Best of

3.0
Our ratings take into account the card’s rewards, fees, rates along with the card’s category. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Why we picked it
Read More

SCROLL TO SITE

SCROLL TO CURRENT LIST

Best Camera Phone

Important Disclosure: The content provided does not consider your particular circumstances and does not constitute personal advice. Some of the products promoted are from our affiliate partners from whom we receive compensation.

If you require any personal advice, please seek such advice from an independently qualified financial advisor. While we aim to feature some of the best products available, this does not include all available products from across the market. Although the information provided is believed to be accurate at the date of publication, you should always check with the product provider to ensure that information provided is the most up to date.

Premium smartphones can now rival professional equipment when it comes to the quality of camera images and video footage. But, with so many to choose from, where do you start? We’ve filtered through the deals on offer (October 2023) comparing tech features such as resolution, f-stop range and zoom capability, to identify our pick of the top five.

{{ showMobileIntroSection ? 'Read Less': 'Read More' }}

Best Camera Phone 2023


Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

No. of lenses

5

Max camera resolution

200MP

Video

8K@24fps

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Get a phone deal

Subject to phone availability

No. of lenses

5

Max camera resolution

200MP

Video

8K@24fps

Why We Picked It

Samsung comes out on top with its S23 Ultra handset, which sports four rear lenses in addition to the selfie lens.

The upgrade to the S22 Ultra, it houses a 200MP, rather than an 108MP wide-angle lens, in addition to 10MP periscope telephoto and telephoto lenses and a 12MP ultrawide lens. However, its 12MP selfie lens is a downgrade compared to the S22 Ultra’s 40MP one. Still, the S23 Ultra remains in its own league even in this respect, considering its main rival, Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max, carries a mostly 12MP camera array.

The S23 Ultra offers a maximum 100x digital zoom,10x optical zoom, and an impressive f-stop range for a variety of effects through manipulation of light. But, by far its strongest point is the ability to film in ground-breaking 8K resolution for super sharp footage from a camera phone.

Pros & Cons
  • 200MP wide lens
  • 8K resolution video recording
  • Large battery
  • 1TB ROM
  • Expensive
  • No expandable storage
Extra Details

 Price: £1,249

 f-stop range: f1.7 – 4.9

 Max RAM: 12GB

 Max storage capacity: 1TB

 Screen size: 6.8″

 Screen resolution: 3088 x 1440

 Screen PPI: 500

 CPU speed: 1 x 3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2 x 2.80 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3 x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510

 Battery capacity: 5000mAh

Samsung Galaxy S23/S23+

Samsung Galaxy S23/S23+
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

No. of lenses

4

Max camera resolution

50MP

Video

8K@24fps

Samsung Galaxy S23/S23+
Get a phone deal

Subject to phone availability

No. of lenses

4

Max camera resolution

50MP

Video

8K@24fps

Why We Picked It

The Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+ both carry the same camera array. That’s a 50MP wide lens, 12MP ultrawide lens and 10MP telephoto lens, as well as a 12MP selfie lens.

For those with a smartphone checklist centred on camera quality alone, choosing the standard S23 could save a few pounds. As well as the ability to shoot video in first-class 8K resolution, both the S23 and S23+ offer a maximum 3x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom, and f-stop range that allows the user to create a wide variety of bokeh effects.

Pros & Cons
  • Good value for money (particularly the Samsung Galaxy S23)
  • 8K resolution video recording
  • No expandable storage
  • S23 has a smaller 3,900mAh battery
Extra Details

 Price: £899/£1,049

 f-stop range: f1.8 – 2.2

 Max RAM: 8GB

 Max storage capacity: 256GB/512GB

 Screen size: 6.1″/6.6″

 Screen resolution: 2340 x 1080

 Screen PPI: 425/393

 CPU speed: 1 x 3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2 x 2.80 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3 x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510

 Battery capacity: 3,900mAh/ 4,700mAh

iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 15 Pro Max
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

No. of lenses

4

Max camera resolution

48MP

Video

4K@24/25/30/60fps

iPhone 15 Pro Max
Get an iPhone deal

Subject to phone availability

No. of lenses

4

Max camera resolution

48MP

Video

4K@24/25/30/60fps

Why We Picked It

The iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple’s most high spec handset from its latest range, is the same price as its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Pro Max but boasts enhanced features.

The 48MP wide lens, that was introduced in the last range remains along with 12MP periscope telephoto and ultrawide lenses, all at the rear. However, the telescope lens is now equipped with 5x optical zoom, which, according to Apple is the longest optical zoom of any iPhone. This helps to produce sharp photos of subjects from far away. For selfies, there’s a wide 12MP lens at the front of the phone.

This handset has the ability to merge the best pixels from multiple exposures to help produce more true-to-life photos, and has an impressive f-stop range which allows for a variety of light and shadow effects. As for video recording, footage can be shot in 4K resolution.

The SL 3D sensor at the front of the device and TOF LiDAR scanner are now familiar features in iPhone Pro Max and Pro models, helping to produce more accurate photos.

