Can you actually see a distinction?

[ad_1] <img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="eager" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs CMF Phone 2 Pro (1 of 1)" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-vs-CMF-Phone-2-Pro-1-of-1.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-vs-CMF-Phone-2-Pro-1-of-1-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-vs-CMF-Phone-2-Pro-1-of-1-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-vs-CMF-Phone-2-Pro-1-of-1-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-vs-CMF-Phone-2-Pro-1-of-1-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-vs-CMF-Phone-2-Pro-1-of-1-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-vs-CMF-Phone-2-Pro-1-of-1-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-vs-CMF-Phone-2-Pro-1-of-1-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs CMF Phone 2 Pro (1 of 1)" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-vs-CMF-Phone-2-Pro-1-of-1.jpg"/> C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

With each passing yr, the cameras on a smartphone develop into nearly as essential because the smartphone itself. Folks know that just about any cellphone can do the “cellphone” issues they want, however not simply any machine could be the most effective digicam cellphone in the marketplace. As such, within the overwhelming majority of instances, the rationale you’re paying a sure value for a cellphone is closely influenced by the digicam {hardware} you’ll discover there.

However actually, how far does this go? Is a cellphone that prices $1,300 actually so a lot better than one which prices lower than $300? Is there a $1,000+ distinction between the pictures you’ll get on one versus the opposite?

I made a decision to check to seek out out. I’ve pitted two very totally different telephones offered at very totally different value factors towards each other to see how you actually really feel in regards to the flagship vs finances cellphone digicam debate.

Flagship vs finances cellphone digicam: Telephones and methodology

<img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="CMF Phone 2 Pro Camera App Options" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CMF-Phone-2-Pro-Camera-App-Options.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CMF-Phone-2-Pro-Camera-App-Options-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CMF-Phone-2-Pro-Camera-App-Options-1000w-561h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CMF-Phone-2-Pro-Camera-App-Options-1536w-862h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CMF-Phone-2-Pro-Camera-App-Options-675w-379h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CMF-Phone-2-Pro-Camera-App-Options-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="CMF Phone 2 Pro Camera App Options" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CMF-Phone-2-Pro-Camera-App-Options.jpg"/> C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

The Galaxy S25 Extremely is among the greatest digicam telephones you may at the moment purchase. It has an enormous digicam system, together with a 200MP main sensor, two telephotos (a 10MP 3x optical and a 50MP 5x optical), and a 50MP ultrawide. It additionally has a high-end 12MP selfie digicam.

In the meantime, the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional has a a lot weaker {hardware} system. Its 50MP main digicam is smaller and decrease decision than the Galaxy S25 Extremely’s. Likewise, its tiny 8MP ultrawide digicam can’t examine on paper, and its 16MP selfie digicam is undoubtedly a less expensive little bit of {hardware} than the one on Samsung’s flagship. Notably, although, the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional has a 50MP telephoto lens (2x optical), which is never seen on a cellphone this cheap.

For this check, I used out-of-the-box settings, no tripods, and did not do any re-shoots. These are as near real-life examples as I might get!

For the assessments beneath, I attempted to make every shot match the opposite as intently as potential. I used out-of-the-box settings and targeted on the usual options between each units. For instance, I didn’t do a macro shot check as a result of the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional’s software program doesn't assist this function. I additionally didn’t do a lot setup. I held the telephones in my hand (no tripods) and captured every picture with minimal tweaking. I didn’t do any reshoots, both — the primary picture from every setup is the one I went with. I really feel this greatest displays real-world utilization.

In every part, the 2 pictures are unlabeled and in a unique order. As you scroll by, decide which picture in every pair you assume did the higher job. While you get to the tip of the article, I’ll inform you which cellphone produced every picture, and you may see which cellphone you actually favor.

One remaining word: all of the pictures listed here are compressed for website loading velocity. If you wish to see them in an uncompressed state, take a look at this Drive folder. Simply don’t use that to cheat!

