BackOnePlus 3 sports a camera with few Android rivals
Most smartphones tend to disappoint when it comes to photography performance, despite tall claims on the spec sheet. But not the OnePlus 3, and the software algorithms are the x-factor in its favour
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The OnePlus 3 is perhaps the most exciting Android smartphone in the world right now, and not without good reason. It packs in very powerful specs—Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 820 processor, 6GB RAM, a 5.5-inch Full HD Optic AMOLED display, 64GB internal storage, a 3000mAh battery and runs the latest Android Marshmallow-based Oxygen OS. And the price tag of ₹ 27,999 puts the much more expensive Android flagships to shame.
But that is not all. This “flagship killer" smartphone packs in a 16-megapixel camera, which uses a top-line Sony IMX298 (also used in phones such as the Asus Zenfone 3, Huawei Mate 8 and the Xiaomi Mi5). The feature list includes optical image stabilization (OIS), electronic image stabilization (EIS), phase detection auto focus as well as the ability to save images in the uncompressed RAW format—this is something photography enthusiasts will love because it will allow them much more flexibility while editing photos.
The default camera app itself is quite simple and easy to get the hang of. The first screen is where you have the flash, HD picture enhancement and the HDR mode controls on the top right of the screen, and the ability to change shooting modes (time-lapse, slow motion, video, panorama etc.) by tapping on the sandwich icon on the top left of the screen. As you select each mode, the settings option becomes available, which allows you to turn on the RAW image save mode and more. The only niggle with the camera app is that when you need to exit the camera or switch to another app, you need to swipe up from the bottom of the screen to activate the hidden navigation keys—sometimes you’ll change the shooting mode by mistake or even click a photo when you actually weren’t planning to.
While all this makes for solid reading on the spec sheet, what really matters is how this camera performs in the real world. And that is where the software algorithms which dictate post-image processing come into play. In the case of the OnePlus, these algorithms work much better than what even a lot of more expensive smartphones have managed in recent times.
We were impressed by how well-detailed and crisp most images turned out to be, with the OnePlus 3’s 16-megapixel camera. In well-lit environments, the well distinguished and rich colours impressed. The latter additionally because the white colour hues are quite accurate. The camera also locked in focus quite quickly, even for low-light macro shots. Even in low or slightly tricky lighting placement, the OnePlus 3’s photos turned out clearer than what even the top-line Android flagships manage, with most colours emerging close to accurate. Here are some test shots from the OnePlus 3.
Another day
Excellent sharpness level across the entire frame. The genuinely high level of detailing is visible as you look at the under-construction building in the distance, or the billboards on the mall.
Sweet tooth
Despite the reflective nature of the tray where these sweet delights are stored, the OnePlus 3 does not get thrown off by the reflections and reproduces accurate colours. In fact, the well-distinguished colours are the highlight, and so is the contrast.
Fine particles
The reason we have added this somewhat unconventional photo here is to illustrate the amount of detailing the OnePlus 3’s camera can capture in the focus areas, even in very low light—the dust particles on the fabric could not be captured in most phones, which just ended up showing the black fabric.
Covering up matters
This is a photo to illustrate that the OnePlus 3’s camera does not get put off by tricky light positioning—in this case, the light flare is all too visible in the top left corner of the frame, but the patterns on the Amazon Kindle’s cover are captured nearly perfectly.
Retro audio
The shot is evenly exposed, and you can make out the complete grille structure as well as the different colour layers in the Marshall logo.
Moments in time
It’s a bright and vibrant shot, with lots of detailing. The shadows are well-distinguished and the colour reproduction is accurate throughout. The photographer’s name on each frame is clear and readable.
Positivity
This shot is a testament to how well the OnePlus 3 is able to handle colours in low-light photos.
Reading time
If anything, the OnePlus 3’s camera errs on the side of a tad more sharpness, unlike a lot of smartphone cameras which end up with smudged out detailing while trying to hide “noise" that tends to show up. The warm colour of the Kindle’s screen is reproduced as is, and the clarity of the written word is excellent.
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