Picking the best camera phone is often a tough challenge with more choice than ever, iPhone, or Android? Apple, Google or Samsung, or someone else entirely? However, I’m here to help you find the best camera phone for you. You want your memories to be captured with the right colours, the right amount of detail, and not have to worry when taking photos, but worry no more, as I only include the best camera phones on this list.
At AP, we take reviewing smartphones as seriously as we do testing the best cameras – after all, far more images are now shot on smartphones than anything else. I’ve personally reviewed almost every flagship phone in this list, looking at image quality, video quality, editing features, handling, durability, battery life, ease of use, and more, looking at each camera lens and feature in detail.
For most users looking for something for day-to-day photography though, the best smartphone cameras will achieve all that they need, often beating cheap compact cameras. See our smartphone camera photo of the week for inspiration.
- Looking for something cheaper? Check out the best budget and mid-range phones for photography.
The best camera phones: my quick list
If you want to cut right to it, here’s a quick-reference list of the top rated camera phones me and my team recommend, along with links to get the best prices:
- Best overall camera phone: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Buy now
- Best overall iPhone: iPhone 17 Pro / Max: Buy now
- Best phone for night photography: Honor Magic8 Pro: Buy now
- Best used iPhone: iPhone 16 Pro / Max: Buy now
- Best folding camera phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7: Buy now
- Best flagship for sports and action: OnePlus 13: Buy now
- Best AI phone overall: Google Pixel 10 Pro (and Pro XL): Buy now
- Best for advanced photographers: Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Buy now
- Best for close-ups and macro: Oppo Find X9 Pro: Buy now
- Best small flagship phone: Samsung Galaxy S25: Buy now
- Best value flagship: Tecno Camon 40 Premier 5G
Looking for the best deal on premium camera phones? Not only will you find the best camera phones, but you’ll also find some of the best camera phone deals, as our ‘Buy now’ buttons are setup to automatically take you to the best prices, from trusted retailers, plus you’ll also find a list of other retailers below each phone, to find the right deal for you.
Read on to learn more about each of these phones, including key specs and the results of our review team’s testing…
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Best overall camera phone
Best overall camera phone: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Amateur Photographer verdict
This is a very well-specced phone which takes great photos, and while it’s expensive, it’s one of the best Android phones you can buy for photography. It’s still not perfect, but it’s pretty great.
- 3x high resolution sensors
- 4x lenses (two telephoto)
- Advanced AI features
- Excellent screen
- Minimal update from last model
- Very high price
- Macro mode lacking
- S-Pen lacks Bluetooth
| Specifications | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Main camera | 200MP f/1.4 with OIS, 1/1.3inch, 23mm |
| Ultra-wide-angle | 50MP f/1.9, 0.6x, 13mm |
| Telephoto cameras | 3x 10MP f/2.4 with OIS, 69mm and 5x 50MP f/2.9 with OIS, 115mm |
| Selfie camera | 12MP f/2.2 PDAF selfie camera (same on all S25 models) |
| Video | 8K 24/30fps video, 4K 120/60/30fps |
| Screen | 6.9-inch 3120×1440 pixel AMOLED, 2600 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Armor 2 (with privacy display) |
| Battery | 5000mAh battery with wireless charging |
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a relatively minor update to the S25 Ultra, but with an updated design, and improved main camera, as well as improved telephoto camera, both with brighter apertures. The screen has been updated to add extra privacy that can be enabled and disabled. The main camera has the same headline-grabbing 200MP sensor that uses pixel-binning technology as its predecessor, with a brighter f/1.4 aperture compared to last years f/1.7.
The S26 Ultra is very capable of taking great pictures across a range of scenarios. Images have great colours, plenty of detail and the cameras work well in low light too. Video is good, with some interesting options available for those who like to create different types of content.
The native camera app has a lot going for it, including the AI editing suite which can really help to improve your photographs. Whether you’re shooting stills or making video content, the S26 Ultra is hard to beat.
Also good for: The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is going to provide excellent results in most situations, including landscapes, low-light and night, as well as video, vlogging, YouTube, and more. In fact many YouTubers use this camera for video thanks to the wide range of lenses available. If you’re on a budget have a look for the S25 Ultra.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review to see what this smartphone is cable of.
