Top 10 Best Camera Phones in the World of 2025

Choosing the best camera phone is harder than ever. And with more and more major manufacturers releasing more advanced camera phones, this list is only going to get harder because we’re only including the best.

As a potential smartphone snapper, you’re spoiled for choice with options from Apple, Samsung, Google, Honor, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo, all at a variety of price points. There are better features, higher resolutions, sharper lenses, more cameras, and more affordable options.

Based on our hands-on tests of each phone’s camera capabilities, here’s a rundown of the best camera phones you can buy right now. Keep scrolling to find our in-depth reviews of all the camera phones featured here.

Top 10+ Best Camera Phones in the World of 2025

1. iPhone 16 Pro

The new iPhone 16 Pro offers a number of camera upgrades, including a faster main camera, spatial photo and video capabilities, improved ultra-wide, high-quality slow-mo, and a new physical camera control button making it the best camera phone in the World of 2025.

The main camera retains its 48-megapixel resolution, but Apple promises faster readout from the sensor, reducing the delay between pressing the shutter and taking the photo. images when capturing fast-moving subjects. The ultra-wide camera has been bumped up from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels, providing significantly more detail when using the wide-angle lens for wide-angle landscapes or close-up macro shots.

The iPhone 16 Pro models can shoot at 4K and 120 frames per second for better slow-mo video, support Apple’s second-generation sensor-shift stabilization technology for smoother video and sharper images, and can capture Night mode portraits.

A new camera control button on the right side of the iPhone 16 series. As the name suggests, it’s easy to assume the new button has something to do with the camera, but there’s more to it than that. So this might be Apple’s coolest and most innovative feature this year.

Thanks to the new quad-pixel sensor and the A18 Pro chipset, the iPhone 16 Pro can record video in 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second with Dolby Vision HDR in a variety of modes. This includes regular video mode, slow motion, and ultra-high-quality ProRes mode.

The latter, however, requires connecting to an external hard drive via USB-C. That hasn’t changed much since last year.

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2. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Google Pixel series has long been a great choice for those who prioritize photography above all else. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL continues that tradition with improvements to its camera hardware and shooting capabilities.

On the back, there’s a great triple-lens setup consisting of an ultra-wide camera with autofocus, a main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), and a 5x telephoto camera, also with OIS.

The phone also offers 2x and 10x zoom, using Super Resolution Zoom to provide ‘optical quality’ zoom, which I found to work very well indeed in my testing!

Now that Google has given us the option to choose between the larger 9 Pro XL and the smaller Google Pixel 9 Pro, both of which feature the same impressive camera system, if you want the smaller phone, check out our full Google Pixel 9 Pro review .

There’s also an updated 42MP selfie camera that uses pixel binning to deliver 10.5MP images. There’s autofocus, and the selfie camera is wider than its predecessor, allowing you to get more out of your shot.

The ultra-wide camera has also been updated, with a brighter f/1.7 aperture compared to the f/2.0 aperture on the Pixel 8 Pro.

As a Google phone, HDR shooting has been updated to be more impressive than ever, and it handles high dynamic range situations surprisingly well, whether outdoors or in low light.

The AI ​​features on offer have also been improved, with Add-me ​​being particularly useful for those who want to be included in group shots. Other AI features have been improved as well, including the addition of Video Boost, a cloud-based feature that can upscale 4K video to 8K video if you back up your video to the cloud.

Unfortunately, the phone doesn’t record 8K video directly on the phone, and is limited to a maximum of 4K 60fps, so if you’re looking for high-resolution (8K) video, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

There are other phones that offer 120fps 4K video. Another downside is the phone’s lackluster macro performance. Cropping a photo taken with the ultra-wide camera results in an image lacking detail, and using the telephoto camera for macro is much better.

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3. Xiaomi 14 Ultra

With a much larger main camera sensor than its competitors, a wide variable aperture, and Leica-designed optics, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra can take some of the best images we’ve ever seen on a phone.

The raw files have a huge dynamic range and sharpness that allows you to capture photos that are typically found on full-size mirrorless cameras.

But we especially love using the 14 Ultra’s Leica high-contrast black-and-white mode to capture striking black-and-white street shots that look great even without post-processing.

