The best camera phone has become the modern-day point-and-shoot, offering versatility and reliability for capturing life’s moments. Since your smartphone is always with you, having a camera that delivers exceptional results is essential. Today’s top camera phones combine advanced lenses, cutting-edge sensors, powerful image-processing hardware, and AI-driven enhancements to produce stunning photos and videos.
All the models on this list are excellent choices, but the best camera phone for you will depend on your photography style. If you’re looking for an all-around performer, the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max is a solid pick. However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out for food photography enthusiasts by effortlessly making dishes look appetizing.
No major shake-ups are expected in this lineup until the new year when Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered phones begin to arrive worldwide. This includes the OnePlus 13, already available in China, and the rumored Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which could significantly shift the Ultra series’ design and capabilities.
Key Insights:
- Blind Test Methodology: By anonymizing the photos, the test eliminates brand biases, providing an unbiased image quality assessment.
- Unexpected Outcomes: Some flagship smartphones underperformed compared to mid-range devices, challenging assumptions about price correlating with camera quality.
- Viewer Engagement: The test engaged a large audience, with thousands participating, enhancing the reliability of the results.
Best Smartphones for Stunning Photos and Videos in 2024
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Google Pixel 9 Pro
- Google Pixel 8a
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- iPhone 15 Pro Max Camera
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Camera Review
Specifications
- Release Date: September 2024
- Main Camera: 48MP, 0.78″ sensor, 24mm f/1.8 lens
- Superzoom Camera: 12MP, 0.33″ sensor, 120mm f/2.8 lens (5X telephoto)
- Ultra Wide Camera: 48MP, 13mm f/2.2 lens (sensor size TBD)
- Selfie Camera: 12MP, 23mm f/1.9 lens
Reasons to Buy
- The new Camera Control feature adds a physical shutter button for better handling.
- Enhanced photo customization options, more than any previous iPhone
Reasons to Avoid
- No Pro mode is available in the default Camera app
- Camera Control focus feature is still under development
Note! Full Review Of iPhone 16 Pro Click Here
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera Review
Specifications
- Release Date: January 2024
- Main Camera: 200MP, 0.76″ sensor, 24mm f/1.7 lens
- Superzoom Camera: 50MP, 0.4″ sensor, 111mm f/3.4 lens (5X telephoto)
- Telephoto Camera: 10MP, 0.28″ sensor, 67mm f/2.4 lens (3X telephoto)
- Ultra Wide Camera: 12MP, 0.39″ sensor, 13mm f/2.2 lens (120° field of view)
- Selfie Camera: 12MP, 26mm f/2.2 lens
Reasons to Buy
- Offers the most versatile camera setup for all shooting styles
- Advanced shooting modes ensure stunning, influencer-worthy photos
Reasons to Avoid
- Images often display oversaturated colors
- Backgrounds tend to suffer from excessive sharpening
Google Pixel 9 Pro Camera Review
Key Camera Specifications
- Primary Camera: 50MP, 1/1.31″ sensor, f/1.68 lens, 82° field of view, OctaPD, OIS
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 48MP, 1/2.55″ sensor, f/1.7 lens, 123° field of view, Quad PDAF
- Telephoto Camera: 48MP, 1/2.55″ sensor, f/2.8 lens, 22° field of view, Quad PD, 5x optical zoom
Global Scores
- Camera: 158
- Photo: 161
- Zoom: 155
- Video: 152
Sub-Scores Highlights
- Photo Attributes:
- Exposure: 130
- Color: 130
- Autofocus: 125
- Texture: 124
- Noise: 117
- Video Attributes:
- Exposure: 116
- Color: 120
- Autofocus: 120
Use Cases & Conditions
- Outdoor (Bright Light): 180
- Indoor (Good Light): 169
- Lowlight: 138
- Friends & Family: 154
Ranking
- Global: 2nd
- Ultra-Premium: 2nd
Pros
- Excellent exposure and highlight control in most conditions
