Best Camera Phone of 2025

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In order for a smartphone to be a best phone in 2025 it needs a great camera. Phones like the iPhone 16 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro and the Galaxy S24 Ultra all have amazing cameras. Outside the US, companies like Huawei, Oppo and Xiaomi (which makes the Xiaomi 14 Ultra) offer cutting-edge camera features, with large image sensors and lenses that can double as microscopes. This list of best camera phones only includes phones that we tested and that you can buy in 2025.

Mobile World Congress, the annual conference all about phones and mobile gadgets, is here and should be one of the most exciting tech events of 2025. Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor and other phone manufacturers will be in attendance. You can follow all the major MWC 2025 announcements here.


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Buy a Google Pixel 9, get $100 store credit


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What is the best camera phone?

It’s important to keep in mind that there isn’t a best camera phone for everyone. Even among CNET’s phone reviewers, there isn’t a “perfect” phone that suits all our needs. We look at how these cameras perform in real-life situations: how they balance exposures, how they handle colors and how easy they are to use. Read our guide to help find the best phone camera for your needs.

We thoroughly tested and compared dozens of phones and found that one with more lenses or megapixels isn’t necessarily any better at taking great shots. Top phones, like the iPhone 16 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro, tend to have a variety of lenses, including an ultrawide and a telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and use larger image sensors and camera features for AI-powered computational photography. Then there’s the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera, which has both 3x and 5x optical zoom lenses and can take some of the best zoom photos that you can possibly get from a phone.

A building with a curved facade

This was taken with the iPhone 16 Pro’s 5x telephoto camera.

Patrick Holland/CNET

The $999 iPhone 16 Pro and $1,199 iPhone 16 Pro Max have the same trio of lenses: wide, ultrawide and 5x telephoto. The new 48-megapixel ultrawide camera is a big step up from previous iPhone models. It not only takes outstanding photos but doubles as a high-res macro lens to get the perfect focus on your food snaps. Both phones also support 4K 120fps slow-motion video which looks outstanding. A new Camera Control button doubles as a shortcut key to open the camera but also as a shutter button. It can also be used as a zoom rocker or to swipe through Apple’s revamped Photographic Styles — letting you preview each one in the viewfinder before you take a single pic. Both phones pack advanced features like ProRaw images, ProRes video capture and recording in Log color space, which makes them powerful tools for professional filmmakers.

Also, check out: A Billion Pixels a Second: A Rare Look Inside Apple’s Secret iPhone 16 Camera Labs

Is the iPhone 16 Pro leaps and bounds ahead of what Google and Samsung are doing? No. In terms of consistency, reliability and approachability, the iPhone 16 Pro is our pick for people who want a top-notch camera system that’s easy to use.

Watch this: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Camera Comparison

Best camera phones of 2025

Inside a museum.

The iPhone 16 Pro’s ultrawide lens got an upgrade and here’s one of our favorite photos that we took with it.

Andrew Lanxon/CNET

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The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have everything we’ve come to expect in a year-over-year upgrade. The 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max have a slew of upgrades including good battery life, larger displays, outstanding photo and video chops, high-resolution slo-mo, a new Camera Control button, iOS 18 goodies and a handful of Apple Intelligence tools. The negatives are as thin as the borders around the new screens: You only get 128GB of storage for $1,000; there are only drab color options, and a the new camera button is easy to tap accidentally.

This year the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have the exact same cameras including the same 5x optical zoom — unlike the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, which had different telephoto options. Screen size, battery life and price should be the deciding factors when you’re choosing between the two. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are excellent phones worthy of a spot in your pocket — if you can afford them.

Taylor Swift in concert.

Taylor always photographs well, but I was especially pleased with this shot from the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Katie Collins/CNET

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With a main camera sensor that’s much larger than those on any of its rivals, a wide, variable aperture and Leica-engineered optics, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is able to take some of the best images we’ve ever seen from a phone. The huge dynamic range and clarity of the raw files mean we can produce shots we’d normally expect to see from full-sized mirrorless cameras.

We particularly like using the 14 Ultra’s Leica high-contrast black-and-white mode, to take punchy monochrome street photos that look amazing without any post-processing. To make it more of a fully-fledged camera, Xiaomi sells the Photography Kit that includes a case and a grip that provides physical camera controls. It allows you to use this phone just like a regular camera which makes it a total joy to use.

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Here’s a photo of Dean’s path in Edinburgh taken with the Pixel 9 Pro’s main camera.

Andrew Lanxon/CNET

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The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL have a lot going for them, from their shiny new designs and long software support period. It’s the AI skills that really stand out, from the deep integration of the conversational Gemini Live to the new Pixel Studio that creates weird and wonderful images from your text prompts.

