What Phone Has the Best Camera in 2024

In 2024, competition among smartphones with high-quality cameras is fierce. Whether you are a professional photographer or simply enjoy taking pictures, choosing the right phone is essential. The best camera phones offer a combination of hardware, software, and performance.

In this article, we will explore the top options, looking at their features, image quality, and what makes them stand out.

Why Camera Quality Matters in a Smartphone

Before diving into the best phones, let’s consider why camera quality is so important:

1. Everyday Use: Smartphones are the most convenient tool for capturing daily moments. A good camera ensures those moments are captured in great detail.

2. Professional Work: Content creators and influencers often rely on their phone cameras for videos and photos. A powerful camera makes their work easier and more professional.

3. Advanced Features: High-quality cameras come with additional features. These include portrait mode, 4K video recording, and excellent low-light performance.

What Phone Has the Best Camera in 2024?

Here’s a list of the best phones with exceptional cameras this year:

1. iPhone 16 Pro Max – Mobile Photography at Its Best

The iPhone 16 Pro Max sets the standard in mobile photography. It has a triple-camera system: a 48MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 12MP telephoto lens. This allows users to capture sharp, detailed images. Some key features include:

Improved Night Mode: The iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in low-light conditions, capturing vibrant images even in poor lighting.

Cinematic Mode: This feature is great for creating professional-grade videos. You can adjust focus, making it ideal for content creators.

Photonic Engine: Apple’s software ensures better image processing. The result is sharper details and more natural colors.

For users who want professional-quality photos and videos, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a top choice.

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro – Master of Computational Photography

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is known for its AI-enhanced photography. It uses a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 48MP zoom lens. Its strength lies in computational photography, which enhances images using advanced algorithms. Key features include:

Super Res Zoom: This feature allows zooming without losing image quality. It’s ideal for landscape and wildlife photography.

Astrophotography Mode: Night sky enthusiasts will appreciate this feature. It captures stunning images of stars and celestial objects.

Real Tone: Google ensures accurate skin tones, making it excellent for portraits.

For those who prefer automated photography over manual adjustments, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is a standout.

3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – A Powerhouse with 200MP Camera

For users looking for extreme detail and zoom capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out with its incredible 200MP main sensor. This camera phone is designed to capture every detail, from wide landscapes to intricate close-ups. Its key features include:

200MP Main Camera: The massive sensor allows for breathtaking image detail, making the Galaxy S25 Ultra the best option for those who prioritize resolution.

10x Optical Zoom: With the periscope lens, you can achieve up to 10x optical zoom and 100x Space Zoom, perfect for distant shots.

Expert RAW Mode: Samsung’s Expert RAW mode gives professional photographers more control over their images by allowing them to shoot in RAW format, offering greater flexibility in post-processing.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a top pick for those who need a high-resolution camera with excellent zoom features, perfect for both professionals and photography enthusiasts.

4. Sony Xperia 1 VI – Professional Camera in Your Pocket

 

The Sony Xperia 1 VI brings Sony’s expertise in camera technology to the smartphone world. Known for its professional-grade camera systems, this phone is particularly appealing to videographers and photographers. Some standout features include:

Zeiss Optics: With lenses co-engineered with Zeiss, the Xperia 1 VI offers outstanding image clarity and detail.

Cinema Pro Mode: This feature allows users to shoot and edit video footage with full manual control, ideal for professional videographers.

4K HDR Display: Paired with a 4K HDR display, the Xperia 1 VI lets you view your photos and videos with unmatched clarity and color accuracy.

The Sony Xperia 1 VI is the perfect choice for professionals looking to take their mobile photography and videography to the next level.

5. OnePlus 12 Pro – The Best Affordable Flagship Camera

The OnePlus 12 Pro offers excellent camera performance at a more affordable price point. Equipped with a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and an 8MP telephoto lens, it delivers high-quality images for a variety of shooting scenarios. Key features include;

Hasselblad Collaboration: OnePlus continues its partnership with Hasselblad, offering advanced color calibration and natural skin tones in portrait shots.

Ultra-Wide Angle Shots: The OnePlus 12 Pro excels at capturing wide-angle photos with minimal distortion, making it ideal for landscape photography.

Hyper HDR: This feature enhances dynamic range, producing more detailed photos in both bright and dark areas of a scene.

 

For users looking for a flagship experience without the top-tier price tag, the OnePlus 12 Pro is a great option with an impressive camera setup.

How to Choose the Best Camera Phone for Your Needs

 

When deciding which phone has the best camera, it’s important to consider what kind of photography you plan to do. Here are some factors to help guide your decision:

Low-Light Performance: If you often take photos in dim environments, look for phones with excellent night modes and large sensors.

Zoom Capabilities: For wildlife or landscape photography, phones with telephoto or periscope zoom lenses are ideal.

Video Recording: If videography is your priority, choose a phone with advanced video features like 4K recording, Cinematic Mode, or full manual controls.

Software Enhancements: Phones like the Google Pixel 9 Pro use computational photography to enhance images, making them great for users who prefer automation over manual controls.

So, what phone has the best camera? It ultimately depends on your specific needs. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers the most balanced performance, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro excels in computational photography. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is unbeatable when it comes to high-resolution photography and zoom capabilities, while the Sony Xperia 1 VI and OnePlus 12 Pro provide specialized features for videographers and budget-conscious users.

No matter which phone you choose, the top contenders in 2024 all deliver exceptional camera performance, ensuring that you can capture stunning photos and videos on the go.