Introduction
With Android 11 rolling out to Nokia 7.2, I am keeping my hopes that the Nokia 9 Pureview should be receiving it soon , though its entirely possible that we might not get to experience it anytime soon or at all. I am not sure if HMD Global’s team could stabilize the camera software on a new Android build without Light Co. The Nokia 9 Pureview is a unique device which is more of a concept device showing what we could achieve if we push the boundaries of innovation. In my series of review comparing Nokia devices to Vivo X70 Pro +, it is clear that HMD Global’s device do perform well though further optimization is needed especially in the software side. The Nokia 9 Pureview is in many ways quite similar to Vivo’s top of the line offering. Both are flagships meant to push boundaries for photography. The unique setup of Nokia 9 Pureview allows it to capture better details ,better dynamic range and more raw data by default. But the lack of software optimization had led to less desirable user experience. Vivo on the other hand has more advanced software to compliment its flagship grade hardware to bring the best out of it.
Day time images
Not really a good subject as the goat wont stay still, but this is how both the devices capture impromptu subjects. The primary sensor from Nokia 9 Pureview has actually quite a good focal distance and locks to the subject fast when it works well. This allows for a much cleaner shot. From the same distance, the wider sensor on the Vivo has a larger focal distances thus subjects closer to us appears blurry. In the scene above, the Nokia 9 Pureview was able to capture a richer shot and though there is some sharpening, images do look natural .
A more appropriate test of HDR capability. I am amazed with what the Vivo has captured here. Dynamic range is good and colors looks more natural. The Nokia 9 Pureview would benefit from a better processing algorithm that would allow the subjects to have less muted color. In this image, where the Sun is the object of interest, both are generally good. The lack of Zeiss T* coating on the Nokia 9 Pureview doesn’t seem to affect its performance and in fact I don’t see any advantage for the coating when compared with Nokia 9’s output.
Another test that shows the powerful processing algorithm on Vivo’s flagship. The light that bounces of the car’s front hood is well contained in the Vivo while its slightly blown out on the Nokia 9. Again, this is where a better algorithm will benefit Nokia 9 Pureview. The larger sensor on the vivo allows it to capture subjects with natural bokeh by default. On the Nokia 9 Pureview, all subjects are in focus and depth can be controlled later which is one of its advantage.
In terms of details, more often than not, I am surprised to see the Nokia 9’s ability to capture a richer image. Though color accuracy varies and generally its better on the Vivo, the Nokia 9 captures sharper image with less noise.
One of the drawbacks of the Nokia 9 is depending on light availability, the color accuracy varies. Under intense bright light, image appears darker and muted. This is one aspect I hope to see improvement.
Depth
When it comes to depth, Nokia 9 Pureview does not have the fancy modes like those in Vivo and the newer Nokia models. The 5 lenses and TOF sensor in theory captured unprecedented amount of depth map for a mobile device but in practice its often less appreciable. Both the devices are able to adjust depth after shots are taken and though the Nokia 9 has more graduated depth , the edge detection isn’t always accurate.
Low light Images
When it comes to night photography, the Nokia 9 Pureview suffers from lack of proper low light algorithm. It does have decent output in the presence of light but otherwise produces images that are often blurry and noisy as the light source gets less.
The ones on Vivo are just shot in auto mode without nightmode activated.
4K Video capture
When it comes to video stabilization , the Vivo is miles ahead. The Nokia 9 Pureview on the other hand lacks stabilization is 4K mode and at times suffers from frame drop. When it works though, especially in static recording , it has one of the better ,richer 4K recording.
For more daylight pixel peeping samples, do watch the video here:
