The smartphone has very quickly become the only camera for many consumers. It must be said that innovations have multiplied in this area. Photographic equipment is therefore one of the selection criteria which condition the purchase of a new telephone. Here is our selection of the best smart phone with best camera to buy in 2024 .
Smart phone with best camera under $ 1,400:
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max: the best camera phone on iOS
![New Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (256GB, Graphite) [Locked] + Carrier Subscription](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31-dxqfEAfL._SL500_.jpg)
New Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (256GB, Graphite) [Locked] + Carrier Subscription
Features
- OFFER INCLUDES: An Apple iPhone and a wireless plan with unlimited data/talk/text
- WIRELESS PLAN: Unlimited talk, text, and data with mobile hotspot, nationwide coverage, and international reach. No long-term contract required.
- PROGRAM DETAILS: When you add this offer to cart, it will reflect 3 items: the iPhone, SIM kit, and carrier subscription
- Ceramic Shield, tougher than any smartphone glass
- A14 Bionic chip, the fastest chip ever in a smartphone
With its much larger screen, a much larger battery and superior photo capabilities, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the ultimate Apple smartphone. So much so that it obscures the iPhone 12 Pro. Finally, if you were to choose a “pro” model this year, it would be wiser to consider getting a Pro Max to take advantage of everything that Cupertino has to offer with its 2022 models, unless a smartphone of disproportionate size puts you off.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max also offers a very good high-end camera. It has a definition of 1284 x 2778 pixels and 458ppp. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a back camera made up of several sensors:
- a 12 Mpx wide-angle lens with an aperture of f / 1.6;
- a 12 Mpx x2.5 zoom with an aperture of f / 2.2;
- an ultra wide angle of 12 Mpx with an aperture of f / 2.4;
- a LiDAR sensor.
The front camera of the iPhone 12 Pro Max consists of a single 12 Mpx sensor (f / 2.2 aperture).
This iPhone also includes a portrait mode with light effects which takes advantage of the 3D mapping thanks to the LiDAR sensor. The back and front cameras also have HDR mode. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a very good photo smartphone, but it is not accessible to all budgets.
Huawei Mate 40 Pro: multiple ultra powerful photo sensors
Huawei Mate 40 Pro 5G NOH-NX9 256GB 8GB RAM International Version - Mystic Silver
Features
- 6.76 inches, OLED, HDR10, 90Hz, 1344 x 2772 pixels,
- 256GB Storage, 8GB RAM, NM (Nano Memory), Up to 256GB Card slot (uses shared SIM slot)
- Android 10, EMUI 11 with Huawei AppGallery (No Google Play Services), Kirin 9000 5G (5 nm), Octa-core (1x3.13 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.54 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x2.05 GHz Cortex-A55), Mali-G78 MP24
- For USA Buyers : This Smartphone is compatible/will work with any GSM Networks such as AT&T, T-Mobile. For exact 2G GSM, 3G, 4G/LTE & 5G compatibility, please check with your network provider in advance prior to your purchase. This phone WILL NOT WORK with any US CDMA Networks such as VERIZON, SPRINT, US CELLULAR.
Despite the absence of Google services, the Huawei Mate 40 Pro does not have to be ashamed of the competition. It offers a resolution of 2772 x 1344 pixels and 456ppp (dots per inch, the UK inch distance measure equates to roughly 2.5cm). In terms of photos, the Huawei Mate 40 Pro has a total of 8 photo sensors. On the back of the smartphone, there are many sensors arranged in a circle:
- a 50 Mpx wide-angle sensor with a 23 mm lens and an aperture of f / 1.9;
- a 20Mpx Ultra wide-angle sensor with an 18mm lens and an f / 1.8 aperture;
- a periscopic lens (12 Mpx) of 125 mm with an aperture of f / 3.4;
- a 3D ToF sensor.
While there are 3 sensors in the notch on the front of the smartphone:
- a 13 Mpx Ultra vision sensor with a wide angle lens (f2.4);
- a 3D depth sensor;
- a 3D ToF sensor.
The Huawei Mate 40 Pro is the smartphone that includes the largest number of photo sensors. Google compensates with many features of its photo software such as HDR10 + mode (High Dynamic Range meaning “wide dynamic range”), night vision or even high resolution zoom. HDR + mode, when activated, takes multiple photos and combines them into one, selecting the best parts for a highly optimized rendering.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: the king of photography
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Factory Unlocked Android Cell Phone | US Version 5G Smartphone | Pro-Grade Camera, 8K Video, 108MP High Res | 128GB, Phantom Silver (SM-G998UZSAXAA)
$999.98 in stock
6 used from $406.29
Features
- PRO-GRADE CAMERA: Zoom in close with 100X Space Zoom, and take photos and videos like a pro with our easy-to-use, multi-lens camera..Form_factor : Smartphone.Display resolution maximum:3200 x 1440 pixels
- SHARP 8K VIDEO: Capture your life’s best moments in head-turning, super-smooth, cinema quality 8K Video.
