10 Best Camera Phones for Photographers

Arek Dvornechuck
10 min readOct 30, 2022

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If you are looking for the ideal camera phone on the market to capture your perfect photos, check out this compilation of the 10 best camera phones.

The best camera phones provide images and videos that are comparable to those captured by traditional cameras.

You will be able to snap the perfect photo with your favorite smartphone if you use these best camera phones on the market.

What are the best camera phones?

The list incorporates camera phones from super-brands like Apple, Google, and Samsung, among others.

The quality of photos produced by the most recent phones from these brands demonstrates that using camera phones these days is similar to using standard cameras.

The search is finally over. Here is my compilation of the 10 best camera phones.

10 Best Camera Phones

  1. Google Pixel 6Most affordable
  2. Google Pixel 6 ProBest Android camera phone
  3. Apple iPhone 13 Pro MaxBest Apple camera phone
  4. Samsung Galaxy S22 UltraMost versatile
  5. Samsung Galaxy S22 PlusBest alternative to S22 Ultra
  6. OnePlus 10 ProBest OnePlus camera phone
  7. Samsung Galaxy S21 UltraBest all-in-one
  8. Google Pixel 5aBest value
  9. Apple iPhone 12 ProMost affordable Apple
  10. Oppo Find X3 5GBest macro camera

How to choose the best camera phone

Smartphones can have a vast range of functions, making it difficult to choose the appropriate one for you.

If you want the best camera phone, you might want to consider a few factors.

The first thing to consider is the type of photography you are into and your budget, among others.

  1. Photography Style
  2. Megapixel
  3. Autofocus
  4. Flash Type
  5. Image Stability
  6. Price

Photography Style

Consider the types of photos you wish to take when selecting a camera phone.

An ultra-wide lens is ideal for landscape photography, while a microlens is for microscopic photography.

A telephoto lens is required for capturing wildlife or other inaccessible subjects.

Autofocus

Autofocus assists your phone’s camera in focusing on your subject, resulting in gorgeous, clear images each time.

No one enjoys images that are pixelated or blurred.

Some smartphone cameras will have focus these days, but some do not, so take time to check them out first before purchasing.

Megapixel

The resolution of still and video cameras, displays, and scanners is measured in megapixels.

Megapixels have risen to the top of the camera phone hierarchy.

A phone camera with 12 or 16 megapixels or more will suffice if you plan to sell your images or create large prints and posters.

Image Stability

Image stabilization would be one of the many features that your camera phone should have.

Just like the autofocus feature, it is an important tool for keeping your favorite images from becoming blurred.

While it won’t totally eliminate blurry shots, it will help you lessen the amount of blur and produce better pictures every time.

Price

There are many alternatives to Android smartphones, ranging from the most affordable to the most expensive.

If you have the financial means, you can acquire higher-resolution results and better software packages.

What brand or model you can afford is always determined by your budget.

We have compiled a comprehensive list of the best camera phones so you can choose the perfect fit for you according to the above considerations.

1. Google Pixel 6

The Google Pixel 6 is a 5G phone that’s been entirely rebuilt on the inside and out.

The most affordable camera phone.

It is made of the company’s hardest Gorilla Glass yet, with up to two times the scratch resistance of prior Pixel phones.

It keeps your phone running smoothly, your games are vibrant, and your personal information is secure.

You will be able to remove photobombers and undesirable things using the phone’s Magic Eraser.

If you are looking for the best budget camera phone,the Google Pixel 6 is a great choice.

Specifications

Operating System: Android 12
CPU:
Google Tensor
Memory:
128 GB
Camera:
50 MP, 12 MP; 8 MP
Screen Resolution:
2400 x 1080
Screen Size:
6.4“
Product Dimension:
6.2 x 2.9 x 0.4“

Pros

  1. Value for the money
  2. Extreme battery-saver options

Cons

  1. Low Bluetooth audio
  2. Overseas services are blocked

Buy on Google Pixel 6 Amazon Now

2. Google Pixel 6 Pro

The Google Pixel 6 Pro is up to 80% faster than the Pixel 5 thanks to the custom-built Google Tensor chip.

The best Android camera phone.

The Google Tensor is the company’s first semiconductor designed just for Pixels.

It raises the bar on performance with computational photography, industry-leading security, and long battery life.

The telephoto lens on the Pixel 6 Pro sports a 4x optical zoom, and with Super Res Zoom, you may zoom up to 20 times.

The phone’s primary sensor is capable of shooting superb images with good detail and true-to-life colors.

If you are looking for the best camera for an Android phone, search no more because the Google Pixel 6 Pro is an excellent pick.

