I like to go hiking/mountain biking to cool places and taking photos. Especially landscape shots from the top of big hills. These photos usually end up on my TV (Google Chromecast), as desktop images on my computer and such. Photographically they are nothing special, but they keep me going between holidays. I currently use my phone (Nexus 5X) which on the face of it is great - 12 megapixels - but the photos lack detail and just don't 'pop'. If I look closer, the detail looks a bit fuzzy. Phone is on full resolution settings - so nothing I can do there.
Here's an example - the beech tree on the left looks fuzzy when you look closely
Another example - the tussock in the foreground looks fuzzy as well
What cheap and compact options do I have to take better photos? I'm already at 12 megapixels so clearly that's not the limiting factor. Would a dedicated compact camera (i.e. basic point and shoot) have a bigger sensor than a phone, and take better photos? What about a compact zoom type camera - I don't need the zoom, but do these have slightly better sensors than a compact?
Ideally I'd get a micro four thirds type setup and be done with it, but I just don't have that kind of money at the moment. Hence looking at second hand compact or compact zoom, which are readily/cheaply available.
Is it just a case of not holding the phone steady enough?
Thanks