As you noted, the availability of DNG files doesn't necessarily mean they are Bayer Matrix, and some phones do behave differently for some lenses. This might require some further research or actual hands-on testing.
As for the video capabilities you're interested in (h264 or h265 10-bit 422 colorspace UHD in HDR format with HLG or PQ support), I looked into the iPhone 13 Pro as an example of high-performance smartphone video capabilities. The iPhone 13 Pro can record video up to 4K in 60 FPS, but specific bitrate information wasn't available. The front camera is considered average compared to other smartphones, but the rear cameras are highly praised for their performance. The iPhone 13 Pro includes three 12 MP cameras (telephoto, wide, and ultra-wide) and a TOF 3D LiDAR depth scanner. However, I couldn't verify whether these video capabilities apply to all lenses.
Agree: The iPhone is fairly detailed specified (and the various ProRES formats like the 10-bit 422 also; I usually work with 12-bit 5.9k ProRES RAW, but I can “go slumming” at 422 ;-).
Forgot to state, that I do NOT use nor care about the “selfie camera” (the world is ugly enough, no need to add to that).
Apple clearly states, that at 1080p, the requirements are 1.7GByte/min (~227 megabit/sec) and at 2160p around 4GByte/min (~533 megabit/sec), which is par for the course - and typically five to ten times the information of what a really good to a typical Android delivers - lo and behold! It’s like comparing a Camaro to the Trabant level of your typical Android. Both - ahem - cars will get you there, but…!
I was primarily interested in Android specs; a Youtuber stating “awesome” and manufacturer stating practically nothing is hardly enough for deciding anything based on facts ;-)
Regarding video bitrates, it's important to remember that this can vary depending on the specific settings you use to record video on your phone, including resolution, frame rate, and whether you're using a high-efficiency recording mode.
I know, but that is NOT the main problem for a phone delivering somewhat recognizable 2160p 45 megabit/sec crud at 10 or 8 bit, Rec 709 or worse with PAL stated, but 30 fps delivered etc, no chance of 25 fps (Apple has the PAL option). Samsung does TV’s, and still hasn’t “seen the light” (only the flickering light, when recording at 30 or 60fps at night in the roughly 90% of the World, where AC - home and street lights - are fed 50Hz AC).
It's clear you're looking for high-level performance, and I respect your desire for specifics! I recommend reaching out to the manufacturers directly or consulting with professionals who have hands-on experience with these devices. They could provide more in-depth information about their capabilities.
I have tried a few. But after receiving answers like “dunno”, “who cares”, “YouTubers loooove our smartphones” and “nobody uses 25fps” (only most of TV Industry world wide ;-), I gave up.
Since I can’t spare the time to download every and all manuals (that mostly tell you nothing anyway), I had a hope, that someone could state, what their smartphones did in real life (as eg shown by the MediaInfo program/App).
Only Apple seem to know, what they’re actually revording, and they do not even manufacture TV’s or (video)cameras for hobby or pro use anyway. Weird, “innit”.
Thank you for your effort.
I’m still interested in clear and usable specs of real life performance and capabilities for new Androids (I have iPhone and a Samsung a few years old), but still… only Apple exceeds the tech knowledge of your typical YouTuber: “Awesome”, what it typically is not in real life for most Android smartphones ;-)
Regards and thank you for trying.
