Snapping up one of the best phones for photography is something more of us are doing, now that cameras have become the biggest differentiators between handsets. New hardware and software improvements are also coming thick and fast with each new launch. But which is the best?
The reality, of course, is that not all smartphones are made equal, especially when it comes to camera performance. We’ve rounded up some of the best top-tier smartphone cameras for photography currently available, based on years of expertise. If you’re after the best cameraphone, look no further than this lot:
Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.
Quick list: what are the best camera phones?
While each individual camera on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (buy now) might not necessarily be the absolute best in class, they’re still superb and up there with the very best. What makes it shine overall, though, is its consistency. With the S25 Ultra in your pocket, you’ll be ready for practically any photography scenario you can think of, from big zoom to close-up macro.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL (buy now) may not have all the bells and whistles of the S25 Ultra, but makes up for it in rock-solid picture-taking skills. It’s easy to get a good image with the Pixel 10 Pro – point, shoot, and let Google’s image processing do the rest.
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (buy now) and smaller 17 Pro represent the pinnacle of iPhone camera tech, with a 48MP main sensor and 5x periscope telephoto lens stealing the spotlight. With crisp, detailed results, and the best night photography ever seen on an iPhone, Apple remains one of the best smartphone camera ports of call for most people. Unless, of course, you’re strictly an Android user.
The Oppo Find X9 Pro (buy now) has a fantastic 200MP telephoto lens good for clean, detailed shots at 3x optical zoom – but bolt the optional Hasselblad lens extender kit on and it’s nigh-on unbeatable at 10x.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra (buy now) has camera hardware that sets a new bar for phone photography, and it’s a stunner in virtually every other aspect too.
The Google Pixel 9a (buy now) may only have a dual-camera setup, but its results are superb, thanks to a combination of hardware, bolstered by Google’s top-notch AI-powered algorithms which squeeze brilliant results out with each press of the shutter button. With great shots in bright and dim conditions, the Pixel 9a represents the best bang-for-buck smartphone camera currently available.
The Sony Xperia 1 VII (buy now) is a fantastic flagship that majors on battery life and entertainment. You’ll get the very best out of its cameras when using the Pro mode, tweaking settings until you reach some seriously impressive results.
The best camera phones you can buy today:
Best overall camera phone
1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Stuff Verdict
Not a thrilling year-on-year update, and now bested on zoom by rivals, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra is an undeniably consistent camera phone. Top image processing and AI editin make it a great all-rounder
Pros
- Titanium frame and Gorilla Armor 2 glass set new toughness standards
- Unrivalled performance from Snapdragon 8 Elite For Galaxy
- On-device AI is more cohesive this year
- Ultrawide camera sees welcome improvements
Cons
- Zoom lenses aren’t class leaders
- No battery gains from last year, and still no Qi 2
- As expensive as non-folding flagships get
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.9in, 3200×1440 AMOLED w/ 1-120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh, 2600 nits |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite For Galaxy |
| Memory | 12GB RAM |
| Cameras | 200MP, f/1.7 main w/ Quad pixel AF, OIS + 50MP, f/3.4 periscope zoom w/ dual pixel AF, OIS, 5x optical zoom + 10MP, f/2.4 zoom w/ dual pixel AF, OIS, 3x optical zoom + 50MP, f/2.2 ultrawide rear 12MP, f/2.2 front w. dual pixel AF |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB on-board |
| Operating system | Android 15 w/ OneUI 7 |
| Battery | 5000mAh w/ 45W , 15W wireless charging |
| Dimensions | 163x78x8.2 mm, 218g |
In some respects, the Galaxy S25 Ultra doesn’t move the game on much from last year. Its 200MP main snapper and two telephoto lenses (one 50MP, 5x zoom and one 10MP, 3x zoom) are unchanged from the S24 Ultra, but the ultrawide has been boosted to 50MP – and given some autofocus abilities for macro photography.
That means it falls behind some rivals on zoom snaps, but otherwise buts in a strong showing across the board. Importantly Samsung’s image processing is consistent across each lens, and generally delivers very pleasing pics. It’s almost a given that shots in both bright and dark conditions are excellent, with the combination of Samsung’s software and hardware managing to turn day into night with apparent ease.
Elsewhere it’s the only phone with Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, performance is superb thanks to a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, and the mild design refresh keeps it looking current. It’s a shame battery life hasn’t seen the sorts of improvement rivals with silicon-carbon tech are producing, and that the S Pen has lost a few functions compared to last year. Still, the is the best Samsung smartphone camera experience to date, and among the best smartphones for photography in any situation.
