Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. OuttaFocus

OuttaFocus

In OuttaFocus, we go beyond our in-depth reviews where we find out if the camera on a new smartphone is good or bad. Instead, join us on a more personal journey as we discuss what they are like to use, the photos you can take, what makes us love them, and how they can make you more creative. You’ll find a new entry every other Saturday.

Main title image for the Outtafocus column.

My Google Pixel phone turned my photos into AI nightmares

Will AI take over the world? Who knows. But after using the Pixel 8a's Magic Editor on photos of animals, I'm more scared of it than ever.
A person wearing an Apple Watch Series 9, made for the OuttaFocus column.

The Apple Watch is the best iPhone camera accessory you didn’t know you needed

Is it possible a smartwatch can help you take more interesting and unique photos? Yes, thanks to an Apple Watch feature that doesn't get spoken about enough.
A person holding the OnePlus 12.

How this surprise OnePlus feature changed my smartphone photos forever

It's an easily ignored feature, but the OnePlus 12's Master Mode is way more than just another Pro camera mode — and using it has changed my photos forever.
OuttaFocus Ghost Photo Promotional Image

I think I took a photo of a ghost with my smartphone

I managed to take three photos with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra of something so unearthly, so weird that it sent shivers down my spine. But what actually was it?
Promotional image for OuttaFocus. A person holding the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, with the Photography Kit fitted.

I turned my phone into a camera, and I don’t want to go back

What happens when you take one of 2024's best smartphone cameras and add a wild photography accessory to it? Something incredible, that's what.
A person wearing the Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses, taking a photo.

What they don’t tell you about wearing a camera on your face

We're all used to taking photos with our phones. But what about using a camera that's strapped to your face? It's unique, weird, and wonderful.
A person holding the iPhone 5.

How bad is a 2012 iPhone camera in 2023? Take a look for yourself

After finding an old Apple iPhone 5, I used the camera alongside the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Galaxy S23 Ultra, and OnePlus 11. Here's how things have changed.
A close-up of the iPhone 14 Pro's camera module.

I finally figured out why I don’t love the iPhone 14 Pro’s camera

After a year with the iPhone 14 Pro's camera, I've worked out what it is that has stopped me from loving it like I did older iPhone cameras.
The Asus Zenfone 10, along with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Apple iPhone 14 Pro, and the GoPro Hero 11 Black.

I tried to replace my GoPro with this new phone and its clever camera

The Asus Zenfone 10's camera has a gimbal for steady, shake-free video. But can it come close to matching a GoPro? I found out.
Huawei smartphones with Leica cameras.

How Huawei and Leica made me fall in love with mobile photography

In a world where smartphone and photography partnerships are more common than ever, none are as meaningful as the one Huawei and Leica once shared.

Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for almost a decade. During that time he has seen the evolution from 2G to 5G, reviewed dozens of smartphones, worn dozens of smartwatches (not at the same time), and visited many manufacturers and events all over the world. A multi-year veteran of Mobile World Congress, CES, IFA, and Baselworld trade shows, Andy always has a strong opinion on the mobile industry, and is excited about its future.