Camera Processing Comparison | Z Fold 7, Find N5, Magic V5
For years, the conversation about smartphone cameras has been dominated by a single number: megapixels. We’ve been led to believe that a higher megapixel count automatically equates to a better photo. But as anyone who has looked closely at images from modern phones knows, the story is far more complex. The truth is, the best smartphone cameras today achieve their stunning results not just from a powerful sensor but from a sophisticated process happening behind the scenes.
This is the world of computational photography. The real magic isn't in the lens itself but in the way the phone’s software interprets the scene. It's the complex algorithms that process color, manage dynamic range and—most importantly—handle the delicate balance between light and shadow. The way a phone captures detail in the darkest areas without creating noise or blowing out highlights is a nuanced art form. This is the difference that separates a good photo from a great one.
In this post, we're looking at samples from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Honor Magic V5 and the Oppo Find N5. Each of these phones represents the best of their respective brands in the foldable space. They are all contenders for the title of best foldable for photography, but they have distinct approaches to imaging.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
After years of leaning on punchy, vibrant photos, Samsung is now delivering some of the most grounded shots around. Color and shadows are largely true to life and because of this, the Z Fold 7 can act as a sort of “control” for this experiment. Notice how the shots from the other two foldables differ from the Fold 7 and I think you’ll be able to see a clear strategy from both.
This new direction is a calculated risk for Samsung, a company that has long catered to an audience that prefers vivid, ready-to-share images right out of the camera. One has to wonder if the years of bashing they received for their over-saturated images finally caused them to change course or if it they took inspiration from Google’s more balanced approach.
Honor Magic V5
Starting with the Magic V5, shots are usually quite bright. Honor seems to have taken lessons from MKBD’s Blind Camera tests which made it clear that most people want bright photos. If all things else are equal and one shot is brighter, even unrealistically so, people tend to prefer the bright shot. On the Natural profile in the camera, shots aren’t wildly oversaturated, but I will say they are a bit more dramatic than the Z Fold 7. Detail is superb though with Honor’s large sensors doing great work.
The Magic V5’s strategy is a direct response to market trends. By prioritizing brightness, Honor ensures its images are instantly appealing to a wide audience. This brightness isn't just about exposure; it's a deliberate choice in how the software processes light, often lifting shadows to reveal more detail and create a more "open" feeling in the image. While this may sometimes sacrifice a true-to-life representation of a scene's mood, it can result in a more visually pleasing photograph for some.
Oppo Find N5
For the Oppo Find N5, things are bit more dramatic. Oppo seems to really like contrast in their shots. Notice how in the shot of the flower, the ground is not only darker than the V5’s, but also much warmer.
Of the three, Oppo is also clearly the most in love with vibrant, saturated images. While their shots are usually still pleasing to the eye, they are a style that you need to like whereas Honor and Samsung hang much closer to reality. Notice how cherry red the Pokeballs are in the lowlight shot.
Oppo’s approach, influenced by its collaboration with Hasselblad, seems to be more about creating a distinct artistic style. The heightened contrast gives images a certain "pop," making colors richer and shadows deeper. This is a stylistic choice that can be particularly effective in certain scenes, like a sunny day where the deep shadows can add a sense of drama. However, this aggressive processing can also be a double-edged sword. If it’s not a style you like, you’re going to have a hard time getting away from it.
Choices to Make
In the end, what becomes clear is that there is no single "best" camera among these foldables. The Galaxy Z Fold 7, Honor Magic V5 and Oppo Find N5 each take beautiful photos but they do it in distinct ways that reflect the different philosophies of their manufacturers. Ultimately, the best camera for you is simply the one whose photographic style you most enjoy. Whether you prefer Samsung’s true-to-life approach, Honor’s bright and balanced images or Oppo’s dramatic contrast and color, all of these devices are more than capable of capturing stunning shots.