Best overall iPhone camera
Best Apple camera phone: iPhone 17 Pro and Max
Amateur Photographer verdict
Apple’s best iPhone ever made so far – the 17 Pro and Pro Max with new higher resolution 4x telephoto camera, and square 18MP selfie camera
- Improved selfie camera
- Triple high-resolution cameras
- Image quality very good overall
- Limited colours
- Weak macro performance
| Specifications | iPhone 17 Pro and Max |
|---|---|
| Main camera | 48MP f/1.78 aperture, 24mm equivalent |
| Ultra-wide-angle | 48MP f/2.2 aperture, 13mm equivalent |
| Telephoto cameras | 48MP f/2.8 aperture, 100mm equivalent |
| Selfie camera | 18MP f/1.9, with AF |
| Video | 4K video up to 120fps |
| Screen | Pro Max: 6.9inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen. Pro: 6.3inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen |
| Battery | Pro Max: 4823mAh battery, Pro: 3998mAh battery (more on eSIM versions) |
Whichever iPhone 17 Pro you go for (Pro or Pro Max), you’re getting the same updated camera system on both models, the only differences being the phone size (including the screen and battery). This year we’ve got an update to the telephoto camera, which now has a higher resolution 48MP sensor, a 4x telephoto lens, and offers an 8x “optical quality” digital crop/zoom option, that can give nice results. There’s also an updated 18MP selfie camera with a square sensor making it easier to shoot any way you hold the phone.
I reviewed the phone, and found the overall package extremely good in terms of camera features, but I’m still waiting for Apple to improve the macro performance, which has been overtaken by Android phones which now tend to use the telephoto camera (with a periscope design) to give more pleasing macro images.
These updates may be enough to persuade people to upgrade from the 15 and 16 series, but there have been questions raised about the durability of the new aluminium design, in comparison to the Titanium used on the 15 and 16.
The iPhone 17 Pro / Max offer the best iPhone cameras, and if you prefer the Apple way of doing things then this is a great choice, with some easy to use but useful built-in photo editing tools. The main choice now, will be whether you want the larger phone, or the more compact phone.
Read our full iPhone 17 Pro review.
Best phone for night
Best camera phone for night: Honor Magic8 Pro
Amateur Photographer verdict
The Honor Magic8 Pro is designed to give excellent low-light shots particularly using the telephoto camera, with good close-up performance and durability too.
- Updated telephoto night camera (3.7x)
- Great close-ups with telephoto camera
- IP69K protection rating
- Up to 7 major updates
- Fixed focus selfie camera
- UK only gets the smaller battery
- Not available in the US
| Specifications | Honor Magic8 Pro |
|---|---|
| Main camera | 50MP f/1.6 with AF, OIS, 23mm |
| Ultra-wide-angle | 50MP f/2.0 with AF (and macro), 12mm |
| Telephoto cameras | 200MP f/2.6, 3.7x with AF, OIS, with close-focus, 85mm |
| Selfie camera | 50MP f/2.0 selfie, fixed focus |
| Video | 4K 120fps video |
| Screen | 6.8inch screen, 1-120Hz, 2600nits,6.71inch OLED 120Hz, 1800/6000nits (HBM/peak) |
| Battery | 6270mAh (Europe), 7100mAh (International), 7200mAh (China) Silicon Carbon Li-ion battery |
The Honor Magic 8 Pro is Honor’s top performer for photography, with a 50MP main camera with OIS, and a bright f/1.6 aperture as well as a relatively large sensor. There’s an ultra-wide-angle camera that is wider than most, and can be used for macro. But the real star performer is the 200MP telephoto camera with an f/2.6 aperture, optical image stabilisation (OIS), and a larger than normal sensor. This gives impressive low-light and night performance, as well as a close focusing distance of 14cm, which allows for some really pleasing close-up photos, with natural looking background blur.
AI technology is included to help with taking photos as well as editing photos, with editing features that rival the other brands in this list. The phone also offers an IP69K rating, which is the highest available in any phone I’m aware of, making sure your phone will last through the years. Adding to that is 7 years of updates, matching other brands on this list.
If you’re in the UK you can find some impressive deals on this phone, which was first introduced with £200 off the RRP, along with a bundle of extras. Adding to the value on offer, the main processor in this phone is currently one of the fastest available, and you can even use the phone as a desktop computer when connected to a monitor, great if you wanted to edit your photos on a large screen.
Read our full Honor Magic8 Pro review to see what this smartphone is cable of.
