With so many great camera phones in 2024, there’s something for every type of photographer. Whether you want high-resolution detail, powerful AI editing, or just great photos at a reasonable price, these top picks cover the full range of options to help you invest in the one that fits your needs best.
Beyond all the technical specifications that might seem confusing, there are plenty of other important factors, such as how easy it is to use, how much functionality it has, and whether unnecessary specs are putting it out of your budget.
Here’s our roundup of the best camera phones available, featuring both new models and a few that continue to excel from previous years. Whether you're a casual snapper or a serious mobile photographer, here are our picks for the best camera phone of 2024.
Summary - Best camera phones for different needs
- Best for AI Editing: Google Pixel 9 Pro
- Best for Zoom: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Best for Low-Light: Vivo X90 Pro
- Best Portrait Mode: Oppo Find X6 Pro
- Best for Manual Control: Sony Xperia 1 V
- Best Value for Features: OnePlus 12
- Best Budget iPhone: iPhone SE (2022)
- Best Budget Android: Google Pixel 8a
1. iPhone 16 Pro Max: the best iPhone camera
iPhone 16 Pro Max - Pros and cons
48MP main sensor with better low-light performance
Enhanced Night Mode and Smart HDR 5
5x optical zoom on the telephoto lens
Improved video quality with ProRAW video capabilities
High price
Zoom capabilities still limited to 5x
If you’re a devout Apple fan, it’s probably less of a choice between the best camera phones than it is between the best iPhone cameras. Thankfully, Apple doesn’t skimp on its camera technology, and each new version of the iPhone and iPhone Pro comes with improved and impressive camera specs.
If you want Apple's best camera phone, you'll want the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max takes the iPhone camera experience to the next level. With an upgraded 48MP main sensor and a refined periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, Apple continues to lead in all-around photo quality.
This model introduces Smart HDR 5, which balances bright and dark areas for better colour and contrast.
Apple’s latest ProRAW and ProRes video features offer excellent tools for creators, maintaining the iPhone’s lead in mobile video quality.
While the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have the same camera setup, the biggest difference is the screen. And although both have OLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, the 6.9-inch Pro Max will make those high-resolution photos seem even more impressive than the slightly smaller 6.3-inch Pro screen. They’ll be more fun to look at but will be exactly the same quality once shared with friends or on social media.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has an impressive array of camera features, but its main pro, when compared to other top-end camera phones, is its usability.
It has an intuitive design, a dedicated camera button, and a combination of lenses that allow you to take photos of yourself, your friends, your pets, scenery, selfies, and low-light photos.
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2. Google Pixel 9 Pro - the best AI-enhanced camera
Google Pixel 9 Pro - Pros and cons
50MP main camera with upgraded Night Sight
Enhanced Super Res Zoom up to 10x
Improved Real Tone for accurate skin tones
New AI-based editing tools like Magic Editor and Group Photo
Only 10x zoom (digital after 5x optical)
Smaller battery than some rivals
It's no surprise that a smartphone produced by Google has continuously had the best camera software available on a smartphone. And while its hardware is also top-end, with a 50MP main camera and 48MP ultrawide and telephoto cameras, the Pixel 9 Pro's real superpower is its AI-enhanced software.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is all about AI-powered photography. Google’s enhanced Night Sight delivers clear low-light shots, while Super Res Zoom now extends up to 10x. This model also introduces Magic Editor, allowing for powerful, AI-driven edits directly on the device.
Its Real Tone technology ensures accurate colour reproduction, especially for skin tones, making it one of the best smartphones for candid and portrait photography.
3. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - Best for high-resolution and zoom
Samsung S22 Ultra - Pros and cons
Massive 200MP main camera sensor
Dual telephoto lenses with up to 10x optical zoom
Detailed low-light photos with advanced processing
Pro mode with extensive manual settings
Bulkier design
High price, especially for high-storage models
The Galaxy S24 Ultra builds on Samsung’s history of camera innovation. Its 200MP main camera captures details in amazing clarity, even when zooming in digitally.
Dual telephoto lenses and a maximum 10x optical zoom make it a top choice for users interested in long-distance shots. Samsung’s Pro mode provides extensive manual control for enthusiasts who want to fine-tune every shot.
The S24 Ultra is an absolute powerhouse of a camera phone; the only real downside (apart from price) is the size of the device. Its 6.8-inch display is beautiful, but the device is bulkier and heavier than most other top-end smartphones, weighing 232g.
This can make it quite difficult to use effectively with one hand, so a case with a handle or pop socket is definitely helpful.
4. Sony Xperia 1 V - Best for pro-grade photography and video
Sony Xperia 1 V - Pros and cons
Up to 52MP main camera
Cinema Pro app for high-level video control
Variable telephoto lens means fantastic optical zoom without taking up space
Manual shutter release button
Pro mode interface is a bit too complicated for non-professionals
Limited to 12MP for a telephoto lens
Sony is well known for its range of mirrorless digital cameras, which give users access to a level of camera technology that other smartphone brands don’t. The Sony Xperia 1 V is a phone designed for photographers, with its main draw being the inclusion of the Camera Pro and Cinema Pro apps.
It also has a somewhat nostalgic physical camera shutter button which makes taking horizontal shots much more intuitive. Something that the latest range of iPhones has recently introduced.
Sony’s Xperia 1 V continues to attract photographers and filmmakers with its DSLR-inspired manual controls.
But the star of its camera setup is the 12MP camera with variable optical zoom, whose focal length can range from 85mm to 125mm. Something that's unheard of in other smartphone cameras.
Sony’s Cinema Pro app, paired with the physical shutter button, gives users greater creative control over video settings. While it has a steeper learning curve, this camera phone is worth it for those who want more control over their photography and video.
