One area that differentiates the best smartphones today is camera technology. The best cameras on phones are optimized for photos, videos, telephoto subjects, ultra-wide landscapes, selfies, and more. It’s not just hardware either, as some with basic hardware have advanced software algorithms and AI to provide optimal imaging experiences.
Camera capability is closely related to the price of a phone in most instances. However, we also see affordable and mid-range phones with cameras capable of capturing good quality images and videos, especially since most people only share captured content on social media platforms and via electronic messaging.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
Best camera phone
Display: 6.7-inch OLED (2,778 x 1,284-pixel resolution) at 458 ppi | CPU: Apple A15 Bionic chip | RAM: TBD| Internal Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide (120-degree field of view), 12MP telephoto (6x optical zoom) | Front camera: 12MP | Weight: 240g | Dust/water resistance: IP68
Apple’s biggest and most feature-rich iPhone is a mouthful, the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Apple listened to customers and while the phone looks just about the same as last year’s 12 Pro Max it is a tad thicker with a larger capacity battery and longer battery life.
Read our full review: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
The display now supports a refresh rate up to 120 Hz, while the optical zoom on the telephoto camera is improved to 6x. Macro photography and cinematic video modes are new features in the camera system that are sure to please photographers and videographers alike.
Apple continues to actively improve iOS 15 while also offering 1TB of internal storage so you can capture content to your heart’s delight.
Pros:
- Lovely display
- Flawless performance
- Long battery life
- Superb cameras
Cons:
- Expensive
- Big and heavy
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Best for consistent point-and-shoot
Display: 6.7 inches (3,120 x 1,440-pixel resolution) OLED | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | RAM: 12GB | Internal Storage: 128/256/512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP rear f/1.85 wide, 48MP telephoto with 4x optical, and 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide (114-degree field-of-view) | Front camera: 11.1MP f/2.2 | Weight: 210g
Google’s newest Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 6 launched in October and brought with them the promise of amazing photography. Google has long done well with its cameras due to software algorithms and enhancements, but this year also adds in hardware components with upgraded cameras and a Google Tensor processor.
Read our full review: Google Pixel 6 Pro
The phone is focused on the camera experience, and the potential is there for this to be the best camera phone on the market, but we’ll have to see as devices get into the hands of reviewers. Unlike past Pixel phones that always had something disappointing, Google may have finally released a flagship worthy of that title.
Android 12 powers the phone, and you can rest assured of updates for years. The new OS is focused on matching your colors and styles while also working to optimized the experience for your needs.
Pros:
- New camera experiences and advanced software enhancements.
- High-quality hardware features
- Affordable price for a flagship.
Cons:
- Limited availability.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Best camera phone with a stylus
Display: 6.8 inches (3,088 x 1,440-pixel resolution) 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | RAM: 12GB LPDDR5 | Internal Storage: 128GB-1TB storage | Rear cameras: 12MP rear f/4.9 telephoto with 10x optical, 10MP f/2.4 with 2x optical, 108MP f/2.2 wide-angle camera, and 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera (120-degree field-of-view) | Front camera: 40MP f/2.2 under display camera | Weight: 229g | Dust/water resistance: IP68
Samsung’s first flagship phone of 2022 was released as the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. While the S21 Ultra from 2021 supported the S Pen, there was no way to store, carry, or charge up the S Pen. With the S22 Ultra, Samsung has fully embraced it as the Note successor with an S Pen silo, flat and square design elements, and all of the latest and greatest specifications in a smartphone.
See the full review: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The Galaxy S22 phones were the first to launch widely with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor inside. While the same resolution cameras are found in this year’s S22 Ultra, Samsung improved the camera’s capabilities, especially in terms of low-light shooting. With two telephoto cameras, Samsung stands out from Apple and Google with fantastic zoom capability.
Pros:
- An amazing quad rear camera system
- Gorilla Glass Victus Plus
- Fully integrated S Pen support
- Fantastic 5G and RF performance
- High capacity battery
Cons:
- Some duplicate Samsung apps
OnePlus 10 Pro
Best phone for landscape photography
Display: 6.7 inches (3,216 x 1,440-pixel resolution) 120Hz AMOLED | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | RAM: 8GB/12GB LPDDR5 | Internal Storage: 128GB/256GB | Rear cameras: 48MP wide-angle, 50MP ultra-wide angle (150˚), 8MP telephoto (3.3x optical zoom, OIS) | Front camera: 32MP f/2.2 camera | Weight: 200.5g
OnePlus used to be the “flagship killer” brand but has since evolved into higher-priced flagships directly challenging the likes of Samsung and Apple. Compared to Samsung, OnePlus offers an experience that is free from ads and bloatware while also now providing some interesting features such as reverse wireless charging and adaptive 120Hz displays.
