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If you ask a lot of people what they look for most in a phone, I guarantee many will respond by saying that having an impressive camera is going to be the icing on top of their cherry. This comes as no surprise to me, the best camera phones can and will do amazing things with their optical quality that allow you zoom in longer than before, see further into darkness and even record stunning 4k video.
Over the course of my 16 years of evaluating phones, I’ve developed the ability to comprehend the knobs and features of a camera and know how to use them to achieve the best results.
This year alone, my colleagues and I have tested nearly 100 phones to date for camera quality but in the end it is Google Pixel 8a that counts as leading photography phone. This is mostly because it shares the cameras with Google Pixel 8 Pro, then again, for fairly less of a penny. It still offers high quality, and now has a few AI-powered tricks up its sleeve thanks to Gemini.
Quick List of Best Camera Phones
I am sure that if you wish to find the top camera phone among android smartphones, there are many choices in your basket with special qualities. Maybe the Pixel 8a, since it shares cameras with those of Pixel 8 Prothat beat out respected Galaxy Z Fold 5 in my mega, face-off among nearly by200 photos.
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Google Pixel 8a BEST OVERALL
- Meet Google Pixel 8a, the Google AI phone; with the incredible Pixel Camera and top-rated...
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- The Pixel Camera gives you amazing photo and video quality; Google AI helps you create perfect...
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Pros
- 7 years of software & security updates
- Useful AI features
- Still a top-performing camera
Cons
- Few changes from Pixel 7a cameras
- Slow charging speed
Specifications:
| Display size | 6.1-inch OLED (2400×1080) |
| Chipset | Tensor G3 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage / Expandable | 128GB, 256GB / No |
| Rear cameras | 64MP (f/1.89) main; 13MP (f/2.2) |
| Front camera | 13MP (f/2.2) |
| Weight | 6.8 ounces |
| Battery life (Hrs:Mins) | 11:21 |
GOOGLE PIXEL 8A – Overview
Google Pixel 8a: No major upgrade on phone that replaces its best value handset, the Pixel 7aa New model and previous one are same on all fronts other than 64MP primary camera with enhanced photo-processing (*). First-time buyers looking for a budget camera phone to call their own will appreciate the Pixel 8a’s solid output, but those already holding onto almost any model of Pixel 7a need not apply.
The 8a uses the new Tensor G3 chipset which brings a handful of remarkable photo editing tools to Pixel. May not enable Blink detection when replaced with faces only by Best Take in winning group photos, and Magic Editor will make it possible for you scale up your (awkward) subjects where they need be!
And the Pixel 8a does an even better job than most at that, solving one of our biggest issues with other Pixels: poor battery life. When you hit the road with a Pixel 3a in tow for an all-day photo shoot, battery life is probably not something you’ll have to worry about: In our test it lasted five hours–an hour and a half longer than most smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 BEST FOLDABLE PHONE
- GALAXY AI IS HERE: Search like never before¹, get real-time interpretation on a call², format...
- THE FUTURE OF DOING MORE: With Dual-App Viewing, you can do more with more screen on Galaxy Z...
- IMPRESSIVE PRECISION. MORE PRODUCTIVITY: Precision meets portability with S Pen⁵ capability...
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Pros
- Excellent low light camera performance
- Durable design
- New Galaxy AI Features
Cons
- Pricey
Specifications:
| Display size | 7.60-inch (2176×1812) |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage / Expandable | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB / No |
| Rear cameras | 50MP + 12MP + 10MP |
| Front camera | 10MP + 4MP |
| OS | Android 13 |
| Battery life | 4400mAh |
SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FOLD 5 – Overview
Following years of fold phones with a 12MP primary camera, Samsung has upgraded the Galaxy Z Fold 5 with a 50MP primary lens sensor. In addition to producing better images, this foldable phone’s primary camera can use pixel binning to simulate a 2x optical magnification. Fitting a specialized telephoto lens inside a folding device that is so small and space-constrained is a creative solution.
When comparing their camera output, the Galaxy Z Fold 5’s upgraded camera outperforms the Motorola Razr Plus (2024). With the 3.4-inch cover display serving as a view finder, users of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 will also value the opportunity to take selfies with the external cameras. The camera functions are completed with Galaxy AI features, such as those that turn your photos into cartoons or pictures.
Although the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is more expensive than its predecessors, you won’t mind paying the higher price if you want the greatest cameras available in a foldable phone. This fold-style phone is unique because it allows you to record better-looking vlogs and videos of yourself by pairing the rear cameras with the external screen.
OnePlus 12 BEST IMPROVE CAMERA
- Comes with 6 months of Google One and 3 months of Youtube Premium with purchase of OnePlus 12....
- Pure Performance: The OnePlus 12 is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, with up to 16GB...
- Brilliant Display: The OnePlus 12 has a stunning 2k 120Hz Super Fluid Display, with advanced...
