We asked, you told us: AA readers prefer camera quality over quantity

Just about every smartphone maker has a different approach to photography. Depending on who makes your smartphone, you might have access to a super versatile multi-camera setup, a single lens that takes fantastic photos, or somewhere in between. But what’s the best camera setup?

Last week, I asked you to choose between two options: a single camera that takes great photos but isn’t very versatile, or a triple-camera setup that’s more versatile but doesn’t take great photos. The results are in, and there’s a clear winner.

Would you prefer one great rear lens or a versatile triple-lens setup?

Results

Out of nearly 3,000 total votes across the website and Twitter, 74.31% of Android Authority readers said they would prefer a single camera that can take great photos. Say what you will about the Pixel line’s lack of shooting options, but their ability to take solid photos with minimal effort has proven popular with smartphone enthusiasts as well as a more general audience.

Just 25.69% of voters said they’d rather choose a more versatile setup. I can’t say I blame this group for voting this way. Whenever I switch over to a Samsung phone, I get a little obsessed with wide-angle and periscope photos.

Also read: Budget camera phone shootout: Google Pixel 4a vs OnePlus Nord vs iPhone SE

Here’s what you had to say

Here are some of the best comments from last week’s poll explaining why they voted the way that they did:

• Stan Schwartz: Whichever one is less expensive to build… these phones are getting ridiculously pricey.
• VJ: One good lens. It could also probably reduce costs.
• amedei_pralines: Quality is always the wise choice; that’s why it is always the least popular.
• DBS: I prefer versatility as long as the software provides a comprehensive Manual mode.I know how to take photos, I don’t need the camera to do all the work for me, so I enjoy having more options.
  But I understand that, for people with no clue how to take photos, who just want to click a button, the dumbed-down experience of an iPixel is more appealing.
• Roomahh MurrHaa: Unfortunately, 1 lense can’t do all, 1 lense can’t do a picture/video shoot of a kid doing play in a stage from far back, 1 lense can’t do a good wide angle fit. Multiple lenses are the future. And Google have become an apple in this regards.
• Gianluca Di Maggio: I rather have one great lense than multiple mediocre ones. Won’t use half of those anyways… Should be cheaper, prettier and less extruding. My Mi 9T got a relatively small camera setup without extruding to far but if i look at the Note 20 as an example only thing i can do is laugh, it’s just hideous and people complained about lenses sticking out forever so i have no clue why they still continue to do this, surely there has to be a good way to hide it somewhat. I know that making phones thicker would also increase weight so maybe lighter batteries could be the next step?
• uk: Ideally multiple cameras should use the same larger primary sensor with different lens configurations (expect might be for TOF or Black and white cameras…). Though I do understand having a telephoto lens with large sensor increases the size of the module.Companies are going for quantity over quality. As quantity is easier to market.

That’s it for this week. As always, thanks for voting, thanks for the comments, and don’t forget to let us know what you thought of the results below.