Having a great camera phone is essential for taking amazing photos wherever you are whenever you’d like. After all, not everyone can carry around a big DSLR at all times. Here at Digital Camera World, we love a good camera phone because they’re simply convenient and as the technology continues to progress the best camera phones have powerful image sensors, incredible features, and the ability to process and edit the images with the touch of a button.
With all that technology out there though, it can be hard to make a decision on what phone is best for you. That’s where I come in. At DCW we’ve tested all of these camera phones first hand so you can be sure that I know which ones truly take the best photos. And since I am also a photographer, I really do know how to distinguish a good photo from a bad one.
If you want to get right into it, my favorite overall pick for both photo and video is the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max with stunning quality and ease of use – although with the launch of the Apple iPhone 16 range this month, you can bet this list will change when we finish reviewing the new models. If you’re an avid Android enthusiast, then the Google Pixel 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL are the way to go as I love their AI photography and editing smarts.
No matter whether you’re looking for a high-end camera phone that will help you capture great social media content, or you’re simply looking for an everyday handset that will capture beautiful family snaps, here are the best camera phones currently available…
Gareth Bevan
Gareth is the Reviews Editor at Digital Camera World – and the person in charge of approving all the latest camera-related tech. As an experienced photographer, he is always on the lookout for top camera phone quality to rival his mirrorless cameras, and always jumping between Android and iOS, he knows each system’s strengths and weaknesses when it comes to photo and video.
My top pick for anyone looking for the best phone for photos and videos is the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Pipping the Pixel 8 Pro to the top spot, the Pro Max edges it out with superior video. For photos, it also provides 48MP stills and a 5x optical zoom.
The Pixel 9 Pros have identical camera setups but different screen sizes, so you can pick the size that works for you, without having to compromise on one of the best phone cameras. With excellent AI smarts, the Pixel 9 Pros take consistent photos, at a slightly lower price than Apple rivals.
Samsung fans look no further – theSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is one pretty phone that also benefits from an impressive 200MP camera which you can actually use every pixel of (if you have the storage) for mind-blowing detail from a phone camera.
If you’re looking for a great image-maker for an amazing price then the Google Pixel 8a takes the crown as my top pick for affordable phone photography with two very impressive cameras for the affordable pricetag.
The iPhone 15 might not be the top-spec phone on this list, but it is the best shooter for casual everyday phone photographers who love all things Apple. However, if you aren’t loyal then I think the Pixel 8a above is the better snapper.
Samsung’s Fold phones go from strength to strength, and the Fold 6 is the best yet. It has the best overall foldable phone experience when it comes to software, but its cameras are a little underwhelming versus its non-folding siblings.
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The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a serious, pocketable powerhouse. Yes, it’s thick, but its relatively compact footprint and ample camera and power mix make it an enticing option, especially for anyone who really cares about video – where the iPhone Pro Max excels.
While it’s a shame there’s no pro mode for manual photography (but there are some great apps in the App Store), the 15 Pro’s 48MP RAW photos capture excellent results. The automatic mode’s photo processing is also one of the best if not the best, I’ve seen on a phone. Additionally, the iPhone Pro Max now offers up a new 5x telephoto camera, reaching further can ever before in higher quality, and offering even more beautiful natural blur on portraits.
The iPhone 15 range has also added a tremendous amount of functionality and convenience by finally adopting the USB-C port, making it even more compatible with monitors and camera accessories.
So while the new iPhone 15 Pro is very expensive, it’s a mighty phone with a brilliant camera, that’s powerful and lasts a full day. If you’re an Apple fan who likes more compact phones, the smaller iPhone 15 Pro is a no-brainer, but you will be bumped down to a still very impressive 3x optical camera. But if you like big phones and the best photography experience, the Pro Max is our top choice.
This year Google has released its flagship in two sizes, but in perhaps a challenge to rivals, has equipped both sized phones with identical camera setups and other specs. With simply no trade-offs to make between the two – you just need to decide if a 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro or 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL screen suits your hands and pockets more comfortably.
The Pixel 9 Pros have seen a very modest update in cameras from last year’s models, with the same trio of sensors in the rear – although in a new pill-shaped design. It’s only in the front where an improved 42MP front camera offers bigger selfies and more detailed video chats.