See the full review: OnePlus 10 Pro
We’ve hit year two of the brand’s partnership with Swedish camera-maker Hasselblad and the latest update comes in the form of the 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens. With it, you can capture as wide as 150-degrees of imagery, which makes the OnePlus 10 Pro a stellar pick for landscape photography. The far-range camera also lends itself to excellent macro shots and what OnePlus calls “XPan mode”. Paying homage to Hasselblad, XPan photos fill a 65:24 aspect ratio, creating a wide and cinematic impression.
Pros:
- Various use-cases with the ultra-wide lens.
- Capable cameras that produce natural-looking images.
- Undercuts Apple and Samsung flagships in pricing.
Cons:
- Hasselblad influence is still limited to software.
- Selfie camera does not record in 4K.
Sony Xperia Pro-I
Best for professionals
Display: 6.5 inches (3,840 x 1,644-pixel resolution) OLED | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | RAM: 12GB | Internal Storage: 512GB | Rear cameras: 12MP f/2.4 standard, 12MP dual-aperture, and 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide (124-degree field-of-view) | Front camera: 8MP f/2.0 | Weight: 211g
Most people use the automatic settings of their smartphone camera, but for those who want to take things to the next level, there is the Sony Xperia Pro-I is the one for them. The phone was developed with help from Sony’s Alpha camera engineers, and even after several weeks of use, the phone was too much for me to handle.
See the full review: Sony Xperia Pro-I
While many smartphones have basic software to control your cameras, Sony provides software that gives users full control over every function in the triple camera array. Unlike every other Android phone I have used, there is no application on the phone called Camera. Instead, Sony provides Photo Pro, Cinema Pro, and Video Pro apps. There is also an Imaging Edge app that supports connections to dedicated cameras.
Sony has several features that have been brought forward from phones of the past, including a microSD card, camera shutter button, 3.5mm audio port, and a notification light. These are all useful for professional photographers.
Pros:
- Advanced, expert-level camera apps
- Solid battery life
- Excellent build quality
- Familiar Sony Alpha camera experience
- Lovely high-resolution display
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Limited zoom capability
- Sensitive shutter button
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G
Best foldable camera phone
Main display: 7.6 inches (2,208 x 1,768-pixel resolution) Dynamic 120Hz AMOLED | Cover display: 6.2 inches (720 x 1680-pixel resolution) AMOLED | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | RAM: 12GB LPDDR5 | Internal Storage: 256GB/512GB, UFS 3.1 | Rear cameras: 12MP rear f/2.4 telephoto, 12MP f/1.8 wide-angle, and 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide cameras (123-degree field-of-view) | Front cameras: 4MP under display sensor on the main display and 10MP camera on the cover display | Weight: 271g
The 2020 Galaxy Z Fold 2 set the bar for foldable devices that also serve as mini tablets. At first glance, the Z Fold 3 may appear to be just a minor update to the Z Fold 2, but at a starting price of $200 less, Samsung provides S Pen support and IPX8 water resistance. These were two features many have asked for, and Samsung delivered once again.
Read our full review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
In addition to a couple of new features, the cover display resolution and refresh rate were updated so you get a high-resolution display with 120 Hz support constructed of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The main display has improved panels and a screen protector that provides an 80% increase in its durability. The three main cameras are basically the same, but the new under-display camera is a step forward in mobile technology.
Pros:
- An innovative engineering marvel
- Armor Aluminum material for a lighter and sleeker phone
- High IPX8 water resistance
- S Pen support
- Improved software optimized for foldables
Cons:
- Still expensive, but $200 less than last year
- S Pen purchase separately
Oppo Find X5 Pro
Best camera for night photography
Display: 6.7-inch (3,216 x 1,440-pixel resolution ) OLED | CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Internal Storage: 256GB/512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP f/1.7 wide, 50MP f/2.2 ultrawide (110-degree field of view), and 13MP f/2.4 2x optical telephoto| Front camera: 32MP | Weight: 195g
In addition to all of the great smartphone features on the Find X5 Pro, the rear triple-camera system is interesting since it opens up a new area for creativity while also offering more color support than native Android code. Oppo worked hard to provide a compelling camera experience through hardware and software.
Read more: This is Oppo’s new Find X5 Pro flagship
Like its BBK Electronic stablemate OnePlus, Oppo this year has partnered with Hasselblad to improve its mobile imaging software. The fruits of the labor comes in the form of night photography and video. Thanks to Hasselblad’s color-tuning and Oppo’s in-house imaging Neural Processing Unit, MariSilicon X, the Find X5 Pro can capture exceptionally sharp and vivid footage in the night sky.
Typically when you record videos in the dark, the content can appear grainy and devoid of any color accuracy. What Oppo is doing here remedies those issues and more, creating the first 4K Ultra Night Video mode on an Android smartphone.
Pros:
- High-quality rear triple-camera system.
- Dependable photo and video shooter at night.
- Five-axis OIS system helps with stabilizing footage.