Best used iPhone camera
Best used Apple camera phone: iPhone 16 Pro and Max
Amateur Photographer verdict
Apple’s best phone for 2025 is the 16 Pro and Pro Max adding some additional camera updates, rather than anything ground-breaking
- Pro Max benefits from larger screen
- New camera control button
- Image quality very good overall
- Low resolution telephoto camera
- Low resolution selfie camera
- Weak macro performance
| Specifications | iPhone 16 Pro and Max |
|---|---|
| Main camera | 48MP, f/1.78 aperture, 24mm equivalent |
| Ultra-wide-angle | 48MP, f/2.2 aperture, 13mm equivalent |
| Telephoto cameras | 48MP, f/2.2 aperture, 13mm equivalent |
| Selfie camera | 12MP f/1.9, with AF |
| Video | 4K up to 120fps |
| Screen | Pro Max: 6.9inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen. Pro: 6.3inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen |
| Battery | Pro Max: 4685mAh battery, Pro: 3582mAh battery |
Whether you go for the iPhone 16 Pro or the 16 Pro Max, you’re getting the same camera system, the only differences being the phone size (including the screen and battery). This iPhone update sees the ultra-wide-angle camera updated, as well as a new photo control button on the side that helps give quicker access to photo settings (such as zoom, etc). Hardly as ground-breaking as Apple would make out, but a welcome addition.
I reviewed the phone, and found the new controls useful, but would have liked to see Apple improve the macro performance, which has been overtaken by Android phones, and I’d also like Apple to improve the selfie camera, which struggles in low-light.
These updates may not be enough to persuade people to upgrade from the 15 Pro Max, but if you want a very good iPhone, and don’t want to break the bank, then the 16 Pro / Pro Max is a good choice, especially as prices for used or refurbished are much lower than new models.
These are also the best iPhones available for zoom, thanks to the 5x telephoto camera.
Read our full iPhone 16 Pro review, as well as our 16 Pro Max review. JW
Best folding camera phone
Best folding camera phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
Amateur Photographer verdict
Previous folding phones have left me feeling there’s been too much of a compromise, but that’s all changed now with the Z Fold7, offering a great camera setup and an ultra slim folding body.
- 200MP main camera
- Amazing 8inch screen
- Ultra-wide can be used for macro
- Can be awkward switching screens
- 2x 10MP selfie cameras not great
- Price is high
| Specifications | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 |
|---|---|
| Main camera | 200MP f/1.7, with OIS, 1/1.3inch, 23mm |
| Ultra-wide-angle | 12MP f/2.2, 0.6x, 13mm, with AF |
| Telephoto cameras | 10MP f/2.4 3x, with OIS, 69mm |
| Selfie camera | 2x 10MP selfie cameras |
| Video | 8K 30fps video, 4K 120/60/30fps |
| Screen | 8.0inch inner screen (folding), 6.5inch outer screen |
| Battery | 4400mAh battery with wireless charging |
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is the latest folding phone from Samsung, and until this model, I’ve felt that there was not enough focus on the camera system to be good enough for photographers, however, that has changed with the Z Fold7. The main camera has the same headline-grabbing 200MP sensor that uses pixel-binning technology as the flagship S25 Ultra, and the ultra-wide camera now has auto-focus to enable some nice macro photography.
Like the S25 Ultra there are some nice AI features, with a range of additional features for searching, including inside the photo gallery. There’s also been improvements to video recording, with the ability to use AI to improve the audio quality as well as Log tools.
Where the Zold 7 really stands out is in the folding screen design, which gives you an impressive 8.0inch inner screen, where you photos look amazing, and your video recording and editing has plenty of room. When folded the phone still feels like a normal phone, thanks to the extra thin design. If your budget allows, this truly is a wonderful phone to use.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 review to see what this smartphone is cable of.
Best for sports and action
Best flagship for sports and action: OnePlus 13
Amateur Photographer verdict
This is a great all-round phone from OnePlus with fantastic cameras, that deliver excellent image quality in a variety of conditions.
