XOLO Q1010i camera review: good results, but won’t blow your socks off

The XOLO Q1010i is an affordable smartphone targeted at shutterbugs. It features an 8MP autofocus camera, and while the resolution itself isn’t a big deal on budget smartphones today, XOLO has packed in a Sony Exmor R sensor, large f/2.0 aperture, 5-element lens and a pixel size of 1.4µm. The camera is accompanied by an LED flash, and a 2MP shooter sits in front for video calls and selfies. The camera app offers various scene modes, smile detection, best shot, HDR and panorama options. 

Considering there’s plenty in the way of competition in the Rs 13,000 price range, the camera is where the XOLO Q1010i needs to outperform to stand out. Here are a few camera samples taken under various conditions. Click on the images to view them in full size. 

Long shot

Close Up

Close up (zoomed in)

 HDR Off

HDR On

Low-light (without flash)

Low-light (with flash)

As you can see from the images above, the f/2.0 aperture contributes to good macro shots. Even when zoomed in, close-up images appear sharp. The HDR mode is also quite effective, and is able to bring out hidden detail in the sky and shadows. While low-light images are too dark to use, you can safely use the LED flash without worrying about being blinded by the results. In landscape shots, the results are decent at first glance, but zooming in reveals over-sharpened edges.

Overall, the XOLO Q1010i’s camera is one of the better shooters in its category, but still doesn’t have the wow factor.

Related read: XOLO Q1010i unboxing