A poll of 2,000 smart phone owners found they typically take 42 pictures a month – with pets (30 per cent), meals (13 per cent) and selfies (12 per cent) among the most common shots taken.
But 12 per cent admitted they ‘rarely’ get photos right first time, while 51 per cent only ‘sometimes’ do.
To underline their struggles, those polled typically need three attempts to get the ‘perfect’ snap.
Bad lighting (48 per cent) is the number one cause of disappointing photos, followed by subjects not staying still (34 per cent) and getting the focus wrong (25 per cent).
For 14 per cent, a sub-par camera is often to blame for unsatisfactory shots.
The research, commissioned to mark the recent launch of the HONOR Magic8 Pro, which features an AI 200MP SuperNight Camera, also found 19 per cent are often frustrated their device’s camera doesn’t capture the images in the way they intended.
A spokesperson for HONOR UK said: “The findings show just how much pressure people feel to capture the ‘perfect’ photo.
“Yet most of us are battling bad lighting, movement, and a camera that isn’t always up to the job.
“It’s no wonder so many attempts end up in the digital void rather than the camera roll.”
The research also found that despite the number of questionable number of pics taken, 62 per cent describe themselves as “confident” in their photography skills.
And with 64 per cent frustrated by aspects of their smartphone, it might be their device’s camera is to blame.
Further to this, 21 per cent claim this aspect of their gadget lacks the quality they need.
The biggest gripes among owners concerning their camera include its low-light performance (26 per cent), poor zoom quality (23 per cent) and a lack of sharpness in images (22 per cent).
With poor resolution (18 per cent), overly complicated settings (13 per cent) and colour inaccuracies (13 per cent) also annoyances.
For 30 per cent their device’s camera has been such a letdown they’ve failed to successfully capture an important moment as a result.
Such instances include group photos on nights out (23 per cent), wedding moments like throwing the bouquet (13 per cent) and a child’s school performance (13 per cent).
This might explain why 75 per cent consider camera quality to be ‘important’ when they’re purchasing a smartphone, according to the research carried out through OnePoll.
A spokesperson for HONOR added: “It’s fascinating to see people describing themselves as confident photographers, while at the same time feeling held back by the limitations of their device.
“It’s a reminder that even the most creative users can only do so much with the tools they have.
“With camera quality now such a crucial factor in smartphone choice, it’s clear users want technology that keeps up with their lives.”