Xiaomi sells a photo kit that includes a case and a grip that gives you physical camera controls to make it even closer to a full-fledged camera. It’s a joy to use, allowing you to use this phone as if it were a regular camera.

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4. OnePlus 12

The OnePlus 12’s camera system is aimed at a certain kind of photographer, and is reminiscent of the Hasselblad, the revered optical equipment used by astronauts in the vast expanses of space. OnePlus has embraced this aesthetic without hesitation, and it permeates every pixel of its latest phone.

But let’s get your expectations straight. If you’re craving stunning telephoto shots or extreme close-up macro shots, the OnePlus 12 might not be for you. The longest lens only has a 3x zoom, a far cry from the 5x lens on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Where the OnePlus 12 really shines is in the portrait and landscape categories. The photos on this phone exude a richness and soft color balance that you won’t find on either the iPhone or the Pixel.

While Apple and Google are all about precision and stark realism, the OnePlus 12 captures the spirit of a true prime photography lens, inviting you to capture moments with a sense of artistry that goes beyond mere documentation.

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5. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a ton of cameras (five of them!), and they all do different things. You can take advantage of 5x optical zoom and 100x hybrid zoom, and capture standard and wide fields of view from the device’s capable 200MP main and 12MP ultra-wide lenses.

And don’t forget about Samsung’s new Galaxy AI features, which let you perform edits like zooming in on a subject or filling in the background.

The S24 Ultra is still a surprisingly powerful imaging device, considering it’s still a phone. The combination of advanced hardware and AI-assisted features means you can always have a capable and fun camera phone in your pocket.

There are a few important downsides to consider, though. At $1,300, this phone is expensive, so be sure to look for trade-in discounts if you’re planning on upgrading.

And for that high price, we wish Samsung had added some of the Galaxy AI features that are exclusive to the Ultra, perhaps even the ability to use the S Pen.

However, Galaxy AI is available across all Galaxy S24 devices and will soon be coming to the Galaxy S23 lineup, so if that’s all you care about, there’s no reason to spend more on Samsung’s top-of-the-line phone.

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6. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Google continues to make great camera phones with its Pixel 9 lineup, and in our opinion, the Pixel 9 Pro is the best of the bunch. It offers the same triple-camera setup as the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL, but costs $100 less.

Considering that the Pixel 9 Pro XL outperforms the Galaxy S24 Ultra with the same camera setup, we think Android users should switch to the Pixel 9 Pro for the best Android camera phone.

The Pixel 9 Pro’s 5x optical zoom and super-sharp close-ups really stand out. In our tests, the Pixel 9 Pro’s zoom was noticeably sharper than what we saw with the iPhone 15 Pro, which is only capable of 3x zoom. When you need more, the Pixel’s Super Res Zoom feature can zoom in up to 30x while minimizing any noise that might otherwise creep into your shots.

The Pixel 9 Pro’s larger ultra-wide lens helps with these shots, and it adds a fantastic macro focus feature that lets you get up close and personal with your subject.

But the real star here is its photo processing, which produced balanced and colorful shots in our tests. You’ll also love the Reimagine feature, which enhances selected areas of your shot, even if the results aren’t always realistic, and the AI-powered editing tools, like the Add Me tool, which lets you insert yourself into a group shot instead of just taking the photo.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra have more camera features overall, but this is the best camera phone you can get for under $1,000.

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7. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

After years of flip phones that were content with 12MP main cameras, Samsung has updated the Galaxy Z Flip 6 with a 50MP sensor on the main lens.

Not only does this mean you’ll get sharper photos from this foldable, but the main camera can also use pixel binning to get close to 2x optical zoom. It’s a clever solution that would require a dedicated telephoto lens in a compact foldable design where space is at a premium.

The Galaxy Z Flip 6’s improved camera performs well, outpacing the Motorola Razr Plus (2024) in a 200-photo showdown featuring these competing flip phones.

Galaxy Z Flip 6 users will also love the ability to take selfies using the external camera, with the Flip’s 3.4-inch cover display acting as a viewfinder. Galaxy AI features, including the ability to turn images into illustrations or cartoons, round out the camera’s capabilities.

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is $100 more expensive than its predecessor, but if you’re looking for the best camera in a foldable, you’ll be happy to pay the premium price.

