 fps shooting capability and global shutter technology.
Featuring a 24.6-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and the BIONZ XR image processor, the Alpha 9 III delivers high-speed continuous shooting with autofocus and auto-exposure tracking. This model represents a leap forward in still image performance and video capabilities, ensuring minimal distortion and improved usability for professional environments. Additionally, the camera’s enhanced video functionalities include 4K recording at 120p without crop and 4K at 60p with 6K oversampling, complemented by S-Cinetone colour science for natural skin tones and subject depiction.
The Alpha 9 III has been designed with operability and reliability in mind, featuring an ergonomic grip and optional vertical grip for extended use, a 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor, and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder to accommodate professional shooting conditions.
Moreover, the camera is equipped to support a high-speed workflow and offers scalability with features like image selection filters, dual media slots for CFexpress Type A and SD cards, and compatibility with professional mobile applications for streamlined content delivery and remote operation.
Priced at ₹5,29,990, the Alpha 9 III will be available from 26th February 2024 at Sony retail outlets and online platforms across India.
Xiaomi has recently unveiled its latest smartphones, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 14, marking the debut of its new flagship series in India. The devices, developed in collaboration with Leica, aim to advance Xiaomi’s presence in the realm of mobile photography. Both models are the inaugural smartphones from the brand to operate on Xiaomi’s HyperOS straight from the box.
The launch event highlighted the collaborative efforts between Xiaomi and Leica in enhancing smartphone imaging technologies. According to Anuj Sharma, Chief Marketing Officer at Xiaomi India, the partnership has led to significant advancements in mobile photography, underscored by the introduction of the Xiaomi 14 Series. The new line-up incorporates Leica Summilux optics and a 75mm floating telephoto lens among other features, emphasizing Xiaomi’s commitment to innovation in mobile imaging.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is presented as the zenith of mobile photography, drawing on design cues from professional cameras. It boasts a 50MP quad-camera array, covering a wide range of focal lengths and supported by a 1-inch image sensor for high dynamic range photography. Additionally, the device enhances videography with 8K video recording capabilities across all cameras and introduces features like a Movie mode for cinematic shooting and a Director mode for multi-camera setups.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra features a unibody metal structure with nano-tech Vegan Leather, offering enhanced wear resistance. It also sports a Quad Curved Display with 2K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, complemented by Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for an immersive viewing experience.
The Xiaomi 14, while smaller in size, does not compromise on technology or design. It features a high-definition display, a 3D curved back, and is powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform as the Ultra model. The camera system, co-engineered with Leica, includes a primary lens with a custom sensor for superior photography.
Both models incorporate Xiaomi’s Surge battery management system for optimized battery performance. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers rapid wired and wireless charging, while the Xiaomi 14 supports fast charging technologies as well.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, equipped with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB storage option, is priced at INR 99,999. Sales for this model are scheduled to start at 12 noon on April 12, 2024. For enthusiasts looking to secure their purchase early, a limited Reserve Edition will be up for booking starting March 11, 2024, at 12 noon, with a reservation fee of INR 9,999. This edition boasts exclusive items such as a limited-edition case and a 67mm filter adapter, among other surprises, with early access sales kicking off on April 8, 2024, available exclusively at Mi.com and Mi Homes.
The Xiaomi 14, offering 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is available for ₹69,999 and will also be available for an effective price of INR 59,999 after taking into account the INR 5,000 discount on ICICI bank cards, the exchange bonus, and a 24-month no-cost EMI option. This model will be on sale from 12 noon, March 11, 2024, across various platforms including Mi.com, Xiaomi retail stores, Amazon India, and Flipkart.
Xiaomi 14 Series purchasers will enjoy additional benefits such as one free screen replacement within the first six months, a complimentary one-year out-of-warranty repair service covering labor costs, access to a dedicated relationship manager, and a three-month free subscription to YouTube Premium, enhancing the overall user experience and value proposition of these flagship devices.
