Why Other Phones Can't Capture Memories Like the iPhone 

Published: Nov 04, 2025, 11:00 AM 

Recently, I was scrolling through my iPhone gallery and stumbled upon a Live Photo from a trip I took a month ago. It captured a moment of my girlfriend playfully pretending to bite me while I was taking a selfie. I had completely forgotten about that delightful moment, and for a brief second, it felt like time travel. That’s when I realized: no other phone camera brings memories to life quite like the iPhone.

I’ve tested all the latest Android flagships. They boast large sensors, multiple lenses, and camera specs that sound impressive. However, they lack the effortless, vibrant quality that the iPhone delivers.

The Issue at Hand
Upon reflecting on this nostalgic moment, I recognized that Apple has refined the Live Photo experience. When you take multiple photos in quick succession, the iPhone seamlessly merges them into a single video. That’s how six selfies turned into one fun clip. This attention to detail is something Apple does quietly and isn't often highlighted in their marketing, but it sets them apart from other brands.

Many other manufacturers focus heavily on specs over user experience, bombarding us with technical jargon about sensors while neglecting the overall photography experience.

Bulky Designs and Awkward Handling
Additionally, many high-end camera phones are bulky and cumbersome, often featuring oversized camera modules. Take the latest Vivo X series Pro or Ultra, for instance. While they may have impressive sensors, their top-heavy design makes them challenging to hold. In contrast, the iPhone feels thoughtfully designed for real-world use, not just lab demonstrations.

I’m not completely opposed to larger camera phones; they appeal to dedicated photographers. However, it’s odd to market such niche designs as the ultimate solution for everyone when they come with significant compromises.

Camera Interfaces That Feel Clunky
Apple recently revamped the camera app in iOS 16, making it delightfully simple. In contrast, many Android camera apps feel outdated or overly complicated. For example, OnePlus phones clutter their camera interface with niche shooting modes, which shouldn’t dominate the app’s layout.

Another common issue with Android phones is the jarring transitions between lenses. Apple may not boast about it, but they excel in creating a smooth camera experience focused on feel rather than just technical complexity.

What Apple Does Right
The Live Photos feature exemplifies Apple’s subtle approach to emotional storytelling, creating a sense of life in photos. There’s more to it; many Android phones still can’t convert regular photos into portrait mode, a feature iPhones have offered for years. This means you never have to shoot in portrait mode again, a significant quality-of-life improvement not found on many Android devices.

Also, iPhones now capture more detailed 24MP photos, while leading Android phones like Samsung still default to 12MP. Plus, Apple’s editing tools are integrated and user-friendly, with Photographic Styles going beyond the basic filters seen on Android phones.

Why This Matters
I don’t want this to be an Apple praise piece; there are aspects where Android excels. For instance, Samsung's Magic Erase tool is far superior to the one on iPhones, and Vivo and Xiaomi utilize telephoto lenses for macro shots, producing stunning close-ups, unlike the iPhone's reliance on the ultra-wide lens.

Ultimately, photography is about more than just megapixels; it's about capturing emotions. The iPhone consistently delivers an easy and lively photography experience, making it a superior memory maker. I wish more companies would recognize this and shift their focus from just hardware to enhancing the overall experience.