The Best Phone Cameras You Can Buy Right Now

Apple’s Pro iPhones have always been among the best camera phones available and the 18 Pro and Pro Max are no exception. Their multiple rear lenses are capable of taking stunning photos in any conditions, delivering natural color tones, exposure and contrast. New features like the variable aperture on the main camera give more shooting options — as well as allowing you to create starburst effects from points of light — while the addition of manual control over white balance and shutter speed give experienced photographers much more control when it comes to crafting the image they really want. 

Throw in the extra customization options within Apple’s Photographic Styles, the improved focus tracking for videos and Apple’s new Reference Image for authenticating images not taken using AI and it makes the latest iPhone a true powerhouse for photography.

Why we like it

The iPhones have always taken great photos but the iPhone 18 Pro takes that further with more manual options for getting creative along with the variable aperture that’s never been seen on an iPhone before.

Who it’s best for

With the cameras being such a focus for this year’s model, it’s especially suited for enthusiastic photographers wanting the absolute best imaging experience from a phone. 

Who shouldn’t get it

While the variable aperture is a first for an iPhone, the overall camera performance isn’t a significant step up over last year’s iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max. Even iPhone 16 Pro owners may not see much benefit. But if you’ve held on to your handset for multiple generations, waiting to see what Apple had in store this time round, then rest assured the iPhone 18 Pro is a superb bit of kit.

With its fancy new sensor tech, a rare (if not unique) continuous zoom lens and an actual functional control wheel around the camera unit, Leica’s Leitzphone, powered by Xiaomi, packs in some potent tech to tempt camera enthusiasts. I’ve used it to take some of my best-ever phone photos, and it earned a CNET Editors’ Choice award for its imaging.

Sadly, Xiaomi doesn’t officially sell its products in the US, so most of you reading this aren’t able to actually go and buy this camera champ. Sorry.

Why we like it

Its large main image sensor takes beautiful photos, and the physical control wheel around the camera unit makes it feel like a regular camera when you’re out shooting. The built-in Leica color profiles let you take gorgeous photos with minimal effort.

Who it’s best for

If you strive for truly artistic images from your phone and the iconic Leica red dot logo makes you feel all warm inside, then it’s the phone for you. You’ll need to live in the UK or Europe, though, and have deep pockets — this thing doesn’t come cheap.

Who shouldn’t get it

Anyone who lives in the US. Not because you shouldn’t, but because you can’t.

While the iPhone 17 Pro might be the all-singing-all-dancing camera phone for iOS users, the Galaxy S26 Ultra fills the same role for those of you firmly in the Android ecosystem. Its multiple rear cameras have proven exceptionally capable in capturing glorious images in all conditions, while the phone’s massive display and powerful processor make the whole image-taking process feel effortless.

I had wished to see more innovation in the cameras on this generation of Ultra. The specs haven’t moved on that much in the past few models and some of the bigger upgrades Samsung talked about are largely AI-focused — like being able to change the style of hat someone is wearing.

I argued that Samsung risks losing ground to Android makers like Xiaomi (with its superb Leitzphone), but the reality is the S26 Ultra is still one of the most capable all-round camera phones you can get. And like the iPhone, Samsung’s phones are so popular that it’s common to find photography accessories specifically for your model. 

Why we like it

The superb image quality from all four — that’s right, four — rear cameras means you’ve basically got an entire photography kit bag in your pocket that’s ready to tackle anything you’re likely to come across while you’re out and about. 

Who it’s best for

This phone is best for folks looking for a “do everything” camera phone with plenty of zoom options and that keeps them firmly in the Android ecosystem. 

Who shouldn’t get it

It’s expensive, so those of you shopping for camera performance on a budget will want to look elsewhere — I suggest the Nothing Phone 4A Pro, seen below. It’s also not really pushing the boat out in terms of year-on-year innovation, which is a shame. Those of you wanting real camera-phone innovation (and who don’t live in the US) should take a look at the Leica Leitzphone by Xiaomi.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review.