Vivo has recently expanded its smartphone line-up in India with the introduction of the V30 and V30 Pro models, highlighting advanced camera capabilities and a slim design. The company announced that these devices, continuing the legacy of the V-Series, offer the thinnest design yet in the series, complemented by a powerful 5000 mAh battery. In a move to enhance the photography experience, Vivo has partnered with ZEISS for the V30 Pro model, aiming to bring professional-grade portrait photography into users’ hands.
The Vivo V30 is available in Andaman Blue, Peacock Green, and Classic Black, with prices starting at ₹33,999 for the 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage variant, and going up to ₹37,999 for the 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage option. The V30 Pro comes in Andaman Blue and Classic Black, priced at ₹41,999 for the 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage model, and ₹46,999 for the 12 GB RAM and 512 GB storage variant. Pre-booking for both devices will start from March 14, 2024, across Flipkart, the Vivo India e-store, and select retail partners.
The V30 series boasts significant improvements in camera technology. The Vivo V30 features a triple camera setup, including a 50MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 50MP group selfie camera with Eye Autofocus. The V30 Pro elevates the camera experience further with a ZEISS co-engineered triple camera system, incorporating a 50 MP professional portrait camera, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and cinematic video bokeh effects powered by AI. Both models offer a 6.78-inch 3D curved AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, housed in a sleek 7.45 mm body.
Under the hood, the Vivo V30 is powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, while the V30 Pro utilizes a MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC, both supported by a 5000 mAh battery with 80W FlashCharge technology. The devices run on FunTouch OS 14 and are promised to receive three generations of Android updates and four years of security updates, ensuring longevity and reliability for users.
With their latest V30 series, Vivo aims to blend style with performance, offering consumers high-end camera capabilities, a refined design, and robust battery life without compromising on the overall user experience.
Nothing recently launched its third smartphone Nothing 2A. The Nothing Phone 2a distinguishes itself with its MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro SoC processor and an adaptive refresh rate AMOLED display capable of reaching 120Hz. Its design includes a dual 50-megapixel camera setup on the back and boasts an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance.
The smartphone is hitting the market with a starting price of ₹23,999 for the base model, which includes 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Other available variants offer 8GB+256GB and 12GB+256GB, with prices set at ₹25,999 and ₹27,999, respectively. The Phone 2a is available in both White and Black and will be purchasable via Flipkart from March 12. An introductory offer allows customers to buy the phone at a reduced price of ₹19,999 on the day of the launch. Additional incentives include a ₹2,000 cashback for HDFC bank card purchases and an extra ₹2,000 off on exchange deals, with no-cost EMI options available for up to nine months.
In terms of specifications, the Nothing Phone 2a operates on an Android 14-based Nothing OS 2.5 and is promised three years of Android updates along with four years of security patches. The device features a 6.7-inch full-HD+ AMOLED display with HDR10+ support, safeguarded by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. It is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro SoC, accompanied by up to 12GB of RAM. The smartphone’s dual-camera system and a 32-megapixel front camera are among its highlighted features.
For storage, options extend up to 256GB, and connectivity features include 5G and Wi-Fi 6, among others. The phone is equipped with an array of sensors and supports both fingerprint unlocking and face unlock authentication. Its battery capacity is 5,000mAh, supporting 45W fast charging, an improvement over its predecessors. The device also continues the brand’s distinctive Glyph Interface, allowing users to customize LED notification patterns on the phone’s rear, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
HP recently unveiled the Colour LaserJet Pro 3000 series, aiming to equip small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with high-quality printing solutions. The series is noted for its compact size, energy-efficient features, and the implementation of HP’s TerraJet toner technology, which promises enhanced colour quality and speed.
The demand for efficient and reliable printing solutions remains strong among SMBs, with many indicating a preference for a combination of digital and physical materials. The Color LaserJet Pro 3000 series is designed to meet this need, offering vibrant colour prints and professional speed in a space-saving design.