Pros & Cons
  • LiDAR scanner
  • Same price as predecessor
  • 1TB max storage
  • Is heavier than other models
Extra Details

Price: £1,199

f-stop range: f1.8- 2.8

Max RAM: 8GB

Max storage capacity: 1TB

Screen size: 6.7″

Screen resolution: 1290 x 2796

Screen PPI: 460

CPU speed: Hexa-core: 2 x 3.78GHz + 4

Battery capacity: 4,200mAh

iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

No. of lenses

4

Max camera resolution

48MP

Video

4K@24/25/30/60fps

iPhone 15 Pro
Get an iPhone deal

Subject to phone availability

No. of lenses

4

Max camera resolution

48MP

Video

4K@24/25/30/60fps

Why We Picked It

The iPhone 15 Pro boasts many of the same camera features as its sibling, the iPhone Pro Max, though it is £200 cheaper. Its camera array also consists of a 48MP wide lens and12MP ultrawide lens at the rear and a 12MP selfie camera. However, instead of a periscope telephoto lens, Apple includes a 12MP telephoto lens at the rear.

Both models have a TOF LiDAR scanner and SL 3D scanner, which measure the depth and distance of objects to take more accurate photos. The TOF LiDAR scanner can also be used in AR apps. For storing photos and footage among other data, there’s 1TB of storage.

Pros & Cons
  • Impressive f-stop range
  • 1TB max storage
  • 6.1″ display
  • No periscope telephoto lens
Extra Details

Price: £999

f-stop range: f1.8- 2.8

Max RAM: 8GB

Max storage capacity: 1TB

Screen size: 6.1″

Screen resolution: 1179 x 2556

Screen PPI: 461

CPU speed: Hexa-core: 2 x 3.78GHz + 4

Battery capacity: 3,274mAh

Google Pixel 7 Pro

Google Pixel 7 Pro
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

No. of lenses

4

Max camera resolution

50MP

Video

4K@30/60fps

Google Pixel 7 Pro
Get a phone deal

Subject to phone availability

No. of lenses

4

Max camera resolution

50MP

Video

4K@30/60fps

Why We Picked It

The Google Pixel 7 Pro balances camera quality with affordability.

It sits middle of the range for a flagship camera phone, with a 10.8MP selfie lens, 12MP ultrawide lens, 48MP telephoto lens and 50MP wide lens that can shoot video in 4K resolution.

Exclusive features include what Goolgle calls Macro Focus – the ability to pick up the smallest of details, while the 30x digital zoom allows users to capture detail from a great distance.

Pros & Cons
  • Inexpensive
  • Large battery
  • Only three lenses
  • Limited f-stop range
Extra Details

 Price: £849

 f-stop range: f1.9 – 3.5

 Max RAM: 12GB

 Max storage capacity: 512GB

 Screen size: 6.7″

 Screen resolution: 3120 x 1440

 Screen PPI: 512

 CPU speed: 2 x 2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2 x 2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4 x 1.80 GHz Cortex-A55

Battery capacity: 5,000mAh

Methodology

We compared a range of smartphones to see how their measured up in terms of their camera set-ups. Specifically, we looked at sensor size in Megapixels, zoom capability, f-stop, maximum video resolution and more. We assigned a score to each category and totalled before converting their scores into a rating from 1 to 5 stars.

Given the way smartphone technology develops over time, scores are also weighted in favour of newer handsets. As such, an older handset may rank lower than a newer handset even though it appears to be of higher spec, in terms of raw numbers.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which camera phone provides the best resolution for photos?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers the most advanced technology in this regard, offering a maximum resolution of 200MP.

Which camera phone is the best for lighting effects?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra’s impressive f-stop range lends itself to a range of lighting effects. The Google Pixel 7 Pro and Huawei Mate Pro stand side-by-side as the next best options.

Which camera phone is the best for filming cinematic-quality footage?

All of the Samsung camera phones on this list are capable of shooting 8K footage – the best quality resolution available from a smartphone.

Which camera phone is best for beginners?

For rookie photographers, the Google Pixel 6a is worth considering. It has three lenses, a number of effects to play around with, and a decent resolution for image and video, to help users build their skills and portfolio.

Which camera phone proves the best value for money?

For a market-reasonable price of £899, the Samsung Galaxy S23 packs four lenses with up to 64MP resolution, and offers the ability to shoot video in 8K resolution.

Which camera phone is best if I’m on a budget?

If cost is key, the Google Pixel 6a should fit the bill. For £399, it offers three lenses, the ability to shoot video in 4K resolution and a number of effects to choose from.

What is the best Huawei camera phone?

The Huawei Mate 50 Pro offers the brand’s most advanced technology in a smartphone. It has four lenses, an impressive f-stop range and a decent resolution for photos and video.

What is the best iPhone camera phone?

The iPhone 15 Pro Max wins top spot with three main lenses, including a 48MP wide lens, and 12MP periscope telephoto lens. It also has a cutting-edge LiDAR lens for taking more accurate photos and using AR apps.

What is the best Samsung camera phone?

Samsung’s best camera technology can be found in its flagship premium phone, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Rating top in all areas, it offers a professional photography experience.


Jargon Buster

Bokeh: Bokeh is a photographic technique that uses the blurring of the background of an image to focus attention on a specific area.

F-stop: All lenses have apertures which open and close like 360° eyelids to control how much light passes through. The f-stop is a measure of the aperture of a lens, indicating how much light is being let through to the sensor. It plays an important part in creating the aesthetic of an image, such as bokeh effects. F-stop numbers differ between devices, but the lower the f-stop number the more light is let in.

LiDAR: LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging. It is a remote sensing technology that uses lasers to measure the exact distance and depth of objects to map out an accurate picture of the surrounding area – great for AR (augmented reality) apps and taking photos. Initially used by the military, and in space to map the moon’s surface, it has now found its way into self-driving cars and of course camera phones.

TOF: TOF stands for time-of-flight. A TOF lens maps out its surroundings using a sensor rather than laser. It is used for AR, facial recognition and for creating bokeh effects and 3D models of scenes.


Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.