Las Vegas, with its vibrant lights and high-stakes atmosphere, is a natural playground for smartphone camera testing. In November 2023, during the inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, I put three top-tier camera phones to the test: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro. The goal was simple: document the event and the surrounding spectacle with the best possible mobile photography.
However, restrictions imposed by the Formula 1 organization limited access to race areas for photography. Despite this hurdle, Las Vegas itself provided ample opportunities for comparison, from the transformed Strip to exclusive events. This review focuses on real-world performance, avoiding lab conditions and artificial settings.
The Challenge of Las Vegas Lighting
Las Vegas presents unique challenges for smartphone cameras: extreme contrasts, bright neon lights, and unpredictable weather. Rain added another layer of complexity, creating reflections and dimming the already challenging environment. All photos were captured using default camera settings, with minimal post-processing to ensure a fair comparison. The iPhone 17 Pro used the standard photographic style, and images were exported as JPEGs without HDR or edits.
First Impressions: Hotel Lobbies and Indoor Challenges
Despite the race restrictions, several hotels displayed F1 cars in their lobbies, providing initial test subjects. In a dimly lit environment with red accents, the iPhone 17 Pro’s warmer, more saturated tones stood out. However, the Pixel 10 Pro XL achieved better white balance, delivering a more realistic representation.
A Mercedes car under artificial lighting revealed further differences. While none of the cameras blew out highlights, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro XL captured finer details in the background at the expense of foreground brightness. The iPhone 17 Pro struck a better balance.
Nighttime Tests: Concerts and Dark Bars
A T-Pain concert proved a particularly difficult test. Low light, moving subjects, and intense colored lights pushed the cameras to their limits. While none matched professional equipment, the Pixel 10 Pro XL consistently performed well in motion capture, minimizing blur and maintaining clarity. The Ski Lodge bar, decorated for a heavy metal holiday, presented another challenge. The iPhone 17 Pro maintained its warmer tones while rendering details effectively.
Zoom Capabilities and Reflections
Neon signs reflected on polished surfaces provided a unique test. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra excelled in capturing detail and clarity in reflections, while the iPhone 17 Pro struggled with color accuracy. The Pixel 10 Pro XL was also strong but slightly oversharpened images.
Final Verdict: A Close Race
After extensive testing, the Pixel 10 Pro XL and iPhone 17 Pro tied with five wins each, with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra close behind at four. In most scenarios, all three cameras deliver excellent results, making any of them a solid choice for mobile photography.
Ultimately, the best camera depends on individual preferences. The iPhone favors warmer tones, the Pixel offers consistent clarity, and the Samsung excels in detail and reflection capture. Regardless of the choice, these phones prove capable of handling even the most challenging photographic conditions.