Aurelio Maruggi, division president of Office Print Solutions at HP, highlighted the importance of adaptable, high-performance printing solutions in today’s hybrid work environments. The Color LaserJet Pro 3000 series is presented as a solution that supports the dynamic needs of growing businesses, providing cost savings, security, and ease of management.
Key features of the new printer series include Wi-Fi connectivity that ensures consistent online access, class-leading print speeds, high-quality output, and advanced security measures. It also boasts the smallest footprint in its category.
TerraJet toner technology is a cornerstone of the new series, delivering 11% more vivid colours and 18% faster print speeds. It also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption by up to 27% and cutting down plastic use in toner cartridges by up to 28%.
HP’s A3 and A4 printer offerings, including the new Color LaserJet Pro 3000 series, have been revamped for the modern office, emphasizing flexibility and consistency across various business scales. The company’s efforts were recently acknowledged with the A4 Line of the Year award from Keypoint Intelligence, reflecting excellence in reliability, value, usability, image quality, and speed.
The Color LaserJet Pro 3000 series is slated for release in May 2024, with availability and pricing details to be announced regionally.
In a significant move for the film and photography industry, Nikon has announced its acquisition of RED, an American company known for its high-quality digital cinema cameras. This acquisition marks a notable expansion for the Japanese camera giant, allowing it to incorporate RED’s advanced cinema technology into its offerings.
RED, headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California, and founded in 2005 by Oakley founder Jim Jannard, has been a prominent player in the digital cinema industry. The company has over 200 employees and has made a name for itself with innovations that have pushed the boundaries of film technology. Notably, RED introduced the world to 4K resolution filming with its RED ONE camera in 2007, setting a new standard in the industry.
The acquisition gives Nikon access to RED’s esteemed product line, including the RED One 4K and V-Raptor X cameras, along with pioneering image compression and colour science technologies that have contributed to the success of numerous acclaimed films and television shows.
RED’s technologies have continually evolved to meet the demanding needs of filmmakers, earning the brand a preferred status among professional cinematographers worldwide. The merger is expected to bring together the strengths of both companies, promising advancements in digital cinema and photography technology.
Despite a history of legal disputes between Nikon and RED over patent infringement allegations, the two companies have moved past their differences, seeing a shared future in technological innovation. RED’s president, Jarred Land, expressed optimism about the merger on social media, suggesting a collaborative path forward aimed at reshaping the professional digital cinema camera market.
The acquisition comes after RED’s attempt to enter the smartphone market in 2018 with a holographically capable device, a venture that faced criticism and did not achieve commercial success. Nonetheless, this move demonstrated RED’s willingness to explore new technological frontiers, a spirit Nikon seems eager to embrace as the companies embark on this new chapter together.
Welcome to Asian Photography Magazine’s latest smartphone camera review. Today, we’re focusing on the camera capabilities of two recently launched mid-range smartphones: the OnePlus 12R and the Redmi Note 13 Pro+. Both models are priced competitively, with the OnePlus 12R starting at ₹39,999 and the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ at ₹31,999.
Interestingly, the OnePlus 12R hasn’t seen any updates to its camera compared to its predecessor, the 11R. However, it now features the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and some under-the-hood improvements, which could enhance its camera performance. On the flip side, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ boasts a significant camera upgrade, moving from a 50 MP to a 200 MP main camera. It also comes equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra processor, promising better overall performance.
In this review, we’ll dive into which smartphone offers the better camera experience for consumers looking for quality photography without breaking the bank. Let’s find out which device takes the lead in the mid-range camera showdown.
The OnePlus 12R has a 50 MP Sony IMX 890 camera, while the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ features a 200 MP main camera. Despite these differences, both phones produce images with a similar quality of 12.5 megapixels. The Redmi’s photos look more true to life, and the OnePlus’ photos are brighter and more colourful, which might be more appealing to some people, though I personally prefer the more natural look of the Redmi.
When it comes to how clear and detailed the photos are, both phones are pretty much the same. However, because the OnePlus makes images more vibrant, they can seem a bit sharper. The OnePlus also does a better job with HDR, making photos have better contrast and making colours look warmer and more inviting. Additionally, the OnePlus captures skin tones more realistically, while the Redmi tends to lighten them a bit too much.