1x in daylight

<img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="1x in daylight Camera 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-1-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-1-1000w-750h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-1-1920w-1440h.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-1-1440w-1080h.jpg 1440w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-1-1152w-864h.jpg 1152w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-1-507w-380h.jpg 507w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-1-675w-506h.jpg 675w" alt="1x in daylight Camera 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-1-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 1 <img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="1x in daylight Camera 2" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-2-scaled.jpg 2549w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-2-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-2-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-2-1913w-1440h.jpg 1913w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-2-1434w-1080h.jpg 1434w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-2-1148w-864h.jpg 1148w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-2-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-2-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="1x in daylight Camera 2" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-in-daylight-Camera-2-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 2 That is essentially the most primary shot conceivable. The solar was behind me, and I simply took a fast snap of the park utilizing the first lens. Word how totally different these are when it comes to publicity. The Digicam 2 shot additionally has rather more pronounced grass coloring, and shadows are a lot much less distinct. That is particularly obvious within the park bench behind the tree on the decrease left. The gazebo (decrease proper) additionally has a bizarre blue tinge within the Digicam 2 shot that isn’t obvious in actual life, nor within the Digicam 1 picture.

1x texture closeup

<img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="1x texture closeup Camera 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-1-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-1-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-1-1913w-1440h.jpg 1913w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-1-1434w-1080h.jpg 1434w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-1-1148w-864h.jpg 1148w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-1-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-1-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="1x texture closeup Camera 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-1-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 1 <img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="1x texture closeup Camera 2" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-2-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-2-1000w-750h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-2-1920w-1440h.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-2-1440w-1080h.jpg 1440w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-2-1152w-864h.jpg 1152w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-2-507w-380h.jpg 507w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-2-675w-506h.jpg 675w" alt="1x texture closeup Camera 2" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-texture-closeup-Camera-2-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 2 This isn’t a macro shot, nevertheless it provides an concept of how every digicam captures smaller particulars. Digicam 2 did a a lot better job of stabilizing the picture, decreasing the blur you see across the lettering within the Digicam 1 picture. Nonetheless, the Digicam 2 picture has some bizarre artifacts across the wooden grain, which aren't obvious within the Digicam 1 picture.

Portrait mode

<img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Portrait mode Camera 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-1-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-1-1000w-750h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-1-1920w-1440h.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-1-1440w-1080h.jpg 1440w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-1-1152w-864h.jpg 1152w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-1-507w-380h.jpg 507w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-1-675w-506h.jpg 675w" alt="Portrait mode Camera 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-1-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 1 <img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Portrait mode Camera 2" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-2-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-2-1000w-750h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-2-1920w-1440h.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-2-1440w-1080h.jpg 1440w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-2-1152w-864h.jpg 1152w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-2-507w-380h.jpg 507w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-2-675w-506h.jpg 675w" alt="Portrait mode Camera 2" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-Camera-2-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 2 This session produced essentially the most important distinction between the 2 cameras. The coloring of Digicam 1 appears to be like very washed out, however the synthetic bokeh appears fairly real looking. In the meantime, the Digicam 2 picture has some good coloring on the flowers, however the bokeh is flat-out horrible. I nearly canned each of those and did a re-shoot, however I made a decision to stay to my rule and never try this.

Customary selfie

<img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Standard selfie Camera 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-1-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-1-48w-64h.jpg 48w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-1-1000w-1333h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-1-1080w-1440h.jpg 1080w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-1-810w-1080h.jpg 810w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-1-648w-864h.jpg 648w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-1-285w-380h.jpg 285w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-1-675w-900h.jpg 675w" alt="Standard selfie Camera 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-1-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 1 <img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Standard selfie Camera 2" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-2-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-2-48w-64h.jpg 48w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-2-1000w-1330h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-2-1082w-1440h.jpg 1082w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-2-812w-1080h.jpg 812w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-2-649w-864h.jpg 649w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-2-286w-380h.jpg 286w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-2-675w-898h.jpg 675w" alt="Standard selfie Camera 2" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Standard-selfie-Camera-2-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 2 In the end, it’s all in regards to the particulars with this selfie instance. Digicam 1 reveals much more pores and skin particulars than Digicam 2. However Digicam 1 additionally pushed the colours of the vegetation within the background method an excessive amount of. Nonetheless, the intense daylight on my face was dealt with a lot better with Digicam 1 than the washed-out, off-coloring produced with Digicam 2.

