Is The Sony Xperia XA1 Worth Buying for Its Camera?

punkindrublic on 16/06/2018 - 14:20

I've currently got a ZTE Axon 7 (rooted with custom OS), but I find the camera to only be so-so along with a number of other issues (faulty GPS, unable to hear people calling me, etc) so I'm looking at getting a new phone outright.

I've looked at some the phone reviews, and the Sony Xperia XA1 seems to get praise for having a 'flaghip-quality' camera. It's currently available at ~$240, but before I take the plunge I wanted to see if anyone already has the XA1 and would say it lives up to the reviewer's hype?

If there's a better alternative I'm interested as well - I know not to expect the world's most amazing camera from a mid-range phone, but if I can get something that punches above its weight that'd be excellent.

Mobile

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 16/06/2018 - 16:35

    If most of your photos are taken in daylight then yes it's great. It will struggle with darker (interior) images though.

  • Fiximol on 16/06/2018 - 16:43
    +1

    I don't have the XA1, but whilst the sensor they used was the same as the older flagships, the reviews seem to say that the image quality doesn't match the specs and were disappointing, so I would not buy it if you wanted a good camera for the phone.

    If you want better image quality (I assume you are shooting stills) then the best bet is to buy a quality point and shoot :P - the camera is generally where costs are cut to make mid to low end phones. Having said that, for overseas models, the Sharp Aquos S2 and Redmi Note 5 pro both seem to have pretty good cameras. The Moto G5s plus also performs well and can be obtained locally (though it is older now). Alternatively, just go down the DXO list and see which is the first to match your willingness to spend :D

    At the end of the day, even the best smartphone (with the exception of the p20 pro, which uses a software solution) is going to struggle in dim/low light, and do well in well lit areas; I like to call them "office cameras" - they work from 9am to 5pm.

    • Diji1 on 16/06/2018 - 19:18

      The P20 Pro still struggles with low light photography but it has the best results of any smartphone device.

      • Fiximol on 16/06/2018 - 20:20
        +1

        Definitely, but I think the night mode on the P20 pro (using software to compose a picture from multiple exposures, basically using bracketing technique to enhance the image) is quite clever and delivers truly impressive results - at least for static objects - the fact that it can get you an image at all in situations where it is all but impossible to get otherwise is a feat in itself.

    • punkindrublic on 17/06/2018 - 10:04

      Thanks very much for the advice - I'll look into the P20 if it's superior to the XA1. I saw the G5s get good reviews too, but less for the camera than the entire phone.

      EDIT: I just saw the P20 Pro's price tag - that's well beyond my budget, I misunderstood your post so ignore what I wrote above. The Aquos isn't on that list, but would it compare to phones like the G5s or even be a bit better for the price?

      Another question - I've seen talk about the Camera 2 API, but does this mean anything in terms of improvements to image quality? Or does it just add extra functions such as RAW support and the like?

  • Diji1 on 16/06/2018 - 19:17

    out of place on a flagship a year or two ago.

    is the actual quote.

    The Sharp Aquos S2 represents amazing value with few compromises at ~200 bucks.

    • punkindrublic on 17/06/2018 - 10:01

      Oh absolutely, I didn't expect it to compete with the current generation of phone cameras. Most of my past phones (Galaxy S4, Nexus 4, etc) have had pretty average cameras so if the XA1 or Aquos S2 can hold their own against the top cameras of previous generations then that's a big improvement for me!

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