Daylight Ultra-Wide Camera
In the ultra-wide camera category, both phones are equipped with an 8-MP sensor and produce images at this resolution. The pictures from both devices are warm, vibrant, and pleasing to look at. However, the Redmi sometimes shows slight colour fringing. On the other hand, the OnePlus occasionally suffers from over-sharpening, leading to a loss of detail in shadows and highlights in some images. Despite these minor issues, the performance of the ultra-wide cameras in both phones is quite similar, leaving little to differentiate between them.
Daylight Telephoto Camera
Both phones, the OnePlus and the Redmi, don’t have a special zoom camera, so they zoom in using their main camera and make the picture smaller to fit. The OnePlus can zoom in 2X, 5X, and 10X, while the Redmi does 2X, 4X, and 10X zoom. Despite this, both phones still produce photos that are 12.5 megapixels in size.
When zooming up to 5X, the OnePlus takes pictures that look warmer and more colourful, but the Redmi’s photos are clearer and sharper. This difference is even more noticeable when you zoom in more. At 10X zoom, thanks to its 200-megapixel sensor, the Redmi captures images that are much sharper and detailed, while the OnePlus photos show a lot of graininess.
Lowlight Main Camera
When it comes to taking pictures in low light, the quality of the photos from the main camera changes a lot compared to daylight. The Redmi’s pictures look yellowish, too bright, and the colours are too warm. On the other hand, the OnePlus takes pictures that look more real and gentle, which makes them nicer to look at. The OnePlus pictures also have more contrast, making them stand out more. However, just like in bright light, the Redmi pictures are sharper and have more details than the OnePlus pictures.
Lowlight Ultra-Wide Camera
In low light, the Redmi’s photos have a yellow tint, while the OnePlus photos lean slightly red. However, the Redmi’s images show noticeable distortion, making the OnePlus the better choice for clearer pictures. The OnePlus also captures colours that look more natural. When it comes to details and sharpness, both phones perform almost the same, offering very similar quality.
Lowlight Telephoto Camera
In low light conditions using zoom, the quality difference between the cameras becomes clearer. The OnePlus doesn’t capture details as sharply as the Redmi does. However, the OnePlus photos look more pleasing and natural, while the Redmi photos have a yellow tint and are more vivid than the actual scene.
Portrait
When it comes to taking portraits, the OnePlus phone does a better job. The pictures are more colourful and vibrant, making them more appealing to look at. They also have a warmer tone, while the Redmi phone’s photos have a slight blue tint. If you zoom in, you’ll notice that the images from the OnePlus are clearer and more detailed. Both phones are pretty good at figuring out where the edges of objects are, though.
In low light situations, the OnePlus phone still takes better pictures, showing off more detail and contrast. The Redmi phone’s pictures tend to have a reddish colour on people’s skin. Also, the OnePlus is better at recognizing edges in these conditions.
Macro
Honestly, I don’t see the point of including a 2-MP macro camera in these phones. It feels outdated, and it doesn’t really add much value. I understand that brands want to offer a triple camera setup at an affordable price, but it would be better if they included features that are actually useful.
From my experience, the image quality from these macro cameras is just average. They’re okay for basic use, but I wouldn’t recommend relying on them for macro photography.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 16 MP camera for selfies. The OnePlus phone takes more natural-looking photos, while the Redmi phone’s pictures look a bit yellow in dim light. Also, the Redmi tends to make skin look smoother in photos, but the OnePlus provides sharper contrast.
Video
When recording 4K videos at 30 FPS with the back cameras, the OnePlus phone clearly outperforms the Redmi. The colours in the OnePlus videos are brighter and more eye-catching. Plus, the OnePlus videos are smoother and have better contrast. On the other hand, the Redmi’s videos sometimes show burn marks, and when shooting in low light, there are noticeable flares and ghost-like effects. Overall, the OnePlus delivers superior video quality.
