Best Camera Phones for Photography in 2024

Best Camera Phones for Photography in 2024

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Upcoming phone cameras 2024

The competition for the title of the “best camera phone” is fiercer than ever. Major manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Google are constantly pushing the boundaries to offer better features, higher resolutions, and sharper lenses. And with other players like Oppo, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Honor in the mix, there are plenty of affordable budget options as well.

At News Explorer Today, we take smartphone photography seriously, as more images are now captured on smartphones than any other device. We extensively review and test smartphone cameras, considering image and video quality, handling, durability, battery life, ease of use, and more. Our goal is to help you choose the best camera phone for your photography needs.

The Acceleration of Progress in Smartphone Cameras

The rapid advancement of smartphone cameras has raised questions about their ability to replicate the quality of dedicated digital cameras. While cameras with interchangeable lenses, larger sensors, and raw imaging capability still have their advantages in certain genres and conditions, most users will find that the best smartphone cameras can meet all their needs.

So, let’s dive into the top camera phones of 2024 and discover their key features and results of our rigorous testing. But before we do, don’t forget to download one of the best editing apps for smartphones to unleash the full potential of your photos.

The Best Camera Phones: Our Quick List

If you’re in a hurry and want a quick reference list of our recommended camera phones, here are our top picks:

Read on to learn more about each of these camera phones, including their key specs and the results of our review team’s testing.

Best Samsung Camera Phone: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

At a glance:

  • 200MP f/1.7 main camera, with OIS, 1/1.3inch, 23mm
  • 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle camera (0.6x), 13mm
  • 10MP f/2.4 3x telephoto camera, with OIS, 69mm
  • 50MP f/3.4 5x telephoto camera, with OIS, 115mm
  • 12MP f/2.2 PDAF selfie camera (same on all S24 models)
  • 8K 30fps video, 4K 120/60/30fps
  • From $1299 / £1084 (256GB)

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra succeeds the S23 Ultra as Samsung’s flagship model. It features a headline-grabbing 200MP sensor that uses pixel-binning technology to produce images with enhanced lighting and detail. The telephoto camera has also been upgraded to a new 50MP 5x telephoto zoom, offering better reach for capturing distant subjects.

The S24 series introduces a new generation of AI technology, improving various aspects of image capture, including night photography, noise performance, zoom quality, and HDR imaging. On-device and cloud-based editing features, such as the Reflection removal tool, incorporate AI as well.

In our full review, we found incremental improvements in the cameras and features of Samsung smartphones, although they still fall slightly behind the competition. Nevertheless, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra remains one of the best camera phones available in the mainstream market.

If you’re looking for a new Samsung phone without breaking the bank, the Samsung Galaxy S24 offers a compelling option with three rear cameras at a more affordable price.

Best Apple Camera Phone: iPhone 15 Pro

At a glance:

  • 48MP wide camera, f/1.78 aperture, 24mm equivalent
  • 12MP ultrawide camera, f/2.2 aperture, 13mm equivalent
  • 12MP 3x telephoto camera, f/2.8 aperture, 77mm equivalent
  • 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED screen
  • iOS 17
  • Price: from $1,149 / £1,266

While not the largest of Apple’s iPhone lineup (that honor goes to the iPhone 15 Pro Max), the iPhone 15 Pro offers a balanced set of features that make it the best option for most users. It builds upon the previous year’s iPhone 14 Pro, introducing several usability upgrades for photographers and videographers.

For instance, portrait mode now automatically activates when the facial recognition system detects a human subject. Additionally, images can be turned into a portrait post-capture, and video shooters gain new Log profiles for more flexibility in color-grading footage. Another welcome change is the shift from the proprietary Lightning port to the widely used USB-C connection.

In our review, we concluded that the iPhone 15 Pro is an excellent camera phone, although it doesn’t quite surpass the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, currently the king of smartphone imaging. Nevertheless, if you prefer Apple’s ecosystem and want a fantastic smartphone for photography, the iPhone 15 Pro is a compelling choice.

