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The best camera phone 2024: top mobiles for photography
The best camera phone from Samsung, Apple, Google and more
The best camera phone is today's point-and-shoot camera, and it needs to be versatile and reliable. Since your camera phone is the camera you'll always have on you, you want a camera that gets the photo right in every situation. Today's best camera phones use a combination of advanced lenses and sensors, computational hardware for image processing, and machine learning for edits.
All of the cameras on this list are worth considering, and the best camera phone for your style might be different from somebody else. If you want the best all around camera, I'd pick the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max, but if you mostly take photos of food, the Galaxy S24 Ultra does a better job making meals look delicious with little effort.
We aren't expecting any major changes to this list until after the new year, when the first Snapdragon 8 Elite phones will start to appear on more shores, including the OnePlus 13 (already launched in China), and the rumored Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which could be a huge departure from previous Ultra phones.
Quick List
Best for photographers
The iPhone takes photos that look like photos, with sharp details edge-to-edge, and a natural grain and bokeh blur. It shoots video that is studio quality, now with amazing slow-motion. Plus, the Camera Control is great and only getting better.
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Best for influencers
For photos that pop with color and food shots that look good enough to eat, you need the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which is incredibly versatile, especially if you want photos that stand out from the crowd. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to be launching early in 2025, but this phone will be a great camera phone for years to come.
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Best AI editing
The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL take fantastic photos, but the real magic happens when you apply Google's editing tools in Google Photos, like Reimagine to add new elements, and Magic Editor. We saw great deals on these phones for Black Friday, so always be on the lookout for a price cut on a Pixel.
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Best for teens
Teenagers need a good camera; those memories won't happen twice. The iPhone 15 offers great photos, all the features their friends use, plus the longevity to last five years, so let them buy the next one.
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Best budget
The Pixel 8a takes photos that look almost Pro (if you don't need to look too closely), and it costs much less. Plus, you get all the great Google AI features that help make your pics stand out. There are often great discounts on this phone as well, so we'll keep an eye out for ever great bargains.
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Best selfies
The OnePlus 12 has a unique look to its photos, thanks to Hasselblad processing. It takes the most dramatic portraits and selfies of any smartphone, and it gives your photos a cool and artistic touch. The OnePlus 13 is already available in China, but we still don't know exactly what that phone will bring to our pockets.
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The best camera phone 2024
The best camera phone for photographers
1. Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max camera samples
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max mark Apple's boldest attempt to conquer the smartphone camera world. Instead of cramming in more lenses and sensors, Apple has introduced a new button: Camera Control. It's a step towards a true camera experience, eventually offering a two-stage shutter for a more steady focus. Currently, it only offers zoom control and other options.
This alone would make the iPhone 16 Pro a standout, but it also captures the most impressive images I've seen from an iPhone. At every zoom level, my photos looked authentic and natural, like real photographs instead of computer-processed images or frozen video frames. This iPhone captures everyday moments beautifully, which is why it's the best camera phone for photo enthusiasts.
Of course video is also thrilling. The iPhone 16 Pro produces truly cinematic footage. The new 4K / 120fps mode delivers stunning slow-motion in ultra-high definition. The results are simply breathtaking.
While I'd love to see more specialized shooting modes for subjects like food or pets, Apple has opted for a minimalist approach that prioritizes exceptional quality. The photos are so good, you'll want to print and frame them. This is undoubtedly Apple's finest camera phone to date, and the best camera phone you can buy.
Read our full iPhone 16 Pro review
The best camera phone for influencers
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Galaxy S24 Ultra camera samples
For most of the year, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has been my go-to camera phone when I know my pics are going on my Instagram or Facebook feed. These aren't pics I'd print for the family photo album, but they are eye-catching and bursting with color.
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