If you’re not into the techy specifications when it comes to purchasing a new smartphone, your decision will probably come down to storage size, the phone’s aesthetic or (most likely) the camera’s quality.
Hate to say it, but being able to take the perfect photo with your smartphone is important. So whether you’re a creative, amateur content creator or a parent who just likes to take really good photos of your adorable kids, these are the phones to consider if you’re after the best camera performance.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Rear cameras: 200MP wide, 50MP periscope telephoto, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto
Front camera: 12MP wide
Standout feature: Quadruple rear camera setup, 8K video recording
Why this smartphone?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is Samsung’s best slab phone offering this year. We found while testing that this phone delivers crystal-clear photos effortlessly.
With its extensive camera set-up, we had no frustration in creating the best shot, regardless of contrast.
If you’re looking for a phone with cameras that can do everything, even recording up to 8k footage, then the Ultra series will always have a standout camera system.
READ MORE: An iPhone user’s honest thoughts on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
A sunset captured with the Samsung Galaxy Ultra S25. (Erin Christie)Google Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL
Rear cameras: 50MP wide, a 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto
Front camera: 42MP ultrawide
Standout feature: 100x Pro Res Zoom, 8K video recording, Gemini Coach
Why this smartphone?
This has become a hill I’ll die on: the Pro models of the Google Pixel 10 delivered some of the most consistent results I’ve seen this year. The colour profile of the photos always turned out to be exactly what I wanted as well: true to life, but punchy and clear.
Moreover, Google has placed a bigger focus on AI photography and introduced two new features. One: 100x Pro Res Zoom, which delivers AI-enhanced zoom photography. Two: Gemini Coach, a personal photography companion that delivers real-time inspiration and a step-by-step guide to help with the best angle, lighting and composition.
READ MORE: From AI sceptic to fanatic, how Google’s Pixel 10 Pros convinced me
The Google Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL delivers fantastic out of the box camera results. (Joshua Buchwald)iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 48MP periscope telephoto, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto
Front camera: 18MP multi-aspect
Standout feature: Center Stage on selfie camera and Apple ProRes
Why this smartphone?
The colour profiles on Apple cameras always look fantastic, and it’s been improved this year in the new 48MP triple camera system. While I personally haven’t had any hands-on experience with the new 17 series, I know for a fact that Apple always delivers on camera upgrades each year.
A particular standout that’s accessible on all iPhones this year is a new square sensor selfie camera that allows both portrait and landscape photos without the need to turn your phone. Neat!
READ MORE: Should you upgrade? Everything to to know about the iPhone 17 series
Rear cameras: 200MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto
Front camera: 10MP ultrawide and 10MP cover camera
Standout feature: Triple camera set-up on a foldable phone
Why this smartphone?
If you’re after the flagship foldable experience with the best possible cameras, then all the years of R&D have led to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. This phone is so unbelievably thin, sitting at 42mm unfolded, and it feels just like a regular bar phone still.
All the while, Samsung has still managed to pack a triple camera set-up into the phone. Albeit at the cost of being a wobbly phone when lying flat. Without a 50MP telephoto camera, you still have access to all the right tools to snap great photos.
READ MORE: Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 really worth the price?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 delivered some surprising night time photography. (Joshua Buchwald)iPhone 15 Pro
Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto
Front camera: 12MP wide
Standout feature: Apple ProRes (log footage recording)
Why this smartphone?
I bought the iPhone 15 Pro a few months after its release for one thing only, and that was the camera system. This model introduced the Apple ProRes feature, which allows creatives like me to film in log footage and colour grade videos. The photos are fantastic, with a great colour profile.
More than that, it’s just an extremely durable phone. I love the titanium feel, which I would say has unfortunately been changed to aluminium for the iPhone 17. The size is perfect as well, sitting at 6.1 inches with a beautiful 120Hz ProMotion display.
The iPhone 15 pro has delivered timeless results for the concerts I like to watch. (Joshua Buchwald)
READ MORE: Could the Nothing Phone (3) be the most unconventional smartphone on the market?