Every smartphone claims to have the best camera money can buy, but which ones actually make the cut? To help you decide, I’ve sifted my way through dozens of the best and most affordable camera phones, grading them on essential photography metrics like exposure, HDR capabilities, portrait quality, zoom capabilities, and video capture options. Whether you’re shooting friends and family or documenting a trip abroad, these are the smartphones I think you should buy.
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: The best camera phone overall Google Pixel 10 Pro XL Excellent build quality • Improved camera flexibility • Smooth-as-ever software MSRP: $1,199.00 Ultimate power from the Pixel 10 line The most powerful option from the Pixel 10 line is the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. With a 6.8-inch display, Tensor G5 shipset, 16GB of RAM, UFS 4.0 storage options, a powerful triple camera setup, and a battery in excess of 5,000mAh, you should be able to power through any task in your day. See price at Amazon Positives Excellent build quality
Excellent build quality Improved camera flexibility
Improved camera flexibility Upgraded battery capacity
Upgraded battery capacity Smooth-as-ever software
Smooth-as-ever software Slightly better charging
Slightly better charging So many exclusive features Cons No SIM slot in the US
No SIM slot in the US Tensor G5 is better, but still not 'elite'
Tensor G5 is better, but still not 'elite' Some new AI features still need work Check out our Google Pixel 10 Pro XL camera samples When it comes to snapping photos of friends and family, you seldom get a second chance to reframe the moment, so reliability and point-and-shoot simplicity are key. As such, it is no surprise that the Google Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL (the two share the same camera hardware) take our top spot. While it’s not a massive upgrade over the previous generation, Google has addressed some issues, like questionable color reproduction, and added a few new features to the Pixel 10 Pro XL that keep it a top pick for an all-around photography powerhouse. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is equipped with a superb 50-megapixel primary sensor and Google’s industry-renowned image processing capabilities, ensuring great-looking pictures regardless of the lighting conditions. Paired with a 48MP ultrawide camera to fit more in and a 5x periscope 48MP camera capable of extending out to 100x zoom thanks to Google’s new Pro Res Zoom feature, this phone is as versatile as they come. Whether you’re after consistency and simplicity or a hardware package to get creative with, the Pixel has the tools you need. During my time with the handset, I’ve been particularly impressed by the Pixel’s ability to capture the action. When other phones come out blurry or miss the action completely, my Pixel 10 Pro XL captures crystal-clear shots. I always miss Top Shot’s ability to pick the best-looking frame from a motion photo when testing out other smartphone cameras. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is the most consistent smartphone camera you can buy. Speaking of, Google’s photography prowess extends beyond camera hardware, leaning heavily on clever software and AI tricks to make your pics look their best. Astrophotography, Panorama shots, Action Pan, and the aforementioned Pro Res Zoom (an AI diffusion upgrade on the classic Super Res Zoom) are long-running staples that help you take your photography in more creative directions. Meanwhile, more unique tools like Add Me allow you to splice yourself back into the family photos you’re usually left out of, while Cinematic Blur helps videographers capture sumptuous bokeh blur. In addition to its brilliant camera, Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL is also a great phone. Its battery life will easily last through a busy day, its Tensor G5 processor provides responsive performance, and it has some of the industry’s most powerful AI tools. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is a great all-around pick, whether you’re a serious photographer or just looking to capture the occasional moment. Starting at $999 for the Pro model, Google’s best can also be grabbed for notably cheaper than other premium-tier camera phones, but we gave the XL the nod for its bigger battery life and larger display — both of which are handy for dedicated photographers. Read more
Xiaomi 15 Ultra: The best premium camera phone Xiaomi 15 Ultra Brilliant cameras • Two-day battery life • Fast universal charging MSRP: €1,499.99 The best camera phone you can buy? The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is an elite camera phone with incredible photography hardware and processing. It also packs rapid charging, great battery life, and is supported by up to six years of security updates. See price at XiaomiSee price at Amazon Positives Brilliant cameras
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