Over the years phones have evolved beyond devices simply used to call friends and family. With tons of apps, and increasingly impressive cameras, phones are becoming a multipurpose gadget that most of us do not leave home without.

But with the phone market expanding with both well-established and new rising stars, it can be hard to know which phone to choose when looking for one with the best possible camera. With technology rapidly evolving, making the right choice can be extremely daunting.

No matter if you are an Apple fan or prefer an Android, there are plenty of phones out there with impressive cameras. Most of these now have impressive software to push your photography skills even further.

Here are the phones with the best cameras available today.

Premium pick

1. Sony Xperia Pro-I

8.00 / 10
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The Sony Xperia Pro-I is a fantastic smartphone for those that care about imagery. It boasts a one-inch image sensor and is slightly larger than the Google Pixel 6 Pro with an aspect ratio of 21:9.

For those of you who love photography, it's not just the impressive camera that makes the Sony Xperia Pro-I stand out. There are neat quality-of-life features that make the phone as much of a digital camera as it is a phone. For example, the side of the phone has a hole for a lanyard strap, which at first seems like a really odd choice. Actually, when you see something that you have a limited time to photograph, having your camera around your neck does speed things up, giving you time to capture that important snap.

There is also a big texture button on the side of the Sony Xperia Pro-I; a half-press on this button will focus your frame, while a full press will take the photo. Having a physical button for the camera might seem like a dated idea, but somehow it works, and in practice, makes taking some photos much easier than using the screen.

While the cameras on the Sony Xperia Pro-I are its main selling point, it does also rock impressive dual front-facing stereo speakers that offer much more impressive sound than most people would expect from a phone. It also boasts a stunning 3840x1644 (4K) 6.5-inch OLED screen that looks amazing and does your photos justice.

Key Features
  • 4K @ 120fps
  • Eye AF and object tracking
  • 2.4μm pixel pitch
  • 1-inch image sensor
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • SoC: Snapdragon 888
  • Display: 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED (3840 x 1644)
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage: 512 GB
  • Battery: 4500mAh
  • Ports: USB-C
  • Operating System: Android 11.0
  • Front camera: 8MP (F2.0) 78°
  • Rear camera: 12MP (F2.0/F4.0) 85°, 12MP (F2.4) 48°, 12MP (F2.2) 124°
  • Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n(2.4GHz)/n(5GHz)/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G
  • Dimensions: 6.61 x 2.84 x 0.35 inches
  • Colors: Black
  • Weight: 7.5oz
  • Micro SD card support: Yes
Pros
  • Stunning high-quality design
  • Incredible OLED screen
  • Great front facing speakers
Cons
  • Doesn't come shipped with Android 12
Buy This Product
Sony Xperia Pro-I
Editors choice

2. Google Pixel 6 Pro

8.00 / 10
Read Reviews

The Google Pixel 6 Pro is one of the most impressive phones on the market at the moment. Not only does it feature one of the most impressive cameras on a phone to date, but it also has a stunning screen as well as Google's powerful Google Tensor processor to keep it running smoothly no matter what you throw at it.

Rocking four impressive cameras, 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto, and an 11MP front camera, the Google Pixel 6 Pro takes perfect photos every time. If something does go wrong, there are great features to fix these issues, such as the powerful Magic Eraser that allows you to remove people or objects in the background, or the incredible face unblur tool.

The Google Pixel 6 Pro isn't just great for photography either, it also sports an impressive 6.7-inch screen with a smooth 120hz display that makes navigating the device seamless and delightful. It's a fantastic smartphone for photographers, gamers, and business users.

