Mobile

Smartphone cameras have become one of the main ways everyday people capture photos and document life, and even professional photographers may use phones to shoot paid work. PetaPixel covers the latest news and information on how smartphones are transforming the way photographs are made.
Chris Niccolls
A person smiling holds up a silver Samsung smartphone with multiple cameras. The background is a blurred natural setting. In the foreground, there is text reading "PetaPixel Reviews.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: It Smooths Out the Rough Edges

The PetaPixel team flew back to San Jose, California for 2025's Samsung Unpacked event ready to review the new Galaxy S25 Ultra smartphone as a tool for creators. Although all the new S25 phones feature a brand new Snapdragon 8 Elite 3nm processor and similar AI-based tools, it is the $1,299 Ultra which has the latest camera hardware that we want to focus on.

Chris Niccolls
A person with a beard holds up a smartphone, smiling and facing the device. They stand against a blue backdrop. A sign next to them reads "Galaxy S25 Galaxy AI" and "PetaPixel Hands-On.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra Continues Samsung’s Apple-fication

The PetaPixel team is in San Jose, California for the Samsung Unpacked event and is working hard on our review of the latest Galaxy S25 Ultra for photographers. However, we did get an early briefing and first look at the latest high-end phone from Samsung and we have some thoughts about the most exciting features.

Ted Kritsonis
Three smartphones are displayed, each with three rear cameras and different colors: silver, dark blue, and white. The phones are angled to highlight their camera designs against a neutral background.

Samsung’s AI Gamble Isn’t All That Inspiring

You could be forgiven for looking at Samsung’s latest crop of flagship devices in the S25 series and wonder what the silver lining is. It’s all about AI -- Galaxy AI, that is -- and in doubling down on these features, the company is betting that it has a leg up on what could be the next big thing for mobile devices.

Ted Kritsonis
A smartphone with a blue back cover featuring a round triple-camera setup labeled with a small "H." The OnePlus logo is visible beneath the camera. A "PetaPixel Reviews" banner is in the top right corner.

OnePlus 13 Review: This Smartphone Is the Total Package

In North America, the number 13 is hardly lucky, but the OnePlus 13 may be the one that finally pays off for the brand. Coming off a solid predecessor in the OnePlus 12, the 13 takes several parallel steps in the right direction to make it a serious contender for one of the best of 2025.

Ted Kritsonis
Close-up of a smartphone's rear camera module with three lenses on a sleek, dark blue back. The phone has a metallic frame and a small logo. Text overlay says "PetaPixel Hands-On.

OnePlus 13 Hands-On: A More Complete Smartphone With Even Better Photo Features

The OnePlus 13 got its reveal, but perhaps even more revealing is how much the company is trying to make its flagship more accessible. To do it, it’s embracing MagSafe (albeit only with its phone cases) and including a software feature in OxygenOS to enable sharing with iPhone users. Even faster wired and wireless charging, plus a demonstration of heavy water resistance involving a dishwasher. All that is on top of a focus on improving action photography.