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Pros
- Sharper 3x periscope camera
- Responsive performance
- Bright, high-contrast display
Cons
- Underexposed low light photos
- Lacks AI chops of the Pixel 8, Galaxy S24 camera phones
Specifications:
| Display size | 6.82-inch AMOLED (3168 x 1440) |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 12GB, 16gB |
| Storage / Expandable | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB / No |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main (f/1.6), 48MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 64MP 3x telephoto (f/2.6) |
| Front camera | 32MP (f/2.4) |
| Weight | 7.8 ounces |
| Battery life (Hrs:Mins) | Testing in progress |
ONEPLUS 12 – Overview
Editor’s Choice
Not everyone enjoys surround sound, but if you do, the Corsair HS80 RGB You can no longer say that OnePlus flagships lack good cameras, especially after the OnePlus 12 produced photos that were on par with those taken by the best Samsung and Apple cameras. The fourth generation Hasselblad camera, which OnePlus incorporated into this year’s phone after once more collaborating with the lens expert to optimize its optics, deserves praise.is our choice for the finest wireless gaming headset with spatial audio.
This year’s largest update is to the telephoto lens, which now has a 3x optical zoom in addition to the 64MP sensor found in the OnePlus 12. Zoom images are clearer and more detailed as a result, and they perform better when compared to other top camera phones. Admittedly, OnePlus makes good use of pixel binning to bolster its zoom camera.
The OnePlus 12 misses some of the AI-powered editing features found on the newest Samsung and Google flagships, and it occasionally has exposure issues with low-light photos. However, this is one of the less expensive flagship phones featuring a telephoto lens, along with the Galaxy S24.
Google Pixel 8 Pro BEST GOOGLE PHONE
- Pixel 8 Pro is the all-pro phone engineered by Google; it’s super fast, powerful, and secure,...
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data...
- With the most refined design yet, Pixel 8 Pro has an immersive, 6.7-inch Super Actua display...
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Pros
- Three high-resolution sensors
- Computational magic makes images pop
- Pro control option
Cons
- Price hike from previous model
- No 1TB storage option
Specifications:
| Display size | 6.7 inches 2992 x 1344 pixels 120Hz Refresh rate |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage / Expandable | 128GB / No |
| Rear cameras | 50 MP |
| Front camera | 10.5 MP |
| OS | Android 14 |
| Battery life (Hrs:Mins) | 5050 mAh |
GOOGLE PIXEL 8 PRO – Overview
Even though Google’s Pixel smartphones don’t receive as much media attention as Apple and Samsung’s flagship models, insiders have been quietly establishing the Pixel phones as some of the greatest photography phones available. The 2023 flagship, the Pixel 8 Pro, was the best Google phone available until the release of the 9 and unquestionably one of the best photography phones. This phone is really affordable if you don’t want the newest model.
The triple-lens configuration of this phone is identical to that of the Pixel 7 Pro, its predecessor. Wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses are the tried-and-true trinity. This time around, Google increased the telephoto lens’s maximum aperture to f/2.8, which significantly improves low-light performance. Additionally, a “Pro” mode has been added for users who like manual exposure adjustment.
The headline, however, claims that Google has fully committed to AI, with robust tools like “Best Take” and “Magic Editor” that enable users to perform postmodern, futuristic tasks like changing faces in group photos. According to our initial review, the Pixel 8 Pro is even better than earlier models in the line because to its superb hardware and cutting-edge software. It is among the greatest smartphone cameras available, in our opinion.
There has been a discernible improvement in image quality over its predecessor, which is difficult to see from manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, where improvements are typically more subtle. It produces good photographs under a variety of circumstances.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max BEST LONG ZOOM
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. ProMotion technology. Always-On display. Titanium with...
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A17 Pro chip with 6-core GPU
- Pro camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide| Telephoto. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and...
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Pros
- 5x zoom lens
- Gorgeous display quality
- USB-C connection
Cons
- Maybe too large for some users
- High price, and fairly incremental upgrade from predecessor
Specifications:
| Display size | 6.7 inches 2796 x 1290 pixels 120Hz Refresh rate |
| Chipset | A17 Pro |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage / Expandable | 256GB / No |
| Rear cameras | 48 MP |
| Front camera | 12 MP |
| OS | IOS |
| Battery life (Hrs:Mins) | 4422 mAh |
IPHONE 15 PRO MAX – Overview
Although we believe that the iPhone 15 Pro offers the best value for the majority of customers, the iPhone 15 Pro Max might be a better option if you have a little more money to invest or would rather have a larger phone. The Pro Max and Pro differ in more ways than one, but the display is a stunning 6.7″ Super Retina XDR OLED with a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels at 460 ppi and 120 Hz. As you can see, the iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 5x optical zoom lens, which improves telephoto reach, but the iPhone 15 Pro must use a 3x optical zoom lens.
It’s all for the best that the iPhone 15 Pro Max has many of the same enhancements as the 15 Pro. Once more, we have an effective resolution of 24MP (twice that of earlier generations) and USB-C charging instead of only Lightning. Overall, the image quality is really good; quality only begins to deteriorate when you start using the digital zoom to its maximum.
When the iPhone 15 Pro Max was first released, Apple declared it to be the finest iPhone to date. So one would hope. Despite its relatively mild enhancements, our initial response to testing its cameras generally supports that opinion. Some will depend on your own tastes and preferences, as well as what you might require from a phone other than its cameras.
With the aforementioned benefits over the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has the finest iPhone camera. Consequently, this represents a moderate enhancement over the iPhone 14 Pro. You understand!
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Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Why Trust Factic
Berry Alex has been evaluating, testing, and reviewing tech, Household and travel items for several decades. He compiled all of the testers’ input, conducted extra research to assess each phone mount’s essential features and overall functioning, and reviewed professional profiles and verified customer reviews for each product.
