Robert Triggs from Android Authority expressed dissatisfaction with the software of phones like Xiaomi, Vivo, and OPPO despite their functional core. He prefers a photography flagship with clean software and long-term support. The Google Pixel 8 Pro comes close to his ideal, but falls short in terms of creativity and lens configuration. Triggs criticizes the limitations of popular smartphones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro, praising OPPO and Xiaomi for their superior camera hardware.
He appreciates the unique color science and filter options offered by Chinese brands like vivo, which enhance photo quality and creativity. Triggs hopes for an improvement in software from Chinese brands to match their impressive hardware. Sony’s Xperia lineup is also praised for its photography capabilities, but hindered by software issues and lack of commitment to future OS updates. Triggs is looking forward to the rumored Xperia 1 VI and the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro for a better photography experience.
Ultimately, Triggs believes that vivo X100 Pro and Xperia 14 Ultra are the best options for the ultimate photography phone, despite their software quirks. He advises users to be prepared to deal with these issues in exchange for top-notch photography capabilities.