However the Pixel 8 Pro was simply the best photography experience on a phone, and with the same camera setup, Google is keeping the good times rolling. The quality and consistency of its cameras are sublime, with the phones particularly excelling in night-time photography. But where Google is improving is with its ever-increasing stable of AI-enhanced modes like blur reduction which uses machine learning to unblur images, and ‘Best Take’ which lets you swap the expressions of photo participants so everyone looks their best, means that it is also one of the simplest cameras to guarantee good snaps. Google is leaps and bounds ahead here and everyone else is playing catchup.
For anyone who wants to get a bit more serious with their photography, the Pixel 9 Pros also have a RAW capture letting you take full advantage of the megapixel-packed sensor, as well as a new pro controls mode giving you manual control over the look of your images just like you might get with a mirrorless camera.
However, the one weakness that stops the Pixel 9 Pros from claiming the top spot – and that’s video. Although video has also taken a big step up from the Pixel 8 Pro it still can’t quite compete with the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Google has added a neat new video night night mode though, which uses AI to clean up dark video to improve clarity which works nicely but is not a make-or-break feature – although this doesn’t work on the ultra-wide camera.
With a sleek new design that flattens out the sides and the screen, this is also the best-looking Pixel yet. The screen is beautiful to use and gives Apple a run for its money in clarity and color. Google is also now future-proofing its phones by way of continued software support for up to 7 years, you do get a lot for your money here, as well as some piece of mind, as yet again the Pixel range has gone up in price, although, still remain slightly cheaper than their Apple equivalents.
Most camera hardware is the same as the previous generation
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200MP mode isn’t very useful
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Costs $100 more than its predecessor
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a delightful experience from both its Samsung-tuned version of Android to its selection of five different cameras, positioning itself as one of the most well-rounded and feature-complete Android phones currently available. For existing S23 Ultra owners, the incremental updates may not justify the price increase, but for those upgrading from an older model, you will find a lot more to love.
While I was personally holding out a desire for more significant changes in the camera system over the S23, such as a large main sensor like Chinese rivals. Samsung has opted for an approach reminiscent of Apple – refining a familiar and popular design, but this has inched the phone closer to photography perfection.
The S24 Ultra consistently delivers impressive photos and videos, although some will find Samsung’s processing and colors a little less natural than Apple or Google, with a more heavily processed look. So I would check out some image samples before you buy. Like every other phone right now, the S24 also has a number of fun and practical AI tools that make correcting photos that much easier, although these aren’t quite as strong as Google’s offerings.
Outside of the cameras, the phone boasts rapid performance, features a top-notch display, and exudes a premium feel. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a formidable phone – and another fantastic entry into Samsung’s Galaxy S legacy.
Dimensions: 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)
Storage: 128GB
Reasons to buy
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Reliable photo processing
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IP67 water and dust resistant
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Wireless charging
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Smart AI features
Reasons to avoid
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Chunky styling won’t be for all
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Underwhelming gaming performance
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Plastic back doesn’t feel premium
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No optical zoom
The Pixel 8a is quite an impressive camera phone despite not having the most powerful camera hardware. Thanks to Google’s smart processing, it can capture good point-and-shoot pictures in a variety of lighting conditions. Its 4K video performance is also notable when the lighting is on its side, and the day-to-day user experience is quite snappy.
The phone is packed with smart features, and the extent to which you utilize them will depend on your comfort with integrating AI into your daily life. If you’re considering the Pixel 8a, you’ll find that it offers exceptional value for money and stands as one of the best camera phones of 2024.
Those open to alternatives may also explore deals on the Pixel 8, which offers a different build with glass and metal, as opposed to the 8a’s plastic back. Overall, the Pixel 8a is a reliably solid all-around phone with an excellent camera and remarkably intelligent AI features straight out of the box.
3x ‘optical’ zoom levels (though it’s a bit of a cheat!)
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The Apple ecosystem and iOS are simply fantastic
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Bright screen, with sensors disguised as ‘dynamic island’
Reasons to avoid
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Inferior to the Pro model, which isn’t a lot more expensive
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Pastel colors won’t be to everyone’s taste
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USB-C interface may render existing accessories obsolete
From a photography point of view, the iPhone 15 is a great piece of kit, especially if you just want to point, shoot, and share great-looking shots via social media without doing much post-processing.
However, the more serious photographer will miss the ability to shoot in RAW format so that they can enjoy fine-tuning the look of their images in a digital darkroom such as Adobe Camera Raw.