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8. Honor Magic 6 Pro

The Honor Magic 6 Pro manages to undercut the big flagships while still delivering a great photography experience. We’re really impressed.

Honor has been making great value smartphones for quite some time now, and the Magic 6 Pro refines the formula that has already impressed us in previous iterations. It’s not exactly cheap, but it delivers premium image and video quality that rivals its far more expensive rivals.

The previous Magic 5 Pro had three 50MP sensors, but this new version takes it a step further by converting one behind the 2.5x periscope lens into a 180MP sensor. You’re unlikely to shoot a lot of 180MP images, but it offers a lot of freedom for cropping and digital zoom.

In our tests, the Honor Magic 6 Pro consistently delivers excellent results in a variety of shooting situations. The best results generally come from the main camera, but the ultra-wide and telephoto zooms are also nice touches, and you’re unlikely to be disappointed with either.

The zoom works well at 5x and 10x settings, but the 100x zoom proudly printed on the side is simply a gimmick. There’s no reason to bother with it, except for curiosity.

In use, this handset consistently impresses. The 6.8-inch display is incredibly bright, and the various camera modes, like Macro and Portrait, deliver exactly the kind of results you’d expect. The 4K 60p video looks great and benefits from the ability to switch lenses. Sure, there’s no 8K, but realistically, very few users will care about that.

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9. iPhone 15 Pro Max

The best iPhone ever, without a doubt, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a powerful tool for just about everything, including photography.

The A17 Pro chip has benchmarks that put its competitors out of business. It’s even more powerful than the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra featured above. It’s quick and easy to do just about anything, so regardless of the iOS apps and games you want to run, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a great choice.

But what we’re here for here is photography, and that’s where the iPhone 15 Pro Max absolutely shines. It has a 48MP sensor (rendered at 24MP resolution) that captures beautifully detailed photos with exceptional color vibrancy.

There’s also a 5x optical zoom (not found on the smaller iPhone 15 Pro), and alongside the main rear camera, there’s a 12MP ultra-wide and a 12MP telephoto camera.

Apple is also gradually expanding the options within the Camera app, putting features like digital lenses, photo styles, and more at your fingertips. It’s also notable that this is the first generation of iPhones to ditch the proprietary Lightning charger, making this phone more versatile than ever for a USB-C phone.

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10. Vivo X100 Pro

This flagship smartphone from Vivo comes with an impressive triple camera set up in collaboration with Zeiss. All cameras feature a 50MP sensor with autofocus and OIS (optical image stabilization) while the 4.3x periscope camera offers macro capabilities.  These specs make the Vivo X100 a strong contender against well-known flagships.

The 23mm, f/1.75 primary camera features a 50MP 1-inch sensor, which is one of the largest sensors you’ll find on a phone. It consistently delivers great results with rich detail, excellent colour reproduction and stable exposure. Plus, the dynamic range is impressive with HDR automatically turning on when needed.

The Zeiss APO floating telephoto camera 100mm f/2.5 has a periscope design and delivers stunning close-up shots with plenty of detail even in low light. The 50MP sensor is also supported by a smaller, but still capable 0.5-inch sensor.

The last ultra-wide 15mm f/2 camera doesn’t have the Zeiss branding, but it still delivers good results with good colors, exposure, and a good level of detail.

In use, the Vivo X100 Pro proves to be a very capable camera phone that justifies its flagship price point. The larger sensor on the main camera makes for a very capable phone, with excellent high ISO performance and a surprisingly capable low-light setup.

In our review, we noted that the selfie camera is a bit weak and lacks autofocus. It’s also worth noting that the phone is currently only available in select regions. If you can get your hands on it, though, it’s an incredible phone with a very capable camera.

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11. Google Pixel 8a

The Google Pixel 8a is an affordable option that offers a lot of photo features for its money. As we mentioned in our Google Pixel 8a review, the 64MP main lens excels at taking photos, capturing images rich in color and detail even when shooting into the sun.

Anyone who regularly shoots video will appreciate the optical image stabilization (OIS), which keeps the rear-facing camera’s video smooth even when you’re walking around. You can also use the AI-powered Audio Magic Eraser tool to remove background noise from your videos, such as traffic and wind.