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO RECORD: Create share-ready videos and GIFs with multi-cam recording and automatic, professional-style effects.
- HIGHER RESOLUTION, 100X ZOOM: Get amazing clarity with a dual lens combo of 3X and 10X optical zoom and revolutionary 100X Space Zoom.
- ALL DAY INTELLIGENT BATTERY: Intuitively manages your cellphone’s usage, so you can go all day without charging.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the best smartphones passed in our laboratories. Its panel is of exceptional quality, its performance is competitive, its daytime photos very good, and this S21 Ultra is finally complete and will satisfy all needs. By offering compatibility with the S-Pen, this new flagship becomes more versatile than ever and is even closer to the Galaxy Note range. What to question once again on the relevance of the latter.
With a definition of 1440 x 3200 pixels and 5158ppp, it embeds a powerful main sensor of 108 megapixels with wide angle 79 degrees f / 1.8, 24 mm, 1 / 1.33 inch, 0.8 µm, IOS, autofocus laser and phase detection. With him, three other sensors:
- a 12 Mpx ultra wide angle sensor;
- a 12 MP telephoto sensor with an aperture of f / 2.4, 3x optical zoom and phase detection autofocus;
- a 10 Mpx sensor with an aperture of f / 4.9, 10x optical zoom and phase detection autofocus.
The 40MP front camera has HDR and the selfies are crying out for realism.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is easily placed in the best smartphone photos with always high quality photos whether at night, in panorama or for selfies and only the price could be a brake on its acquisition.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G Factory Unlocked New Android Cell Phone US Version, 128GB of Storage, Fingerprint ID and Facial Recognition, Long-Lasting Battery, Cosmic Black
Features
- Power of 5G: Get next-level power for everything you love to do with Samsung Galaxy 5G; Share more, game harder, experience more and never miss a beat
- Single Take AI: Capture video and multiple types of images with one tap of the shutter button; Lenses, effects and filters capture the best of every moment, every time
- Hires Camera Zoom: Capture hires images from 300 feet away that look like they were taken from 3 feet away; The game-changing new 100x Space Zoom delivers unprecedented power and clarity
- Ultra Bright Night Mode: Capture pro-quality content in Ultra Bright Night mode to capture dazzling, blur-free photos and vivid HRD video without flash, even in low light
- Super Fast Charging: Charge up quicker with Super Fast Charge so you can keep moving, with more juice; Give your buds or Galaxy Buds a boost of power with Wireless PowerShare right from Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
As always with Samsung’s new top of the line, we don’t have much to complain about this Galaxy S20 Ultra. The Korean flagship of the start of the decade collects five stars for a deserved flawlessness. It unashamedly fulfills its mission as a technological showcase and presents itself as the best of the smartphones passed in our laboratory. To put it simply, whatever the intended use by the user, this S20 Ultra will do. So much so, that it even allows itself to integrate a 5G chip in order to anticipate the new generation of mobile network.
Smart phone with best camera under $1000 :
OnePlus 8 Pro
OnePlus 8 Pro Ultramarine Blue, 5G Unlocked Android Smartphone U.S Version, 12GB RAM+256GB Storage, 120Hz Fluid Display,Quad Camera, Wireless Charge, with Alexa Built-in
$688.77 in stock
Features
- 120 Hz Fluid Display – Watch your favorite shows and movies on a state-of-the-art 6.78" QHD+ display with brilliant color accuracy and a seamless 120 Hz refresh rate.
- 5G Capable – Experience faster upload and download speeds along with lower latency when connected to a 5G network.
- 48 MP Quad Camera - Frame every moment with a 48 MP main camera and 48 MP Ultra Wide Angle camera. Get closer with the 3X telephoto camera with up to 30x Digital Zoom, 5 MP Color Filter camera and 16 MP front camera.
- 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage – Experience powerhouse performance with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865.