- Great value, all-round flagship
- Excellent battery life
- Hasselblad partnership on cameras
- Premium build quality
- Selfie camera still fixed focus only
- No 4K 120fps video
| Specifications | OnePlus 13 |
|---|---|
| Main camera | 50MP, f/1.6, OIS, 1/1.4″ sensor |
| Ultra-wide-angle | 50MP 120°, f/2.05, 1/2.75 sensor |
| Telephoto cameras | 50MP 3X, f/2.6, OIS, 73mm focal length, 1/1.95″ sensor |
| Selfie camera | 32MP front camera, f/2.45, fixed focus, 1/2.74″ sensor |
| Video | 4K 60fps on all cameras including front, 8K 30fps video recording available to rear cameras |
| Screen | 6.82inch screen, 1-120Hz dynamic, 1600/4500 nits, Ceramic Guard glass |
| Battery | Silicon NanoStack 6,000mAh battery |
This flagship phone from OnePlus features an impressive array of specs that make it a worthy contender for the likes of Apple, Samsung and Google. And it does this at a significantly lower starting price of $899 / £899. It has everything you would expect from a high-end phone with AI features, a generous 6.82” screen, sturdy battery life and of course a capable triple-lens rear camera setup.
There is a 23mm wide angle, a 15mm ultra-wide angle and a 73mm triprism lens that provides approximately 3x optical zoom. All three lenses have a 50MP sensor, however, the main wide angle lens uses a larger, 1/1.4inch sensor whereas the others are smaller. Thanks to the firm’s continuing partnership with Hasselblad there’s a 1x, 2x, and 3x Portrait mode that emulates the look from Hasselblad camera lenses.
You can record up to 8K resolution at 30fps but keep in mind the space these videos will occupy, there’s also a 4K 60fps option and of course slow-mo at 1080p 240fps. The OnePlus 13 currently holds the position of highest peak brightness smartphone screen on the market with an incredible 4500 nits, so you can not just record high-quality video but enjoy watching even in very bright sunlight.
Thanks to a dual exposure algorithm that merges a regular and a long exposure shot, photos are sharp with very minimal motion blur, this makes the OnePlus13 ideal for shooting sports, action and fast moving subjects. Combine this with the Burst function in the dedicated Action mode and you won’t miss a shot.
Read our full review of the OnePlus 13
Best AI phone
Best AI phone for photography: Google Pixel 10 Pro (and XL)
Amateur Photographer verdict
For photographers, the Google Pixel 10 Pro delivers exceptional photos, in the majority of shooting scenarios, plus has AI enhanced zoom. However, if you’re a macro fan, then others are better.
- Consistently good photos
- Panorama mode works well
- AI features like Add-me
- Additional 2x and 10x zoom options – plus AI enhanced zoom
- Macro performance is lacking
- 4K 60fps is max video quality (without Cloud upscaling)
- 128GB storage is poor for a flagship
| Specifications | Google Pixel 10 Pro (and XL) |
|---|---|
| Main camera | 50MP, f/1.68, OIS |
| Ultra-wide-angle | 48MP, f/1.7, with macro AF |
| Telephoto cameras | 48MP, f/2.8, 5x telephoto, OIS |
| Selfie camera | 42MP f/2.2 selfie camera with AF |
| Video | 4K video recording, up to 60fps |
| Screen | 6.3inch screen, 1-120hz, 3300nits (peak), Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Battery | 4870mAh battery with wireless charging |
The Google Pixel series has long been a choice for those who put the photography features before everything else. The Google Pixel 10 Pro continues that tradition with improvements being made to the cameras, as well as shooting features, with enhanced zoom as well, thanks to additional AI improvements.
There’s a great triple camera setup on the back with an ultra-wide camera with AF, a main camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS), and a 5x telephoto camera, also with OIS. The phone also provides a 2x zoom, and a 10x zoom, that uses Super Resolution Zoom to provide ‘optical quality’ zoom, and in my testing, I found this actually worked really well! Beyond 10x zoom the camera system will use AI to add additional detail to images, giving you images that look better than the blurry mess of digital zoom.
There’s also a great selfie-camera, with 42MP, which uses pixel-binning to give 10.5MP images. There’s auto-focus, and the selfie camera is wider than the 8 series, meaning you can get more in the shot. The ultra-wide-angle camera has a bright f/1.7 aperture, compared to the f/2.0 aperture on the Pixel 8 Pro.
As a Google phone, the HDR shooting has been updated, and is now more impressive, with the phone coping with high dynamic range situations incredibly well, whether that’s outdoors, or in low-light conditions. There are further improvements made to the AI features on offer as well, with Add-me being a particularly useful feature for people who want to be in the shot when taking group photos.
