The competition for the title of “best camera phone” is fiercer than ever before. Apple, Samsung, Google, and other major manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries with their smartphone cameras. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just a photography enthusiast, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best camera phones available in 2024.
The Best Camera Phones: Our Quick List
If you want a quick reference of the best camera phones recommended by our team, here’s a list with links to get the best prices:
- Best Samsung camera phone: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Best Apple camera phone: iPhone 15 Pro
- Best Google camera phone: Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Best iPhone with long zoom: iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Best Honor camera phone: Honor Magic 5 Pro
- Best Xiaomi camera phone: Xiaomi 13 Pro
- Best for close-ups: iQOO 12
- Best iPhone 14: Apple iPhone 14 Pro
- Second best Google Phone: Google Pixel 8
- Second best Samsung Phone: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Best camera phone for under $600 / £600: Google Pixel 7
- Best looking camera phone: OPPO Find X5 Pro
- Best second hand Samsung camera phone: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
- Best second hand iPhone for photos: Apple iPhone 13 Pro
Now, let’s dive into the details of each of these camera phones, including their key specs and our review team’s testing results.
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 / £1249 (256GB)
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra takes the crown as Samsung’s flagship model. It features a groundbreaking 200MP sensor that utilizes pixel-binning technology for improved image quality. The telephoto camera has also been upgraded to a new 50MP 5x telephoto zoom, replacing the previous 10MP 10x telephoto lens. The S24 Ultra introduces new AI technology, enhancing night photography, noise performance, zoom quality, HDR imaging, and more. It also offers advanced on-device and cloud-based editing features, including a Reflection removal tool. With its 8K video capability and AI-powered slow-motion video generation, the S24 Ultra is an impressive camera phone overall.
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 $999/£999
The iPhone 15 Pro offers a balanced set of features that make it the best option for most users. It introduces several usability upgrades, including automatic portrait mode detection and post-capture portrait editing. Video shooters will appreciate the new Log profiles for better color grading. The inclusion of USB-C is a welcome change from previous models. The iPhone 15 Pro excels in image and video quality, making it an excellent camera phone for photography enthusiasts. Although it may not dethrone the current king of smartphone imaging, the Samsung Galaxy S23, it is a credible and impressive device in its own right.
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
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the latest flagship from Google and one of the best camera phones on the market. With a triple-lens setup, including a wide lens, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens, it delivers impressive image quality in various conditions. The Pixel 8 Pro boasts powerful AI features like “Best Take” and “Magic Editor” for creative and futuristic image editing. It produces excellent images with vibrant colors and great detail. The Pixel 8 Pro is a worthy competitor to the flagship phones from Apple and Samsung, offering impressive photography features and competitive pricing.
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 have a larger budget or prefer a larger phone, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is an excellent choice. It offers a 5x optical zoom lens, providing better telephoto reach than the iPhone 15 Pro. The Pro Max features the same improvements as the 15 Pro, including portrait mode enhancements, new Log profiles for video, and the introduction of USB-C. The image quality is excellent, with vibrant colors and good detail. While the upgrades may be relatively gentle compared to the previous generation, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is undeniably one of the best camera phones for photography.
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 impressive specs and an excellent camera system. With a triple-array of 50MP cameras (ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto), it captures high-quality images with consistent results. The Honor Magic 5 Pro performs well in various shooting scenarios, with a capable Night Mode and flexible zoom options. It also features a Super Macro mode for close-up photography. While the video resolution tops out at 4K (compared to the 8K becoming more common), it delivers good-looking video. Overall, the Honor Magic 5 Pro is a consistently impressive camera phone.
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 offers an impressive set of features and competes well with other flagship models. Equipped with a one-inch main sensor and Leica lenses, it delivers high-quality images. It allows shooting in 50MP mode across all three lenses, providing consistent quality throughout different perspectives. The Xiaomi 13 Pro performs well in various shooting scenarios, including low-light conditions. It also offers numerous video options, including slow motion and night video modes. The combination of excellent hardware and advanced software makes the Xiaomi 13 Pro an extremely capable 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 screen, AMOLED, 144Hz, up to 3000 nits brightness
- £550 (sim-free)
The iQOO 12 is an impressive mid-range camera phone that offers excellent value for money. Equipped with a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens, it delivers consistently good image quality. The iQOO 12 performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions and offers versatile shooting options, including a Super Macro mode and High-Resolution mode. While the selfie camera lacks autofocus and can only shoot video in Full HD, 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 an excellent upgrade to Apple’s flagship smartphone. With a new 48MP sensor and improved features like Macro and Portrait modes, it reliably produces excellent images. The iPhone 14 Pro offers a range of photography options and enhancements, making it a fantastic choice for photographers. While it may not offer groundbreaking changes compared to its predecessor, it is undoubtedly the best iPhone yet for photography.
