The Best Smartphones for Photography in 2024
Almost everyone wields a camera these days because they already have one by default on their smartphones. But not just any phone will capture the best results, and that’s why some stand out for particular reasons.
Updated 9/20/2024 by Christine Eckard: multiple selections updated due to the availability of new models and a new section was added for portraiture.
Mobile photography is now one of the major battlegrounds for vendors trying to one-up each other. Thankfully, it’s not entirely about numbers, despite megapixel counts hitting new highs, it’s a lot about how effective software can be to do more with the available pixels. That can also depend on how you look at what the software gives you, especially relative to the varying modes phones now regularly offer.
We’re talking about an ever-evolving situation, where new phones may supplant old ones, while others trade places based on how new updates affected performance and output. Whether it’s pro mode features, software that does amazing things, or getting more for every dollar you spend, this roundup is a good place to start. We at PetaPixel will be updating it regularly to reflect a changing and shifting market to give you the insight you need to shoot what you want.
What We’re Looking For
There are plenty of smartphones with what you could consider to be “good” cameras, but the “great” ones are fewer in number, and it often shows. When we look at what would put a smartphone camera on this list, we always look for the best results, particularly when talking about a specific type of photo. That may not necessarily mean the phone is the best in every other facet, but if it’s noted here, there are reasons for it.
That’s why we also broke things down into categories that differentiate between the strengths of certain devices. One phone may be better at shooting portraits, whereas the other has a Pro mode cutting above the rest. Computational software is so integral, and yet, not everyone does it well.
At a Glance
The Best Smartphone Overall: iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max
Main sensor: 48MP (24mm, 28mm, and 35mm equivalent)
Other rear cameras: 12MP 5x zoom telephoto (120mm equivalent), 48MP ultra wide-angle (macro and 13mm equivalent)
Front-facing camera: 12MP
Video recording resolution: 4K/60p, 4K/120
Price: Starting at $999 for the iPhone 16 Pro and $1,199 for the 16 Pro Max
In recent years, the iPhone has significantly advanced in video performance and vastly improved its photographic capabilities, narrowing the gap in overall performance. While Google excels in photography when evaluated on its own, Apple’s seamless fusion of superior video, outstanding photography, and strong overall functionality makes the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max our top picks for the best all-around smartphones available today.
“The Pro models get an identical suite of cameras, whether you choose the Pro or Pro Max model, with some notable improvements over the iPhone 15 Pro series. First is a new main camera that features the same 48-megapixel resolution and f/1.78 aperture but is roughly twice as fast when it comes to readout speeds. ” Chris Niccolls explains.
Read PetaPixel’s Review of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
In our video review “The iPhone 16 Pro Review for Photographers” above, Chris notes, “We are definitely getting a faster shutter response. And it seems definitely more geared to when I actually touch the shutter button. And so I find that this new faster shutter delay just really gets the timing down. For a photographer it feels like a real camera So that’s a really nice benefit on the iPhone 16 Pro”.
Should you be weighing other options, Chris recommends the Google Pixel 9 Pro. “It has significant upgrades to its camera modules and AI-based technology. Samsung’s S24 Ultra didn’t do much on the camera hardware front this year, so it’s less of a compelling alternative.”
The Smartphone That Takes the Best Photos Overall: Google Pixel 9 Pro
Main sensor: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto
Front-facing camera: 22MP
Video recording resolution: 4K/60p
Price: Starting at $999
The Pixel 9 Pro excels in photography, capitalizing on its advanced photo-taking features to impressive results. Although its sensors/lens combinations gather more light compared to those from the iPhone, the difference in pure image quality is not as pronounced as it once was. Nevertheless, it distinguishes itself with a superior telephoto lens, integrated manual controls, and innovative AI capabilities.
The enhanced cameras and more luminous lenses mark a significant upgrade, establishing the 9 Pro as Google’s most advanced photo and video device to date. However, the innovation extends beyond hardware; the introduction of AI tools and the Magic Editor enriches the experience further. These features are particularly beneficial for users who lack the time or expertise in Photoshop, making sophisticated editing more accessible to everyone.
Read PetaPixel’s Review of the Pixel 9 Pro
The iPhone depends on third-party applications for advanced camera controls, whereas Google provides manual control directly within its default app. For exceptional results straight from the camera, coupled with impressive RAW performance, the latest Google Pixel 9 Pro remains the leader.
As for alternatives, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is very good. It’s one of the most versatile phone cameras available as the last major Pro camera that still includes an optical 3x camera. It also offers compelling AI-based editing capabilities.
The Best Smartphone for Portraits: iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max
Main sensor: 48MP (24mm, 28mm, and 35mm equivalent)
Other rear cameras: 12MP 5x zoom telephoto (120mm equivalent), 48MP ultra wide-angle (macro and 13mm equivalent)
Front-facing camera: 12MP
Video recording resolution: 4K/60p, 4K/120
Price: Starting at $999 for the iPhone 16 Pro and $1,199 for the 16 Pro Max
The launch of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max necessitates the creation of an entirely new category here in late 2024. The improved portrait mode features advanced skin tone refinement, making people — arguably the most critical subjects — appear stunning in a natural-looking way. This level of quality is unparalleled, marking the finest performance we’ve observed from a smartphone camera without the need for third-party processing or additional tools.
Read PetaPixel Review of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
“Apple has made some important efforts to maintain accurate skin tones and the ultra-wide camera is improved to some degree,” PetaPixel‘s Chris Niccols says. “I appreciate that these picture styles can be applied in live-view mode and can always be changed to a different style later. This may provide the ease of use and convenience to convince more people to try them out and ultimately get more use out of them. I also like the new touchscreen interface for accessing them and the ability to customize them fully for tone and opacity.”