- Neutral white balance with vibrant colors
- Fast and reliable autofocus with effective field-of-view correction in video
- Impressive texture and noise balance in bright light, with fine detail in zoom and macro shots
- Stable video with excellent stabilization during static and moving shots
- Minimal photo and video artifacts, providing consistent results
- Preview image on-screen accurately reflects the final capture
Cons
- Instabilities in dynamic range and exposure across consecutive shots
- Underexposure and chroma noise in very low-light scenarios
- Occasional fusion artifacts at medium telephoto ranges
- Depth estimation inconsistencies in bokeh mode
- Sharpness variations in video frames during movement, especially in low-light or indoor settings
Google Pixel 8a Camera Review
Key Camera Specifications
- Primary Camera: 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.73″ sensor, 0.8µm pixels, 26mm equivalent lens, Quad PDAF, OIS
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 13MP, 1.12µm pixels, 120˚ field of view, f/2.2-aperture lens
Global Scores
- Camera: 136
- Photo: 141
- Zoom: 126
- Video: 128
Sub-Scores Highlights
- Photo Attributes:
- Exposure: 130
- Color: 130
- Autofocus: 125
- Texture: 124
- Noise: 117
- Video Attributes:
- Exposure: 116
- Color: 120
- Autofocus: 120
Use Cases & Conditions
- Outdoor (Bright Light): 180
- Indoor (Good Light): 169
- Lowlight: 138
- Friends & Family: 154
Ranking
- Global: 43rd
- High-End Segment: 3rd
Pros
- Accurate target exposure in most conditions
- Good contrast and detail in photos
- Pleasant video colors with a stable and neutral white balance
- Effective video stabilization and reliable autofocus
Cons
Autofocus stepping, frameshifts, video sharpness inconsistencies, and color fringing and judder. Best camera phone.
- Occasional inaccuracies in skin tones for indoor portraits
- Autofocus instability and noise variations across multiple shots
- Depth estimation artifacts in bokeh shots
- Poor texture-to-noise trade-off in video portraits, with occasional exposure shifts
Google Pixel 8 Pro Camera Review
Camera Specifications
- Primary Camera: 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.73″ sensor, 0.8µm pixels, 26mm equivalent lens, Quad PDAF, OIS
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 13MP, 1.12µm pixels, 120˚ field of view, f/2.2-aperture lens
Global Scores
- Camera: 136
- Photo: 141
- Zoom: 126
- Video: 128
Sub-Scores Highlights
- Photo Attributes:
- Exposure: 130
- Color: 130
- Autofocus: 125
- Texture: 124
- Noise: 117
- Video Attributes:
- Exposure: 116
- Color: 120
- Autofocus: 120
Use Cases & Conditions
- Outdoor (Bright Light): 180
- Indoor (Good Light): 169
- Lowlight: 138
- Friends & Family: 154
Ranking
- Global: 43rd
- High-End Segment: 3rd
Pros
- Accurate target exposure in most conditions
- Good contrast and detail in photos
- Pleasant video colors with a stable and neutral white balance
- Effective video stabilization and reliable autofocus
Cons
- Occasional inaccuracies in skin tones for indoor portraits
- Autofocus instability and noise variations across multiple shots
- Depth estimation artifacts in bokeh shots
- Poor texture-to-noise trade-off in video portraits, with occasional exposure shifts
- Autofocus stepping, frameshifts, video sharpness inconsistencies, and color fringing and judder.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Camera Review
Key Camera Specifications
- Main Camera: 48MP, f/1.78, 24mm equivalent lens, Quad-Pixel sensor with 100% Focus Pixels
- Telephoto Camera: 12MP, f/2.8, 120mm equivalent lens, 5x optical zoom
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, 13mm equivalent lens, 120˚ field of view
- Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, 23mm equivalent lens with autofocus
Performance Highlights
- Photo Attributes:
- Exceptional detail in well-lit conditions
- Improved HDR performance and dynamic range
- Enhanced low-light performance with Night Mode
- Video Attributes:
- Supports 4K recording at up to 60fps with Dolby Vision