Unfortunately the phone doesn’t record 8K video on the phone directly, maxing out at 4K 60fps, so if high-resolution (8K) video is what you’re looking for, other phones do this better. There are also others that also offer 120fps 4K video. Other negatives, include the macro performance of the phone, which is lacklustre. Using the ultra-wide-angle camera and cropping into the shot gives an image lacking in detail.
Google give you a choice of size, with the larger 10 Pro XL, and smaller Google Pixel 10 Pro, both featuring the same impressive camera system, so you can choose which size is best for you.
Best for: AI features that are easy to use, plus night and astrophotography. Google phones have an impressive night mode, as well as support for astrophotography. The AI editing is particularly impressive as well, and Google have hit the ground running with this.
Read our full Google Pixel 10 Pro review to get all the details. JW.
Best for photographers
Best for advanced photographers: Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Amateur Photographer verdict
One of the best performing smart phones on the market with an impressive array of cameras that deliver excellent image quality, however this comes at a flagship price
- 1inch main sensor
- 3x 50MP cameras, plus 200MP
- Raw shooting and pro mode
- Photography kit available
- High price
- Selfie camera doesn’t have AF
- Not available in every market
| Specifications | Xiaomi 15 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Main camera | 50MP, 1inch sensor and f/1.63 aperture |
| Ultra-wide-angle | 50MP f/2.2 (14mm equiv) |
| Telephoto cameras | 50MP f/1.8 3x (70mm equiv) and 200MP f/2.6 4.3x (100mm equiv) |
| Selfie camera | 32MP f/2.0 camera without AF |
| Video | 8K 30fps / 4K 120fps video |
| Screen | 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED, 3200 x 1440 pixels, 120Hz, 3200nits (peak) |
| Battery | 5410mAh battery (international) |
There’s an awful lot to like about the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, starting with the Leica branded camera system. It’s packed with a great range of features, including a one-inch main sensor, putting it ahead of most rivals. You can shoot using all three lenses in 50MP mode, and the telephoto camera has been upgraded to a 200MP unit for improved telephoto zoom. Video performs pretty well and it has a slew of options including slow motion, night video, video pro mode and a tracking mode.
While the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is not cheap, it fares well when compared to competing flagship models. It is also likely to drop in price more quickly – on the second-hand market too – compared with the likes of the bigger name (at least in certain markets) Samsung and Apple phones. Keep an eye out for an emerging gap in prices.
Our review found it to be an extremely capable smartphone which produces excellent results in a wide variety of different shooting scenarios, with some impressive close-up macro performance as well. In our opinion, it even gives the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra a run for it’s money, which is saying a lot! The only thing lacking is in the selfie-camera, which doesn’t feature auto-focus.
Read our full Xiaomi 15 Ultra review.
Best for close-ups
Best for close-up photography: Oppo Find X9 Pro
Amateur Photographer verdict
The Find X9 Pro has an exceptional set of rear cameras, combined with a great selfie camera, and THE BIGGEST battery on offer at a whopping 7500mAh.
- Amazing telephoto close-up performance
- Impressive main camera
- Good value for money
- Fantastic battery
- Unavailable in the US
| Specifications | Oppo Find X9 Pro |
|---|---|
| Main camera | 50MP f/1.5, with 1/1.28inch sensor, OIS, 23mm, PDAF |
| Ultra-wide-angle | 50MP f/2.0, 15mm, AF |
| Telephoto cameras | 200MP f/2.1 3x, with close focus, 70mm, OIS, AF |
| Selfie camera | 50MP f/2.0 selfie camera, with AF |
| Video | 4K 120fps video |
| Screen | 6.78inch AMOLED screen with 3600nits (peak) |
| Battery | 7500mAh battery |
This flagship smartphone by Oppo comes with an impressive triple set of cameras created in collaboration with Hasselblad. All cameras are equipped with high resolution sensors with auto-focus and OIS (optical image stabilisation on the main and telephoto). There’s a 200MP 3x periscope telephoto camera with impressice 9cm macro focus. The main camera and telephoto camera have brighter apertures than most others, and these specs make the Find X9 Pro a formidable competitor to the well-known flagships.
The main 23mm f/1.5 camera features a 50MP 1/1.28inch sensor, which is larger than many other phones. It delivers consistently impressive results with plenty of detail, excellent colour reproduction, and reliable exposure. Moreover, the dynamic range is great with HDR automatically turning on when needed.
