Purchase Recommendation

[Sabber]

I'm looking into buying a new phone with the focus on getting something with a really good camera, with of course decent enough specs in other sectors.

I had an S20FE 2 years ago that was phenomenal, the price to specs and performance in everything was sooo good. Unfortunately their water resistance was bogus and I had to get a samsung A54 as a substitute. 

I've considered the xperia 1 VI and vivo X200 PRO, both have only 4 years security updates while samsung has 7 years. I'd also consider factors like that in. 

I don't want to get an apple at all. I can afford something like the S25 ultra if it has the best camera, also if theres something for a lower price with a similar or better camera that is of course the preferable choice. 

What would you recommend?  

[Commodus]

22 hours ago, Sabber said:

I'm looking into buying a new phone with the focus on getting something with a really good camera, with of course decent enough specs in other sectors.

I had an S20FE 2 years ago that was phenomenal, the price to specs and performance in everything was sooo good. Unfortunately their water resistance was bogus and I had to get a samsung A54 as a substitute. 

I've considered the xperia 1 VI and vivo X200 PRO, both have only 4 years security updates while samsung has 7 years. I'd also consider factors like that in. 

I don't want to get an apple at all. I can afford something like the S25 ultra if it has the best camera, also if theres something for a lower price with a similar or better camera that is of course the preferable choice. 

What would you recommend?  

I'd go for a Pixel 9 Pro or Pro XL for camera quality in Android land. I've used the S25 Ultra, and while the cameras are still good, they're showing their age a bit. I like Google's more natural colors and low-light performance. Keep in mind that the Pixel 10 series might arrive in August, so I'd keep an eye out for sales on the Pixel 9 range if you can. Still a solid purchase otherwise.

 

The OnePlus 13 is also a dark horse here. It's not the absolute best at everything, but I've used it and found it reliably good (which is arguably the most important trait of any camera system). That and the AI zoom enhancements are surprisingly effective, to the point where even some 30X digital zoom shots look superb.

 

I'm not a big fan of Sony's devices. The cameras are theoretically great, but they require real work to get the best results where other major brands are better at great automatic shots.

 

One thing that will help: where do you live? I'd be wary of hopping on most Chinese brands in North America, as the cellular networking might be inconsistent and the aftermarket support will be non-existent. But if you live in a country where Vivo, Xiaomi and others have official support, that's another story.