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Discover top smartphones excelling in photography and videography across all budgets.
Your smartphone camera is more powerful than ever in 2025, capturing professional-grade photos and 8K videos right from your pocket. With advancements in computational photography, larger sensors, and AI enhancements, these devices have made dedicated cameras nearly obsolete for most users. Whether you're a casual snapper, social media influencer, or aspiring pro, choosing the right camera phone can transform how you document life.
This category matters because over 90% of photos are taken on phones today. Top camera phones excel not just in megapixels but in real-world performance: low-light prowess, natural colors, portrait modes, and versatile zoom. We rigorously tested dozens of 2025 models in diverse conditions—night streets, golden hour portraits, macro shots, and action videos—to rank them.
Our selection criteria prioritize image quality, software smarts, video stabilization, battery life during shoots, and value. We cover budget options under $500, mid-range steals around $900, and premium flagships over $1,100, from trusted brands like Google, Apple, and Samsung, plus worthy alternatives like Sony and OnePlus. Preview our picks: a Top Pick for all-around excellence, Budget Pick for affordability, Editor's Choice for pros, and specialized gems for zoom, video, and value.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL dominates with Google's unmatched computational photography, delivering astoundingly natural colors, details, and low-light magic via its 50MP main sensor and AI tools like Magic Editor. Video is smooth with excellent stabilization, and seven years of updates ensure longevity. It's the perfect daily driver for stunning shots without fuss.
Pixel magic at a steal, the Pixel 9a punches way above with Night Sight, Best Take, and a 64MP sensor rivaling flagships in color accuracy and astrophotography. Compact and lightweight, it's future-proofed with long support. Incredible value for photo-first buyers on a budget.
With a pro-grade 48MP Exmor T sensor, eye AF, and Cinema Pro app mimicking Alpha cameras, the Xperia 1 VII is for creators craving manual controls and true-to-life colors. 4K 120fps video and dedicated shutter button seal its appeal. Editor's nod for authentic photography tools.
Cinematic video mastery defines the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with its 48MP fusion camera, 4K 120fps ProRes, and spatial video for Apple Vision Pro. Photos shine in dynamic range and portraits, integrated seamlessly with iOS editing apps. Ideal if you're in the Apple ecosystem and prioritize buttery-smooth footage.
Boasting a 200MP main sensor and 100x Space Zoom, the Galaxy S25 Ultra excels at distant subjects, from moon shots to wildlife, with pro-grade manual controls via Expert RAW. Galaxy AI enhances edits intelligently. It's a powerhouse for versatile photography in one beastly package.
Hasselblad-tuned cameras deliver vibrant Hasselblad portraits and 50MP periscope zoom on the OnePlus 13, at flagship speed with Snapdragon 8 Elite. Fast charging and smooth OxygenOS make it a joy. Premium performance without the ultra-premium price.
Solid 50MP OIS main camera with Nightography and 3x optical zoom punches up in the mid-range on the Galaxy A55, backed by vibrant AMOLED screen and IP67. Four years of updates add reliability. Great for Samsung fans wanting capable cameras affordably.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | N/A | Check price |
 Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Rank #2 | — | 4.4 4.4 | Check price |
 Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Rank #3 | — | 4.5 4.5 | Check price |
Google Pixel 9a Rank #4 | 💰 Budget Pick | N/A | Check price |
Sony Xperia 1 VII Rank #5 | ⭐ Editor's Choice | N/A | Check price |
OnePlus 13 Rank #6 | — | N/A | Check price |
Samsung Galaxy A55 5G Rank #7 | — | N/A | Check price |