The floating telephoto camera is a periscope design, and it gives you amazing looking close-up photos, even in poor lighting, with plenty of detail. It is also backed by a 200MP sensor, helping capture even more detail. Finally, the last ultra-wide-angle 15mm equivalent, f/2 camera provides nice results, with good colour and exposure, as well as good levels of detail. The camera app gives you quick access to 0.6x, 1x, 2x, 3x and 6x making it feel like you’ve got way more cameras than there actually are.
The upgraded and high-quality camera system offers plenty of photo opportunities, and the 50MP selfie camera with autofocus is also a very welcome addition to the spec sheet. Results across all cameras are high quality, consistent and produce really nice natural colours. You’ll also find that this has THE BIGGEST battery of any current flagship we’ve tested, with a whopping 7500mAh, and this really does last longer than anyone else on the list.
Best for: Macros and close-up, with great low-light performance. The telephoto lens produces some great results, and the battery life is immense!
Read our full Oppo Find X9 Pro review
Best small camera phone
Best Small Samsung flagship: Samsung Galaxy S25/S25+
Amateur Photographer verdict
If you prefer a cheaper and slightly smaller phone, but don’t want to compromise too much on specs the S25 or 25+ could be a great choice. A solid all rounder, even without a dedicated macro mode.
- High resolution main camera
- AF Selfie camera
- 8K video
- No macro mode
- Lower resolution ultrawide and telephoto camera
- Only 128GB on the base S25
Samsung Galaxy S25 (4000mAh battery, 6.2inch) / S25+ (4900mAh, 6.7inch):
If your budget is a bit tighter but you still want to get most of the S25 Ultra specs, the S25 or the S25+ is an ideal choice. The biggest differences from the S25 Ultra are the lack of headline grabbing 200MP super-high resolution main sensor, no dedicated macro mode, and only three lenses instead of four. But in reality both are very capable and well performing camera phones.
Both S25 and S25+ feature an identical camera set-up, with a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 50MP main wide camera, 10MP 3x telephoto, and 12MP front selfie camera (with AF), and up to 8K video recording from the main camera. For video or vlogging, the S25/S25+ offer a great setup, as the selfie camera can also be used for 4K video recording.
The only difference between these two flagships are their size, price, and battery life. Both have a smaller body than the S24 Ultra, however the Samsung Galaxy S25+ measures 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3mm and features a 6.7inch Dynamic AMOLED screen which is not far off from the S25 Ultra’s 6.9inch size. If you want to go for a smaller version opt for the Samsung Galaxy S25 with 6.2inch screen, it sits more comfortably in the hand, however its smaller size means smaller battery too.
Best value flagship
Best value flagship: Tecno Camon 40 Premier 5G
Amateur Photographer verdict
If the Camon 40 Premier is available near you, then it’s well worth shortlisting, as it offers a lot of camera for the price
- Price
- 3x 50MP main cameras
- 50MP selfie camera with AF
- Not available in all markets (like the US or UK)
- Portrait outlines could be improved
| Specifications | Tecno Camon 40 Premier 5G |
|---|---|
| Main camera | 50MP f/1.8, 23mm equivalent, 1/1.56” sensor, PDAF, OIS |
| Ultra-wide-angle | 50MP f/2.0, 14mm equivalent, 1/2.76” sensor, PDAF |
| Telephoto cameras | 50MP f/2.4, 70mm equivalent, 1/2.76” sensor, PDAF |
| Selfie camera | 50MP f/2.5, 24mm equivalent selfie camera, PDAF |
| Video | 4K video at 60fps |
| Screen | 6.67inch screen |
| Battery | 5100mAh battery with fast charging |
The Tecno Camon series of phones is Tecno’s flagship range of smartphones designed for photography. The Tecno Camon 40 Premier 5G is the top of the range model (the Camon 40 Pro sits slightly beneath it), and offers a premium triple camera setup for roughly half the price of flagships from the likes of Samsung, Apple, and Google. However, it’s only available in certain markets, so if you find yourself in that market, count yourself one of the lucky ones. It’s priced so competitively it’s likely to fit both in this list of premium camera phones, as well as our list of the best budget phones.