Specifications

Operating System: Android 12
CPU:
Google Tensor
Memory:
128 GB
Camera:
50 MP, 48 MP, 12 MP; 11 MP
Screen Resolution:
3120 x 1440
Screen Size:
6.7“
Product Dimension:
6.5 x 3.0 x 0.4“

Pros

  1. Top-of-the-line camera hardware
  2. Powerful and big screen

Cons

  1. No extendable storage
  2. Average battery life

Buy Google Pixel 6 Pro on Amazon Now

3. Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 13 Pro is without a doubt the best iPhone for shooters to date and provides incredible image and video quality.

The best Apple camera phone.

With the Cinematic Video, you can now focus on pull while taking film, which will come in handy for individuals trying to capture movies on their phones.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max phone’s ultrawide can also be used as a macro camera, capturing subjects as close as 2 cm away.

With surgical-grade stainless steel, a ceramic shield, and industry-leading IP68 water resistance, the design is stunning.

If you are looking for the best camera phone to shoot stills or video, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is an amazing option.

Specifications

Operating System: iOS15
CPU:
Apple A15
Memory:
128 GB
Camera:
12 MP, 12 MP, 12 MP; 12 MP
Screen Resolution:
2778 x 1284
Screen Size:
6.7“
Product Dimension:
6.33 x 3.07 x 3“

Pros

  1. Top-of-the-line camera
  2. Great battery life

Cons

  1. Expensive
  2. The charger is available separately

Buy Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max on Amazon Now

4. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

The stunning new Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra smartphone is meant to shatter the boundaries of video to fulfill the needs of Gen Z’s native language: video.

The most versatile camera phone.

With its bright screen, you’ll never have to worry about the glare on the beach again when watching videos in direct sunlight.

You can capture your best nights with amazing low-light videos and capture the actual hues and contrasts of late-night celebrations that couldn’t be done previously.

The Galaxy S22 Ultraboasts a super adaptable screen that adjusts color and brightness automatically, both outdoors and inside.

Samsung’s software also aids in improving optical image stabilization, digital image stabilization, and image processing.

With four rear cameras and a great high-resolution front camera, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the most versatile phone on the market.

Specifications

Operating System: Android 12
CPU:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Memory:
256 GB
Camera:
108 MP, 12 MP, 10 MP, 4 MP; 40 MP
Screen Resolution:
3088 x 1440
Screen Size:
6.8“
Product Dimension:
6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35“

Pros

  1. Solid performance and stability
  2. Excellent S Pen stylus control

Cons

  1. Expensive
  2. Average battery life

Buy Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra on Amazon Now

5. Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus

Even if the improvements are minimal, the Samsung Galaxy S22+ is a good Android phone in every way, from design to display.

The best and cheaper alternative to Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.

Check out this device if you are looking for a smaller version of the Samsung S22 Ultra.

The Galaxy S22+ has fewer photo functions than the S22 Ultra, and it also has a lower price tag.

The sensor is also bigger, allowing more light in for better images in more demanding situations.

This is a fantastic new smartphone built to defy video rules in order to suit the needs of Gen Z’s native language, which sets a new standard with this new video machine.

If you are looking for a phone camera that offers the same capabilities as the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra but in a more affordable design, check out the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus.

Specifications

Operating System: Android 12
CPU:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Memory:
8 GB
Camera:
50 MP, 12 MP, 12 MP; 10 MP
Screen Resolution:
2400 x 1080
Screen Size:
6.6“
Product Dimension:
6.20 x 2.98 x 0.3“

Pros

  1. Great Android 12 features
  2. The display is nice and bright

Cons

  1. Average battery life
  2. Most camera upgrades still fall short of Google Pixel

Buy Samsung Galaxy S22+ on Amazon Now

6. OnePlus 10 Pro 5G

The OnePlus 10 Pro is a fantastic premium all-around phone with a beautiful screen, quick charging, and powerful internals.

The best Android camera phone from OnePlus.

This is the best camera phone the company has ever released.

The OnePlus 10 Pro surely gives the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra a run for its money, from the upgraded cameras to the magnificent display and attractive design.

With the greatest cameras ever included on a OnePlus phone, this is sleek, powerful, and long-lasting.

This allows the display to intelligently scale its refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz based on the content displayed.

If you are looking for the best phone from this company, the OnePlus 10 Pro is their best flagship smartphone camera.

