We’ve mentioned this already in our review, but Samsung’s Portrait Mode function is among the worst we have seen on a flagship smartphone. This one is an easy win for the Pixel 3, though the runner up isn’t the next most expensive phone, it’s the OnePlus 6T. Once detected, a blur effect (bokeh) is added to produce a DSLR-style photograph. It’s done either through a single-camera or dual-camera system, with a depth map that detects the subject from the background. Portrait Mode is now a staple feature on all smartphones, from budget to flagship phones. Winner: Google Pixel 3 DSLR-like portraits While the Pixel 3 wins, it’s a close call. It’s down to the OnePlus 6T and Pixel 3, and while we like how the buildings in the foreground are better exposed on the 6T photo, there’s stronger detail and contrast in the Pixel 3 photos. The LG G7 does a surprisingly good job with detail, but sadly we’re not fans of the color of the two background buildings, which look far too blue. We like the balanced exposure, though colors look a little flat. Overall, it’s a shame, as it’s an otherwise decent photo. While the photo looked fine on the S9, we didn’t initially see a problem until we looked at it on a larger computer screen back at the office. It shouldn’t have had an issue - the S9 should have nailed this on the first try, but this is what most users would have ended up with. We stood still as best we could and tapped-to-focus on the tallest building for all these photos, but the S9 delivered our least favorite results. Zoom in just a little to anywhere in its photo, and you’ll notice everything is a little blurred or fuzzy. First and foremost, the Galaxy S9 comes last in this test. These photos of the World Trade Center taken in Lower Manhattan are all shareable, but side-by-side there are things we like and don’t like. Winner: Samsung Galaxy S9 Clear day in Lower Manhattan We’re giving the edge to the S9 for accuracy, but the 6T does a commendable job here. The Galaxy S9 is a better exposed photo, and it looks incredibly natural.

Both offer similar levels of detail, but the 6T has more contrast, and it definitely boosts the saturation up a little. It comes down to the OnePlus 6T and the Galaxy S9 for us. Look at the tree on the left side - in the Galaxy S9 and OnePlus 6T photos, you can see details on it, but these are hardly present on the Pixel 3 photo. The Pixel 3 does a good job trying to keep the colors and exposure of the leaves accurate, but it underexposes the tree bark. The G7 comes last again, because it produced unappealing colors on the leaves of the trees. It can be difficult to find the right exposure, and even the best phone cameras can struggle. This is a tricky photo, because it’s early in the morning and sunlight is shining through the trees in Harlem. Winner: Google Pixel 3 Sunny morning in Harlem The photo can look a little too warm, so it may not be up to everyone’s taste, but it’s the photo we’d share of the lot. Nothing is under- or overexposed, but it’s not perfect. The contrast is excellent, and every part of the photo looks well detailed. Colors look good, and there’s a nice mix of warm and cool tones. OnePlus makes a good effort here, but we’d like more contrast, as the photo looks a bit too faded. We’re put off by the Galaxy S9’s result because the sky is overexposed, though we like almost everything else about it, especially the warm tones. The G7 offers a solid photo otherwise, though it’s a little dim. The LG G7 disappoints, as everything looks muddled close-up. The Galaxy S9 comes second with solid detail, and while the OnePlus 6T matches, it had considerably more noise. The building in the center of the image, in the background delivers crystal-clear definition in the Pixel photo, and you can even easily see lights on each floor thanks to excellent contrast. Starting with detail, zoom into any part of all four photos, and there’s a clear winner: The Pixel 3. These are all good photos, but let’s nitpick.

Our first shot is set in Chelsea, New York, a few hours before sunset. From top left to bottom right: OnePlus 6T, Pixel 3, Samsung Galaxy S9, LG G7 ThinQ

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