All camera units on this feature a 50MP sensor, and on the back you get cameras that offer ultra-wide angle (14mm equivalent), wide-angle (23mm equivalent), and 3x telephoto (70mm equivalent), and on the front you’ll find a 50MP f/2.4 camera with auto-focus! The phone can also record 4K video at 60fps, has a generous 5100mAh battery, with fast charging, but unfortunately wireless charging isn’t included.
Read our full Tecno Camon 40 Premier review
How to choose the best camera phone for the best photos
Sensors and image quality
Comparing the headline specs of camera phones can be a useful way of getting a sense of how they perform, and which ones might be better than others. Digital photography enthusiasts may gravitate towards comparing camera resolution (megapixels or MP for short), however this often doesn’t tell the whole story.
Smartphone cameras generally use very small sensors, due to their physical size and shape, and this can mean a lot of image noise in high-resolution shooting, however, some use larger 1inch sensors (or near 1inch sensors). Modern phones make up for this by taking multiple shots and merging them together into one photo, allowing for lower noise, and greater dynamic range, so a small sensor isn’t as much of a disadvantage as it once was.
When we talk about a smartphone’s main cameras (i.e. the rear cameras), we’re really talking about more than one, as modern smartphones use a camera array made up of multiple lens modules. This is what allows smartphones to shoot at different perspectives; generally there will be a standard wide lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens, and then sometimes a telephoto lens or a macro-lens for close-ups.
The different lenses use their own sensors, and as such will tend to have different megapixel counts. Some of the latest smartphones even use quad camera arrays with four modules, while other manufacturers are experimenting with optical zoom lenses, though this tech is in its early days, with mixed results.
Battery life
You should also consider battery life, as some phones last the day while others do not. Most flagship phones have a battery with 5000mAh which should give a good amount of longevity, however, smaller phones often have smaller batteries, so it’s something to be aware of.
Video
The top video resolution will be of interest, almost all flagship phones will offer 4K video, but do they also offer it from the selfie camera? The best phones for video also offer 8K video, or 4K video at high frame rates of 120fps. You’ll also want advanced lens options and good quality audio recording. If you’re shooting video, battery size is particularly important, as it tends to eat away at a phone’s battery faster.
Check out the best smartphones for video if that’s your priority, but otherwise, continue reading.
Is iOS or Android better for photography?
One big thing to think about is whether you want to use a phone that runs iOS vs Android as its operating system. Both systems have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to smartphone photography, as well as general use as a smartphone.
If you already use a lot of Apple products like MacBooks then an iPhone will integrate better into your system. However, Android phones offer a lot more choice and flexibility with third-party apps. These days, Android phones from market leaders like Google and Samsung have some of the best cameras in the business.
When choosing a phone, whether Android or iOS, it’s worth checking how many years of updates you’ll get, as some phones give much longer than others, meaning better value for money for you.
You can check out our guide to iPhone vs Android: which is better for photography for a detailed comparison.
Is there a DSLR-quality camera phone?
With smartphone camera technology continually advancing, you may be wondering whether they have equalled or even surpassed the quality of traditional interchangeable-lens cameras like DSLRs or mirrorless models. However, for the time being, the answer is no, and this is largely to do with physical hardware limitations.
A premium digital camera can pack in a physically larger imaging sensor, which allows it to produce images with higher quality, and lower noise without multi-shot processing. In bright sunny conditions, the difference may not be as noticeable, but in low-light conditions, this is where you’re more likely to notice it. The majority of mirrorless and DSLR cameras also provide more resolution, with 24MP, 40MP, 47MP and 61MP (etc) sensors giving the full-resolution, without pixel-binning.
Cameras also have the advantage of interchangeable lenses – being able to put on an 85mm f/1.4 lens is always going to give you better results than a smartphone’s portrait mode. Granted, if you were to look at the two images side by side on a small phone screen the differences might not be so obvious. But the moment you try to view the image on a larger display, or print it, the difference in quality will be obvious.
The acceleration of progress in smartphone cameras has certainly raised the question of whether they can replicate the quality of digital cameras and DSLRs. Ultimately, with their interchangeable lenses, larger sensors, and raw imaging capability, the answer is: not yet. Some genres and shooting situations, such as portrait photography and macro photography are certainly better served by a camera than a smartphone, but phones are catching up quickly.
And, smartphones have their advantages, of course, they’re convenient, they’re always online, and they’re the camera you always have on you. If you’re still not sure which is right for you, then have a look at our guide to Smartphone vs Digital Camera: Which is better?