Conclusion
When comparing these phones, I initially thought the OnePlus 12R wouldn’t perform well in photography because it has the same camera setup as the 11R, especially since the Redmi has introduced an upgraded main camera. However, the OnePlus 12R actually offers more consistent camera performance. Additionally, its software, OxygenOS, provides a smoother and more optimized experience, making it worth the extra cost.
So, if you’re deciding which phone to buy, the OnePlus 12R not only has superior cameras but is also the better choice overall.
Both, the OnePlus 12 and the iQOO 12 launched in December 2023 and January 2024, within a gap of a month. And since the time of these launches, there has been a lot of buzz about their cameras, especially since both of these brands are owned by the same parent company. BBK Electronics owns both, OnePlus and Vivo, and Vivo internally owns iQOO.
And both these devices have a very similar camera set-up, in fact they also use similar sensors and processors as well, making this comparison very interesting. The OnePlus 12 starts at ₹69,999 and the iQOO 12 starts at ₹57,999 and let’s find out which is the better camera between the two.
Look, Body & Feel
The iQOO 12 has been designed in association with the BMW M edition and you can see the reminiscence of that across the design, I really like the weight of the phone, it is really light and you hardly feel as if you are holding anything. But the camera module perspective the iQOO is very simple, they’ve not spent much time in trying to jazz up the module. It pretty much slapping on the module in the black background. The OnePlus on the other hand have some unique things about the 12, like the glitter effect when the light falls on it, also the flowy texture.
I have spoken about that in detail in my review of the OnePlus 12 Review here so you can see that as well.
Now both of the phones come with a triple camera set up and they have been updated of the latest software of Funtouch and Oxygen OS.
In the primary camera both of these have a 50-MP camera but they feature different sensors, the OP12 features the Sony LYT808 sensor while the iQOO 12 features the OmniVision OV50H sensor. But the output from OnePlus is at 14.3 MP and the iQOO is close behind at 13.9 MP. Now why is this important for you to understand. While all manufacturers claim that the phones have a 200-MP camera, 50-MP etc., the output actually it captures isn’t in its full resolution, unless you are activating it. So, these things can be deceptive and often users feel that this is the resolution that the phone shoots at.
To test the phones, I chose a setting where there are shadows, darker areas and also brighter areas so that it pushes the phones to do more and the images from the iQOO were slightly underexposed and over sharpened in most cases, while the OnePlus gives more saturated output. The colour vibrancy is also visibly more on the OnePlus than the iQOO. In terms of the HDR performance, in some cases the iQOO is much better with bringing out the shadows and highlights, while in the other the OnePlus is better. There is also a hint of slight reddish tinge in the images from the iQOO. In terms of sharpness and details both the phones deliver a good performance overall.
Daylight Ultra-Wide Camera
In the ultra-wide category the iQOO shoots with a 50-MP camera at a 15mm focal range and the OP shoots with a 48-MP camera with a 14mm focal range, and the output is bigger also in the iQOO with a 13.8 MP vs the 13.2 MP of the OP.
And in this case the performance was mixed from both the phones, in some cases the OP would be better and in the other iQOO would be better. Neither of them gives a consistent performance that you can really nail. Sometimes the images are underexposed on the OP and sometimes on the iQOO. Sometimes the HDR is better on the OP and other times better on the iQOO.
But like the primary camera, the iQOO again gives hints of reddish tone in them. While the OP 12 continues to give a slightly more vibrant image, which is slightly more saturated than the original scene. In terms of the sharpness and detail they both have a neck-to-neck performance with hardly to choose between them.
Daylight Telephoto Camera
In daylight both the phones feature the same sensor, which is the 64-MP OmniVision sensor, but the zoom capabilities that both of these offer are different. The OP 12 gives a range of 3x and 6x zoom which goes all the way up to 120x. On the other hand, the iQOO gives a zoom of 3x and 10X zoom up to 100x hybrid zoom.
