Jane
This year’s best camera phones are shaping to be about AI and computational photography rather than bigger sensors and massive zoom lenses. Smartphone cameras are getting smarter, using advanced software to enhance photos in ways that hardware alone can’t. Whether improving low-light shots, refining details, or making editing easier than ever, AI is taking mobile photography to the next level.
Dive deep into image and video quality, explore editing tools, and assess durability, battery life, and ease of use. Every lens and feature gets tested to see how it performs in real-world scenarios. If you’re curious about what makes a great smartphone camera and how to choose the best one, check out our detailed explainer at the bottom of this page.
10 Ultimate Camera Phones for Photography in 2025
1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra may not be a drastic leap from its predecessor, but it brings thoughtful upgrades that refine the experience. It sports a refreshed design, an improved ultra-wide camera, and an updated display, keeping it in line with Samsung’s premium flagship standards. The main camera still boasts the impressive 200MP sensor with pixel-binning technology, delivering sharp, detailed photos like the S24 Ultra.
What sets the S25 Ultra apart is how it builds on the AI features introduced last year. Searching within your photo gallery is now smarter and more intuitive, while video recording gets a boost with AI-powered audio enhancements and Log tools for more precise editing. Whether capturing stills or shooting video, the S25 Ultra delivers outstanding results, making it a solid choice for anyone who wants top-tier smartphone photography and performance.
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra took over from the S23 Ultra as the brand’s photography powerhouse until the S25 Ultra came along. It keeps the impressive 200MP main sensor with pixel-binning technology, ensuring incredibly detailed shots. But the real upgrade comes in the telephoto department, swapping out the previous 10MP 10x zoom lens for a sharper 50MP 5x telephoto zoom. While some might miss the more extended reach, the improved sensor quality makes up for it with clearer, more detailed shots at mid-range zoom levels.
Samsung also stepped up its AI game with the S24 Ultra, introducing advanced image processing to enhance night photography, reduce noise, and improve zoom quality and HDR performance. AI even plays a role in editing, with tools like the new Reflection Removal feature making it easier to perfect your shots. And let’s not forget the stunning display. Thanks to an anti-reflective coating, the S24 Ultra has one of the best smartphone screens, making viewing your photos and videos easier even in bright sunlight.
3. iPhone 16 Pro and Max
You get the same camera system regardless of whether you choose the iPhone 16 Pro or the 16 Pro Max. The only real difference is the phone’s size, which affects the screen and battery life. This year’s update brings a refreshed ultra-wide-angle camera, promising sharper and more detailed shots. While it’s not a dramatic overhaul, improving Apple’s impressive camera tech is always a plus.
One of the more noticeable changes is the new photo control button on the side, designed to give you quicker access to settings like zoom and other adjustments. Apple hypes it up as a game-changer, but it’s a small, convenient tweak. Still, for photographers who love to fine-tune their shots on the fly, it’s a handy addition that makes capturing the perfect moment even easier.
4. iPhone 15 Pro
The iPhone 15 Pro strikes an outstanding balance of features, making it the best choice for most users who want top-tier performance without the hefty price tag of the latest model. While it’s not a huge leap from the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple has made smart usability tweaks that improve the experience, especially for those who love capturing photos and videos. Now that the iPhone 16 Pro has arrived, you might even find the 15 Pro at a discount if you can still snag one before stock runs out.
One of the standout upgrades is the improved portrait mode, which automatically kicks in when the camera detects a person or even a pet. Even better, you can convert a regular photo into a portrait after you’ve taken it, giving you more creative control. For video enthusiasts, adding Log profiles offers much greater flexibility when color-grading footage, making it easier to achieve a cinematic look. These may not be groundbreaking changes, but they make the iPhone 15 Pro an even more polished tool for photographers and videographers alike.
5. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Google Pixel series has always been a top pick for photography lovers, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL stays true to that legacy. This latest model improves the camera hardware and shooting features, making it an even stronger choice for those who prioritize photography above all else. With its refined imaging technology and Google’s advanced computational photography, the Pixel 9 Pro XL continues to push the boundaries of smartphone photography.