- Read more: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review
Best point-and-shoot camera phone
2. Google Pixel 10 Pro/XL
Stuff Verdict
It doesn’t look like a giant step forward from last year, but the Pixel 10 Pro XL has improved in all the right places. Qi2 support is a real win, and Gemini has some genuinely useful additions
Pros
- Fantastic camera quality as expected, but now with useful AI coaching
- Qi2 finally makes its way to Android
- Stunning screen and flagship-grade build
Cons
- Beaten on raw processing power by Snapdragon rivals
- Battery life isn’t class-leading
| Google Pixel 10 Pro XL specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.8in, 2992×1344 OLED w/ 1-120Hz |
| CPU | Tensor G5 |
| Memory | 16GB RAM |
| Cameras | 50MP, f/1.7 w/ dual pixel PDAF, OIS + 48MP, f/2.8 telephoto w/ dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom + 48MP, f/1.7 ultrawide w/ dual pixel PDAF rear 42MP, f/2.2 front w/ PDAF |
| Storage | 128/256/512GB/1TB |
| Operating system | Android 16 |
| Battery | 5200mAh w/ 45W , Pixelsnap Qi2 25W wireless charging |
| Dimensions | 163x77x8.5 mm, 232g |
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL continues Google’s tradition of outstanding mobile photography, despite not really giving the camera hardware much attention between generations. The 50MP lead lens still capture sharp, detailed images, the 48MP ultrawide gives an expansive field of view that’s perfect for landscape shots, and the 48MP telephoto’s 5x optical zoom gets usefully closer to your subject without having to call Google’s algorithmic digital magnification into action.
It’s this computational photography that remains a real strength, Beyond Magic Editor and Best Take, which simplify photo editing and enhance image quality respectively, this year’s Pixels get a new Camera Coach feature that analyses your viewfinder and suggests different angles or camera modes to achieve a more pleasing composition. It’s a genuinely useful form of AI.
For selfies, the 48MP front camera delivers crisp, vibrant shots with accurate skin tones, even in low light. Video recording is equally impressive, supporting 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps, ensuring versatile options for both casual and more serious videographers.
The smaller Pixel 10 Pro doesn’t make any cutbacks on the photography front, meaning it could be the better choice if you’re after a smaller handset – and don’t mind getting a smaller battery in the process.
- Read more: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL review
Best Apple camera phone
3. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Stuff Verdict
With the upgraded camera, the Pro Max is the ultimate powerhouse – again. The Pro lineup certainly presents a much better option for experienced users than the iPhone Air
Pros
- Stellar performance
- Great new design – love the colours
- Taking photography up another level
Cons
- Aluminum less appealing than titanium
- Very expensive (of course)
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max specs | |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.9in 2868×1320 OLED HDR at 460ppi |
| Processor | A19 Pro |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB on-board |
| OS | iOS 26 |
| Cameras | 48MP ƒ/1.8 main, 48MP ƒ/2.2 ultrawide, 48MP ƒ/2.8 telephoto (4× optical zoom in) rear; 18MP ƒ/1.9 front |
| Battery | 4823 mAh (nanoSIM), 5088 mAh (eSIM) |
| Dimensions | 163x163x78x8.8mm (6.43×3.07×0.35in) |
| Weight | 233g (8.22oz) |
| Connectivity | USB-C (supports charging, DisplayPort, and USB 3) |
Apple’s iPhone cameras have been top-notch for years, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max brings a couple of key improvements that keep it in contention for the best smartphone camera crown. It’s triple-camera affair uses 48MP sensors across the board, with the telephoto now capping out at 4x – but cropping and upscaling give it 8x magnification with no real visual trade-offs. Colours are still as accurate as ever, in just about all lighting conditions.
The Camera Control button gives you a physical shutter release, as well as zoom and settings controls more akin to a traditional camera. Video-centric features include a four-mic array, AI-enhanced background noise reduction, and 120fps slow motion 4K recording.
If you want to sacrifice a little battery life and screen size then you can also snap up the cheaper iPhone 17 Pro, which shares most of the same camera features as its Max brother – including its telephoto lens. Ultimately, this is easily the best cameraphone Apple has ever made.
- Read more: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max review
Best zoom camera phone
1. Oppo Find X9 Pro and Hasselblad lens converter
Stuff Verdict
This photography-first flagship impresses in almost every area. The Find X9 Pro has outstanding battery life, rapid performance and some truly impressive cameras.