Frequenty asked questions (FAQ)
In short, no, not really. Most smartphones will use a higher resolution sensor, whether that’s a 50MP, 64MP, 108MP or 200MP sensor, and still give you a 12MP, or 24MP image. Nobody wants to get 108MP or 200MP photos emailed or shared to them anyway, so no, megapixel count doesn’t really matter on a camera phone, despite what the marketing might claim. There are some small benefits to higher resolution sensors, in the form of cropping and lossless zoom, but beyond that, there are also disadvantages.
We reviewed the flagship Sony Xperia 1 VI phone, and whilst we have seen a number of improvements in the phone from Sony, we found that the telephoto zoom camera on the phone gave disappointing images, and the portrait and low-light images couldn’t match other flagship phones. There are some unique features on the phone, such as a manual focus close-up macro mode, and a lot of manual controls, but for most people, this could end up being a frustrating shooting experience. However, if you do need a phone with a headphone jack and MicroSD slot, this is one of very few flagship phones with these features. Check out our full Sony Xperia 1 VI review to see if it’s right for you.
How we test smartphones for photography
We have reviewed and tested every single phone on this list, thoroughly, using them extensively for at least 2 weeks (often longer), so you can trust our recommendations when deciding which phone to buy.
We review smartphones from the perspective of choosing a smartphone for its photography and camera performance, so we test every phone by looking at what it offers in terms of the cameras and what features are included for photography and video, and how it performs in real world use in a variety of different shooting situations. We look at video quality for both picture quality, smoothness of zoom, as well as the audio quality on offer.
We test each camera on the phone, whether that’s the ultra-wide angle, the main camera, telephoto camera(s), and selfie camera, as well as the additional “lenses” (the extra zoom levels) and zoom modes on offer (whether that’s real or digital/AI generated), plus any additional modes these lenses offer, whether that’s macro or telephoto macro. These premium phones should be putting in a stellar performance with every camera on the phone, including the selfie camera.
We use the phones for photography in a range of lighting conditions, including low-light, where camera phones can struggle, and this will highlight any weaknesses from smaller sensors. We shoot in bright conditions, where cameras can struggle with bright and dark areas, and this tested the dynamic range of the cameras as well as how well the phone handles high-dynamic-range (HDR) processing.
We also look at specialist shooting modes on offer, including the portrait modes on offer, looking at how well it deals with the subjects skin tones, background blur, and areas of detail like around the hair. We also look at AI features, for example, when shooting photos, and when it comes to editing, what AI editing tools are on offer and how do they perform.
In addition to all of this, we look at how good the overall phone is, in terms of battery life so you can keep shooting throughout the day, the screen quality and brightness (testing this in bright outdoor light and checking visibility), and overall build quality.
Recent updates
- April 2026: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra replaced by S26 Ultra which offers improved cameras for photography. Frequently asked questions updated.
- February 2026: Oppo Find X9 Pro added as best for macro and battery life, as well as offering an exceptional all-round camera setup. Article updated for clarity and links checked.
- January 2026: Honor Magic8 Pro added as best for telephoto night photography. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra removed (added as a cheaper option under the S25 Ultra).
- December 2025: iPhone 15 Pro removed as difficult to purchase except for refurbished or second-hand models, and newer models in the range are likely to have better offers available: Read our full iPhone 15 Pro review, as well as our guide to the best iPhones for photography for all price options. Additional information and resources added to top phone choices.
- November 2025 Update: iPhone 14 Pro removed as best value used iPhone, as difficult to buy now newer models have been released. Google Pixel 8 Pro removed as only available to buy refurbished and second-hand. Intro text clarified, and Google Pixel 10 Pro updated to Best AI phone thanks to all the AI features that make it easier to get great photos. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra removed as newer phones can offer the same level of zoom (through clever hybrid zoom), and S23 Ultra is getting old, and therefore will get less updates compared to newer models. How we test section expanded to explain in more detail how we test the phones.
- October 2025 Update: iPhone 17 Pro review now live on site, and added as the best iPhone camera ever made. Updated low-light photo taken with the Google Pixel 10 Pro.
Now you know the best camera phones for photography, check out our guide to the best camera phone accessories and best camera phone tripods and mounts.
Related reading:
- Best smartphones for macro
- Best smartphones for street photography
- Best smartphones for portrait photography
- Best smartphones for low light