My money bought a super-premium camera phone with stock Android

However, none of the aforementioned phones have succeeded in replacing my daily driver because, frankly, their software gives me a headache. While their core functionality is perfect (this is Android, after all!), I don’t want to have to contend with uninstallable apps, complicated menus, or (additional) intrusive search tracking to get a great camera.

No, what I really want is a capable photography flagship with a clean software setup and years of support. The operating system doesn’t have to be Pixel-like; it just needs to get out of the way.

“But what about the Google Pixel 8 Pro?” I heard the collective comment scream. Well, it’s probably still the closest thing to my ideal phone we have. I’ve been using the Pixel 8 Pro as my daily driver since its release because of its powerful photography and software combination. And, while it’s a very, very good camera phone, I’m still often tormented by the fact that I “just have my phone” instead of mirrorless.

The problem with Google Cameras is that they’re useful, but lack that intangible creative spark (hiding the popular slider makes it all that much harder). The Pixel’s strict approach to color leaves little room for flare (without the need for more laborious editing), while Google’s groundbreaking HDR technology often eliminates any notion of contrast and mood. Yes, there are panning and portrait modes available, but they’re both bland software imitations of the real thing.

The lens configuration isn’t surprising either. The 23mm primary lens is too wide for framing, while the 125mm periscope is too narrow for portraits. So you’re stuck with a hybrid zoom that’s okay, but it’s far from perfect. Granted, these are complaints only for picky photographers, but that’s the camp I’m in.

Yes, you can adjust endlessly in Google Photos and use manual controls all day long to end up with great-looking photos. But the results still look a lot like, well, they were taken with a smartphone. I feel the same way about the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro I’ve been using in recent months. Both make great camera bags, but they are far from my favorite. The S24 Ultra’s color science is too poppy and childish, while the hideous yellow tint and broken shadows still plague the iPhone 15 Pro.

The latest products from OPPO and Xiaomi have a few features that set them apart from the competition. First, their camera hardware is better. There’s no tiny telephoto sensor that fails on cloudy days, or a distorted ultra-wide-angle lens that makes your epic scenes blur. The solid hardware of three or even four cameras means that no matter what lens you shoot with, no matter what the conditions, you’ll end up with great photos.

I wouldn’t give up on a Galaxy flagship with a decent-sized portrait telephoto lens, or a Pixel with an ultra-wide-angle camera that, despite improvements, has such a poor fisheye effect that I wouldn’t dare blow it up on the canvas. Sadly, we often end up with one or two decent lenses and compromise on the rest.

The other half of the appeal of Chinese camera phones is their more exciting adoption of color science, taking the pain out of making photos look unique and interesting. My favorite mirrorless is the Fuji, partly because of the range of beautiful color profiles available at the click of a switch (classic chrome is so versatile).

Of course, profiles/filters are nothing new for mobile devices, but brands like vivo have taken filters to the next level, allowing you to work in RAW with quick switching instead of slow post-editing. Get more creative. More unique, emotional photos will immediately make the viewer stop and think; “Was that really taken on a phone?” You won’t get that wow factor from a Galaxy or iPhone (Apple’s specs notwithstanding) file options). I’ve also encountered some issues with over-sharpening and aggressive noise reduction from these brands in recent years, which significantly improves perceived image quality. This is especially true for portraits, which are important both for social media and/or for private documentation of a loved one’s life.

I’d love to ditch my Pixel and make one of these phones my daily driver, but these Chinese brands do a great job with the hardware but let down with cumbersome software. They are too eager to push for more app markets and ecosystems, but at least for Western consumers, this only hinders rather than enhances the experience. Of course, these phones aren’t cheap. They cost well over $1,000, but you can still take relatively good photos with more affordable hardware.

But money is no object, and apart from Chinese phones, Sony’s Xperia series may be the one that best fits the bill. The series relies heavily on its photography and camera capabilities, while the software department is arguably a bit too streamlined. Unfortunately, this range of cameras hasn’t quite hit the mark in the past, although I think the Sony Xperia 1 V comes pretty close, thanks in part to a range of color profiles. However, it’s impossible to justify the $1,399 purchase without the promise of future OS upgrades.

The hopefully resurgent Sony Xperia 1 VI could fulfill this requirement, with all three of its cameras rumored to have switchable focal lengths. I really want it. The Pixel 9 Pro is also coming soon. Until then, the aforementioned Google Pixel 8 Pro will likely blend photography capabilities with software for the best overall experience, and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series is in the same league. But if you really want the best photography phone money can buy, the vivo X100 Pro and Xperia 14 Ultra are probably your best choices. Just be prepared to struggle with the software until you learn to live with their quirks.