Best Camera Phones – Top 5 picks In 2023

The rise of camera phones has significantly diminished the compact camera market, largely due to their remarkable quality. The adage used to be that the best camera was the one you had on you because, realistically, most people didn’t carry a camera regularly.

But now, we constantly carry a capable camera in our pockets, often the best one we’ve ever owned.

This shift benefits consumers greatly. We now possess a camera that captures excellent photos in various conditions. The pressing question becomes: which camera phone suits you best?

We’ve curated a selection of eight top-notch options for you to consider. They vary in size, complexity, and price—some might even leave your wallet wincing. However, each camera on our list excels in performance. Additionally, we offer choices between iPhone and Android models, allowing you to take your pick!

Best Camera Phones Reviews

1. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Reflecting on the launch of the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max’s predecessors reveals the groundbreaking impact the iPhone had. However, amidst our habituation to smartphones, it’s easy to overlook this transformative change. In recent years, manufacturers have faced the challenge of enhancing their products enough to entice consumers to make a purchase.

But is another megapixel or a mere additional 30 minutes of battery life truly compelling? The iPhone, now in its 15th iteration, exemplifies the difficulty in refining an already exceptional product. Aside from the mandated USB-C port by the EU, most alterations are incremental.

One significant exception lies in the Pro Max’s inclusion of a 5x telephoto lens. The 120mm full-frame equivalent lens marks a substantial leap from the previous 3x lens, boasting a decent f/2.2 aperture. However, despite the advertised 48 MP figure, this telephoto camera is capped at 12 MP.

Nevertheless, the ensemble of a 24mm f/1.78 48 MP lens, a wide 13mm f/2.2 12 MP camera, and the added 5x telephoto lens is commendable. For photography enthusiasts, the range from 13mm to 120mm focal lengths, coupled with reasonably fast maximum apertures, is appealing.

The Pro Max delivers impressively across the board, excelling more in video than still photography, although its photo capabilities remain outstanding. Its performance shines in good lighting conditions but struggles, as expected, in low light, consistent with the limitations of most small sensor cameras. For those using a phone older than a couple of years, the enhancement will be remarkable.

Factor in features like optical image stabilization and a portrait mode allowing post-shoot focus adjustment, and the Pro Max offers a comprehensive package. In a fiercely competitive market, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max edges past its rivals to claim the top spot.

2. Google Pixel 8 Pro

The Google Pixel 8 Pro marks the latest flagship release from the proprietors of the Android operating system. It’s been a full eight years since Google ventured into branding its own hardware for the OS it developed to rival Apple’s iOS.

What endears Google Pixel aficionados are primarily two aspects: the streamlined operating system that functions as intended and the exceptional camera quality. While many Android handset manufacturers layer their interface over the Android system, Pixel fans appreciate the absence of this added complexity, allowing the OS to shine in its pure form.

Pixel cameras have consistently held their ground in a competitive market. For many users, the Pixel 8 outshines its iPhone counterparts, be it for the operating system or the image processing done by the device. Ultimately, it often boils down to a matter of personal preference.

In a head-to-head comparison between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Google Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel seems to take the lead in headline specifications. Offering a minimum of 48 MP compared to some of the iPhone’s 12 MP cameras, with the main 25mm camera reaching 50 MP.

Moreover, the Pixel edges ahead in lens speed. Its 25mm primary camera boasts a maximum aperture of f/1.68 (compared to the iPhone’s f/1.78), while the 11mm ultrawide lens is at f/1.95 (versus Apple’s f/2.2). Only the 95mm at f/2.8 is slightly slower compared to the iPhone (f/2.2).

The Pixel 8 impresses with its overall photo quality, excelling particularly in zoom performance and bright outdoor conditions. Its video performance is equally commendable.

However, it falls short in exposure accuracy when compared to the iPhone, exhibiting more noise in HDR video footage. On the flip side, the Pixel triumphs in depth of field, and its ultrawide capabilities are among the best available. Noteworthy AI-based features include simple blemish removal and the ability to select the best facial expressions for group photos, which garners widespread appreciation.

Many will find the results from the Google Pixel 8 Pro superior to other phones, and it’s likely to leave a lasting impression. Choosing between this and the iPhone 15 Pro Max might hinge on OS preferences or one’s existing ecosystem investment.

3. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands as a notably popular camera phone, a testament to Samsung’s consistent prowess in crafting top-tier camera hardware. Encased in an elegant design, the S23 Ultra packs an array of impressive features.

Setting itself apart, it boasts not three but four cameras, including an astounding 230mm-equivalent telephoto lens and a staggering 200 MP main camera—a number that gives competitors reason to pause.

In the fierce competition for the title of best camera phone, many place the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra at the pinnacle, and the reasons are evident. The allure of four cameras offering exceptional image quality is appealing.