The phones aren’t perfect. The cameras are good and can take excellent photos in bright light, they’re just okay in low light and in night mode. The best AI features will require a monthly subscription (although you get the first year for free) If you’re keen to experiment with AI on your phone then the new Pixel 9 Pro range is a superb way to experience it.

People playing in the snow

CNET’s James Martin was stuck in Tahoe during a blizzard with the Galaxy S24 Ultra. He was impressed with how the main camera could freeze action like in this photo.

James Martin/CNET

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With a sharper 5x optical zoom, a fast processor and that familiar giant display and 100x digital zoom, the Samsung’s “Ultra” phone remains a top choice for mobile photographers that want plenty of screen space. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is also one of the first phones with Samsung’s new Galaxy AI features, which include tools for translating text messages and phone calls instantly and Circle to Search, a new gesture that lets you launch a Google search for almost anything simply by drawing a circle around it. Like the previous two generations, the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with an embedded S Pen for those who like jotting down notes or doodling. But perhaps best of all, Samsung has committed to updating these devices with new versions of Android for seven years, meaning it shouldn’t feel out of date anytime soon.

Still, there are still some important downsides to consider. At $1,300, this phone is expensive, so be sure to look for trade-in discounts if you plan to upgrade. And for that high price, I had hoped Samsung would’ve added extra Galaxy AI features that are specific to the Ultra — perhaps some that take advantage of the S Pen. But Galaxy AI is the same on all Galaxy S24 and S23 devices. So you don’t have to splurge on Samsung’s top-of-the-line phone if you just care about those features. Read our Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review.

Three men sitting on a couch outside

This iPhone 16 photo, taken with the main camera, looks true to life.

Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

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With its handy new photography features, convenient Action button and elegant build, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are top-notch choices for Apple fans in search of a new phone. Parts of the iPhone 16’s key feature, Apple Intelligence, are now out, and the fact that these phones will support it means they’ll likely feel future-proofed for years to come. For those who don’t need the Pro’s extra photography prowess and battery life, the iPhone 16 won’t disappoint. Aside from screen size (6.1 inches on the regular, 6.7 inches on the Plus), battery size and price, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are identical in every way.

The iPhone 16 isn’t perfect — it’s missing an always-on display, and it feels like it’s been ages since Apple improved its wired charging speeds. But it checks all the important boxes and then some.

A photo of two women standing on a pier

This photo was taken with the Pixel 9’s new Add Me feature.

Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

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Buy a Google Pixel 9, get $100 store credit

There’s a lot to like about the Pixel 9, from its respectable camera to its classy new design and lengthy 7-year timeline for software updates. Google’s phones have always shined for their clean, slick software, and that once again applies to the Pixel 9 series. Pixels are also among the first to get new software updates, making them an ideal choice for those who want to get their hands on the latest version of Android first. Aside from Android updates, Google also brings new features to Pixel phones throughout the year through updates it calls Feature Drops.

The Pixel 9 comes with a few new AI tricks that you may find useful, like the ability to search for content in screenshots, generate images from scratch in the Pixel Studio app and add new objects in photos. These features aren’t must-haves, and they’re not without flaws. Plus, at a starting price of $799, the Pixel 9 has a higher bar to live up to. The Pixel 9 feels like it belongs in that class of device.

A photo of a quesadilla taken on the iPhone 15.

This quesadilla was just as appetizing as it looks in the iPhone 15’s photo. 

Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

Apple's iPhone 15

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The base iPhone 15 lacks some of the advanced features of the Pro model, including the telephoto zoom lenses and capturing images in ProRaw or videos in ProRes formats. Its main camera has been given a significant bump to 48 megapixels, and refinements across the board mean it’s an extremely capable camera for more everyday shooting.

Dedicated photographers will likely want to look toward the Pro line, those of you wanting to simply take beautiful, well-exposed shots of your kids at the beach or your friends gathering for some beers will love the ease with which you can capture those moments with a tap of the screen. Its $200 savings over the base Pro model will be a little easier on your bank balance, as well.

A gray and white cat sitting on a couch.

It’s a miracle that Buddy the cat sat still long enough for this Pixel 8A photo to be taken. 

Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

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The Pixel 8A is so good it makes the regular Pixel 8 almost feel irrelevant. It shares so much in common with its pricier sibling — from its selection of AI-powered features like Circle to Search, to its aesthetic and Tensor G3 processor — that it’s hard to see why anyone would buy the Pixel 8 instead.

The Pixel 8 does offer a marginally better camera system, a slightly larger screen and the ability to charge other phones and accessories wirelessly on the back of the device, but those features don’t feel significant enough to impact the buying decision for most people. As I wrote in my review, the Pixel 8A raises the bar for what a $500 phone should be. That also means I’ll be expecting more from the Pixel 9 this fall.