Key Features
  • Google Tensor processor
  • Wide and ultra-wide lenses
  • Fast charging
Specifications
  • Brand: Google
  • SoC: Google Tensor
  • Display: 6.71-inch QHD+, 3120x1440p, 120Hz with HDR10+
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage: 256GB UFS 3.1
  • Battery: 5003mAh
  • Ports: 1x USB-C 3.1
  • Operating System: Android 12
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 50MP/48MP/12MP, 11.1MP
  • Front camera: 11.1MP ultrawide
  • Rear camera: 50MP wide, 48MP telephoto, and 12MP ultrawide
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G, LTE
  • Others: N/A
  • Dimensions: 6.45 x 2.98 x 0.35 inches
  • Colors: Stormy Black, Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny
  • Display type: LTPO AMOLED
  • Weight: 16.64oz
  • Charge speed: Fast Charging: 30W wired and 23W wireless, Power Delivery 3.0
  • IP Rating: IP68
  • RAM and Storage: 12GB and 256GB
  • Micro SD card support: No
  • Stylus: N/A
Pros
  • Magic Eraser and other great modes
  • Sleek design
  • More affordable than other flagship phones
  • Stunning screen
Cons
  • Not the best battery life
Buy This Product
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Best value

3. Samsung Galaxy A53

7.40 / 10
Read Reviews

The Samsung Galaxy A53 might not be the quickest or most powerful phone on the market, but what it lacks in power it makes up for with a stunning camera. And, considering it costs a fraction of the price of the other phones, it's a serious contender for those looking to buy a cheaper phone with a good camera.

Surprisingly, the Samsung Galaxy A53 also boasts an incredible AMOLED screen, with a beautiful 6.46-inch display that gives it much more of a premium feel than you would expect. It also comes with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it impressively smooth to use.

Another reason to consider the Samsung Galaxy A53 as your new phone and camera is the IP67 dust and water-resistance rating. This makes it an extremely durable phone that can withstand more than you would expect to see from even most flagship devices, let alone a cheaper phone with a great camera.

Key Features
  • AMOLED screen
  • 5G connectivity
  • IP67 dust and water-resistance
Specifications
  • Brand: Samsung
  • SoC: Samsung Exynos 1280
  • Display: 6.5-inch, 2400x1080
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128GB UFS 2.2
  • Battery: 5000mAh
  • Ports: 1x USB-C 2.0
  • Operating System: Android 12, One UI 4.1
  • Front camera: 1x 32MP wide
  • Rear camera: 1x 64MP wide, 1x 12MP ultra-wide, 1x 5MP macro, and 1x 5MP depth
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G, LTE
  • Dimensions: 6.3 x 2.9 x 0.3 inches
  • Colors: Black
  • Display type: Super AMOLED
  • Weight: 6.7 ounces
  • Charge speed: 25W Wired Fast Charging
  • IP Rating: IP67
  • Micro SD card support: Up to 1TB
Pros
  • Great camera
  • Very impressive display
  • Affordable price
  • Multiple color options
Cons
  • Not the quickest charging
Buy This Product
Samsung Galaxy A53

The Sony Experia 5 III is a great all-rounder for those looking for a new phone with a great camera. As we've all come to know and expect from Sony devices, the Sony Experia 5 III has an incredible camera array and comes in at an affordable price, but this does come at the cost of several missing features you would hope to see from a phone at this price.

Looking at the negatives first, there's a lack of fast charging and wireless charging. Considering how many public spaces and facilities feature wireless charging points now, it's a feature that is disappointing to not see on this device. The Sony Experia 5 III also comes with some annoying bloatware pre-installed on the phone which is frustrating to uninstall. It also doesn't feature any software and security update promises that you see with the likes of the Google Pixel and Samsung phones.

The screen and camera are where the Sony Experia 5 III excels, however. With a stunning 6.1-inch OLED screen and an exceedingly smooth 120Hz refresh rate that makes navigating the device an ultra-smooth delight, this is what sells this smartphone. Of course, the camera is extremely impressive for a phone of this price too.

The camera comes with tons of tools and features designed to make the most out of every shot. As with all Sony cameras', low light and nighttime pictures look absolutely incredible. And, if you want to stylize your photos after you've taken them, you can use the selfie Bokeh mode; it adds a stylish background blur to your selfies, making them look like they've been taking on a professional DLSR camera.

