When purchasing a mobile phone, the camera system is often a significant factor to consider, especially if you aim to capture high-quality photos and videos with your device. In today’s world, having all-in-one capabilities in a single device is essential. Typically, we tend to focus on the resolution and the number of sensors a camera has. However, if you’re someone who believes that more sensors automatically equate to better performance, we are about to challenge that notion and present a detailed argument.
Surprisingly, there are high-end and recently released mobile phones in the market that feature only three cameras, rather than the more commonly seen four or more. This might lead you to wonder which option is the better purchase. In truth, you do not necessarily need a phone with more than three sensors, and we will provide you with the reasons why.

You don’t need more than 3 cameras, and this is why
While it may seem that having more camera sensors can lead to better image quality, it’s not necessary to have a mobile phone with more than three sensors. The additional sensors, particularly the macro lenses, are rarely utilized. These sensors are designed to capture close-up photos with intricate details, allowing you to take photos from very close distances with impressive results.

To use the macro lens, you would typically need to activate the macro mode in the official camera application, which is something that many users may not have done, even if their phone has four sensors. Furthermore, the quality of the camera does not solely depend on the number of sensors, but rather on the overall quality of the sensors themselves. For example, iPhones are capable of taking stunning photos up close without the need for a dedicated macro lens, as they achieve this through the use of their ultra-wide-angle sensor. It’s interesting to note that some mobile phones can deliver excellent results in this area even without the presence of a dedicated macro lens.
In most cases, having three lenses is sufficient for a high-end or premium smartphone, even if it comes at a higher price point. These devices typically feature a primary sensor, an ultra-wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens. This combination provides all the essential functionalities you need. It’s important not to be swayed by appearances or numbers alone, as there are more critical factors to consider than having features that you may not use or require.

While it can be interesting to purchase a mobile phone with four cameras if you specifically desire good close-up photos or have a passion for this type of photography, it is crucial to ensure that the device meets all your requirements. However, it’s worth noting that nowadays, you don’t necessarily need a phone with numerous sensors to capture impressive photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
Instead of solely focusing on the number of lenses, there are other crucial aspects to consider when evaluating a mobile phone’s camera capabilities. Factors such as the type of sensors used, aperture angle, focal length, viewing angle, megapixels, magnification, and more should be taken into account. Additionally, consider the technology employed by the camera, the available modes, the presence of optical image stabilization (OIS), and other features that can enhance your photography and videography experience. Taking a comprehensive assessment, examining sample photos taken by each of the mobile phones you’re interested in, will help you make a well-informed decision based on your preferences and requirements.