Top Smartphones in PH for shooting 4K Videos

As technology progresses, more smartphones now have the capability to shoot 4K (Ultra High Definition) videos. This could mean that in a few years’ time, UHD videos could be the standard for viewing lifelike images and could mean a better and more immersive experience for everyone.

Based on the hardware they carry, here are some of the top smartphones available in the Philippines that could be used effectively for shooting 4K videos.

Apple iPhone 6S Plus

Apple’s latest phablet has been equipped with a lineup of capable camera specifications headlined by the 12-megapixel rear camera that got bumped up from the previous 8MP. Protected by a sapphire crystal cover, the optics shoot 4K videos with a resolution of 3860 x 2160 at 30fps (frames per second) which pass thru the 1/3-inch sensor with an aperture that opens as wide as F2.2.

Additionally, there’s OIS (optical image stabilization) on board to keep your footage safe from unwanted handling shakes. Although users couldn’t manually tweak the camera’s settings, it could detect the best settings for the current scene and automatically adjust its parameters accordingly. Here in the Philippines, the bigger iPhone 6S Plus starts at Php37,990USD 647INR 54,880EUR 617CNY 4,715.

LG V10

LG’s V10 concentrates on giving its users freedom with their shots. Its 16-megapixel rear camera has full manual control over its 1/2.6-inch image sensor that records 4K videos at 30fps — this includes adjusting the ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, focus, and white balance depending on what would work best for your shot.

It has an aperture value of F1.8 that works great in giving depth to your subject. If you want to let the phone do the focusing, its Laser autofocus will take over and do that for you. Just like the iPhone 6S Plus, the LG V10 has been mounted with an OIS  for more flawless shots. It is up for purchase with a price tag of Php37,990USD 647INR 54,880EUR 617CNY 4,715.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

Touting a 16-megapixel rear shooter, the Galaxy S6 Edge+ also shoots 4K (3840 x 2160 resolution) videos at 30 frames per second and sports a 1/2.6-inch sensor with F1.9 aperture. Users could also tweak some of its settings manually like focus, white balance, and ISO so that’s a good thing for those who like to have control over the scene.

What this smartphone also offers are its Continuous Autofocus and Object Tracking features that help maintain the subject of your shot focused and sharp at all times. Samsung’s Galaxy S6 Edge+ is available on store shelves for Php39,990USD 681INR 57,770EUR 649CNY 4,963 for the 32GB and Php44,990USD 767INR 64,993EUR 730CNY 5,583 for the 64GB variant, respectively.

Sony Xperia Z5 Premium

Sony steps up the megapixel count for their optics with the introduction of its 23MP rear camera. Just like the previous contenders, it shoots up to 4K videos at 30fps. It also has Object Tracking just like the S6 Edge+ but the image stabilization is only done digitally known as the SteadyShot.

It also got some manual settings, but it won’t give you freedom like the V10. On a positive note, you can immediately view and watch your captured videos on the smartphone’s 4K resolution display and enjoy over 8 million pixels at the palm of your hand. The Xperia Z5 Premium is  available with an SRP of Php43,690USD 744INR 63,115EUR 709CNY 5,422 and a cash-based SRP of Php40,990USD 698INR 59,214EUR 665CNY 5,087.

Google Nexus 6P

Huawei’s Nexus 6P packs a rather modest 12.3-megapixel camera, but its 1/2.3-inch sensor has a pixel size of 1.55 microns which basically translates to better performance during low light conditions.

In addition to its 4K recording capabilities at 30fps, it has an aperture opening of F2.0 that also performs well on videos and photos alike. A laser autofocus supports the 6P and shakes are minimized using an electronic image stabilization. The Google Nexus 6P is available locally for Php29,990USD 511INR 43,324EUR 487CNY 3,722.

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL

Microsoft has its own spot for this list as well as their Lumia 950 XL proved competitive during the several Camera Blind Tests that we did. It boasts a 20-megapixel rear camera and a sensor slightly bigger than the 6P’s at 1/2.4-inch. It has an F1.9 aperture that goes hand-in-hand with its built-in OIS and Continuous Autofocus to make your shots steady and on point.

Focus, exposure, and white balance could be controlled using in-app dials; and when the scene gets too dark, there’s the triple LED flash at your disposal. There’s also Video Zoom that enables you to zoom in without significantly losing details.

Lastly, audio is recorded using what the company calls Lumia Rich Recording with four microphones that aim to record and reproduce natural-sounding elements. The Microsoft Lumia 950 XL has an SRP of Php32,990USD 562INR 47,657EUR 535CNY 4,094.

That’s about it for the smartphones that shoot 4K videos. Do you have anything to add? Feel free to contribute in the comments section below.