Yet, personal taste could be the deciding factor. Samsung tends to produce vivid colors that might be too rich for some, while the bokeh in certain shots might seem slightly over-processed.

However, for those seeking remarkable telephoto capabilities, the S23 Ultra is a tempting choice. Samsung’s rendition of the Android OS might not suit everyone, but preferences for operating systems largely boil down to personal taste. Devotees of Samsung’s ecosystem will appreciate the handset’s enhanced speed and responsiveness.

The S23 Ultra boasts an impressive arsenal of cameras, and for some, the inclusion of the Galaxy S Pen could seal the deal. Conveniently stowed within the phone’s body to prevent misplacement, it also functions as a remote shutter button—a photographer-friendly feature indeed.

The curved glass edges may not cater to everyone’s liking, yet it’s safe to assert that the overall quality of the camera in the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is unlikely to disappoint.

4. Apple iPhone 15 Pro

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro is a technological marvel, designed to redefine user experiences on multiple fronts, particularly in its camera capabilities. Crafted with aerospace-grade titanium and fortified with a textured matte-glass back and Ceramic Shield front, this device radiates strength and resilience, fortified against water, dust, and splashes, promising durability.

Its 6.1” Super Retina XDR display, enhanced by ProMotion technology, amazes with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering exceptional graphics performance. Dynamic Island intelligently surfaces alerts and Live Activities, ensuring a more interactive user experience, while the Always-On display keeps critical information at your fingertips without unlocking the device.

Fueling this performance is the A17 Pro chip, a game-changer in mobile gaming with its Pro-class GPU that creates immersive environments and realistic characters. Remarkably efficient, this chip contributes significantly to the iPhone 15 Pro’s impressive all-day battery life, catering to heavy usage seamlessly.

The device’s standout feature undoubtedly resides in its Powerful Pro Camera System comprising 7 lenses, including a 48MP Main camera and a 3x Telephoto lens. This configuration allows for unparalleled framing flexibility, capturing stunning high-resolution photos teeming with vibrant colors and intricate details, while also excelling in capturing sharp close-ups from a distance.

The Customizable Action Button adds a personalized touch, enabling users to set preferred features such as Silent mode, Camera, Voice Memo, and more, streamlining functionality and accessibility.

Moreover, the iPhone 15 Pro guarantees seamless connectivity with unlimited talk, text, and data on America’s Smart Network.

In summary, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro encompasses cutting-edge technology, offering a robust design, an advanced display, a revolutionary processor, and an outstanding camera system. It’s a definitive choice for individuals seeking a blend of innovation, performance, and exceptional photography in their smartphone experience.

5. Google Pixel Fold

The Google Pixel Fold stands out as an unconventional choice in the realm of camera phones. While Samsung dominated the folding phone landscape with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, the Pixel Fold offers a more user-friendly form and an enhanced overall experience.

In its folded state, the Pixel Fold differs significantly, presenting a squatter profile compared to the long and narrow build of the Samsung counterpart. This design choice makes typing on the Pixel Fold notably comfortable, avoiding any cramped feeling often experienced on elongated devices. Undoubtedly, like the Samsung offering, the Pixel Fold commands a premium price tag, yet we’ve included it as a distinctive alternative.

However, compromises are evident in the camera department due to the intricacies involved in crafting a folding phone. The cameras, considering the price point, may not meet the lofty expectations. Nevertheless, Google’s adeptness in camera design and, notably, image processing allows the relatively modest hardware to perform admirably well.

The primary camera, equipped with a 48 MP sensor, 25mm focal length, f/1.7 maximum aperture, and optical image stabilization, presents decent capabilities, particularly accentuated by the familiar Pixel image processing. Personal preferences come into play here; some may favor the rendering of images by the iPhone, while others, like a photographer friend of mine, might hold the Pixel in higher regard.

Supplementing the primary camera, the remaining two lenses—a 110mm f/3.05 telephoto and a 12mm f/2.2 superwide—boast 10.8 MP sensors each, lacking class-leading pixel counts. However, they consistently deliver impressive images, with the telephoto lens benefitting from both optical and electronic image stabilization.

Beyond its uniqueness as a folding phone, the Pixel Fold maximizes the concept’s utility. For instance, using Google Translate unfolds the screen, allowing text input for translation, while the cover screen displays the translated text to the person facing you. This innovative functionality adds practical value to the folding phone experience.

In essence, folding phones transcend being mere extravagant novelties, and Google’s approach with the Pixel Fold harnesses this concept effectively. If you seek a folding phone with respectable camera capabilities, the Pixel Fold presents an intriguing option worthy of exploration.

Final Word

Choosing the best camera phone ultimately depends on your preferences, priorities, and how you plan to use it. Researching the latest models, comparing features, and considering factors like camera quality, software optimization, and overall performance will guide you toward finding the perfect fit for your needs. Remember, what makes a camera ‘the best’ can vary from person to person, so weigh your options carefully before making a decision.