Mobile phones have become our main cameras for capturing important moments and memories that we want to preserve. However, every year, numerous new models from different brands are released with similar specifications, but some differences can be notable.

Choosing the one with the best camera can be time-consuming. To help you with this task, we have prepared a guide to make the process easier.

But first let’s see what makes a good cellphone camera.

Beyond megapixels, the quality of a cell phone camera depends on several factors:

• Image Sensor: Sensor size and technology are crucial for capturing light and details. A larger sensor generally means better low-light performance and greater dynamic range.
• Lenses: The quality of the lenses is essential for the sharpness and distortion of the image. A good lens system will include high-quality lenses and variable aperture for greater control over depth of field.
• Image Processor: The image processor is responsible for processing the information captured by the sensor and converting it into a photograph. A good image processor can improve image quality in difficult conditions, reduce noise, and apply creative and truly useful effects depending on the situation.

Some brands offer manual camera controls, advanced shooting modes, and versatile editing options. Others come with presets in auto mode with no possibility of changing any photography variables (Aperture, shutter speed, Iso, White Balance…)

and… what about megapixels?

Although megapixels sometimes offer certain advantages, such as the ability to enlarge or crop the image, more megapixels do not necessarily represent better quality in a smartphone photo. If you plan to use your photographs for social networks, you don’t need to worry much about megapixels. Instead, focus on the factors mentioned above.

which smartphone should be the best ?

High-end: The best on the market

If you’re looking for the best possible camera on a phone, you’ll likely need to consider high-end models. Generally, the more advanced and feature-rich a phone is, the more expensive it will be compared to the competition..

These are some of the best high-end models in 2024:

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max:

The latest iPhone always competes to be the best and this one is no exception. Its processor is always perhaps the best on the market. Its multimedia section, although it does not present significant changes compared to the previous model, is always one of the best and now with USB C. A camera that, although it does not present differences in hardware compared to the previous model, presents better results and software options.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The king of Android cameras is renewed with a 200MP main sensor, a 10x telephoto lens and a 100x spatial zoom. Photos and videos are sharp, vibrant and full of detail, even in low light conditions. The night mode is one of the best on the market.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Its unique image processing, offers realistic colors and exceptional dynamic range. The 5x optical zoom is one of the most versatile on the market, and the Magic Eraser mode lets you remove unwanted objects from your photos easily and precisely.

Xiaomi 13 Pro

It offers excellent value for money, with a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide angle and a 50MP telephoto lens. Photos are sharp and detailed, and the night mode is quite effective. The video is also high quality, recording in 8K at 24 fps.

Xiaomi 13 pro

Oppo Find X6 Pro

It stands out for its premium design and its Hasselblad camera. The 50MP main sensor captures sharp, vibrant images, and the 3x telephoto lens is ideal for portraits and distance photos. The night mode is one of the fastest on the market. It stands out for its premium design and its Hasselblad camera. The 50MP main sensor captures sharp, vibrant images, and the 3x telephoto lens is ideal for portraits and distance photos. The night mode is one of the fastest on the market.

Oppo find X6 Pro

Other good choices

It is not always necessary to buy the latest model to have a great camera. Many times there are no significant differences between a model from a year ago and a current one. These high-end phones from last or previous year continue to offer excellent results.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Still a great option for taking photos, with a versatile camera array that includes a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle, two 10MP telephoto lenses, and a depth sensor. Photos are sharp and detailed, and the night mode is one of the best on the market.

iPhone 13 Pro or 14 Pro.

Both models offer excellent camera performance, with a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle and a 12MP telephoto lens. Photos are sharp and vibrant, and the night mode is very effective. The video is also high quality, recording in 4K at 60 fps.

Pixel 7 or 7 Pro

Google’s latest phones offer a unique photographic experience, with image processing that stands out for its realistic colors and exceptional dynamic range. The Pixel 7 has a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide angle, while the Pixel 7 Pro adds a 48MP telephoto lens. Both models offer a very effective night mode and 4K video recording at 60 fps

Mid-range: Balance between price and performance

These phones are a good option If you are looking for a good camera without spending too much.

Google Pixel 7a

The budget-friendly version of the Pixel 7 features a high-quality camera with a 12.2MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens. Photos are sharp and vibrant, and the night mode is highly effective. The video quality is also impressive, recording in 1080p at 30 fps.

Redmi Note 12 Pro

This mid-range phone boasts a versatile camera setup, featuring a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP telephoto lens. Photos are decent in good lighting conditions, though the night mode leaves room for improvement. Video quality is also decent, recording in 1080p at 30 fps.

Xiaomi 12T

This phone offers excellent value for money, featuring a 108MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP telephoto lens. Photos are sharp and detailed in good lighting conditions, though the night mode could be improved. Video quality is decent, recording in 1080p at 30 fps.

Poco F5 Pro

This mid-range phone emphasizes performance while also providing a decent camera. The 108MP main sensor captures sharp, detailed photos in good lighting conditions, though the night mode could be improved. Video quality is decent, recording in 1080p at 30 fps.

Vivo V25 5G

An appealing choice for selfie enthusiasts, featuring a 50MP front camera that delivers impressive results. The 64MP main rear sensor captures decent photos in good lighting conditions, though the night mode could use improvement. Video quality is also decent, recording in 1080p at 30 fps.

Thank you for reading our post. The universe of technology and photography evolves every day, expanding the list of options. We will continuously update our recommendations based on new models and functionalities, prioritizing photography to help you achieve the best image quality experience.

It’s important to remember that having the latest model on the market won’t be useful if you don’t understand the basic concepts of photography. Additionally, availability of models may vary by country.

Finally, we want to offer you some suggestions:

• Don’t Just Look at the Megapixels.

The number of megapixels is not the only factor that determines the quality of a camera.

• Research about phone technical information.

Before purchasing a phone, research the camera specifications and read user reviews. There are many reviews available online that show how the device performs over time, which is important since you want your investment to last.

• Compare Prices

Don’t buy the first phone you see. Compare prices at different stores. Many high-end smartphones have significantly dropped in price, which could make them better options than some mid-range phones for the same value.