Specifications

Operating System: Android 12
CPU:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Memory:
128 GB
Camera:
48 MP, 50 MP, 8 MP; 32 MP
Screen Resolution:
1440 x 3216
Screen Size:
6.7“
Product Dimension:
7.56 x 3.82 x 2.64“

Pros

  1. Great battery life
  2. Excellent camera

Cons

  1. Telephoto only has 8 megapixels
  2. No Micro SD card slot

Buy OnePlus 10 Pro on Amazon Now

7. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a powerful processor, a water-resistant casing, and wireless charging capabilities.

The best all-in-one camera phone.

This is for those who don’t require the high-end features of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, which feels very similar in most ways.

With a dazzling appearance and a fast Galaxy CPU, this device is spectacular in every way.

It can connect to a monitor and serve as a desktop experience using Samsung’s big-screen interface, DeX.

If you are looking for the best all-in-one camera phone, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a great pick.

Specifications

Operating System: Android 12
CPU:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
Memory:
128 GB
Camera:
10 MP, 12 MP, 108 MP; 10 MP
Screen Resolution:
1440×3200
Screen Size:
6.8“
Product Dimension:
2.9 x 6.5 x 0.3“

Pros

  1. Amazing zoom capability
  2. Great battery life

Cons

  1. Expensive
  2. Big in size

Buy Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra on Amazon Now

8. Google Pixel 5a

The Google Pixel 5a is by far the best camera phone you can buy for under $500.

The best camera phone for the money on the market.

It can be immersed for up to 30 minutes in three feet of water.

The design is quite simple with the fingerprint sensor and a subtle dip in the upper center below the back camera.

If you are looking for the best value in camera phones, the Google Pixel 5a is undoubtedly the number one choice.

Specifications

Operating System: Android 11
CPU:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
Memory:
128 GB
Camera:
12.2 MP, 16 MP; 12 MP
Screen Resolution:
2400 x 1080
Screen Size:
6.34“
Product Dimension:
6.1 x 2.9 x 0.3“

Pros

  1. IP67 water resistance
  2. Outstanding performance

Cons

  1. Kind of a boring design
  2. Limited location availability

Buy Google Pixel 5a on Amazon Now

9. Apple iPhone 12 Pro

With an outstanding triple camera setup, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro is one of the best camera phones today.

The most affordable Apple camera phone.

In a slimmer new design, it combines exceptional picture and video quality, 5G, and insanely fast performance.

Apple has also included HDR3, which allows you to mix multiple exposures for the best possible image.

The design of the iPhone 12 Pro is both modern and vintage, making it undoubtedly fascinating to Apple lovers.

It has a 5G feature and the new Ceramic Shield display, which has a 4x better drop performance.

If you are looking for the best Apple camera phone without paying a premium, you will never go wrong with the Apple iPhone 12 Pro.

Specifications

Operating System: iOS15
CPU:
Apple A15
Memory:
128 GB
Camera:
12 MP, 12 MP; 12 MP
Screen Resolution:
1170×2532
Screen Size:
6.1“
Product Dimension:
5.78 x 2.82 x .29“

Pros

  1. Clear and bright OLED screen
  2. Amazing audio quality

Cons

  1. Expensive
  2. Standard battery life

Buy Apple iPhone 12 Pro on Amazon Now

10. Oppo Find X3 Pro

The Oppo Find X3 is a 5G Android smartphone with a lot to offer, such as a bright display and fast performance capabilities.

The best camera phone for macro photography.

The device boasts a unique, elegant design with a smooth slope.

Colors are captured successfully by the 32-megapixel selfie camera, and the pictures are fairly detailed.

The Microlens is similar to a microscope lens in that it can pick up more details than a regular lens or even the human eye can.

If you are looking for a great camera phone that is good for microscopic photography, the Oppo Find X3 Pro is one of the best options.

Specifications

Operating System: Android 12
CPU:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
Memory:
256 GB
Camera:
32 MP, 13 MP, 50 MP; 50 MP
Screen Resolution:
1440 x 3216
Screen Size:
6.7“

Pros

  1. Microlens camera
  2. Bright and vibrant screen

Cons

  1. No MicroSD slot
  2. Unsatisfying zoom capability

Buy Oppo Find X3 5G on Amazon Now

Conclusions

That sums up the best camera phones that you can use in 2022.

It is not only the hardware of the top camera phones that is getting better but also the software as time goes by.

Which is the best camera phone in 2022?

The competition for the best camera phone seems to be between Apple and Google.

Apple increased the sensors on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro.

But don’t forget Samsung, which also has a lot to offer, like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

Although the best camera phone changes frequently, your best option will always depend on your own needs and preferences.

The best for you may not be ideal for someone else, since everyone has different camera phone requirements.

Think about what you need from your camera phone before making any decision.

Originally published at https://www.ebaqdesign.com on October 30, 2022.

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