Best Pro Mode for Smartphone Photography: Xiaomi 13 Pro
Main sensor: 50MP or 12.5MP (with pixel binning) 23mm equivalent
Other rear cameras: 50MP 3.2x zoom telephoto (75mm equivalent), 50MP ultra wide-angle (14mm equivalent)
Front-facing camera: 32MP
Video recording resolution: Up to 8K
Price: Starting at $1,200
While there were flashes indicating what a partnership between Xiaomi and Leica might yield, especially when a Type 1 sensor is inside, the Xiaomi 13 Pro also makes a strong case for what’s possible when a renowned camera brand makes a real impact. That could describe the phone’s camera in its entirety, but the Pro mode — and by extension, the 50MP mode — stands out because it gives you plenty to work with. Granted, you can’t shoot in RAW at the full 50-megapixels, but in a rarity for a lot of phones, you can shoot JPEGs at full resolution using all the manual controls Pro mode offers.
Read PetaPixel’s review of the Xiaomi 13 Pro
That’s on top of the ability to shoot with the standard Leica Authentic and Vibrant modes, plus the four Leica color and black and white filters. Old film emulations (not Leica’s) are also available, only adding to the creative potential to take thoughtful photos rather than typical snapshots. RAW images are great, particularly in low-light, but you may find the 50-megapixel JPEGs are equally flexible when editing them in post.
The best part is this applies to the other rear lenses as well, letting you shoot at 50-megapixels in both telephoto and ultra-wide with the same granular controls. You can also shoot in RAW using either of them at 12-megapixels, effectively making the 50MP mode part of a system rather than a one-and-done feature.
It’s worth wading through the settings within Pro to see what’s available beyond just selecting 50MP or RAW for the sheer depth of features and tools you can use.
Smartphone with the Best Bang for the Buck: Google Pixel 6a
Main sensor: 12.2MP (27mm equivalent)
Other rear cameras: 16MP ultra wide-angle (17mm equivalent)
Front-facing camera: 8MP
Video recording resolution: Up to 4K
Price: Starting at $449
It would be hard to find a phone that shoots as well as the Pixel 6a does for the price. Rather than strip it down to a barebones experience, this phone offers many of the same features the more expensive ones do. That means the computation works the same way to produce the same quality images. The Pixel 6a won’t match the Pixel 7 series for the simple fact it came out before they did, but to Google’s credit, it includes its more affordable phone whenever it updates its camera app.
Read PetaPixel’s review of the Google Pixel 6a
You lose out on a telephoto lens, so you’re limited to only an ultra-wide with a 114-degree field of view apart from the primary wide camera, albeit without optical or electronic image stabilization. Still, you get good modes to work with, and with RAW capture always available, there’s room to do more in post. For those on a budget, it’s going to be one of the best phone cameras less money can buy.
Best Smartphone for Versatility: Vivo X90 Pro
Main sensor: 50MP (23mm equivalent)
Other rear cameras: 50MP 2x zoom telephoto (50mm equivalent), 12MP ultra wide-angle (16mm equivalent)
Front-facing camera: 32MP
Video recording resolution: Up to 8K
Price: Starting at $699
Vivo throws everything it can into its camera app, especially when “Pro” is in the phone’s name. In this case, the X90 Pro is not necessarily the brand’s best within the 90 series, but it is arguably the most versatile because of the sheer breadth of modes, features, settings, and customization involved here. Not to mention the interesting ways in which filters or editing tools enter the fray. Where else will you find an architectural mode or long exposure with so many variances?
Read PetaPixel’s review of the Vivo X90 Pro
The rear camera array includes a zoom lens Vivo prefers to call a “portrait” one because of its 50mm equivalent and the six Zeiss bokeh effects available to choose from. Vivo is one of the few brands that will let you take a photo in portrait mode and then decide where you want the focal point and f-stop to be afterward. You can even save multiple images based on what you want in focus, and even focus stack them in post later.
Zeiss’ presence is more obvious now based on the Natural Color setting applicable through several of the shooting modes. Shooting at full resolution, even if you can’t do it in RAW, at least offers better prospects when cropping in later, somewhat offsetting the shallow zoom afforded by the portrait lens. Plus, you should get good results editing full-res images, despite them coming out as JPEGs.
Best Smartphone for Video: iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max
Main sensor: 48MP (24mm, 28mm, and 35mm equivalent)
Other rear cameras: 12MP 5x zoom telephoto (120mm equivalent), 48MP ultra wide-angle (macro and 13mm equivalent)
Front-facing camera: 12MP
Video recording resolution: 4K/60p, 4K/120
Price: Starting at $999 for the iPhone 16 Pro and $1,199 for the 16 Pro Max
As mentioned above, the iPhone is still the king when it comes to video recording.
“On the video front, the headline addition is the ability to record up to 4K 120p with a very high-quality look thanks to ProRes Log. You can also retime the 120p footage down to 1/5 speed for a 24-frame-per-second timeline right on the phone and it will show it to you in real-time as it is rendering. Speed ramping can be done very simply within the same interface allowing for some dramatic looking slow motion shots,” Chris Niccolls explains.
Read PetaPixel Review of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
When it comes to recording audio for video, the iPhone 16 Pro is equipped with four integrated microphones, allowing the ability to capture spatial audio. This advanced feature enables the device to detect sounds from both the front and back of the camera, providing the creative freedom to mix them as desired. Additionally, the camera can transmit separate sound channels to an audio output compatible with spatial audio, delivering a surround sound experience
The iPhone 15 blew us away with some of the best log recording video a smartphone can deliver. The video performance is still the best out there, but the previously mentioned 4K/120P and spatial audio only puts Apple even further ahead of the competition.
In short, it’s the best suite of options for video you can get in a smartphone.