Lot os people relaxing on the grass

This photo of Dolores Park in San Francisco was taken with the iPhone 14’s main camera.

Patrick Holland/CNET

Hand holding the iPhone 14 Pro Max with the home screen active

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At $599, the iPhone 14 is a great buy and solid upgrade, especially if you’re using an 11 or older. There are two models the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus that normally starts at $699. Both phones are identical and really the deciding factor comes down to screen and battery size as well as price. The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus have a long battery life, fast performance, great durability and wonderful cameras as well as safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite.

Both phones came out in September 2022 originally but are still solid options today. In terms of drawbacks, neither phone has a high refresh rate screen, and always-on display or the newer Action button found on the 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series. At hundreds of dollars less, we think that the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus have the best value to the dollar that Apple currently sells.

Consider last year’s models: Apple no longer sells the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but you can still find it at third party retailers and often for hundreds less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Protect your new phone with a case: Make your phone and its camera’s last longer with a case.

Don’t overlook affordable phones: The $499 Pixel 8A and $599 iPhone 15 can do almost everything that a new premium phone can do for a fraction of the price. Save some money and still take great snaps.

Wait for sales: Many of the best phone camera systems are found on more expensive models. Look for sales and discounts around major holidays, especially Amazon’s Prime Day and Cyber Monday.

Check if you’re already invested: Have you already bought a lot of iPhone camera accessories like a case or tripod? Stick with an iPhone if you still want access to them. Make sure your new iPhone will still work with your setup.

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We test every phone in real-world scenarios, focusing on its features, design, performance, cameras, battery life and overall value. We document our findings in an initial review that is periodically updated when there are new software updates, or to compare it against new phones from competitors such as Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus.

Person holds mobile device to take photo

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 largely has the same camera hardware as the Z Flip 4. But the new chip brings some image processing improvements.

Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

Photography

Photography is a major focus for most phones these days, so we take pictures and videos of various subjects in a variety of settings and lighting scenarios. We try out any new camera modes, such as ProRes Log video that debuted with the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, or the Magic Editor photo tool that launched with the Google Pixel 8 series.

Battery life

Battery testing is conducted in a variety of ways. We assess how long a phone lasts during a typical day of use and note how it performs during more focused sessions of video calls, media streaming and gaming. We also conduct a video playback test, as a simple, replicable measure of pure battery life, which isn’t always included in the initial review but sometimes added later in an update.

Performance measuring

We use benchmarking apps to measure each phone’s performance, alongside our own anecdotal experiences using the phone for our review. Most notable are how the graphics and animations look. Are they smooth? Or do they lag or stutter? We also look at how quickly the phone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations, and how fast the camera app opens and is ready to take a photo.

Person holds mobile device outdoors

Emergency SOS might be one of the most important features to come out on any phone this year.

Kevin Heinz/CNET

We perform processor-heavy tasks like editing photos, exporting videos and playing games. We evaluate whether a newer version of a particular phone includes enough features to make it worth upgrading from older models.

Read more: How We Test Phones

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The $1,400 Sony Xperia 1 V retains all the best features of previous Xperia 1 phones, like a 4K high refresh rate display, expandable storage, cutting-edge cameras with eye-tracking autofocus, a 5,000-mAh battery, a dedicated hardware shutter button and a headphone jack, all wrapped in Sony’s lovely, mundane utilitarian design. The phone brims with numerous quality-of-life improvements for its target audience of creative types like photographers, filmmakers, musicians and gamers who want nuanced control over the content they make. Its $1,400 price tag keeps this phone squarely aimed beyond most consumers.

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Which phone camera is the best at night?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Google Pixel 9 Pro all have dedicated night modes that take multiple images and combine them in a single photo that’s brighter and has less image noise. All three are good, and it’s nearly impossible to say one is better than another.


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Are iPhone or Samsung cameras better?

Samsung Galaxy phones and Apple iPhones have some of the best cameras found on any phone. Either smartphone is a capable photographic tool, but neither is such a clear leader that it’s worth moving from Android to iOS or vice versa. If you want the biggest telephoto zoom camera found on a phone, grab a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. If you want an excellent all-around shooter that produces natural-looking images and videos, along with pro features like ProRes and Log video capture, get an iPhone 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max.


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What’s the difference between real cameras and phone cameras?

The biggest difference between a dedicated camera and a phone camera is the size. A dedicated camera has a larger sensor and bigger lenses that take in more light. The results are photos that have more detail, a wider dynamic range and more versatility in medium and low light. A phone camera is tiny. The sensor is smaller than a fingernail and the lens is about the size of a single Lego brick. To overcome the limitations of a small sensor and lens, a phone uses computational photography (AI and machine learning) to combine parts of multiple images into a single photo that’s brighter and has more detail than a phone camera alone.


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