Pros
- Cameras take gorgeous photos in all conditions
- Lens extender accessory massively helps long-range photography
- Top-tier performance and epic endurance for a flagship phone
Cons
- Quick button still not as versatile as Apple’s Camera Control
- AI image processing can be heavy handed at extreme zooms
- No Qi2 magnetic wireless charging built-in
| Oppo Find X9 Pro specs | |
| Screen | 6.78in, 2722×1272 LTPO AMOLED w/ 120Hz |
| CPU | MediaTek Dimensity 9500+ |
| Memory | 16GB RAM |
| Cameras | 50MP, f/1.5 w/ multi-directional PDAF, OIS + 200MP, f/2.1 telephoto w/ multi-directional PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom + 50MP f/2.0 ultrawide w/ multi-directional PDAF rear 50MP, f/2.0 front w/ PDAF |
| Storage | 512GB on-board |
| Operating system | Android 16 w/ ColorOS 16 |
| Battery | 7500mAh w/ 80W , 50W wireless charging |
| Dimensions | 161x77x8.3mm, 224g |
Oppo usually saves the best camera hardware for its Ultra-badged flagships, but couldn’t wait that long for the Find X9 generation. The Pro is packing a 50MP main snapper that might not go crazy on sensor size, but delivers truly exceptional shots in virtually all lighting conditions. The 50MP ultrawide isn’t far behind either.
The 200MP telephoto is the star of the show, though. It’ll do 3x optical zoom at fantastic clarity, practically lossless 6x with a bit of cropping, and manages bokeh-packed close-ups too. Bolt on the optional Hasselblad Lens Extender kit and it’ll pull off some of the best 10x shots you’ve ever seen from a phone.
It’s a fantastic phone everywhere else, with a colossal battery, powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9500+ chipset, and a durable IP69-rated chassis. A streamlined take on Android and two customisable hardware keys also help it stand out; one acts as a handy physical camera shutter, which is sure to go down well with mobile photographers.
- Read more: Oppo Find X9 Pro review
Best large-sensor camera phone
4. Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Stuff Verdict
Heroic hardware and nuanced processing hand the Xiaomi 15 Ultra the phone photography crown. It’s an imposing flagship everywhere else, too.
Pros
- Versatile cameras deliver simply outstanding shots in all conditions
- Top-tier performance and straightforward software
- Accessory kit still a must-own for serious snappers
Cons
- Battery life just short of class-leading
- Thicker and heavier than many rivals
- Expensive
| Xiaomi 15 Ultra specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.73in, 3200×1440 AMOLED w/ 1-120Hz LT6.73in, 3200×1440 AMOLED w/ 1-120Hz, 3200 nit peak brightness |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| Memory | 16GB RAM |
| Cameras | 50MP, f/1.63 w/ OIS + 50MP, f/1.8 floating telephoto w/ 3x zoom, OIS + 200MP, f/2.6 periscope telephoto w/ 4.3x zoom, OIS + 50MP, f/2.2 ultrawide rear 32MP, f/2.0 front |
| Storage | 512GB/1TB on-board |
| Operating system | Android 15 w/ HyperOS 2 |
| Battery | 5410mAh w/ 90W , 80W wireless charging |
| Dimensions | 161x75x9.3mm, 226g |
We’ve fully tested the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and if you care about phone photography above all else, this is the one to get. Its 1in main sensor, dual high-res zoom lenses and Leica-enhanced image processing serve up stunning shots in every condition – from dimly lit alleyways to punchy portraits with delicious bokeh. Add in the optional photography grip (complete with zoom dial, shutter button and filter ring) and you’re holding something much closer to a compact camera than your typical smartphone.
But this isn’t just a camera with a phone attached. The 15 Ultra feels every bit a flagship, with a brilliant 6.73in AMOLED screen, blisteringly fast Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and refined HyperOS software that plays nicely with Google’s AI tools. Build quality is reassuringly premium, albeit on the chunky side, and charging speeds put most rivals to shame.
We found battery life decent rather than best-in-class, though the new 5410mAh cell is a step up from last year’s Ultra. There’s no Qi2 magnetic charging, and it still costs a small fortune, but when it comes to raw imaging power, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra leaves rivals playing catch-up.