Portrait mode selfie

<img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Portrait mode selfie Camera 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-1-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-1-48w-64h.jpg 48w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-1-1000w-1333h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-1-1080w-1440h.jpg 1080w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-1-810w-1080h.jpg 810w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-1-648w-864h.jpg 648w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-1-285w-380h.jpg 285w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-1-675w-900h.jpg 675w" alt="Portrait mode selfie Camera 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-1-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 1 <img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Portrait mode selfie Camera 2" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-2-scaled.jpg 1924w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-2-48w-64h.jpg 48w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-2-1000w-1330h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-2-1082w-1440h.jpg 1082w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-2-812w-1080h.jpg 812w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-2-649w-864h.jpg 649w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-2-286w-380h.jpg 286w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-2-675w-898h.jpg 675w" alt="Portrait mode selfie Camera 2" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Portrait-mode-selfie-Camera-2-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 2 Digicam 1 did a fairly good job right here, particularly with the bokeh on the proper facet of my face. You possibly can see the bokeh having some hassle round my hair within the higher left, nevertheless it nonetheless appears to be like fairly good. In the meantime, Digicam 2’s bokeh simply appears to be like like grain within the background, with no blurry softness that you'd count on from a shot like this. The world round my hair within the higher left can also be weird — it appears to be like prefer it was simply cropped out utilizing Photoshop or one thing.

1x exhibiting coloration

<img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="1x showing color Camera 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-1-scaled.jpg 2549w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-1-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-1-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-1-1913w-1440h.jpg 1913w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-1-1434w-1080h.jpg 1434w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-1-1148w-864h.jpg 1148w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-1-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-1-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="1x showing color Camera 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-1-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 1 <img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="1x showing color Camera 2" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-2-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-2-1000w-750h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-2-1920w-1440h.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-2-1440w-1080h.jpg 1440w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-2-1152w-864h.jpg 1152w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-2-507w-380h.jpg 507w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-2-675w-506h.jpg 675w" alt="1x showing color Camera 2" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1x-showing-color-Camera-2-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 2 We’re beginning to see some tendencies right here. The Digicam 1 picture has some extraordinarily pushed colours from its HDR impact, with shadows principally being non-existent. Have a look at the distinction in shadowing on the slide — it’s just like the pictures have been taken at two totally different instances of day (they weren’t). The sky does look quite a bit higher within the Digicam 1 shot, although, not less than for my part.

2x in daylight

<img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="2x in daylight Camera 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-1-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-1-1000w-750h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-1-1920w-1440h.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-1-1440w-1080h.jpg 1440w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-1-1152w-864h.jpg 1152w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-1-507w-380h.jpg 507w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-1-675w-506h.jpg 675w" alt="2x in daylight Camera 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-1-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 1 <img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="2x in daylight Camera 2" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-2-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-2-1000w-750h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-2-1920w-1440h.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-2-1440w-1080h.jpg 1440w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-2-1152w-864h.jpg 1152w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-2-507w-380h.jpg 507w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-2-675w-506h.jpg 675w" alt="2x in daylight Camera 2" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2x-in-daylight-Camera-2-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 2 This was a troublesome name to make as a result of the 2 telephones don’t have the identical zoom capabilities. The CMF Cellphone 2 Professional has a 2x optical zoom whereas the Galaxy S25 Extremely makes use of digital cropping for 2x photographs. I might have pushed the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional to 3x — which might have had it utilizing a digital crop — and seen the Galaxy S25 Extremely’s optical picture, however I figured I ought to give this one to the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional because it’s the finances cellphone. Anyway, one among these photographs is 2x optical and the opposite is 2x digital — are you able to inform which is which?