- High-Capacity 4510 mAh Battery – Speed up your charge with Warp Charge Wireless 30 for fast wireless charging and Warp Charge 30T technology when you need to plug in..OnePlus with Alexa Built-in provides Hands-Free access to Alexa. Simply say “Alexa" to play music make a call control your smart home check the weather and more using just your voice. Stay up to date and accomplish every day tasks, all while on-the-go. Just ask - and Alexa will respond instantly. Download the Alexa app on your OnePlus device to start using Alexa Hands-Free today
As often, OnePlus successfully stacks cutting edge technologies, to deliver us a very successful OnePlus 8 Pro. Too bad the Chinese flagship does not do a little better in photos. It remains slightly behind compared to a cador like the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, certainly much more expensive. This OnePlus 8 Pro remains proof that the Chinese manufacturer is able to compete in the high-end smartphone segment.
Smart phone with best camera under $ 800 :
Samsung galaxy s20 +
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Factory Unlocked Android Cell Phone | 128 GB | US Version Smartphone | Pro-Grade Camera, 30X Space Zoom, Night Mode | Cloud Navy
43 used from $194.99
Features
- MORE FREEDOM: With unlocked by Samsung, you call the shots; Start with the Galaxy S20 FE 5G then choose your carrier, data plan, services, features, and apps, so you get the phone you want, set up exactly how you want.Form_factor : Smartphone
- INFINITY-O DISPLAY: The 6.5” FHD Infinity-O Display has barely-there bezels surrounding the flat edges, and a super small punch hole for the camera*; Meaning a more immersive screen that makes your gaming, streaming, and video calling way more fun
- PRO-GRADE CAMERA: The same pro-grade triple lens S20 camera, now available in FE; Three cameras on the rear let you snapshot moments in your own way
- 30X SPACE ZOOM: Zoom in close from afar or magnify details of something nearby with the power of 30X Space Zoom
- NIGHT MODE: With bigger pixels and enhanced camera AI, the rear camera adjusts to pull in light even when it’s dark so your shots come out detailed and colorful
Without too many surprises, the Galaxy S20 + is positioned as the perfect compromise between a compact S20 and an S20 Ultra all in excess. It is therefore a complete smartphone that is pleasant to use, whatever the use requested. A good top of the range, in short.
Google pixel 5
Google Pixel 5 - 5G Android Phone - Water Resistant - Unlocked Smartphone with Night Sight and Ultrawide Lens - Just Black
11 used from $189.06
Features
- New, unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; unlocked smartphone works with T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, and other major carriers[1].Form_factor : Smartphone
- 5G capable [2] smartphone gives you an extra boost of speed so you can download a movie in seconds, [3] enjoy smooth streaming in ultra clear HD, play games at home and on the go, [4] and even share your 5G speed with friends [5]
- Charge your cell phone wirelessly [6] or use it to wirelessly charge other Qi-certified devices [7]
- The all day battery can last up to 48 hours with Extreme Battery Saver [8]
- Your phone will automatically receive the latest OS and security updates for at least 3 years; [9] the custom-made Titan M chip helps secure the operating system and sensitive data, like passwords
The Pixel 5 doesn’t necessarily improve all the points of the Pixel 4, but it is still a very good smartphone and strikes a perfect balance between performance, endurance and price. Unlike many of its competitors, Google doesn’t play with pompous superlatives and just delivers what is needed, where it is needed.
Motorola Edge
Motorola Edge | Unlocked | Made for US by Motorola | 6/256GB | 64MP Camera | 2020 | Solor Black
19 used from $153.91
Features
- Carrier compatibiliy: AT&T: 4G, VoLTE , Verizon: 4G, VoLTE, T Mobile: 5G sub6 NSA, VoLTE, WiFi Calling, Video Calling, Tracfone: GSM, CDMA. Does not support: Boost, U.S. Cellular, Republic Wireless, Xfinity Wireless, Spectrum, Optimum Mobile. For all carrier compatibility details - please check the product images in detail.Optical sensor resolution:64 megapixels.Display Type:OLED.Form_factor : Smartphone
- In order to use this Device on Verizon first provision your SIM through Verizon Wireless . Log in to your account on Verizon Wireless . Devices - activate or switch devices - activate.
- Ultra-powerful 5G performance - Experience pure speed with the next gen wireless network, plus an insanely fast processor, 6GB memory, and 256GB storage. Compatible with T-Mobile's 5G network now. Ready for 5G on other networks dependent on carrier availability.
- Immersive 90 Hz Endless Edge display - Get breathtaking HDR10 picture quality on a gorgeous 6.7” OLED display that wraps around the edges.
- 64MP Triple Camera System - Class-leading camera resolution lets you capture everything from super high-res to crisp low-light, and from ultra-wide to ultra-zoom.
