Trends and Phones for Mobile Photography in 2024

If the first thing you check when thinking of getting a new phone is its camera wonders, then chances are you’re a photo enthusiast. Are we right? Now, if you’ve been keeping an eye on the latest buzz in mobile photography, you’ll know there’s a lot to unpack. The good news is we’re here to help you!

It’s no secret that the world of snapping pics on our smartphones is evolving faster than ever, and we’ve long kissed goodbye to basic selfies and holiday pictures. Social media platforms like Instagram have taken the game to the next level, so now many phone models are basically mini professional cameras that we can keep in our pockets and pull out whenever we have the chance.

So, brace yourself! Today’s blog is all about mobile photography, focusing on jaw-dropping advancements in camera technology, mind-blowing AI features, professional editing apps, and, of course, the phones that are making waves this year. And if, at the end of our blog, you think, “It’s time for a phone trade-in” to upgrade your photo skills, we’re here for you. Let’s get started!

Click into the future: advances in camera technology

If you’ve been lucky enough to own a phone with a camera since the early 2000s, you’ll know camera technology has come a long way since then, getting better year after year. And now, in 2024, we can safely state smartphone cameras have lept ahead with such exciting innovations that are literally changing how we capture the world around us! Let’s look into the most thrilling improvements.

• Larger sensors. So, this is a big advancement. Big in all senses! Bigger sensors mean better light capture and better-quality images, even in low-light conditions. Can you imagine catching the magic of a beautiful twilight whilst retaining maximum detail and clarity? Amazing! This is the type of improvement that is allowing anyone with a smartphone to reach almost professional-level photography.
• Variable aperture lenses. This incredible tech allows your phone’s camera to automatically adjust its aperture to adapt to the lighting conditions, just like a DSLR. So, basically, whether you’re shooting in the bright sunlight or the softer glow of candlelight, your device will quickly adapt to let you snap the perfect shot every single time.
• Periscope lenses. We can’t forget about these! These exceptional lenses may be small, but they are super powerful. They now deliver unprecedented zoom capabilities without the bulk, making it a breeze to get close-up shots of distant subjects with remarkable sharpness.

With all these outstanding tech upgrades, taking the perfect shot is easier than ever!

The AI revolution: computational photography and AR integration

Everybody wants their photos to look as spot-on and stunning as possible, and AI surely is the ultimate trick up our sleeves to achieve this goal: perfect light, perfect contrast, and perfect filters! So, now more than ever, switching to an AI phone makes sense to take mobile photography to new heights thanks to computational photography, which uses complex algorithms to enhance your images in real-time.

An example? The highly praised Night Mode: here, multiple frames are captured and merged to produce a bright, clear image in the dark. Another fantastic application of computational photography is HDR+, which combines several exposures for an incredibly balanced shot! If you’ve ever used this function, you’ll know how great your photos are compared to their regular counterparts. There’s no match!

Another interesting contribution comes from Augmented Reality (AR), which is also making a splash in mobile photography along with AI. AR overlays can add a layer of creative flair to your images, allowing for fun and engaging experiences. For example, some apps can now superimpose virtual elements onto your live viewfinder, letting you see how different compositions or elements will look before you snap the photo! The benefits? Well, it definitely sparks creativity and makes photography more interactive and enjoyable!

Edit like a pro with professional-level editing apps

Being a great photographer is not the only skill you must have to snap fantastic pictures; you must also be a capable editor! So, no more sitting at your desktop, trying to navigate the many complexities of editing software to edit a shot to perfection. It’s definitely easier and more achievable than ever from your phone.

Handy and creative apps like Adobe Lightroom Mobile, Picsart, Snapseed, and VSCO allow you to enhance any photo thanks to the multitude of fantastic functions they feature, whether it’s advanced editing tools to regulate light, colour, and contrast, magic filters to infuse your image with a particularly fancy touch, or impressive AI features to give it an extra professional look. Some of them are completely free (you only have to watch the occasional adverts)–although with some limitations–  and some come at a reasonable price. The only question you have to ask yourself is: how much am I willing to spend to enhance my photos? No price is too high!

Speaking of AI enhancements specifically, they are great not just for making your pictures look cool but also for simplifying the entire editing process. For instance, auto-enhance options can intelligently adjust your photo to look its best with just one tap, while portrait mode effortlessly retouches skin, adds depth-of-field effects, and even alters lighting post-capture.

So, as you can see, you have no excuses! There’s literally nothing that stops you from becoming the next Instagram sensation boasting a gallery of incredibly outstanding photos!

Insta-influence. What is social media’s impact on photography styles?

Let’s face it: it wasn’t for platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and even YouTube, camera technology would have probably evolved much slower. Over the past few years, social media has been the major supporter of phone camera developments, with their massive changes shaping the way we approach capturing and sharing moments, whether private or public. Think about how the obsession with eye-catching content has led to large trends like the rise of vibrant, hyper-saturated colours and the popularity of minimalist aesthetic compositions! And one is sure: whether it’s the dreamy, ethereal look of the “soft blur” trend or the nostalgic vibe of vintage film presets, social media is a playground for every creative mind out there.

That’s right; the influence of social media doesn’t stop at dictating what’s trendy but also pushes users’ creative boundaries by inspiring them to experiment with new techniques and styles to take part in viral challenges, be on top of the most popular hashtags, and don’t miss out on the latest filter. And the reality is that all these factors combined can change the landscape of mobile photography overnight! This rapid pace keeps things exciting, as photographers, both professional and amateur, are constantly looking for new ways to stand out and engage their audiences.

Top picks: best smartphones for photography in 2024

So, with so many thrilling advancements in mobile photography tech, choosing the right smartphone can be daunting. There are so many fantastic devices out there that allow you to take breathtaking photos! Fear not—we’ve rounded up the top contenders of 2024 that are setting new benchmarks in mobile photography. Let’s have a look.

• Leading the pack is the iPhone 15 Pro Max, with its Super Retina XDR, an impressive quad-camera setup with a 108MP main sensor, variable aperture, and enhanced computational photography features. This Apple model can literally handle everything like a champ, from low-light shots to ultra-wide landscapes! If you’re seeking the right photo buddy, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a front-runner.
• Next up is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, renowned for its stunning periscope zoom lens that offers up to 200x digital zoom. Supported by the incredibly performative Dynamic AMOLED technology, its 144MP sensor and advanced AI capabilities make it a favourite among mobile photographers who crave versatility and detail to take the perfect shot in every situation!
• Another standout device if you’re into photography is the Google Pixel 8 Pro. It may be less known than the previous two, but it’s a great phone; with its advanced computational photography skills and handy features like Magic Eraser and Real Tone for accurate skin colour representation, your photos will scream “professional” from every pixel!
• Finally, if you’re on a budget but still want your snaps to stand out on Instagram, the OnePlus 12 Pro might be just what you need! This phone punches above its weight, offering a premium photography experience without breaking the bank. Its partnership with Hasselblad brings pro-level colour accuracy and dynamic range, ensuring your photos look vibrant and true to life!

 

If all this tech talk has you itching for an upgrade to one of these incredible smartphones so you can find your inner photographer with one of them, we’re here to help! With our hassle-free Sell My Phone service, trading in your old phone has never been simpler or quicker. Just send us your current device, receive your cash, and use it to snag a brand-new smartphone perfect for capturing stunning pictures. Ready to make the switch? Contact us today and step up your mobile photography game!