10x in daylight

<img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="10x in daylight Camera 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-1-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-1-1000w-750h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-1-1920w-1440h.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-1-1440w-1080h.jpg 1440w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-1-1152w-864h.jpg 1152w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-1-507w-380h.jpg 507w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-1-675w-506h.jpg 675w" alt="10x in daylight Camera 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-1-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 1 <img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="10x in daylight Camera 2" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-2-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-2-1000w-750h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-2-1920w-1440h.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-2-1440w-1080h.jpg 1440w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-2-1152w-864h.jpg 1152w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-2-507w-380h.jpg 507w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-2-675w-506h.jpg 675w" alt="10x in daylight Camera 2" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/10x-in-daylight-Camera-2-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 2 This one is the alternative of the final one, with the Galaxy S25 Extremely having a definite benefit because it makes use of a 5x optical zoom lens to create a 10x digital crop, whereas the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional creates a 10x digital crop primarily based on a 2x lens. As such, this ought to be the best one to suss out of the entire bunch.

HDR instance in direct daylight

<img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="HDR example in direct sunlight Camera 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-1-scaled.jpg 2549w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-1-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-1-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-1-1913w-1440h.jpg 1913w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-1-1434w-1080h.jpg 1434w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-1-1148w-864h.jpg 1148w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-1-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-1-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="HDR example in direct sunlight Camera 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-1-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 1 <img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="HDR example in direct sunlight Camera 2" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-2-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-2-1000w-750h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-2-1920w-1440h.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-2-1440w-1080h.jpg 1440w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-2-1152w-864h.jpg 1152w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-2-507w-380h.jpg 507w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-2-675w-506h.jpg 675w" alt="HDR example in direct sunlight Camera 2" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HDR-example-in-direct-sunlight-Camera-2-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 2 It’s not within the shot, however the solar is straight above the gazebo, shining brightly over the California city of Novato. This might be a tough shot for any cellphone digicam, as a result of all that daylight could make it robust for even the most effective sensor to steadiness publicity appropriately. There are some distinct, apparent variations between these two photographs, however it's fairly unbelievable that the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional didn’t buckle below the strain. Which one do you assume appears to be like greatest?

0.6x in daylight

<img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="0.6x in daylight Camera 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-1-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-1-1000w-750h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-1-1920w-1440h.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-1-1440w-1080h.jpg 1440w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-1-1152w-864h.jpg 1152w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-1-507w-380h.jpg 507w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-1-675w-506h.jpg 675w" alt="0.6x in daylight Camera 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-1-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 1 <img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="0.6x in daylight Camera 2" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-2-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-2-1000w-750h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-2-1920w-1440h.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-2-1440w-1080h.jpg 1440w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-2-1152w-864h.jpg 1152w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-2-507w-380h.jpg 507w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-2-675w-506h.jpg 675w" alt="0.6x in daylight Camera 2" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0.6x-in-daylight-Camera-2-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 2 Essentially the most evident distinction between these two pictures is that one has real-life colours and the opposite appears to be like like Technicolor-levels of coloring. Nonetheless, wanting on the grass on each side of the Digicam 1 picture, you’ll additionally see some blurry artifacts there. The tree half within the body on the left facet is especially poor within the Digicam 1 shot, too. Which one among these comes from the $1,300 digicam?