On the back, you’ll find a versatile triple-camera setup, including an ultra-wide lens with autofocus, a main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), and a 5x telephoto camera with OIS. The phone also offers 2x and 10x zoom, using Google’s Super Resolution Zoom to deliver “optical quality” results even at higher zoom levels. In my experience, the zoom capabilities hold up impressively well, allowing you to capture sharp, detailed shots from a distance without compromising quality.
6. Xiaomi 14 Ultra
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has impressive features, making it a serious contender in the flagship smartphone market. Its standout feature is the massive one-inch main sensor, giving it an edge over most rivals regarding image quality. What’s even more exciting is the ability to adjust the aperture on the main camera, a feature typically reserved for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. For those who love capturing high-resolution shots, the phone allows you to shoot in 50MP mode across all four lenses, offering incredible detail and flexibility.
When it comes to video, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra doesn’t disappoint. It delivers solid performance with various shooting modes, including slow motion, night video, a pro video mode, and even a tracking mode to keep subjects focused. While it’s certainly not a budget-friendly option, it is against other flagship models, offering a well-rounded experience for photography enthusiasts and content creators.
7. OnePlus 13
OnePlus has been striving for years to break into the top tier of smartphone cameras, and the OnePlus 13 finally delivers something awe-inspiring. Partnering with Hasselblad has helped refine its portrait and landscape photography, but what stands out is its ability to capture fast motion with stunning clarity.
The results are consistently great, whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or selfies. But the real magic happens when you capture movement, thanks to an advanced burst mode that blends short and long exposures in real time. Whether holding the shutter button or tapping as fast as possible, the OnePlus 13 ensures you get crisp, dynamic shots without missing a moment.
8. Google Pixel 8a
The Google Pixel 8a is an incredible value, offering flagship-level photography at a fraction of the price. Its 64MP main sensor, using pixel binning, delivers vibrant 16MP shots with excellent lighting, though zooming in too much can reveal some loss of detail. Still, it’s a solid performer for everyday snapshots and social sharing.
What sets the Pixel 8a apart are Google’s AI-powered editing tools, like Magic Editor for tweaking backgrounds and repositioning objects and Magic Audio Eraser for cutting out unwanted video noise. You can even enhance older photos through Google Photos, making it feel like a smart investment beyond just a camera. With Google promising seven years of Android updates, this budget-friendly phone isn’t just great for now. It’s built to last.
9. Vivo X100 Pro
The Vivo X100 is a smartphone powerhouse, boasting a triple-camera system co-engineered with Zeiss that directly competes with top flagship phones. Each camera features a 50MP sensor with autofocus and OIS, ensuring sharp, detailed shots across the board. The leading 23mm f/1.75 camera, with its massive 1-inch sensor, captures stunning images with rich colors, excellent exposure, and a wide dynamic range.
Meanwhile, the 100mm f/2.5 Zeiss APO floating telephoto lens delivers incredible close-ups even in low light thanks to its periscope design and half-inch sensor. With these pro-level specs, the Vivo X100 is a serious contender for photography enthusiasts.
10. Apple iPhone 14 Pro
The iPhone 14 Pro is a solid, if not groundbreaking, upgrade for Apple’s flagship lineup, offering the best photography experience you can get on an iPhone. Its new 48MP sensor delivers consistently impressive shots, while features like Macro and Portrait mode make capturing different scenes effortless.
This is the one to get if you’re after top-tier camera performance in an Apple device. And if you prefer a bigger screen, the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers the same fantastic camera system with a larger display, although both models come with a premium price tag.
The Best Camera Phones for Every Photographer
No matter your budget or photography style, 2025’s best camera phones offer something for everyone. Whether it’s Samsung’s AI-powered refinements, Apple’s polished user experience, or Google’s computational photography magic, smartphone cameras are smarter and more capable than ever. If you want ultimate flexibility, phones like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Vivo X100 Pro bring DSLR-level control, while budget-friendly options like the Pixel 8a still pack a serious punch. With brands constantly pushing the limits of mobile photography, there’s never been a better time to find a smartphone that fits your creative vision.