- Read more: Xiaomi 15 Ultra review
Best cheap camera phone
5. Google Pixel 9a
Stuff Verdict
Complete with a sleek
redesign, upgraded main camera and Gemini built in – the Google Pixel 9a proves you don’t need to spend big bucks to get a premium phone experience.
Pros
- Sleek, premium new design and super bright screen
- Excellent camera and battery life
- AI smarts at a new affordable price
- Seven years of security updates
Cons
- Bezels could be smaller
- Charging speeds could be faster
| Google Pixel 9a specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.3in Actua Display, 1080 x 2424 OLED, 2700 nits, 60-120Hz) |
| CPU | Google Tensor G4 |
| Memory | 8GB RAM |
| Cameras | 48MP f/1.7 main + 13MP,f/2.2 ultrawide rear 13MP, f/2.2 front |
| Storage | 128/256GB |
| Operating system | Android 15 |
| Battery | 5100 mAh |
| Dimensions | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm 6.1 x 2.9 x 0.4 in |
| Weight | 185.9 g / 6.6 oz |
Google has taken the Pixel 9a even further upmarket than last year’s A-series model, borrowing more design nous from the pricier Pixel 9 and sharing some AI smarts with the Pixel 9 Pro flagship. Its 64MP main camera sensor is again bespoke to the A-series phone, but the pixel-binning smarts used to improve low-light shots are very much in keeping. Combined with the firm’s typically excellent software, it’s one of the best bang-for-buck photography experiences around.
Powerful algorithms squeeze the most out of dual snappers. Shots from both cameras are stuffed with detail, wonderfully exposed, with no hint of unsightly noise, and they perform well in dim conditions too. Autofocus is quick, and auto HDR does a brilliant job of exposing bright skies without losing detail in shadows. Skin tones are impressive as well, with Google using a dedicated Real Tone algorithm for more accurate results.
There’s no dedicated telephoto (aka, zoom) camera, which is to be expected at this price, but considering you still get the same software tricks found in the more expensive Pixel 9 Pro (like Magic Eraser), it’s hard to complain. Easily one of the best cameraphones around for the money you’re paying.
- Read more: Google Pixel 9a review
Best pro camera phone
6. Sony Xperia 1 VII
Stuff Verdict
The Xperia 1 VII still flies the flag for features long forgotten elsewhere, which will please the Sony faithful. It takes mostly great photos too, but the old school approach isn’t for everyone.
Pros
- Modern performance without sacrificing fan favourite features
- Class-leading ultrawide and a brilliant lead lens
- Colourful, notch-free screen is fantastic for mobile movies and gaming
Cons
- Beaten for zoom stills clarity and point-and-shoot ability
- Battery life and charging speeds no longer class-leading
- Refusal to get with the times won’t win over new customers
| Sony Xperia 1 VII specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.5in 2340×1080 OLED w/ 120Hz |
| CPU | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| Memory | 12GB RAM |
| Cameras | 48MP, f/1.9 w/ dual pixel PDAF, OIS + 12MP, f/2.3 telephoto w/ dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 3.5x-7.1x zoom 48MP, f/2.0 ultrawide w/ PDAF rear 12MP, f/2.0 front |
| Storage | 256GB on-board MicroSD expansion |
| Operating system | Android 15 |
| Battery | 5000mAh w/ 30W , 15W wireless charging |
| Dimensions | 162x74x8.2mm / 6.38×2.91×0.32in 197g / 6.95oz |
While it’s not for everyone, there’s something refreshingly stubborn about the Xperia 1 VII. In a world where most flagships blur into one, this phone sticks to its niche – and sticks hard. You get a headphone jack, microSD card slot, a proper shutter button and a tall, cinematic OLED screen with zero notches or punch holes.
It’s still a fantastic phone for photographers and videographers, especially fans of ultrawide shots. The new 48MP sensor delivers standout detail and colour, and the main lens impresses across lighting conditions. We love the continuous zoom – a rare feature – though image sharpness does lag behind fixed-lens rivals at full stretch. Sony’s more hands-off processing leans natural rather than punchy, which will suit some and frustrate others. Thankfully, you no longer have to dive into manual mode to get great results.
Performance is as fast as you’d expect from a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and battery life will comfortably see you through a day, though it won’t go much further. Charging speeds are now well behind the curve, and you don’t get modern AI tricks like generative photo edits. Still, if you value control, clarity, and a few old-school perks, this might be the last phone standing that truly delivers.