This Motorola Edge is a good smartphone, well executed, but perhaps too consensual as it looks like the competition. It’s good everywhere, but doesn’t excel anywhere, which can put it down against other phones in the same price range. Its two main opponents, the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 and the Realme X50 Pro 5G, are excellent on certain points, such as the screen or the photo part. In the end, it will all depend on what you are looking for. If you are looking for the best performance, the Realme is for you. If you want the best photos, the Mi Note 10 is here. Finally, if you want some sort of compromise, then the Motorola Edge is the model for you.
Smartphones with best camera under $600:
Xiaomi mi note 10
Xiaomi Mi Note 10 128GB 108MP Penta Camera 6.47″ LTE Factory Unlocked Smartphone (International Version) (Midnight Black)
Features
- 6.47"3D curved AMOLED display Corning Gorilla glass front and back, 1080x2340 pixels 398 PPI - HDR 10 - Responsive in-screen fingerprint sensor - TÜV Rheinland low blue light mode
- Flash storage: 128 GB phone storage + 6GB RAM - Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G - 5260mAh (typ) high-capacity battery - Multifunctional NFC
- Main camera: 108MP ultra high-resolution camera + 12MP portrait camera + 5MP telephoto camera + 20MP ultra wide-angle camera + 2MP macro camera - Front Camera: 32MP selfie camera - 4K recording - 1080P slow motion recording - Vlog mode & Night mode 2.0
- 2G bands: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, 3G bands: HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100, 4G bands: LTE band 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(1700/2100), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 18(800), 19(800), 20(800), 26(850), 28(700), 38(2600), 40(2300)
- International Model - No Warranty in US. Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will NOT work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint, Boost. - FCC ID: 2AFZZF4G
The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 is quite simply one of the best smartphones around. Despite some slowness, its camera is very interesting and its 108 Mpx sensor will satisfy lovers of well detailed shots. It is a balanced terminal which does not forget to offer good performance and solid autonomy. It doesn’t have much to envy a lot of much more expensive smartphones.
Huawei p30
Huawei P30 ELE-L29 128GB Hybrid Dual Sim Unlocked GSM Phone w/Triple (40 MP + 16 MP + 8 MP) Camera - Aurora
$315.00 in stock
1 used from $285.99
Features
- Display: 6.1 inches w/ OLED capacitive touchscreen, Resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels
- Internal Memory: 128GB, 6GB RAM, External: NM (Nano Memory), up to 256GB (uses SIM 2)
- OS: Android 9.0 (Pie); EMUI 9.1, Chipset: HiSilicon Kirin 980, CPU: Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x1.92 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
- Rear Triple Camera: 40 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/1.7", PDAF/Laser AF + 16 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), PDAF/Laser AF + 8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), 1/4", 3x optical zoom, PDAF/Laser AF, OIS Front Camera: 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
- Sensors: Fingerprint (under display), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, color spectrum
With its P30, Huawei offers us an excellent camera phone, as versatile as it is successful. In addition to a main photo module of good quality day and night, its very wide angle and 3x zoom are convincing. Its screen is well calibrated, its ergonomics pleasant, its performance is impeccable and its headphone jack is of good quality. In the middle of this beautiful picture, we just regret a slight – very slight – dropout in autonomy. But nothing serious.
Smart phone with best camera under $400 :
Xiaomi mi 10 lite
Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite 6.47" 64MP DualSim International Global Version (Midnight Black, 6GB/128gb)
Features
- 6.47″ 3D curved AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G High-performance octa-core processor Frequency: up to 2.2GHz Adreno 618 graphics processor Qualcomm 5th generation AI engine
- Camera - 64MP AI quad camera ultra-high resolution primary camera, Front Camera 16MP In-Display
- Network & Connectivity:- GSM:2/3/5/8 WCDMA: B1 / B2 / B4 / B5 / B6 / B8 / B19 LTE FDD: B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / B5 / B7 / B8 / B18 / B19 / B20 / B26 / B28 LTE TDD: 38/40/41(2535-2655MHz)
- Charging and battery 5260 mAh Built-in lithium-ion polymer battery USB Type-C reversible connector port, Supports 30W charging. Packaging includes an 30W cable charger (Comes with Foreign EU Wall Adapter)
- International Model - No Warranty in US. Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will NOT work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint, Boost. - FCC ID: 2AFZZF4G
The Xiaomi Mi 10 lite recipe works very well overall. The Chinese manufacturer offers us a resolutely high-end mobile in its approach, which has few flaws. It competes easily with the Samsung Galaxy S20 or other OnePlus 7T Pro. On the other hand, it is difficult to understand the surge in the selling price compared to a Mi 9 which also excelled for $ 300 less when it was launched.