Key Features
  • Front facing stereo speakers
  • HDR OLED screen
  • Triple camera
  • Game enhancer
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
  • Display: 6.1-inch, 1080x2520
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Battery: 4,500mAh
  • Ports: 1x USB Type-C 3.1 3.5mm jack
  • Operating System: Android 11
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 3x 12MP (rear), 8MP (front)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS
  • Dimensions: 6.18 x 2.68 x 0.32 inches
  • Colors: 3
  • Display type: OLED
  • Weight: 0.93lbs
  • Charging: Fast charging, USB power delivery
  • IP Rating: IP65/68
Pros
  • Great low-light camera
  • Tons of camera features and settings
  • Great speakers
  • 120Hz OLED display
Cons
  • No wireless charging
Buy This Product
Sony Experia 5 III

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max shows off some of Apple's best technologies, including a 120Hz refresh rate, triple camera system, and up to 15x digital zoom. There are also plenty of storage options if you're a fan of photography, allowing you to store up to 1TB if you opt for that model. Alternatively, you can drop to 128GB which is more affordable, and use Apple's iCloud plans which might be more budget-friendly.

The flat edges of the iPhone 12 Pro Max are still retained, boasting exceptional style, with plenty of colors to choose from. But what really makes the iPhone 13 Pro Max worth investing in is the upgraded camera system. Not only is it better than the 12 Pro Max, the software features are really intriguing, allowing you to take photos from just 2cm away.

With a rich color display, up to 1,000 nits of brightness, and a 6.7-inch screen, you will struggle to find reasons not to splash your cash on Apple's iPhone 13 Pro Max, especially if you're into taking shots of landscapes, portraits, and anything else.

Key Features
  • Up to 1TB capacity
  • Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion
  • 1000 nits maximum brightness
  • LiDAR scanner
Specifications
  • Brand: Apple
  • SoC: Apple A15 Bionic
  • Display: 6.7-inch, 120Hz, 1284x2778 OLED
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 4352mAh
  • Ports: Lightning
  • Operating System: iOS 15
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP front
Pros
  • Great performance
  • Exceptional cameras
  • Bright display
Cons
  • Other phones offer faster charging
Buy This Product
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

The Samsung Galaxy S22 is a more affordable version of the S22's bigger brother; the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. That being said, it's a fantastic investment if you enjoy photography. You can shoot 4K videos at 30fps, and even 8K videos, though you may find it struggles a little in the 8K area.

The smooth adaptive 120Hz refresh rate coupled with 50MP image resolution is simply stunning. This is coupled with the generous 8GB RAM, and 128GB/256GB storage options, allowing you to take and store plenty of photos, experiment with different apps or use it for casual gaming. The only real frustrating drawback here is the lack of ability to add a microSD card.

For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy S22 is a real winner, especially if you want to invest in a more affordable smartphone. Its bright screen is pleasing, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 CPU keeps things running smoothly.

Key Features
  • 8K video recording
  • Nightography and portrait mode
  • Adaptive color contrast
  • 25W fast charging
Specifications
  • Brand: Samsung
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
  • Display: 6.1-inch, 2340x1080
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 3700mAh
  • Ports: USB-C
  • Operating System: Android 12
  • Front camera: 10MP
  • Rear camera: 12MP Ultra Wide, 50MP Wide-angle, 10MP Telephoto
  • Connectivity: 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
  • Dimensions: 70.6 x 146 x 7.6mm
  • Colors: Phantom White, Green, Pink Gold, Phantom Black
  • Weight: 167g
Pros
  • Vivid colorful display
  • Fast charging
  • Incredible 8K video
  • Multiple storage size options
Cons
  • Battery life could be better
Buy This Product
Samsung Galaxy S22

The OnePlus 10 Pro is a surprisingly good phone that rivals even the best phones on the market, such as the Samsung Galaxy S22 and even Apple's top iPhones. Not only does it feature an impressive triple camera, but it also has a stunning 6.7-inch display as well as a large 5,000 mAh battery that will keep you going all day.

The triple camera has been co-developed with Hasselblad and uses a 48MP Sony IMX sensor giving you stunning colors as well as being able to capture video up to 8K. The ultra-wide sensor captures up to 150 degrees, giving you more ways to push your photographic creativity even further.

For those that need their device charged quickly, the OnePlus 10 Pro supports 65W fast charging and even an impressive 50W wireless charging mode. Couples this with the all-day battery, and you won't be left with a dead device when an opportunity for the perfect photo arrives.