Best Google Camera Phone: Google Pixel 8 Pro

At a glance:

  • Triple camera setup
  • 14mm, 25mm, 113mm equivalent
  • Android operating system
  • 30x Super Res Zoom
  • 10.5MP f/2.2 selfie camera with autofocus
  • Price: $999-$1179 / £999-£1179

While Google’s Pixel smartphones may not receive the same level of hype as Apple and Samsung flagships, they have quietly built a reputation as some of the best camera phones available. The Pixel 8 Pro is Google’s latest flagship and a strong contender for the best camera phone overall.

The Pixel 8 Pro retains the familiar triple-lens setup of its predecessor, offering a wide lens, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens. Compared to its predecessor, the telephoto lens now has a wider maximum aperture of f/2.8, resulting in improved low-light performance. The Pixel 8 Pro also introduces powerful AI features like “Best Take” and “Magic Editor,” allowing users to do futuristic post-processing tasks like face swapping.

In our review, we found that the Pixel 8 Pro produces excellent images in a wide range of conditions, with noticeable improvements in image quality compared to previous models. Google’s advanced software and computational photography capabilities set it apart from competitors, making it one of the best smartphone cameras available.

Best iPhone with Long Zoom: iPhone 15 Pro Max

At a glance:

  • 48MP wide camera, f/1.78 aperture, 24mm equivalent
  • 12MP ultrawide camera, f/2.2 aperture, 13mm equivalent
  • 12MP 5x telephoto camera, f/2.8 aperture, 120mm equivalent
  • 6.7″ Super Retina XDR OLED screen
  • iOS 17
  • Price: $1299/£1199

If you’re willing to spend a bit more or prefer a larger phone, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the ideal choice. It features a glorious 6.7″ Super Retina XDR OLED display and offers a 5x optical zoom lens, providing better telephoto reach than the iPhone 15 Pro.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max includes many of the same improvements as its smaller counterpart, including a new 48MP sensor and enhanced video capabilities. Our original review agreed that the iPhone 15 Pro Max is an excellent camera phone, though the upgrades from the previous model are relatively minor. Nevertheless, if you want the best iPhone camera with extra telephoto reach, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a solid option.

Best Honor Camera Phone: Honor Magic 5 Pro

At a glance:

  • Triple 50MP camera system
  • 13mm, 23mm, 90mm equivalent
  • Android 13 operating system
  • 4K video
  • Price: $1099 / £949

The Honor Magic 5 Pro offers flagship-level specs at a competitive price. It features a triple-camera setup with three 50MP lenses: an ultra-wide-angle, a wide lens, and a telephoto lens. The high resolution is consistent across all lenses, ensuring no compromise in quality when switching between focal lengths. The Honor Magic 5 Pro also features a headline-grabbing 100x digital zoom mode, although it is more of a gimmick than a practical photography tool.

In our review, we found that the Honor Magic 5 Pro produces consistently impressive images in various shooting conditions. It handles low-light situations well, thanks to its capable Night Mode, and offers versatile shooting options like Super Macro mode and High-Resolution mode. While the Portrait Mode is slightly over-processed, the overall performance of the Honor Magic 5 Pro is impressive.

Best Xiaomi Camera Phone: Xiaomi 13 Pro

At a glance:

  • Triple 50MP camera system and Leica lenses
  • 14mm, 23mm, 75mm equivalent
  • Android 13 operating system
  • 8K video
  • Price: $1299 / £1099

The Xiaomi 13 Pro stands out with its one-inch main sensor, putting it ahead of most rivals in terms of camera hardware. It features a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main wide-angle camera, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 64MP telephoto camera (with macro capability).

In our review, we found the Xiaomi 13 Pro to be an extremely capable smartphone that consistently produces excellent results in various shooting scenarios. Its larger sensor enables excellent high-ISO performance and low-light capabilities, making it highly capable in challenging lighting conditions. While it may not surpass the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Xiaomi 13 Pro is still a top-notch camera phone.