Google Pixel 4a
Google Pixel 4a - New Unlocked Android Smartphone - 128 GB of Storage - Up to 24 Hour Battery - Just Black
23 used from $99.34
Features
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; works with Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, Google Fi, and other major carriers.Form_factor : Smartphone
- Capture great photos using your cell phone on the 12 MP dual pixel rear camera with features like Live HDR+ Night Sight, and Portrait Mode; share photos directly from the viewfinder of your Pixel camera to Google and popular third party apps
- The Adaptive Battery lasts up to 24 hours [1] as it learns your favorite apps and reduces power to the ones you rarely use
- HDR+ makes your photos look better by automatically adjusting for color and lighting; Night Sight lets you capture rich detail and color even in the dark; Portrait Mode helps you take beautiful portraits with a DSLR quality look
- The custom made Titan M security chip helps secure the operating system and protect sensitive data like passwords; automatically receive the latest OS and security updates on your cell phone for at least 3 years. [2]
With its unique photo sensor, the Google Pixel 4a impresses day and night. But unlike its predecessor, it does not neglect the other elements of its technical sheet. In addition to its excellent photo portion, the 4a displays good performance, a solid battery life, a very good screen and a modern design.
Smartphones with best camera under $300:
Huawei nova 5t
HUAWEI Nova 5T (128GB, 6GB) 6.26" LCD, Kirin 980, 48MP Quad Camera, 22.5W Fast Charge, Dual SIM GSM Unlocked Global 4G LTE International EU Plug with US Adapter (Black)
Features
| Part Number | 6901443346110 |
| Color | Black |
The Honor 20 was a “good product but it doesn’t stand out” and we see the same here with this near-perfect copy. This Nova 5T has the same strengths and weaknesses as its cousin released in May. It’s up to you to see who you trust. Note, however, that in the same range, the Google Pixel 3a is just as correct, but much better in photos.
The key points for buying well
In the space of a few years, the smartphone has managed to become the only camera for a number of consumers. While the standardization of the smartphone segment has never been so convincing with machines adopting the same format, a tactile monolith or even the same technical specificities, manufacturers still intend to differentiate themselves by claiming the best aptitudes for capturing photos. Through partnership with venerable manufacturers of optics, ultra bright aperture, double or even triple stabilized sensors or naturally through the race for pixels, larger sensors or photosites or image processing fed with AI, this competition has stimulated the photophone “segment”.
After having killed the compact market and confined hybrids, reflexes or expert compacts to those who intend to take the time to take great photos, the smartphone has become much more than the “everyday” camera. For many, it has become their only camera. Much easier to transport, the phone now has more than adequate equipment that can satisfy the most demanding of photographers.
Thus, the photo remains a determining element when it comes to buying a new smartphone. The good news is that with the annual renewal of the ranges, the evolutions reserved for high-end are often found in the following years on more accessible machines. A forward race that contributes to advancing photography across the entire market, including low-cost smartphones that become correct when the (right) conditions are met. Here is everything you need to remember to make the right choice and buy the photophone that will meet all your expectations.
Megapixels and aperture, kezako?
The definition of a snapshot taken by a photo sensor is expressed in megapixels (millions of pixels or Mpx). Thus, the higher the number of megapixels, the greater the size and definition of the image. Do not fall into the trap, a 48 Mpx sensor is not necessarily more efficient than a 12 Mpx sensor. Openness is also an element to take into account. It is expressed in f / n. The closer “n” is to 0, the larger the aperture is and allows the sensor to capture more light.
Wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle, telephoto, what type of lenses for your smartphone?
For several years, the vast majority of smartphones only had a single sensor with a wide-angle lens and therefore did not allow for varying types of shots. It was manufacturers like Huawei who popularized the double, then the triple and finally the quadruple sensor. Usually, the wide-angle lens is paired with an ultra-wide-angle and / or a telephoto lens. The first allows in certain situations to take wide shots without having to back up. The second is useful for capturing distant subjects.
Which brand to buy the best smartphone for photography?
The leaders of mobile telephony, Huawei and Samsung, excel in this field with full quality equipment. Let us not forget Google and Apple which integrate particularly effective processing software into Pixels and iPhones.
How much does a good photophone cost?
It is not necessarily useful to afford a high-end smartphone to benefit from good photographic quality. Brands like Honor, Xiaomi or Realme allow you to have complete photophones at a low price. However, some concessions are made and these smartphones generally struggle to make renderings usable in low light conditions. The Google Pixel 4a is an exception.
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