If you're an avid gamer, the OnePlus 10 Pro won't let you down. With its HyperBoost Gaming Engine that optimizes graphics and performance, while using next-gen heat displacement to keep the phone cool, you will have no issues playing even the most demanding mobile games.

Key Features
  • HyperBoost gaming engine
  • 8K video
  • 150 degrees field of view
Specifications
  • Brand: OnePlus
  • SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
  • Display: 6.7-inch QHD+, 3216x1440p, 120Hz with HDR10+
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage: 256GB UFS 3.1
  • Battery: 5000mAh
  • Ports: 1x USB-C 3.1
  • Operating System: Android 12, Oxygen OS 12.1 (Global), Color OS 12.1 (China)
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 48MP/8MP/50, 8MP
  • Front camera: 32MP wide
  • Rear camera: 48MP wide, 8MP telephoto, and 50MP ultrawide
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G, LTE
  • Others: N/A
  • Dimensions: 7.56 x 3.78 x 2.95 inches
  • Colors: Volcanic Black and Emerald Forest
  • Display type: LTPO2 Fluid AMOLED
  • Weight: 22.75 oz
  • Charge speed: Fast Charging: 80W wired (65W in North America), 50W wireless, reverse wireless charging and USB Power Delivery
  • IP Rating: IP68
  • RAM and Storage: 12GB and 256GB
  • Micro SD card support: No
  • Stylus: N/A
Pros
  • Impressive battery life
  • Great value for money
  • High-quality 8K video
Cons
  • No SD card slot
Buy This Product
OnePlus 10 Pro

The Google Pixel 6 is the next best choice if you can't afford to stretch to the Pixel 6 Pro. It boasts a 6.4-inch Full HD screen, 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage. Google's Tensor chip is also a reason to invest, allowing photo software to come on leaps and bounds, making it worthwhile if you're a budding or amateur photographer.

There are two rear cameras sporting a 50MP main and 12MP ultra-wide sensors. Alongside this is the Google Pixel 6's 4x telephoto zoom, enabling you to take stunning shots of landscapes and portraits. The only thing that lets it down slightly is the 90Hz refresh rate; definitely not a match for the Pro's 120Hz.

If you want to experiment with different motion modes and camera settings, the Google Pixel 6 can help you do just this. With its Long Exposure and Action Pan, you can have some serious fun taking photos of moving objects and selfies.

Key Features
  • Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
  • Telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom
  • 90Hz refresh rate
Specifications
  • Brand: Google
  • SoC: Google Tensor
  • Display: 6.4-inch FHD+, 2400x1080p, 90Hz with HDR 10+
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 256GB UFS 3.1
  • Battery: 4614mAh
  • Ports: 1x USB-C 3.1
  • Operating System: Android 12
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 50MP/12MP, 8MP
  • Front camera: 8MP wide
  • Rear camera: 50MP wide and 12MP ultrawide
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G, LTE
  • Others: N/A
  • Dimensions: 6.24 x 2.94 x 0.35 inches
  • Colors: Sorta Seaform, Kinda Coral, Stormy Black
  • Display type: AMOLED
  • Weight: 7.30oz
  • Charge speed: Fast charging: 30W wired and 23W wireless with Pixel Stand
  • IP Rating: IP68
  • RAM and Storage: 8GB and 256GB
  • Micro SD card support: No
  • Stylus: N/A
Pros
  • TitanM2TM security chip makes it more secure
  • Affordable
  • Faster processing compared to the Pixel 5
Cons
  • The Pixel 6 Pro is much better
Buy This Product
Google Pixel 6

FAQ

Q: What Should I Look for When Buying a Camera Phone?

When looking to purchase a phone with the best camera possible, there are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself. Will you be taking a lot of nighttime photos? Do you need any other features such as wireless charging, or are you just looking for the best possible camera? And what type of photos will you take the most, landscape or selfies?

If you are taking lots of landscape pictures, then you will want to make sure the phone has a great ultra-wide lens, but if you plan to take more selfies, then the wide lens is less important.

Q: Why Are iPhone Cameras So Good?

Apple currently uses Sony sensors, and Sony has been the leading manufacturer for some time now. This means the only phones that have a camera as good as Apple's cameras are other brands that use the Sony sensor, or Sony's own line of phones.