Images on the iPhone 15’s Super Retina XDR display look great, but you may need to view them on a larger display if you want to discover and remove noise artifacts or retouch a portrait more effectively. In this instance, you might consider paying extra for the iPhone 15 Plus, which boasts a true optical 3x camera, rather than the iPhone 15’s pixel-binning trickery.
The iPhone 15’s video especially shines and produces amazingly smooth handheld footage which alleviates the need to stabilize it in a non-linear editing app, but serious filmmakers may also want the option to shoot in HDR Dolby Vision, which will lead them in the direction of the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max.
Dimensions: Unfolded: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm Folded: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4 mm
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
Reasons to buy
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Unfolded pen support
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Excellent software experience
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Squared-off design looks clean
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Water and dust resistant
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Powerful – great for 4K video edits
Reasons to avoid
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Weak zoom performance
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Cameras could be better
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Very expensive
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Chunkier than some competition
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 impresses with its innovative design and creative features but falls a little short as a camera leader among foldable smartphones. But with international availability and long-term ongoing support – this is the current best camera foldable for most people.
The Fold 6’s build has been refined, featuring a slimmer and lighter frame that still boasts durability. The expansive foldable display offers a unique and immersive experience, making it particularly appealing for creative professionals. AI integration is a standout, enhancing productivity and creative capabilities through features like AI-driven image processing and multitasking tools.
However, the camera system, while reliable, isn’t quite Samsung’s best. The main camera, a 50MP sensor similar to the Galaxy S24’s, delivers good-quality images but lacks the cutting-edge innovation seen in competitors like the OnePlus Open.
The telephoto lens offers about 3x zoom, but its small sensor and lack of advanced periscope optics limit its effectiveness, particularly in low-light conditions. This makes the Z Fold 6 less capable when compared to other flagship foldables in capturing detailed, long-range shots. The ultra-wide camera is expansive, capturing wide fields of view, but it lacks autofocus—a feature that gives an edge to rivals like the OnePlus and Vivo foldable.
However, video capabilities are strong, with 4K 60fps supported across most cameras and 8K 30fps from the main camera.
While I was willing the camera to be slightly better for stills, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is still my top choice of foldable on this list as the most compelling all-round option however – and if you have definitely decided you want a foldable phone, then the Fold 6 is one of the best choices likely available to you. Although with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold just around the corner, maybe not for long.
(Image credit: Basil Kronfli / Digital Camera World)
The best flip phone
Specifications
Release date: July 2023
Rear cameras: 12 MP (wide), 12 MP (ultrawide)
Front camera: 10MP
OIS: Yes
Weight: 187 g
Dimensions: Unfolded: 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm Folded: 85.1 x 71.9 x 15.1 mm
Storage: 256GB/512GB
Reasons to buy
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Wireless charging
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Large cover screen
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Handy part-folded experiences
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IPX8 water resistant
Reasons to avoid
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It gets hot with intensive use
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Vibrancy and saturation are very boosted
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Weak ultra-wide camera
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Its camera is inferior to non-flip alternatives
Samsung’s strange side-notch on the Z Flip 5 might not look as good as Motorola‘s RAZR 40 Ultra cover screen, but if it makes room for better camera hardware, we’re here for it. The fact the Z Flip 5 upgrades the cover-screen functionality to run third-party apps, levels up the line’s power, and zaps the hinge gap of old Samsung clamshells all means this is the most exciting Z Flip since the first debuted in 2021.
Keen photographers who want natural color reproduction and maximum bang for their buck would be better off with a traditional phone than any foldable – the Z Flip 5 doesn’t change that fact. But if you specifically want a flip phone, the Flip 5 is a good shout, and without much competition, it’s one of the best available in the West for photography, and its IPX8 water resistance, sturdy build, and large cover screen round off the experience nicely.
Sony’s 2024 flagship impresses with its seamless user experience and solid build quality. However, the hefty price tag stands out as a significant drawback. While the Xperia 1 VI excels in macro photography, it falls short of being the ultimate camera phone due to its subpar lowlight performance from the telephoto and ultra-wide lenses, as well as the absence of pro video features.
Photographers who appreciate minimal photo processing and desire a top-notch screen and speaker setup will also find Sony’s offering appealing. Additionally, the phone caters to gamers and multimedia enthusiasts, while Alpha camera owners seeking an external monitor and recorder might find the price acceptable.
For most other users, a more affordable Xperia 1 VI would make it an attractive all-around choice, and the Xperia 1 VI remains a niche option. Sony needs to either outperform competitors in specifications and features or adjust the pricing to broaden its appeal.