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 an excellent camera phone that offers impressive photography features at a more affordable price point. With a dual-camera setup and AI-powered features like Magic Editor and Best Take, it consistently delivers amazing photos. The Pixel 8 excels in low-light situations, captures sharp details, and produces images with great exposure and colors. It offers a versatile range of shooting modes and impressive computational photography features. Overall, the Google Pixel 8 is a strong contender in the smartphone photography market.
Second Best Samsung Phone: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
At a glance:
- 200MP wide camera, 1/1.3-inch sensor, f/1.7 aperture
- 12MP ultra-wide camera, 1/2.55-inch sensor, f/2.2 aperture
- 10MP telephoto camera, 1/3.52-inch sensor, f/2.4 aperture
- 10MP telephoto camera, 1/3.52-inch 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 and a versatile camera system. With pixel-binning technology, it delivers enhanced lighting and detail in its 12.5MP images. It also offers a 10x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom. The S23 Ultra produces excellent images with vibrant colors and good detail. While the improvements from its predecessor may not be immediately noticeable, it remains a top contender in smartphone photography.
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 camera phone that offers exceptional value for money. With a 50MP wide-angle camera and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, it consistently delivers impressive images in various conditions. While it lacks a dedicated macro mode, its computational photography features make up for it. The Pixel 7 captures excellent exposure, good detail, and pleasing color reproduction. It offers an outstanding camera system at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts on a budget.
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 with its attractive design and impressive camera system. With a triple-camera setup and a Hasselblad-branded collaboration, it captures great pictures and videos. The OPPO Find X5 Pro offers manual control options, allowing you to fine-tune exposure settings. It excels in low-light conditions, producing a full range of brightness and color. While it might not be the most affordable option, its unique aesthetics and advanced camera performance make it a compelling 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 is still a viable option for those looking for a second-hand Samsung camera phone. It features a quad-camera setup with two telephoto lenses, offering versatile shooting options. The S22 Ultra produces vibrant and bright images, with good detail and exposure. It also offers a Pro mode with raw shooting capabilities. While it may not be the latest model, the S22 Ultra continues to deliver excellent image quality at a more affordable price point.
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 is a great option for those seeking a second-hand iPhone with excellent camera capabilities. With a triple-camera setup and advanced features like a 2cm macro mode, it delivers impressive image quality. The iPhone 13 Pro excels in low-light conditions and offers improved telephoto reach compared to its predecessor. Whether you’re interested in photography or video recording, the iPhone 13 Pro has a lot to offer.
How to Choose the Best Camera Phone
When choosing a camera phone, there are several factors to consider. One crucial aspect is the sensor quality and image processing capabilities. High megapixel counts don’t always guarantee better image quality. Additionally, consider battery life, video resolution, advanced lens options, and audio recording capabilities.
Deciding between iOS and Android is also important, as each operating system has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you already use Apple products, an iPhone may integrate better into your system. Android phones offer a wider range of choices and flexibility with third-party apps.
Remember to assess the camera phone’s overall value, including its price and performance. Consider specific features that align with your photography needs, such as zoom capabilities, low-light performance, and macro modes.
Now that you’re familiar with the best camera phones in 2024, you can make an informed decision based on your preferences and requirements. Happy shooting!
FAQs
Q: Which camera phone is the best overall for photography?
A: The best overall camera phone for photography depends on individual preferences and needs. However, some top contenders include the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 15 Pro, and Google Pixel 8 Pro. These smartphones offer excellent camera systems, advanced features, and impressive image quality.
Q: Are camera phones as good as DSLR cameras?
A: While camera phones have made significant advancements in recent years, DSLR cameras still offer superior image quality and versatility. DSLRs have larger sensors, interchangeable lenses, and dedicated manual controls, allowing for more control and creativity in photography. However, camera phones are more portable and convenient for everyday use.
Q: Can I shoot professional-quality photos with a camera phone?
A: Yes, it is possible to capture professional-quality photos with a camera phone. Many professional photographers use camera phones for their convenience and the ability to capture spontaneous moments. Camera phones have powerful image processing capabilities and advanced features that allow users to create stunning images. However, the photography skills and composition of the photographer are still essential factors in achieving professional-quality results.
Conclusion
The market for camera phones is more competitive than ever, with manufacturers constantly pushing the boundaries of smartphone photography. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 15 Pro, and Google Pixel 8 Pro are among the best camera phones available in 2024, offering impressive features and image quality. Whether you prioritize zoom capabilities, low-light performance, or overall versatility, there is a camera phone to suit your needs. With the advancements in smartphone technology, professional-level photography is more accessible than ever before. Choose the camera phone that best aligns with your preferences and start capturing stunning photos on the go!
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