Evening mode

<img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Night mode Camera 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-1-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-1-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-1-1913w-1440h.jpg 1913w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-1-1434w-1080h.jpg 1434w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-1-1148w-864h.jpg 1148w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-1-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-1-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="Night mode Camera 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-1-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 1 <img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Night mode Camera 2" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-2-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-2-1000w-750h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-2-1920w-1440h.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-2-1440w-1080h.jpg 1440w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-2-1152w-864h.jpg 1152w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-2-507w-380h.jpg 507w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-2-675w-506h.jpg 675w" alt="Night mode Camera 2" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Night-mode-Camera-2-scaled.jpg"/> Digicam 2 Just like the Portrait mode instance, one of many cameras flat-out failed this check. This room was fairly darkish — not blackout darkish, however gentle was scarce. My try and get Digicam 1 to deal with something was unimaginable, however Digicam 2 additionally confronted focus points. I feel each pictures are poor, however one is clearly higher than the opposite — however which cellphone made them?

Flagship vs finances cellphone digicam: The solutions

<img class="e_bh" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra rear cameras" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-rear-cameras.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-rear-cameras-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-rear-cameras-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-rear-cameras-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-rear-cameras-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-rear-cameras-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-rear-cameras-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-rear-cameras-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra rear cameras" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-rear-cameras.jpg"/> Ryan Haines / Android Authority

OK, I hope you might have your scorecard prepared, since you’re about to spoil the solutions for your self should you don’t. Listed below are the cameras that shot every of the pictures above:

1x in daylight: Digicam 1 is Galaxy S25 Extremely; Digicam 2 is Cellphone 2 Professional 1x texture closeup: Digicam 1 is Cellphone 2 Professional; Digicam 2 is Galaxy S25 Extremely Portrait mode: Digicam 1 is Cellphone 2 Professional; Digicam 2 is Galaxy S25 Extremely Customary selfie: Digicam 1 is Galaxy S25 Extremely; Digicam 2 is Cellphone 2 Professional Portrait mode selfie: Digicam 1 is Galaxy S25 Extremely; Digicam 2 is Cellphone 2 Professional 1x exhibiting coloration: Digicam 1 is Cellphone 2 Professional; Digicam 2 is Galaxy S25 Extremely 2x in daylight: Digicam 1 is Galaxy S25 Extremely; Digicam 2 is Cellphone 2 Professional 10x in daylight: Digicam 1 is Cellphone 2 Professional; Digicam 2 is Galaxy S25 Extremely HDR instance in direct daylight: Digicam 1 is Cellphone 2 Professional; Digicam 2 is Galaxy S25 Extremely 0.6x in daylight: Digicam 1 is Galaxy S25 Extremely; Digicam 2 is Cellphone 2 Professional Evening mode: Digicam 1 is Cellphone 2 Professional; Digicam 2 is Galaxy S25 Extremely

In case you sum up all the most effective pictures — and by “greatest,” I imply those which might be objectively superior in high quality, coloring, focus, and so forth. — the Galaxy S25 Extremely is the clear winner on my scorecard. Nonetheless, that wasn’t the case 100% of the time. The Galaxy S25 Extremely’s portrait mode fail was particularly egregious. Sure, I might have stood there and re-focused the shot and tried to enhance it, however the truth that I had to try this with a $1,300 cellphone and never a $280 cellphone is fairly ridiculous.

Galaxy S25 Extremely vs CMF Cellphone 2 Professional: Who received? 6 votes

Galaxy S25 Extremely received all of it

67%

CMF Cellphone 2 Professional received all of it

0%

Each telephones did fairly good

33%

Each telephones are unhealthy

0%

What’s additionally exceptional to me is that the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional clearly can’t match the Galaxy S25 Extremely, nevertheless it nonetheless holds its personal fairly properly. Sure, it failed the night time mode shot dismally, and I wouldn’t use the ultrawide digicam for something ever, however every little thing else was greater than wonderful. Simply have a look at the HDR instance shot. Sure, the Galaxy S25 Extremely’s picture is best, however is it $1,000 higher? I don’t assume so.

In different phrases, the Galaxy S25 Extremely wins, however the CMF Cellphone 2 Professional proves that you just don’t must spend over $1,000 to get a digicam that may ship sufficient outcomes, not less than in good lighting.

What do you assume? Had been you shocked by the end result of any of those examples? Let me know your ideas within the feedback, and remember to select one thing within the ballot above!