Best Value for Close-Up Photography: iQOO 12

At a glance:

  • 50MP main wide-angle, f/1.68, OIS, 23mm equivalent (1/1.3-inch sensor)
  • 50MP ultra-wide-angle, f/2.0, 15mm equivalent
  • 64MP telephoto, f/2.57, 3x/70mm equivalent, OIS
  • Android 14
  • 6.78-inch AMOLED display, 144Hz, up to 3000nits brightness
  • £550 (sim-free)

The iQOO 12 is a cleverly designed mid-range smartphone with impressive camera capabilities. Equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, it offers exceptional operating speeds and a high-quality AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The phone is also IP64-rated, making it resistant to rain showers and suitable for use in challenging weather conditions.

The iQOO 12 boasts an impressive triple-camera setup, including a main camera with a larger-than-average 1/1.3-inch sensor and 50MP resolution. The camera consistently produces clean, high-quality images, especially in low-light conditions. The phone also features specialized astrophotography modes and a Super Macro mode for close-up photography.

In our review, we found the iQOO 12 to be a highly capable camera phone that justifies its mid-range price tag. Its larger sensor and advanced features make it immensely capable in low-light situations. However, the selfie camera lacks autofocus, and video recording is limited to a maximum resolution of Full HD. Overall, the iQOO 12 is a snappy performer with highly capable cameras.

Best iPhone 14: Apple iPhone 14 Pro

At a glance:

  • Quad-camera setup
  • 3x and 2x telephoto cameras
  • iOS operating system
  • Two sizes: Pro and Pro Max
  • Price: from $999 / £1,099

The iPhone 14 Pro is the commendable successor to Apple’s flagship smartphone. With a new 48MP sensor as part of its camera array, the iPhone 14 Pro reliably produces excellent images. It offers specialized modes like Macro and Portrait, catering to various shooting situations. Additionally, the iPhone 14 Pro introduces a 2cm macro mode and a cinematic video mode.

In our review, we concluded that the iPhone 14 Pro is an excellent choice for photographers, especially considering the improvements over the iPhone 12 Pro. While the upgrades are marginal, the iPhone 14 Pro offers a fantastic camera system and is the best option for Apple enthusiasts seeking top-tier photography capabilities.

Second Best Google Phone: Google Pixel 8

At a glance:

  • Dual-camera setup
  • AI-powered computational photography features
  • 4K 60fps video from rear and front cameras
  • Uses Android operating system
  • Price: $699 / £699

The Google Pixel 8 is a compelling option for those who want to take advantage of Google’s latest AI features at a more affordable price. With a dual main camera setup, including a wide lens and an ultra-wide lens, the Pixel 8 consistently delivers impressive images. It offers AI magic like Magic Editor and Best Take, along with a new Macro Mode.

In our review, we found that the Pixel 8 is an excellent camera phone with impressive photography features. It consistently produces beautiful images with excellent exposure, detail, and color reproduction. The advanced computational photography features set it apart from competitors, making it a serious challenge to other flagship phones.

Second Best Samsung Phone: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

At a glance:

  • 200MP wide camera, 1/1.3″ sensor, f/1.7 aperture
  • 12MP ultra-wide camera, 1/2.55″ sensor, f/2.2 aperture
  • 10MP telephoto camera, 1/3.52″ sensor, f/2.4 aperture
  • 10MP telephoto camera, 1/3.52″ sensor, f/4.9 aperture
  • 8K video 30fps, 4K video 60fps
  • Price: $1,683 / £1,399

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features an impressive 200MP main camera sensor, a first for Samsung. While the images are not output at 200MP by default, the use of pixel-binning technology results in practical 12.5-megapixel images with enhanced lighting and detail. The S23 Ultra also boasts a 10x and a 100x digital zoom for extreme close-ups, although digital zoom should be used sparingly.

In our review, we found that the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra slightly surpasses its predecessor, offering more detail in images captured with its main sensor. However, the differences may not be immediately noticeable unless comparing images side by side. If you’re looking for a new Samsung phone at a lower price, the Samsung Galaxy S23 offers a compelling option with three rear cameras.

