Choosing a camera phone under ₹30,000 in India can be a daunting task, especially with brands like iQOO, Oppo, and Vivo consistently pushing the boundaries of mid-range photography. In this head-to-head camera test, we pit the iQOO Neo 10, Oppo Reno 14, and Vivo T4 Ultra against each other to help you decide which one offers the best bang for your buck.
The Contenders: A Quick Overview
Before diving into the camera performance, let’s quickly glance at the camera specifications of these formidable phones:
- iQOO Neo 10: Features a 50MP wide-angle primary camera and an 8MP ultrawide. On the front, it boasts a 32MP wide-angle lens.
- Oppo Reno 14: Comes with a 50MP wide-angle primary camera, a 50MP telephoto lens (with up to 3x optical zoom), and an 8MP ultrawide. The front camera is a high-resolution 50MP wide-angle lens.
- Vivo T4 Ultra: Equipped with a 50MP wide-angle primary camera, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens (with 3x optical zoom), and an 8MP ultrawide. For selfies, it has a 32MP wide-angle front camera.
All three phones feature OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on their main sensors, ensuring stable shots, and support 4K video recording at 60fps.
Camera Performance Breakdown:
Let’s dissect how each phone performs in various camera scenarios:
1. Daylight Photography: Clarity and Color Science
In ample daylight, all three phones deliver impressive results, capturing good detail and dynamic range. However, subtle differences emerge in their color science:
- Oppo Reno 14: Tends to produce slightly more vibrant and punchy colors, often making scenes pop. Its telephoto lens is a significant advantage, allowing for excellent zoomed-in shots without losing much detail. The 50MP front camera also captures highly detailed selfies.
- Vivo T4 Ultra: Offers a more natural and true-to-life color reproduction. The periscope telephoto lens is a standout feature, providing exceptional zoom capabilities and impressive clarity even at 3x optical zoom. Its main sensor, with a Sony IMX921, promises strong performance.
- iQOO Neo 10: While capable, its color science might be a bit more neutral compared to the others. It performs well in daylight, but the absence of a dedicated telephoto lens might be a drawback for those who frequently use zoom.
Verdict: For overall vibrancy and the versatility of a dedicated telephoto lens, the Oppo Reno 14 or Vivo T4 Ultra have an edge. The Vivo T4 Ultra’s periscope lens particularly shines for zoom.
2. Portrait Photography: Bokeh and Edge Detection
Portrait mode is crucial for many users, and these phones offer compelling options:
- Oppo Reno 14: Delivers good edge detection and a pleasing bokeh effect. The 50MP front camera also ensures high-quality portrait selfies.
- Vivo T4 Ultra: Often produces accurate background blur and good subject separation. The telephoto lens can also be leveraged for flattering portrait shots with a more natural compression.
- iQOO Neo 10: Provides decent portrait shots, but sometimes the edge detection might not be as precise as its competitors.
Verdict: The Oppo Reno 14 and Vivo T4 Ultra generally offer more refined portrait experiences, especially with their telephoto capabilities adding to the versatility.
3. Low-Light Photography: Detail and Noise Control
Low-light performance is often where mid-range phones struggle, but these devices put up a good fight:
- Oppo Reno 14: Shows good noise control and manages to retain a fair amount of detail in challenging low-light conditions. The OIS helps in keeping shots steady.
- Vivo T4 Ultra: Its main sensor, particularly with OIS, performs admirably in low light, capturing bright and relatively noise-free images.
- iQOO Neo 10: While it has a good primary sensor, its low-light performance might be slightly behind the other two, especially in very dark scenarios.
Verdict: The Vivo T4 Ultra and Oppo Reno 14 generally offer superior low-light performance, thanks to their optimized sensors and OIS.
4. Video Recording: Stability and Quality
All three phones support 4K 60fps video recording, which is excellent for this price segment:
- Oppo Reno 14: Offers good stabilization and decent video quality, suitable for everyday vlogging.
- Vivo T4 Ultra: Known for its strong video capabilities, often producing stable and clear footage with good colors.
- iQOO Neo 10: Provides solid video recording, but might exhibit slightly less stabilization in very dynamic scenarios compared to its rivals.
Verdict: The Vivo T4 Ultra tends to be a strong contender for video recording due to its stabilization and overall quality.
The Only Camera Phone To Buy Under ₹30,000 Is…
Based on a comprehensive camera test, the Vivo T4 Ultra emerges as a strong contender for the “best camera phone under ₹30,000.” Its inclusion of a periscope telephoto lens, excellent low-light performance, and consistent natural color reproduction give it a significant edge.
However, the Oppo Reno 14 is a close second, offering vibrant colors and a capable telephoto lens, along with a high-resolution front camera for selfie enthusiasts. The iQOO Neo 10 is a solid option for its primary camera performance, but its lack of a dedicated telephoto lens might make it less appealing to users who value zoom capabilities.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities:
- For the best all-around camera experience, especially for zoom and low-light, the Vivo T4 Ultra is highly recommended.
- If you prioritize vibrant colors and exceptional selfies, the Oppo Reno 14 is an excellent choice.
- If your budget is strict and you primarily focus on daylight shots with the main sensor, the iQOO Neo 10 still offers good value.
Before making your final decision, remember to also consider other aspects like display, battery life, performance, and software experience, as these contribute to the overall user experience. But purely from a camera perspective in the sub-₹30,000 segment, the Vivo T4 Ultra truly stands out.