We’ve been releasing camera comparisons of midrange handsets recently, and as Apple’s newest iPhones were released, we got tons of requests to do a flagship camera comparison. Three of the handsets we’re gonna compare today are 2018’s smartphones with impeccable camera sensors, on paper and their actual results as well.
So, we got here the newest Apple iPhone XS Max, the Huawei P20 Pro – which has continuously been receiving a lot of hype for its triple AI cameras and its hybrid zoom. Lastly, the OPPO Find X that has a unique slider mechanism. Which has better rear-camera results? Let’s find out here.
| SPECS | Apple iPhone XS Max | Huawei P20 Pro | OPPO Find X |
| Rear Camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), + 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.4″, 1.0µm, OIS, PDAF, 2x optical zoom |
40 MP RGB (f/1.8) + 20 MP monochrome (f/1.6) + 8 MP telephoto (f/2.4), Leica optics, Huawei AIS, 4D predictive focus, 5x Hybrid zoom | 16 MP (f/2.0, PDAF, OIS) + 20 MP (f/2.0), phase detection autofocus, dual-LED dual-tone flash |
| Front Camera | 7 MP | 24 MP | 25 MP |
| Price (SRP) | around $999 (US) and $1,099 | PHP 44, 990 | PHP 49, 990 |
For our first sample set, we took these shots around 2 PM in a cloudy afternoon. Looking at these three photos, you’ll instantly see how the OPPO Find X shot differ greatly in color representation. With the iPhone XS Max and P20 Pro share the same cooler toned photo, the Find X’s photo leaned on to a more warmer and sunny one.
If you look closely on the skies, the sky on the Huawei P20 Pro looked brighter and livelier in color, while the sky on the iPhone shot looked darker and the one captured by the Find X looked faded and dull.
Still at the same place where we took the previous shots, but with the 2x optical zoom enabled. In brightness, the Huawei P20 Pro clearly won in this sample set as it gives us a bright and vibrant result. On the other hand, the Apple iPhone XS Max shot captured a more natural-looking photo and the Find X with the same warmer-toned one. In terms of clarity, these three handsets are at par. The Apple, Huawei, and OPPO delivered clear photos without visible noises even with the 2x zoom turned on.
Taken on a sunny afternoon, the Huawei P20 Pro delivered a significantly brighter and vibrant output compared to the other two. The AI cameras of the Huawei handset was able to detect the greenery subject and it automatically adjusts its camera settings to put highlight on the subject, which is the tree. Similar to the previous sample set, the iPhone XS Max captured the photo that depicts closest to real life scenario, and the OPPO Find X shot looks a bit similar as well.
Looking at the sky though, the photo taken using the iPhone XS Max gave out the bluest sky on this sample set, with the Find X shot coming second, and the lightest sky goes to the P20 Pro.
Our fourth sample set focuses on a greenery subject. Initially, the overall difference of the Huawei shot is undeniably noticeable. As we took the photo on the P20 Pro, it automatically detected the greenery scene and adjusts the settings in a second. The AI feature made the greens pop out more and adjust its saturation to a high level, making some parts darker.
Going to the Find X shot, it has a balanced amount of greens and saturation, its AI camera did not overdo the adjustments, so it looked better in our opinion. The iPhone XS Max, on the other hand, produced a natural-looking result, it is also the brightest shot in this sample set.
The portrait mode of the three handsets were turned on when we took these shots. Apple’s new iPhone XS Max produced a satisfyingly nice looking bokeh effect. Despite its strong bokeh effect, it did not look artificial at all and it put more highlight to the subject. The Huawei P20 Pro and OPPO Find X also produced photos with good bokeh effect, but the OPPO Find X with a more stronger depth of field in our opinion.
Compared to our first sample set, these were taken on the deck of the building to capture a wider shot of the city. The iPhone shot delivered a cooler-toned and darker result. Second, the P20 Pro with a stronger saturation and vibrancy, and the Find X with a lighter and slightly faded shot.
Taken at the same place as the previous shots, but with the 10x zoom enabled. It’s amazing that these phones can take clear photos even with the zoom set at 10. Which smartphone captured the clearest shot with 10x zoom? Look closely and you’ll see how the Huawei P20 Pro captured the “RCBC” on the building with less noise but with sharp edges.
The iPhone XS Max was also able to capture the “RCBC” logo on the building a bit clearer but with visible noise and crisp details. The Find X got the last place as the “RCBC” logo taken on the Find X weren’t as clear and noise-free compared to the other two.
At first glance, you’ll notice the color difference of the photo taken using the P20 Pro compared to the other two. Its AI capabilities made the photo look Instagram-worthy instantly as it automatically adjusts the settings to make it fit for a summer feed. Similar with the past sample set, the Apple and OPPO results almost look alike. What do you think?
Surprisingly, the shot taken using the iPhone XS Max has the most saturation and vibrancy on this sample set. Also, the Huawei P20 Pro produced the lightest shot in this set, and the OPPO Find X shot in between.
Going to our first night-lit assisted shots, the light coming from the lamp is stronger on the Huawei photo. The P20 Pro was able to use the light source efficiently compared to the other two as it used the light source to lighten up the whole frame without overdoing it. The OPPO Find X got the second spot with its lighter output but still with deeper blacks, and the iPhone coming as the least great-looking night-lit assisted shot for its dull and darker result.
As usual, the Huawei P20 Pro has the lightest shot, and despite the brightest, the photo is still rich in color. The OPPO Find X also took a great night-lit assisted shot with its vibrant output and deeper blacks. On the contrary, the iPhone XS Max produced a bit lighter and more natural-looking shot, it is obvious that no post-processing was done to the photo.
We laid out the photo samples from each smartphone and also shared our opinion, but take note that everyone has their own creative preferences and your insights may differ from ours. Now, by looking at the sample photos, which flagship smartphone with the best rear-camera is for you? Comment down below!