Other AI tools included in this phone include Magic Editor, which lets you remove or resize objects from a photo, and Best Take, which combines group photos to make sure everyone has their eyes open or is making the desired expression.

This phone is a great choice for anyone who wants to take quick and easy astrophotos without any prior knowledge. When the sensor detects a dark environment with no light pollution, Night Sight mode automatically kicks in.

It then takes 16 exposures of 16 seconds each and stitches them together into a single photo, keeping the stars bright and not blurry.

The biggest downside to this phone is that it automatically uses pixel binning, so you can’t take full 64MP photos, and instead have to settle for 16MP photos. This could be a disadvantage for anyone who wants to zoom in on their photos or do more complex zoom editing.

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FAQs

What should I look for when buying a camera phone?

When choosing a camera phone, you should consider the type of photos you want to take. If you take a lot of sports photos of kids or professionals, or enjoy nature photography, a long zoom will help.

If you mostly take portraits and photos of friends, a good all-round camera will be better. The best camera phones can be expensive, but if your budget is a concern, there are also affordable options.

Is there a DSLR-quality camera phone?

As smartphone camera technology continues to advance, it’s natural to wonder if they’ve matched or even surpassed the quality of traditional interchangeable-lens cameras, such as DSLRs or mirrorless models. However, that won’t be the case anytime soon, and this is largely due to physical hardware limitations.

Digital cameras can physically fit larger imaging sensors, which allows them to produce higher-quality, lower-noise images without the need for multi-shot processing.

While the difference may not be noticeable in bright, sunny conditions, it’s much easier to see the difference in low-light conditions. Most mirrorless and DSLR cameras offer higher resolution, with sensors ranging from 24MP, 40MP, 47MP, and 61MP (etc.) to full resolution without pixel binning.

The cameras also have the advantage of interchangeable lenses. You can swap out an 85mm f/1.4 lens, which will always give you better results than your smartphone’s Portrait mode.

Of course, the difference might not be so obvious when you view the two images side by side on a small phone screen. But when you try to view or print the image on a larger display, the difference in quality becomes immediately apparent.

Smartphones have their advantages, of course. They’re convenient, always online, and always carry a camera with you.

Which phone is best for video recording?

In the age of TikTok and Instagram Reels, video is more important than ever. Here are some features to look for: Optical image stabilization is always better than electronic or digital image stabilization, as it provides less shaky video. Many high-end phones now use both, giving you a Steadicam-like effect.

1080p video is still sufficient for most people, but many phones can record in 4K at up to 60fps. That’s the current gold standard. 8K recording is becoming more common on Android flagships, but it requires a ton of storage and isn’t really usable or shareable yet.

Slow motion video can produce some interesting effects. Most phones can now capture up to 240fps (1/8 speed), but some can shoot up to 960fps (1/32 speed).

But keep an eye on how long your phone can record slow motion, because if it only records for 0.2 seconds, it can be difficult to capture the scene. Many phones also have other video tricks, like timelapse, hyperlapse, video bokeh, or HDR mode.

What’s the best phone camera at night?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Apple iPhone 15 Pro, and Google Pixel 8 Pro all have dedicated night modes that take multiple photos and combine them into a single photo that’s brighter and has less image noise. All three are great, and it’s almost impossible to say which one is better.

Which is better, iPhone or Samsung?

Samsung Galaxy phones and Apple iPhones have some of the best cameras you’ll find on any phone. Both smartphones are capable photography tools, but neither is a clear frontrunner for switching from Android to iOS or vice versa.

If you want the biggest telephoto zoom camera you can find on a phone, go with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. If you want a great all-rounder that produces natural-looking images and video, and pro features like ProRes and Log video capture, go with the iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max.

What’s the difference between a dedicated camera and a phone camera?

The biggest difference between a dedicated camera and a phone camera is their size. A dedicated camera has a larger sensor and larger lens, which allows it to take in more light.

The result is photos with more detail, wider dynamic range, and more variety in medium and low light. Phone cameras are tiny. The sensor is smaller than your fingernail, and the lens is about the size of a Lego block.

To overcome the limitations of the small sensor and lens, phones use computational photography (AI and machine learning) to stitch together parts of multiple images into a single photo that’s brighter and has more detail than a phone camera alone.