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL don’t have the raw processing power of the Galaxy S26 Ultra or the advanced camera features of the Leitzphone or the iPhone 18 Pro. But this jack-of-all-trades Android phone is one of the nicest phones I’ve used this year. The multiple rear cameras can take stunning photos, with vibrant colors and tons of details. Images look more natural than I’ve seen them look on other Android phones, while the new Camera Looks feature gives more scope for adding some creative flair to your shots.  

The phone doesn’t have the most bells and whistles, but its more stripped-back approach is what it makes great and a pleasure to use on an everyday basis.

Why we like it

It’s not a revolution by any means but the Pixel 11 Pro’s cameras continue to take gorgeous photos with natural tones. I love the new creative Camera Looks, too. 

Who it’s best for

Those of you wanting a phone to simply tackle all of your daily needs without trying to overcomplicate things with endless options, settings and functions. It’s a straightforward phone with solid performance all round. 

Who shouldn’t get it

Exceptionally demanding photographers will be better served by pricier Android rivals like the Leitzphone or the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Want a great camera in a more simplified interface? You’ll need to opt for the iPhone 18 Pro. 

Nothing’s Phone 4A Pro offers a lot for its low $499 price, including a fun pink color and its quirky rear Glyph Matrix display. But it’s the cameras I was particularly impressed by in my time with the phone. Its three rear cameras were able to take bright and vibrant images that looked great with almost no effort on my part.

I even preferred the images to the ones I took with Google’s similarly affordable Pixel 10A. Google’s cheaper phones often take the crown when it comes to image quality at affordable prices but the Phone 4A Pro’s shots impressed me more with their punchy colors and brighter exposure.

Why we like it

The Nothing Phone 4A Pro’s camera delivers vibrant, contrasty images that make it great for snapping shots of your friends and family on vacation and sharing straight to Instagram — no extra editing required.  Throw in its low price, decent software support period and funky rear display, and it’s an easy pick for a superb all-rounder that won’t break the bank.

Who it’s best for

The cameras produce bright, vibrant shots with punchy contrast as soon as you press the shutter button. If you like getting colorful images to share straight to your socials with no extra editing required, then it’s a great one to consider.

Who shouldn’t get it

Many more enthusiastic photographers (myself included) often prefer images that look more natural that you can then add more pizzazz to in the editing stage before they hit your Instagram grid. Those photographers may not love the look of the Phone 4A Pro’s shots and should instead consider the Pixel 10A, which typically delivers more balanced’ images.

Read our Nothing Phone 4A Pro review.

Made in partnership with legendary camera maker Hasselblad, it’s no surprise that Oppo’s Find X9 Ultra is a beast when it comes to taking images. Its multiple rear cameras have allowed me to take some great images, but achieving the best results requires a bit more effort. I found I needed to take manual control over settings and do some more edits in apps like Adobe Lightroom to tune photos to my tastes, but once I did, they looked superb.

But its main appeal is with the optional telephoto zoom lens. Slap this thing on the front and it essentially turns the phone into a telescope, allowing you to take hugely zoomed-in images that would be simply out of reach of other phones. Sure, that gives it niche appeal, but those of you into wildlife photography should take a look.

At least, if you can buy it. Like the Leitzphone, seen above, the Find X9 Ultra won’t be officially sold in the US.

Why we like it

Even without the zoom lens, this phone can take some awesome photos, especially if you’re an enthusiast who will spend time tweaking settings to get everything looking just right.

The telephoto zoom lens transforms the experience, letting you fill your frame with subjects that are difficult to even see with the naked eye.

Who it’s best for

Wildlife photographers who want pro-quality photos from their phone without having to carry enormous professional zoom lenses for their mirrorless cameras into the field will like this phone.

Who shouldn’t get it

Folks who just want to point their phone toward something and click one button to take the photo should look for a different phone. Also this isn’t the phone for anyone who lives in the US as this phone won’t be officially on sale there. Boo.