Cons:
- Poor zoom functionality (omits macro lens of the Find X3 Pro)
- Not readily available in the US.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Best phone for selfies
Display: 6.4 inches (2400 x 1080-pixel resolution) 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | RAM: 6-8GB LPDDR5 | Internal Storage: 128-256GB storage | Rear cameras: 8MP rear f/2.4 telephoto, 12MP f/1.8 wide-angle camera, and 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera (123-degree field-of-view) | Front camera: 32MP f/2.2 camera | Weight: 177g | Dust/water resistance: IP68
While the Galaxy S22 series provide compelling options, they are flagship phones priced in the $800 and higher range. In order to offer customers another alternative, Samsung released the. Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition) phone. The S21 FE is available in four unique colors to suit your style.
Priced at $699.99, you may think Samsung compromised a lot to offer a powerful 5G phone. However, we see a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, large capacity 4500mAh battery, 6 or 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB storage with a microSD card slot, IP68 dust/water resistance, three rear cameras (one with 3X optical and 30x super-resolution zoom), and a high resolution 32MP front camera.
Read our full review: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Where are the compromises? Exactly, there really aren’t any, and yet the $700 price is where we see phones in the upper mid-range with less capable specs appear. The S21 FE challenges Google’s new Pixel 6 and other phones.
Pros:
- Outstanding cellular reception
- Reasonable price
- 120 Hz high-refresh-rate display
- Capable cameras
Cons:
- Pixel 6 is a compelling challenger
- Plastic back panel
Cat S62 Pro
Best phone for thermal imaging
Display: 5.7-inch OLED (2,160 x 1,080-pixel resolution) | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 | RAM: 6GB | Internal Storage: 128GB | Rear cameras: 12MP wide and FLIR Lepton 3.5 infrared thermal imaging camera | Front camera: 8MP | Weight: 248g | Dust/water resistance: IP68/69
The Bullitt Group has released a few Cat-branded phones in the past that are built for fieldwork. While the phones have mid-range specifications, they are extremely capable and have unique features that make them valuable to professionals.
This is the third generation phone with an integrated FLIR thermal camera, and that is clearly a focus for this rugged smartphone. There is a 4x increase in the number of thermal pixels over the last FLIR model, which allows users to vary the intensity of MSX. Users can monitor a custom temperature range between -4°F to +752°F and alert the user when something falls out of the established range.
See the full review: Cat S62 Pro full review
The Cat S62 Pro is built for work, so with the FLIR camera, you can use the phone in just about any environment and capture thermal results for your environment.
Pros:
- Unique FLIR thermal imaging camera.
- Advanced software for optimal results.
- Rugged construction.
- Affordable price.
Cons:
- Heavy phone.
- Mid-range processor.
Which phone has the best camera?
There are many good smartphones in the list above, and the best one for one person doesn’t mean the best camera for everyone. That said, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra are the two overall best camera phones available today that cover a broad range of shooting scenarios.
The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro incorporate Google’s advanced camera algorithms and improved camera hardware. They arguably are the best point and shoot cameras available, but Google seems to be having issues releasing stable updates for cellular reception and other functions.
What is the best camera phone?
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is the best camera phone. We found it to be the most capable camera phone overall, mastering both photo and video, and including new features like cinematic video and macro photography.
Can a smartphone camera compete with a DSLR?
It’s been said that the best camera is the one that you always have with you and in today’s world, that is certainly your smartphone. Smartphones used to be a good alternative just because they were in your pocket, but today’s smartphones have advanced imaging technology and software, so they can honestly challenge dedicated cameras.
Due to their limited dimensions, mainly the thickness of the phone, smartphones cannot match the full capability of a DSLR, and you will not find professionals using a smartphone for weddings, graduations, sporting events, or other similar activities.
However, many of us have given up our point-and-shoot cameras and find smartphones perfectly capable of serving as our primary camera. Given that people don’t print photos as much while sharing them on social media and online services, a smartphone is perfectly capable. If you want the manual functions seen in a DSLR, then you should consider the Sony Xperia Pro-I.
Should you download additional camera apps?
While each phone has one, or more, apps installed to control the camera experience; many apps are available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to enhance the experiences. Apps are available to expand your creativity, add extra manual controls, incorporate filters and much more.
Many of the available apps are free or have trial versions, so you can download, install, and test apps as you evaluate the limits of your smartphone cameras.
Many articles cover the most popular and functional applications, so give some a try and see what your smartphone camera can do.
How can you take the best photos with your phone?
CNET has assembled an extensive article that guides you through various aspects of smartphone photography, including different scenarios, apps, and more.
Moment makes various lenses that attach to your smartphone to enhance the capability of your cameras. Still, the company also has a large collection of online lessons to provide you with advanced photography lessons.
How did we choose these camera phones?
The process to make our selections includes testing the phones for weeks, reading reviews from other websites and publications, researching reviewer guides and manufacturer websites, talking with colleagues and other users who have hands-on experience with the phones, and then selecting the best from all of the available choices.
While we have our own typical camera use scenarios, selecting one of these phones for yourself will heavily depend on the primary usage of the cameras on your phone. We focus our time on travel and flower photos with some video content.
