ISLAMABAD: If you’re shopping for a top-tier Android phone and care about camera quality, you’ve probably got your eyes on three big names: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and OnePlus 13.
All three promise amazing photos, but how different are they really and which one is actually better for everyday photography?
Let’s start with the basics. In good lighting, you’re going to get great photos no matter which one you pick. But the way each phone processes colours and handles detail can feel quite different. The Pixel 9 Pro keeps things real, colours look natural and balanced, and it’s probably the best if you like photos that reflect what your eyes actually saw.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra used to go heavy on saturation, but this year, it’s more restrained. Photos still pop, but they don’t look overly boosted. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 13 doesn’t hold back, it gives you bright, warm photos that are full of contrast. Some might love that bold look, while others might find it a bit too much.
Now let’s talk zoom. This is where the Galaxy S25 Ultra really shines. It’s got dedicated 3× and 5× zoom lenses, so whether you’re snapping a concert shot or zooming in from the back of a room, it holds up beautifully. OnePlus, surprisingly, isn’t far behind. Even though it only has one telephoto lens, it uses smart processing to keep images sharp even when you zoom digitally. The Pixel 9 Pro struggles a bit here, it doesn’t have a 3× lens, so shots at that range aren’t as crisp.
For portraits, each phone brings its own vibe. The OnePlus 13 creates strong, contrasty photos that are perfect for Instagram. Samsung’s portraits look more true to life, with softer colours and nice background blur. The Pixel handles portraits well too but sometimes misses that extra punch, especially when you’re zooming in.
When it comes to selfies, Samsung pulls ahead with sharp, detailed shots. OnePlus leans towards smoother, warmer selfies that look great straight out of the camera. Pixel stays consistent, not too sharp, not too soft, just dependable.
And what about night shots? The Pixel 9 Pro is still one of the best when the lights go down. Night Sight works its magic to brighten things up without making photos look fake. Samsung is close behind with strong low-light shots that keep colours rich. OnePlus has made big improvements too, night photos are now brighter and more usable, though sometimes the colours can feel a bit too bold.
So, what’s the final takeaway? If you want the most flexible camera setup with serious zoom power, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is hard to beat. If you’re all about natural colours and smart AI magic, the Pixel 9 Pro still does a fantastic job. And if you love bold, vibrant photos and want great performance without spending as much, the OnePlus 13 is a strong contender.
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all winner, just three excellent phones with very different camera personalities. It really comes down to the kind of photos you love taking.
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Pixel 9 Pro | OnePlus 13 |
| Overall camera style | Balanced and versatile, with natural yet vivid tones | True-to-life colours with excellent dynamic range | Bold, warm, and contrast-heavy photos |
| Zoom performance | Excellent (3× and 5× telephoto lenses) | Decent, but lacks a 3× zoom lens | Impressive even at 20× digital zoom |
| Portrait shots | Natural colours, soft background blur | Clean but sometimes lacks depth | Eye-catching, perfect for social media |
| Selfie quality | Sharp, detailed selfies | Consistent and dependable | Soft, warm, and flattering |
| Low-light performance | Bright, detailed, vibrant colours | Best-in-class night mode with AI | Much improved, though slightly over-saturated |
| Best for | Users who want zoom flexibility and all-round tools | Those who prefer natural colours and smart AI shots | Bold photography lovers at a better price |
| Camera personality | Refined and capable across all areas | Smart, subtle, and consistent | Fun, colourful, and surprisingly sharp |