Sensor and Hardware Foundations
At the heart of the Lava Agni 2’s camera system is a 50MP primary sensor, likely the Samsung ISOCELL JN1. This 1/2.76-inch sensor utilizes Tetra²pixel technology, which groups four pixels into one larger 1.28µm pixel for brighter, more detailed images in standard shooting mode. It’s a competent sensor commonly found in this price bracket. The supporting cast includes an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a pair of 2MP macro and depth sensors, a configuration that prioritizes the main shooter.
The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion counters with a more distinctive hardware choice. Its primary camera is a 50MP sensor with a larger 1/1.55-inch size and 1.0µm pixels. Crucially, it features an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). OIS is a significant differentiator, as it physically stabilizes the sensor to reduce blur from handshake, enabling sharper low-light photos and smoother video recording. The Realme 12 Pro 5G further ups the ante with a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor with OIS and an impressive 50MP Sony IMX890 telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, a feature rarely seen in mid-range devices and a clear advantage for portrait photography.
Daylight and Primary Camera Performance
In optimal lighting, the Lava Agni 2 produces pleasing images with a slightly warm color palette. The dynamic range is respectable, preserving a good amount of detail in both highlights and shadows without excessive HDR processing. Images are social-media-ready straight out of the camera, with vibrant but not overly saturated colors. The level of detail is good for its class, though aggressive sharpening can sometimes lead to artificial-looking edges on fine textures like foliage.
The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, with its larger sensor, captures images with exceptional color accuracy. Motorola’s “True Color” processing aims for a natural, lifelike look that some users may find less immediately thrilling than more saturated competitors, but it provides a fantastic foundation for editing. The inclusion of OIS is evident even in daylight, allowing for slightly longer shutter speeds to gather more light without introducing blur, resulting in marginally cleaner shadows. The Realme 12 Pro 5G’s primary camera is similarly capable, but its party trick is the telephoto lens. The 2x optical zoom provides lossless cropping for framing portraits or distant subjects, delivering a level of detail and natural background compression that digital zoom cannot match.
Low-Light and Night Photography Prowess
This is where the hardware disparities become starkly apparent. The Lava Agni 2 relies on its Night Mode software to brighten shadows and control noise. The results are usable, with adequately lit scenes, but the software struggles with complex lighting, often producing images with flattened contrast, muted colors, and visible noise reduction smudging in darker areas. Highlights from light sources can also be blown out.
The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion’s OIS is a game-changer here. By stabilizing the sensor, it allows for significantly longer exposure times without a tripod. This, combined with its larger light-gathering sensor, results in cleaner, brighter, and more detailed low-light photos. Noise is better controlled, colors remain more accurate, and highlights are preserved more effectively. The Realme 12 Pro 5G also leverages OIS on both its primary and telephoto lenses, meaning its 2x portrait capabilities extend convincingly into the evening, a feat most rivals cannot claim.
Ultra-Wide and Auxiliary Camera Comparison
The ultra-wide camera is a common pain point in the mid-range segment. The Lava Agni 2’s 8MP ultra-wide sensor captures a decently wide field of view, but there’s a noticeable drop in detail and dynamic range compared to the main camera. Color science between the two lenses can also be inconsistent, and distortion at the edges is present.
The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion and Realme 12 Pro 5G both feature higher-resolution ultra-wide cameras, typically 13MP. This translates to sharper images with more detail across the frame. While still not matching the primary sensor’s quality, the gap is narrower, providing a more consistent experience when switching lenses.
Regarding the 2MP macro and depth sensors, they are largely functional across all devices. The macro sensors allow for close-up shots but suffer from poor detail and a fixed focus distance that requires perfect lighting. The depth sensors aid in portrait mode edge detection, but modern software algorithms are so advanced that many phones, including premium flagships, now create excellent portrait bokeh using only the main camera and computational photography.
Video Capabilities and Stabilization
Video is another area where stabilization technology dictates the winner. The Lava Agni 2 can record up to 4K at 30fps, but without OIS, the footage can be jittery, especially when walking. Electronic Stabilization (EIS) is present but crops the frame and can produce a wobbly “jello-effect” during movement.
The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion’s combination of OIS and EIS provides a far superior video experience. Footage is noticeably smoother and more professional-looking, making it a much better choice for recording family events or creating social media content. The Realme 12 Pro 5G offers similar stabilized video performance, with the added versatility of being able to record stable video using its telephoto lens.
Software, Processing, and User Experience
The camera interface itself plays a role in the overall experience. Lava’s Blaze OS 2 offers a clean and simple camera app that is easy to navigate but lacks the advanced pro modes and granular controls found on some competitors. Processing times after taking a night mode shot can be slower.
Motorola’s near-stock Android experience extends to its camera app, which is straightforward but includes a dedicated Pro mode for manual control over shutter speed, ISO, and focus. The Realme 12 Pro 5G, with its partnership with Oscar-winning colorist Company 3, offers distinct “Master Filter” color profiles designed to emulate cinematic looks, appealing to users who value a specific aesthetic straight from the camera.
Verdict: Choosing Your Champion
The camera showdown reveals a clear hierarchy based on photographic priorities. The Lava Agni 2 positions itself as a value proposition. Its primary camera is capable in good light, delivering pleasant, shareable photos. However, it falls behind its more technologically advanced rivals in challenging conditions like low light and video, and its ultra-wide and macro cameras are strictly basic.
The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion represents a significant step up in overall consistency and capability. The larger sensor and, most importantly, the inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization, make it a more reliable and versatile shooter across a wider range of scenarios. It is the balanced choice for the user who wants dependable photo and video quality without specializing in any one area.
The Realme 12 Pro 5G carves out a unique niche with its telephoto lens. For the user who prioritizes portrait photography and the compositional flexibility of a genuine optical zoom, it stands alone in this competition. Its overall camera system is more specialized and offers a feature typically reserved for more expensive phones, making it the creative choice for aspiring photographers on a budget. The ultimate decision hinges on whether a user values overall value (Lava), balanced performance with critical stabilization (Motorola), or specialized photographic versatility (Realme).