In the images I like the fact that the iQOO gives you a more consistent tonal range across the focal range, which I found the OP 12 to not give. But yes, from the images perspective, both these phones give a good output. There is good sharpness and details in both, but slight over sharpening in the iQOO, especially at the higher focal range because of which the images also seem processed and sharper.
At the max focal range both the phones deliver ok result. You can’t really use these images, but one thing I’d like to mention is that with OP it’s a lot easier to shoot at the max focal range since it locks focus, which is very difficult to do with the iQOO.
Lowlight Main Camera
The performance in the lowlight category from both the phones is very different. When it comes to the primary camera, the results from the iQOO are slightly underexposed and over sharpened. The OP also over sharpens images in some cases, but is able to deliver a more natural and accurate output of the two. But I found the HDR performance of the iQOO to be much better in this case.
Lowlight Wide Camera
In the wide category the images similar to the daylight, both phones had a mixed output. Giving underexposed images sometimes and giving proper natural output the other times. But the images overall seemed more natural from the OP than the iQOO.
Lowlight Telephoto Camera
And much like the daylight performance the lowlight telephoto performance is also varied. You can see the difference in the images and the tonal range between the different focal range. The images are more contrasty and poppy in the OP and the iQOO processes those images more. Now both of these have the same sensors, but the OP delivers a closer to the real look. It’s as if they’ve been able to tweak the processing and signalling much better than iQOO. But the images are sharp and detailed in both phones, however at the max focal ranges you can see the stark difference in the output between both of them.
Macro
While OP has a higher hand in lowlight telephoto, in macro the iQOO with its super macro mode is really good. It allows you to blur the background which the OP won’t do. The images from the OP 12 also come out nice, but with the super macro mode the images from the iQOO are much better.
Portrait
In portraits both the phones allow you to shoot at 1,2 and 3x but the performance varies in both of them. They do deliver sharp and detailed images, but the OP gives a much warmer tone in the images, which might be liked more by the users. The iQOO adds a slight yellow tinge to the subject while the OP adds a slight reddish tinge. Neither of the phones deliver the actual scene in daylight. But in terms of the edge detection in daylight the iQOO is much better, sharper and well defined edges as compared to the OP.
But as good as the iQOO is in the daylight with edge detection, it’s is pretty average overall in lowlight portraits. The images are oversaturated, much too warm and also sometimes at the high focal range shows colour fringing again. The OP in this case delivers an OK performance, the images come slightly underexposed, but much better that the iQOO for sure. So overall in this case I would say the OP is more consistent overall in portraits.
Front camera
And OP is able to continue that in the front camera as well. It has a new 32-MP camera versus the iQOO 16-MP camera which at best delivers an ok performance. The images from the OP are sharper, much better and also is able to deliver more. Even in portrait the camera is able to sense the depth much better. For instance, I took this pic at F1.4 from both the phones and the iQOO gave less depth as compared to the OP. Yes, it does go as wide as 0.95 but even then I thought the depth was ok. In edge detection also the camera is much better.
Video Performance
In video both can shoot up to 8k but the iQOO goes up to 30 fps whereas the OP can go up to 24 fps. The OP also gives you 5 lenses to shoot from as compared to the iQOO.
In terms of output both the phones have a good output, but the samples from OP looks more vibrant and natural, the stabilisation is good in both but it is better in the OP again and overall in the video as well I felt that OP was better.
Other things
Every time that I was shooting with the IQOO the screen would show the live feed much darker than the actual output. That was surprising since there was no way for me to tell if what is the output the camera would show. Also the iQOO was heating up more than the OP as well.
The camera UI is something that I have included in this comparison coz I felt that the fluency of the camera app was better in the OnePlus and also the screen at 4500 nits is just phenomenal.
Conclusion
So which is the better camera between the two? Yes, both of these manufacturers need to work on certain aspects of their cameras even now, but overall in terms of not only the camera, but also the specs, the optimisation of how the phone works overall, OnePlus is the much better camera and phone in most aspects.
