Best camera phones in 2024 We've tested all the best camera…

Best camera phones in 2024
We've tested all the best camera phones — these are the ones that rise to the top
Ask anyone what’s the most important feature they look for when buying a phone, I guarantee you that a lot of them will tell you that having excellent cameras will influence their buying decision. I’m not surprised by this because the best camera phones offer outstanding optical quality, allow you to zoom farther, see what you can’t see in the dark, and even capture jaw dropping 4K video.
I’ve been reviewing phones for 16 years now and one skill I’ve acquired in the process is understanding the controls and functions of a camera, and how to master them to get the best results.
After testing dozens of phones this year alone, along with my other colleagues, we’ve come to the agreement that the iPhone 16 Pro is the best camera phone around — mainly due to how it shares the same cameras as the iPhone 16 Pro Max, but at a slightly lower cost. It also delivers top-notch quality, and with the arrival of Apple Intelligence with iOS 18, it finally adds some useful AI-assisted features.
If you’re looking for the best camera phone among Android devices, I can tell you that there’s a robust selection to choose from — with each having their own strengths. I’d recommend the Pixel 9 Pro because it has the same cameras as the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which topped the almighty Galaxy S24 Ultra in my 200 photo face-off.
Speaking of photo comparisons, I’ve pitted many of the flagships in the last year against each other in our 200 photo face-off series. I’ll mention them in detail below, but the reason why I point this out is because I capture the same set of photos between the devices and pixel peep their differences to ultimately see which comes out on top.
Here's a summary of the best camera phones you can buy right now based on our head-to-head testing of each phone's camera capabilities. Keep scrolling to find the in-depth reviews of every camera phone featured here. And with many of these devices on sale for the holidays, we'll steer you toward the best deals on camera phones that are currently available.
I'm the senior editor for mobile at Tom's Guide, where I've been working since 2023. I've been covering mobile tech for 16 years in total, starting with old school feature phones and early smartphones powered by Palm OS and Windows Mobile. I'm a New Jersey native and keep up with the latest mobile tech.
The quick list
Here's a summary of the best camera phones you can buy right now based on our head-to-head testing of each phone's camera capabilities. Keep scrolling to find the in-depth reviews of every camera phone featured here.
Best overall
Improvements to every rear camera vault the iPhone 16 Pro to the top of the best camera phone list. We're particularly impressed with the improved zoom lens, while low-light photos keep this phone ahead of the competition. The Camera Control button is a clever addition, too.
Best Android camera phone
Don't expect many hardware changes to the Pixel 9 Pro's camera setup, though an upgraded ultrawide lens does add an excellent Macro Focus feature. The real story is the top-notch photo processing capabilities as well as the new photo editing tools made possible by the Pixel's Tensor G4 chipset.
Best premium camera phone
If money is no object, turn to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which holds its own against our top two picks in head-to-head comparisons. AI-powered photo editing tools add to the S24 Ultra’s value.
Best under $500
Google continues to prove you don't need to spend big bucks for a great camera phone, as its latest sub-$500 device, the Pixel 8a matches up well with any other entry on this list. The phone also offers AI-powered editing tools similar to what you get on the Pixel 8 flagships.
Best value for iPhone
The iPhone 16 proves you don't have to pay Pro prices for a great camera phone, especially after Apple increased the size of the ultrawide sensor and added a Macro photo mode for terrific close-ups. Otherwise, the iPhone 16 delivers the same stellar shooting abilities as its predecessor.
Most improved camera
Credit OnePlus for working hard over the years to improve camera performance, an effort that culminates in the OnePlus 12. Besides high-quality images from its main lens, the OnePlus 12 offers an improved telephoto camera with a much better 3x optical zoom than previous OnePlus flagships.
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Best Samsung value
The Galaxy S24 puts a flagship camera phone in your hands for $500 less than the S24 Ultra. You'll get bright, colorful photos, along with the Galaxy AI-powered photo editing tools of Samsung's more expensive S24 models.
Best foldable camera
An improved main camera vaults the Galaxy Z Flip 6 ahead of other foldable phones when it comes to camera performance. The 50MP sensor can also capture zoom shots that replicate a 2x optical zoom. You also get help from Galaxy AI tools when it comes to image editing
Holiday camera phone deals
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