Why do mobile phones sometimes take better photos than a 'proper' camera?

This is a question that often crops up in my photography courses; usually from students who wanted to improve their photography, so bought a dedicated camera, and then were frustrated when they found their mobile phone photos still seemed to be better! Hopefully this short explanation will help you to understand why phones sometimes take better photos than you seem to be able to with your 'proper' camera. You might be pleased to hear that with a bit of knowledge, you can make sure you use your proper camera in a way which will always be better than your phone! See this article for the main reasons why cameras are still better than camera phones.

So, the main reasons why sometimes mobiles can seem to take better photos than proper cameras include:

1. Photography through software

Modern smartphones use AI-driven software to enhance image quality. This includes features like HDR, multi-frame processing, and night modes, which automatically blend multiple images into one for the best result, without you realising that this is what is happening. This means that often, people might note that their phones seem to take better photos of sunrise than they (think they) can on their 'proper' camera.

2. Ease of Use

Mobile phones are designed to be user-friendly. They automatically adjust settings like exposure, ISO, and focus, allowing users to take pictures without any photography knowledge. Professional cameras require manual control to achieve similar results, which can be complex for beginners.

3. Post-Processing 

Smartphones carry out extensive post processing such as colour correction, noise reduction, and sharpening instantly after taking a photo. Some phone manufacturers like Google, Apple, and Samsung are known for their sophisticated algorithms that help produce more visually pleasing results straight out of the camera. Using a dedicated camera, the user needs to understand how to do much of this post processing themselves in order to get the best out of their images.

4. Multiple Lenses

Many modern smartphones come with multiple lenses (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto), enabling a wide range of perspectives without switching equipment. While high-end cameras can provide similar or better results, this often requires multiple lenses and the knowledge to use them.

5. Smaller Sensor, Smarter Use

Although smartphone cameras have smaller sensors than professional cameras, the software compensates for this limitation. Features like AI-based depth sensing (for portrait mode) and digital zoom make up for the physical limitations of their hardware.

6. Portability and Convenience

Since people always have their phones with them, they can capture moments instantly. A larger, more professional camera can take better quality photos, but the convenience of a phone camera means you're more likely to have it available for spontaneous shots.

7. Real-time Adjustments

Phones often provide live previews of changes like exposure, colour balance, and depth of field, which helps users get the shot they want in real-time. With professional cameras, many adjustments are either manual or require checking post-shot.

Final Words

While smartphones excel in automatic settings and real-time photo enhancements, dedicated cameras are still capable of producing better results, however this does require you to have a proper understanding of how to use the camera, and how to get the best out of the images through post processing. See this blog for why cameras are still better than phones.  

DSLR Camera

Want to improve your photography skills?

Don't forget that if you want some direct help with your photography, I offer a range of 1-2-1 photography courses for Devon based folks. If you're not nearby then I also  offer residential weekends for beginners or improving photographers.

About me

I first got into photography after walking the beautiful South West Coast Path: I was so disappointed that my photos didn't do justice to the beautiful coastal scenery that I decided to walk all 630 miles all over again, but this time to also teach myself photography along the way!  

A few years later and I find myself as a professional photographer, widely published and  with landscape photos which have won national awards. But I do much more than landscapes, providing photography training to businesses & individuals on how to take beautiful photographs, and providing professional photography services to businesses across the South West. My commercial specialisms are property photography, business photography, people photography & aerial (drone) photography.

I’m also an author with a number of published books and I give regular talks about my passion for photography, and for Devon, to camera clubs and other groups.

You can read more about me here.