- Smooth video stabilization
- Cinematic Mode in 4K with adjustable focus
Pros
- Stunning image quality across all lighting conditions
- Reliable autofocus with sharp and accurate subject tracking
- Versatile telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom
- Cinematic video capabilities with professional-grade stabilization
Cons
- Limited manual controls in the native camera app
- Over-sharpening in some scenes
- Lack of ProRAW support for ultra-wide and telephoto lenses
Conclusion
The iPhone 15 Pro Max Camera Test is the best camera phone for videographers seeking high-quality results with minimal effort. Its powerful hardware and advanced computational photography combination ensure stunning results. While minor limitations exist, its overall performance makes it a top contender in the premium camera phone market.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Best camera phone
Key Camera Specifications
- Main Camera: 50MP, 1-inch sensor, f/1.9, HyperOIS, variable aperture (f/1.9–f/4.0)
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 50MP, f/2.2, 122° field of view
- Telephoto Camera 1: 50MP, 3.2x optical zoom, f/2.0
- Telephoto Camera 2: 50MP, 5x optical zoom, f/2.5, OIS
- Front Camera: 32MP, f/2.0
Performance Highlights
- Photo Attributes:
- Exceptional clarity and detail with the large 1-inch main sensor
- Versatile zoom options for portrait and telephoto shots
- Impressive low-light performance with advanced Night Mode
- Video Attributes:
- 8K video recording at 24fps and 4K at 60fps
- Professional-grade video stabilization
- Dolby Vision HDR support for vibrant, lifelike video
Pros
- Industry-leading primary sensor for unmatched image quality
- Versatile quad-camera setup for a variety of shooting scenarios
- Stunning low-light capabilities with variable aperture control
- Robust video performance with advanced stabilization
Cons
- Bulky design due to the camera module
- Software processing occasionally over-saturates colors
- Expensive compared to competitors
Conclusion
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the best camera phone, delivering exceptional results across all scenarios. Its 1-inch primary sensor, versatile zoom options, and advanced video capabilities make it an excellent choice for professionals and enthusiasts. While the design and price may deter some, its unparalleled camera performance cements its position as a leader in flagship smartphones.
Vivo X200: A Premium Camera Phone for Photography Lovers
Key Camera Specifications
- Main Camera: 200MP, f/1.9, 1/1.33″ sensor, OIS
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 50MP, f/2.2, 120° field of view
- Telephoto Camera: 50MP, 5x optical zoom, f/2.5, OIS
- Front Camera: 32MP, f/2.4
Performance Highlights
- Photo Attributes:
- Incredible 200MP resolution for razor-sharp details, perfect for zooming and cropping without losing quality
- Advanced color accuracy and dynamic range, producing vibrant, true-to-life photos
- Excellent low-light performance thanks to AI-powered processing and large sensor sizes
- Video Attributes:
- 4K video recording at 60fps
- Super smooth video with enhanced stabilization
- HDR10+ video support for stunning colors and contrast
Pros
- Unbelievably high 200MP resolution, offering immense detail
- Exceptional zoom capabilities with the 50MP telephoto lens
- Excellent color accuracy and dynamic range in both photos and videos
- Strong low-light performance for both photography and video
Cons
- A large camera module may make the phone bulky
- Some software processing can occasionally oversaturate colors
- Battery life may be impacted during heavy camera use
Conclusion
The Vivo X200 is a flagship phone with an impressive 200MP primary camera, versatile zoom features, and solid video performance. It’s a top contender for those who need high-resolution photography without compromise. Despite the large camera module and potential battery concerns, its exceptional image quality, especially in low light, makes it an excellent choice for serious photographers.