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5. Oppo Find X6 Pro - Best for natural portraits
Oppo Find X6 Pro - Pros and cons
50MP main sensor with excellent dynamic range
High-quality portrait mode with natural bokeh
Collaboration with professional Hasselblad camera brand
Fast autofocus for moving subjects
Limited regional availability
Colour science may feel a bit “soft” compared to rivals
The Oppo Find X6 Pro delivers beautifully natural portraits thanks to its 50MP main sensor and upgraded portrait modes. Its colour science has been refined to deliver realistic skin tones, and it offers both ultra-wide and telephoto options with great consistency across lenses.
With rapid autofocus, this phone is perfect for portrait enthusiasts who want flattering, natural-looking photos.
6. Vivo X90 Pro - Best for low-light photography
Vivo X90 Pro - Pros and cons
50MP main sensor with Zeiss optics
Strong low-light performance thanks to large sensor
Gimbal-like stabilization for sharper images
Realistic colours with Zeiss collaboration
The user interface has some issues, feels less intuitive than other brands
Limited availability in some regions
The Vivo X90 Pro is designed for low-light photography. Its large 50MP sensor captures impressive detail even in dim conditions, and with Zeiss optics, it produces realistic colours that avoid oversaturation.
Advanced stabilization makes it ideal for night photography or quick action shots. If you frequently take photos in challenging lighting, this phone is hard to beat.
7. OnePlus 12 - Best value for premium features
OnePlus 12 - Pros and cons
Triple-lens system with a powerful 50MP main sensor
Impressive colour accuracy
Fast-charging capabilities
Competitive price point
Zoom is limited to 3x optical
Lower IP rating than other flagship phones
OnePlus continues to offer great value with the OnePlus 12, featuring a 50MP main camera, a versatile ultra-wide lens, and a capable telephoto. With improvements in colour accuracy and detail, this phone is great for casual photographers who want strong performance without a flagship price tag.
Fast charging and a competitive price make it an excellent choice for those on a budget who still want high-quality photos.
8. iPhone SE (2022) - Best budget iPhone camera
iPhone SE (2022) - Pros and cons
12MP main camera with Apple's computational photography features
Affordable entry into the iPhone ecosystem
Good colour accuracy and dynamic range for the price
No Night mode or multi-lens system
Limited zoom and lower low-light performance
The iPhone SE (2024) remains a fantastic option for budget-conscious users who want reliable image quality. While it lacks a multi-lens setup, Apple’s powerful image processing makes the single 12MP lens a strong performer in good lighting.
The SE doesn’t have the versatility or low-light performance of flagship models, but it’s a great, affordable choice for capturing day-to-day moments with the iPhone’s ease of use.
9. Google Pixel 8a - Best affordable camera phone for Android lovers
Google Pixel 8a - Pros and cons
64 MP Quad PD wide camera
New Pixel camera features like Magic Eraser and Best Take
Compact and easy to use
Excellent photo quality for the price
Limited to 5x digital zoom
Slower processor than flagship models
The Pixel 8a delivers Google’s outstanding camera quality in a more affordable package. With its 64MP main sensor, it captures detailed, balanced images with minimal effort. New editing tools like Magic Eraser and Best Take add to its appeal, making it easy to enhance photos directly on the device.
Though it lacks a telephoto lens, the Pixel 8a provides a fantastic camera experience at a lower cost.
10. Xiaomi 13 Ultra - Best for advanced customization
Xiaomi 13 Ultra - Pros and cons
Quad-lens setup with a 50MP main sensor
Excellent hybrid zoom up to 10x
Pro modes with extensive customization options
Durable build quality
Bulky design
Software can feel cluttered
For users who want control over their photography, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra offers Pro-grade settings and a high-end quad-lens setup. Its 50MP main sensor, ultra-wide, telephoto, and periscope lenses give users flexibility in framing their shots.
With hybrid zoom up to 10x and advanced Pro modes, it’s perfect for photographers who want to experiment and customize every aspect of their shots.
Our best camera phone recommendations for...
| Best camera phone for | Handset | Prices from |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape photography | Samsung S22 Ultra | £1,149 |
| Macro photography | iPhone 13 Pro | £949 |
| Moving objects | Google Pixel 6 Pro | £849 |
| Night photography | Google Pixel 6 Pro | £849 |
| Selfies | iPhone 13 Pro | £949 |
| Video | Sony Xperia 1 III | £1,119 |
| Vlogging | iPhone 13 Pro | £949 |
| Zoom | Samsung S22 Ultra | £1,149 |
| Less than £300 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro | £199 |
| Less than £200 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | £119 |
If you've found your photos aren't up to scratch and you're ready to upgrade, compare all our latest mobile phone deals to find the best smartphone camera for you.
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FAQs
Which phone has the best camera?
The best camera phones will always be on each manufacturer’s top-end flagship phone. So the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, the iPhone 16 Pro, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro have the best smartphone cameras.
What is the best phone for photography?
Each top-end camera phone has its pros and cons. While some phones offer higher resolution, greater zoom, or more control, the best phone for photography is the one that you find easiest and most satisfying to use.
The iPhone 16 Pro is familiar and easy to use, the Samsung S24 Ultra has incredible zoom options and an incredible screen resolution, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro’s editing technology is fantastic. Which is most important to you?
What is the best iPhone camera phone 2024?
The best iPhone camera phone is either the iPhone 16 Pro or the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Both have the same camera specifications; the Pro Max has a larger screen, which can improve your photography experience.
What is the best Android camera phone 2024?
The best Android camera phone of 2024 so far is the Samsung S24 Ultra, with an impressive array of cameras, 200MP resolution and that incredible 10x optical zoom.