Rear camera: Main camera 50MP, telephoto 32MP, ultra-wide 48MP (f/2.2)
Front camera: 16MP
OIS: Yes
Weight: 205g
Dimensions: 163 x 73.9 x 8.6mm
Storage: 128/256/512GB
Reasons to buy
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Versatile camera system
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Fast wired and wireless charging
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Long-lasting battery
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Excellent performance
Reasons to avoid
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Not as water-resistant as some competition
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Slower charging than OnePlus 11
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The OnePlus 12 is a standout phone in 2024, It strikes a great balance with high-end features, impressive performance, and a powerful camera system. If you are in the US then there isn’t much that can compete at this price point, however, if you’re in the UK or Europe, its recommended price puts it up against competitors like the Pixel 8 Pro and Honor Magic 5 Pro, which give it a run for its money, and it will come down to which phone design and flavor of Android skin you prefer.
Still, if you’re after a flagship phone with excellent performance, a versatile camera setup, and a premium design, the OnePlus 12 delivers. Its Hasselblad-tuned camera system and new Master Mode update make it a capable imaging tool for those who want to dig into manual photography on their phone. But standard photo and video won’t disappoint with strong colors, great clarity, solid dynamic range and excellent stabilization. OnePlus keeps its skin in the game as a challenger to the best flagships.
Google Pixel 9: while it is an excellent phone for anyone who wants a great camera experience for less, the Pixel 9 just can’t cut it in the list of best camera phones, being overshadowed by the Pixel 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL with its additional telephoto camera, and features like night sight video and zoom enhance. It also isn’t the best value Pixel, with the Pixel 8a stealing that spot – with pretty fantastic cameras of its own.
iPhone 15 Pro: This list might change imminently as we finalize our review of the new iPhone 16 Pros, but for now, Apple decided to give its smaller Pro phone a less powerful camera system with only a 3x zoom instead of a 5x which I feel was a mistake, as it feels like punishing fans of smaller phones. This doesn’t stop the smaller-sized Pro from being an amazing camera system though – just not as good as its big brother.
Google Pixel Fold: I went back and forth on this, but while the Google Pixel Fold’s cameras slightly edge out the Samsung Galaxy Fold series, the overall Galaxy camera experience is better – although this might well change with the imminent release of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
How to choose the best camera phone
First things first, you need to pick if you prefer an Android or an Apple phone.
This will depend on how much you currently rely on Apple services like iMessage, iCloud, or even Apple’s Notes app. If you can’t give them up, then you are best sticking with the iPhone, and which one you get depends on if you want a big or a medium-sized phone, how advanced you need the cameras to be, and how much you are willing to spend. We rate all of Apple’s cameras very highly, going from the iPhone 15 Pro Max at the top end to the more affordable iPhone 15 model.
If you don’t use Apple services (or can live without them), then you might want to take a look at an Android phone. Your choices are very broad here, and include new devices like folding phones. The two best Android phones for photography at the moment are the Google Pixel 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Google includes more of its own services as standard like Google Photos and the amazing Google Pixel camera. Samsung also has its own set of Samsung apps that fulfill the same purposes in their own style. So pick the phone and apps whose design appeals most to you.
Didn’t quite make the cut – OPPO Find N2 Flip(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
What’s the best camera phone?
If you’re looking for the best camera phone that offers the best price and performance on the market there is no arguing with the Google Pixel 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL, but we understand not everyone is a fan of Android, so if love Apple devices, I’d recommend the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Which is better, Apple iOS or Android?
Well, this is a question that has and will be debated seemingly forever. The truth is, they are both fantastic operating systems, that provide nearly all of the exact same functionality, just in slightly different ways, and both have all the major apps you are likely to use. There is no better OS, the one to pick is just the one that you enjoy using more on a day-to-day basis.
How we test camera phones
As a photography website, we pay special attention to the photo and video quality of camera phones. We rate resolution, noise, and color rendition in the context of what rival phone cameras can do, and where there are any special features, such as ‘night modes’ or ‘portrait modes’, we check that these perform as the makers describe. We also take a look at what features the phone might include for viewing and editing photos and video.
Camera phones are all-around digital assistants too, of course, so we also check out how smart the operating system is at handling general day-to-day usage. Finally, we look at phone usability, and practicality – such as design, screen, ports, and battery life.
Mario Bautista
