The Moto G5 Plus has a single sensor, but its camera can go toe to toe with the best in its range. So, why not pit the three top budget phones against each other today?
The Xiaomi Mi A1 (review), Moto G5 Plus (review) and Moto G5S Plus (review) are three of the most talked about budget smartphones this year. All three devices sport stock Android software, run the same hardware and advertise their “best in class” cameras. But there can only be one best in class, right? We set out to find out which phone should take that title.
In an earlier comparison between the Mi A1 and Moto G5S Plus, we found that the Mi device had a better camera than Moto’s dual-camera performer. But while dual cameras are a rave nowadays, the Moto G5 Plus can take all of them on with its dual-pixel camera. In fact, that’s the question we usually get. Which phones has a better camera? And here’s the answer.
Note: Images have been cropped and placed side-by-side for easier comparison. You can find original samples in the galleries embedded at the end of the story.
Sample 1:
When shooting in daylight, the three phones are able performers. But side by side comparison reveals the differences quite easily. Here, the Xiaomi Mi A1 produces a dull image, while the Moto G5S Plus produces a very warm photo. On the other hand, the Moto G5 Plus is the closest to source here, which is what a camera should be. However, the three remain comparable in terms of sharpness and details.
Left to right: Xiaomi Mi A1, Moto G5 Plus, Moto G5S Plus
Sample 2:
In this indoor shot, the Moto G5 Plus again produces the best white balance, though the Mi A1 is much closer this time. Both these phones also produce ample details, which is where the Moto G5S falters by a bit. Motorola’s dual-camera smartphone produces a softer image, losing some of the details, though we must say that the difference here is evident on side-by-side comparison only.
Top to bottom: Xiaomi Mi A1, Moto G5 Plus, Moto G5S Plus
Sample 3:
In this well lit shot taken indoors, but in natural light, the three cameras are basically at par. Both the Mi A1 and Moto G5S Plus produce a slightly softer photo, but we don’t think anyone would complain here. In fact, the shade of red looks better on the Moto G5 Plus, but you can call this one a tie.
Top to bottom: Xiaomi Mi A1, Moto G5 Plus and Moto G5S Plus
Sample 4:
Here, the scene is decently lit, but it’s not quite the ideal lighting for shooting photos. Here, the Moto G5 Plus produces a brighter photo than the others, but the Mi A1 and Moto G5S Plus produce more true to source photos. In brightening the photo, the Moto 5 Plus softens details by a bit. But again, you’ll see this difference in side by side comparisons only. Also, notice the blown out effect on the light, which increases from the Mi A1 to the Moto G5S Plus.
Left to right: Xiaomi Mi A1, Moto G5 Plus, Moto G5S Plus
Sample 5:
With its dual-pixel camera, the Moto G5 Plus should do well in low light. And it does, as shown below. In low light, the Moto G5 Plus produced the brightest shot and best white balance amongst the competitors here. While the Mi A1 produced an underwhelming and darker image, while the Moto G5S Plus completely lost white balance here.
Top to bottom: Xiaomi Mi A1, Moto G5 Plus, Moto G5S Plus
Sample 6:
This shot is clicked under incandescent lighting, so a yellowish tone should be expected. And looking at the images, you will see that the Mi A1 is the best camera in this case. The phone produces good details for a budget camera and deals with the lighting accurately. The Moto G5 Plus does a decent job with details, but it reduces the impact of the incandescent light. On the other hand, the Moto G5S Plus once again loses white balance completely, while also removing the incandescent effect.
Left to right: Xiaomi Mi A1, Moto G5 Plus, Moto G5S Plus
Sample 7:
This photo is again clicked under incandescent lighting, and the Mi A1 comes out on top once again. However, this photo shows you the difference in sharpness. The Xiaomi Mi A1 produces the sharpest image here, while the Moto G5 Plus comes in second. The Moto G5S Plus once again comes in last.
Left to right: Xiaomi Mi A1, Moto G5 Plus, Moto G5S Plus
Xiaomi Mi A1 Samples
Moto G5 Plus
Moto G5S Plus
Speed:
Shooting with phone cameras isn’t just about image quality though. How fast a camera can shoot and process photos is a very important element. And the Mi A1 is by far the fastest of the three here. Both Motorola phones take a long time to focus and process photos, whereas the Mi A1 is significantly quicker and hence more dependable.
Best budget camera:
The speed and the fact that it can do bokeh/zoom photos better than the other two phones makes the Mi A1 the best budget camera today. While the Moto G5 Plus can go toe to toe with this phone for regular occurrences, the Mi A1 is faster and more dependable.
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Prasid Banerjee
Trying to explain technology to my parents. Failing miserably. View Full Profile