- Read more: Sony Xperia 1 VII review
What to look for when choosing the best camera phone
Most modern flagship handsets have three rear cameras. The wide-angle typically has the largest sensor and is the most versatile; the ultrawide fits more into the frame, and often doubles as a close-up camera; while the telephoto (zoom) lens gets you closer to the action without compromising quality.
If you’re choosing a smartphone based solely on its picture-taking abilities, there are several things to consider beyond camera count:
One of the primary specifications to look at is sensor resolution. Higher-megapixel cameras generally result in clearer and more detailed images. However, it’s essential to remember that pixel count doesn’t solely determine picture quality. Physically larger sensors capture more light and detail than smaller ones, so typically perform better in challenging lighting conditions.
Getting more technical, a camera’s lens aperture affects how much light it can gather. Typically measured in f-stops, a lower number indicates a wider aperture. The most advanced cameraphones have variable apertures, which can adjust to achieve shallow depth-of-field effects (where the subject is sharp while the background is blurred) or shoot in dark conditions without relying on a show shutter speed.
Low-light shooting also greatly benefits from Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS). It helps reduce blurriness caused by hand movements while taking photos or recording videos without a tripod. The best phones have OIS on both their main and telephoto lenses.
Most smartphones now use some degree of computational photography to optimise exposure, colour, and dynamic range. If you want to make sure you’re buying a good camera phone, look at the same images we take in our reviews, rather than just basing your decision off of specs.
For those who frequently shoot videos with their phones, it’s essential to consider the video recording capabilities as well. Factors such as resolution (you’ll want to record 4K footage for the best detail), frame rate, and the availability of stabilization features should be taken into account.
Finally, don’t overlook the front-facing camera, as getting a good selfie is important as well. Look for the same specifications previously mentioned, as well as any selfie-specific modes or enhancements offered by the phone. A good front camera should ensure clear and flattering self-portraits and video calls.
If you’re looking to save money, you can check out our best budget camera phone guide.
What are the best camera phone brands?
Apple, Samsung and Google regularly rank among the best camera phone brands worldwide, but each excels in a different area.
Google’s Pixel series is celebrated for its computational photography, delivering exceptional quality with features like Best Shot, Night Sight and Super Res Zoom – despite not always having the newest or best sensors. Apple traditionally has superior video capabilities, and excels in simplifying features and functions through software. Samsung, on the other hand, is renowned for its versatile camera systems and vibrant colour science.
The Big Three’s photographic dominance isn’t what it once was, though. Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo have all adopted larger imaging sensors and refined their image processing, to the point they regularly produce higher quality results. Partnerships with legacy camera specialists like Zeiss, Hasselblad and Leica have brought distinctive, film-like image processing too.
What camera phone has the best video and vlogging capabilities?
We think the iPhone 17 Pro is the top choice for video and vlogging capabilities. It excels with features such as 4K video recording at various frame rates, including 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps, making it suitable for both cinematic and high-action shots. The phone’s advanced stabilization tech ensures smooth and stable footage in all lighting conditions and environments. Additionally, the ProRAW and ProRes recording options provide professional-grade video files that are easy to edit.
How we test the best smartphones
We have used and reviewed every smartphone on this list, so you can trust us when it comes to recommending the best phone to buy. Our extensive hands-on experience with countless devices ensures that we provide reliable and well-informed recommendations. Each phone has been thoroughly tested to ensure it meets the high standards we set for performance, usability, and overall value.
We usually spend a week or longer reviewing phones, immersing ourselves in their daily use to thoroughly evaluate all of the software features, build quality, and performance. This extended period allows us to experience the phone as an average user would, identifying both strengths and weaknesses that may not be immediately apparent. Our testing process is designed to uncover how well the phone performs under various conditions, ensuring our reviews are not just surface-level observations but deep, meaningful analyses.
Our reviews are very comprehensive, covering every single aspect of a smartphone, including battery life, quality of the display, and camera performance. We rigorously test battery longevity under different usage scenarios to provide an accurate picture of real-world endurance. The display is evaluated for brightness, colour accuracy, and resolution to determine its quality. Camera testing includes various lighting conditions and scenarios to assess image and video quality. By thoroughly examining these crucial elements, we aim to give you a complete understanding of each phone’s capabilities, helping you make an informed purchasing decision.
For more information on Stuff’s rating and review process, read our page on how we test products.
Recent updates
- 12th December 2025: Oppo Find X9 Pro added, Google Pixel 10 Pro XL replaced Google Pixel 9 Pro