Best Camera Phone for Under $600 / £600: Google Pixel 7

At a glance:

  • Dual-camera setup
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • Up to 8x “Super Res Zoom”
  • Uses Android operating system
  • Price: $594 / £526

The Google Pixel 7 is a well-designed and attractively priced mid-range phone that delivers exceptional value for the money. Unlike many other smartphones that boast a triple-camera setup with unnecessary lenses, the Pixel 7 focuses on a dual-camera array with a 50MP wide-angle camera and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.

In our review, we noted that the Pixel 7 offers an excellent combination of features for a great price. The main camera produces great images with excellent exposure, detail, and color reproduction. While there is no dedicated telephoto lens, the Pixel 7’s digital zoom performs surprisingly well, offering good-looking results when kept to 2x. If you can live without a macro mode, the Google Pixel 7 is an exceptional camera phone in a crowded field.

Best Looking Camera Phone: OPPO Find X5 Pro

At a glance:

  • Android smartphone
  • Triple-camera system
  • 12MP standard output
  • 4K 60p video
  • Price: $889 / £749

The OPPO Find X5 Pro stands out as a high-end smartphone with a stylish design and excellent camera capabilities. It features a triple-camera system with an ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lens, all branded by Hasselblad. The phone offers a conventional-looking Android camera app with a range of options, including a fully automatic Photo mode and a Pro mode for manual control.

In our review, we were most impressed by the low-light performance and the camera’s ability to capture a full range of brightness and colors, even in challenging nighttime conditions. The OPPO Find X5 Pro delivers high-quality stills and impressive video quality, making it a compelling camera phone choice.

Best Second Hand Samsung Camera Phone: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G

At a glance:

  • Quad-camera rear setup
  • Two telephoto lenses
  • Uses Android operating system
  • Pro mode available with raw shooting
  • Refurbished price: $600 / £600

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G was Samsung’s flagship smartphone in 2022, boasting an incredible 100x “Superzoom” capability. While the image quality of this feature left something to be desired, the other cameras delivered excellent results. The ultra-wide-angle lens, wide lens, 3x telephoto lens, and 10x telephoto lens consistently produced images with vibrant colors and good detail.

In our review, we found that the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G captured images with impressive exposure and detail, producing results suitable for editing. The phone also excelled in shooting modes like Portrait and Night mode. If you’re in the market for a second-hand Samsung camera phone at a more affordable price, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is a solid option.

Best Second Hand iPhone for Photos: Apple iPhone 13 Pro

At a glance:

  • Triple 12MP camera setup
  • 13mm, 26mm, 77mm equivalent
  • iOS operating system
  • Two sizes: Pro and Pro Max
  • Price: $938 / £717

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro builds upon its predecessor, offering brighter lenses, a new 2cm macro mode, and enhanced telephoto reach. All three cameras feature optical image stabilization, and the phone introduces a new cinematic video mode. If you’re interested in macro photography or video recording, the iPhone 13 Pro has a lot to offer.

In our review, we found that the iPhone 13 Pro excels in identifying and focusing on subjects, even in low-light conditions. It produces stunning shallow depth-of-field effects and handles fuzzy subjects like fur and hair effectively. If you’re looking for the best iPhone camera, the iPhone 13 Pro is a top choice.

How to Choose the Best Camera Phone

When choosing a camera phone, it’s essential to consider various factors beyond just the megapixel count. Small smartphone sensors can result in image noise, so a capable image processing system is crucial for producing pleasing images. Additionally, battery life, video resolution, lens options, and audio recording capabilities should be considered.

Deciding between iOS and Android is another significant consideration, with pros and cons for each ecosystem. Apple’s integration with other Apple products makes iPhones a seamless choice for existing Apple users, while Android phones offer more flexibility and choice with third-party apps.

At News Explorer Today, we strive to provide expert advice to help you make informed decisions. Consider your photography needs, budget, and personal preferences when selecting the best camera phone for you.

Now that you know the best camera phones for photography, check out our guides to camera phone accessories, tripods, and mounts. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for the latest updates.