"Best Camera Phones in 2024: Our Top Picks [Updated]"

Table of Contents

Introduction

Forget carrying around a heavy DSLR – the best cameras in 2024 fit right in your pocket. Smartphone cameras have achieved a level of quality that was unimaginable just a few years ago. Once treated as an afterthought, phone cameras today define which models take the spotlight. The latest flagship devices now shoot professional-grade photos and cinematic videos thanks to advanced lenses, sensors, and computational photography. From expansive zooms to staggering low light capabilities and fast focus speeds, they pack serious imaging power. You’ll capture life’s greatest moments in stunning clarity – shots worthy of magazines with just the click of a button, erasing the line between smartphone and serious camera. Let’s explore some of 2024’s most impressive camera phones that deliver DSLR-quality shots with no extra gear needed. Prepare to be wowed while your photos do the talking.

14 Key Specifications to Consider – Camera Phone Buying Guide

In the pursuit of finding the perfect camera phone, precision is paramount for a discerning photographer like myself. Let’s delve into the essential specifications that demand attention when selecting a camera phone:

Sensor Size and Type: Larger phone sensors allow for more light capture just like bigger DSLR sensors. They also perform better in low-light situations. Advanced CMOS and BSI sensor technologies provide benefits like faster autofocus and capture speed compared to older sensor types.
Megapixel Count(MP): More megapixels(MP) give you more flexibility to significantly crop or blow up images without noticeable loss of detail and resolution. While important, higher resolution alone does not guarantee better image quality – it depends on sensor size, lens quality, and more.
Aperture Size: A wider aperture (lower f-number) means more light is allowed into the lens, which leads to better low-light performance. It also enables a shallow depth of field effect that beautifully blurs the background for artistic photos.
Optical Image Stabilization(OIS): OIS minimizes camera shake by physically moving lens elements, resulting in dramatically sharper images and video—especially helpful in low light conditions where cameras need to use slow shutter speeds.
Pro Mode Controls: Manual controls in Pro/Manual mode allow personalized settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance. Pro modes give full control over camera settings, allowing experienced photographers to customize parameters based on shooting conditions.
High Dynamic Range (HDR): HDR technology in phone cameras compensates for the limitations of smaller sensors by combining multiple exposures to capture a wider range of tones and preserve detail in highlights and shadows. It provides more dynamic and visually appealing, true-to-life photos.
Autofocus System: A fast, smooth, and accurate autofocus system is especially crucial for capturing crisp, sharp images in highly dynamic shooting situations featuring rapid motion or changing framing scenarios that tend to throw off older, slower autofocus mechanisms. Newer smartphones feature excellent autofocus, often meeting or exceeding entry-level cameras.
Camera App Features: Evaluate what shooting modes and features are offered by the default camera app, such as manual controls, RAW image capture, panorama, slow motion video, hyperlapse, and more. These software features complement the hardware.
Video Recording: Assess the video recording capabilities including resolution, frame rates, 4K support, and features like optical image stabilization, zoom capabilities while filming, advanced microphones, and HDR video to handle high contrast lighting.
Low Light Performance: Check reviews and sample images that specifically test low light performance. Examine image samples at high ISOs for noise, level of detail, color accuracy, and autofocus reliability.
Front Camera Quality: If selfies and video calls are a priority, pay close attention to front camera resolution, sensor size, aperture as well as features like autofocus, flash, HDR, and beautification algorithms. See if quality meets your needs.
Storage and File Formats: Consider the internal storage capacity for saving all your photos and videos. Also, verify external storage support via SD card or USB-C thumb drive. Additionally, check if the camera app supports RAW photo capture for more editing flexibility.
Zoom Capability: Optical and hybrid zoom preserve more details compared to digital zoom which simply enlarges the photo. Look for higher optical zoom numbers for better lossless reach/framing flexibility.
Battery Life: Capturing hi-res photos and videos is very power-intensive. Look for bigger batteries, low power modes, and claims of all-day shooting endurance. May require a portable charger for heavy use.

Best Camera Phone Overall in 2024

1. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Portability & Design: Features a 6.7-inch OLED, 2796 x 1290 display. Light at 7.8 ounces, enhancing portability for photographers.

Camera Quality(One of the Best Camera as of 2024):

Primary Camera: 48MP (f/1.78) with 2x optical zoom.
Secondary Cameras: 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 12MP telephoto (f/2.8) with 5x optical zoom for versatile shots. Includes anti-reflecting coating and tetraprism design for enhanced zoom.
Front Camera: 12MP (f/1.9) for high-quality selfies and video calls.

Display Quality: 6.7-inch OLED screen offers vivid, crisp visuals ideal for photo review.

Performance: A17 Pro chip and 8GB RAM ensure fast app operation and image processing.

Battery Life: 14.02 hours, supporting long photography sessions.

Additional Features: Smart HDR and software improvements for portraits and night shots.

Detailed Camera Performance Breakdown:

Low Light Performance: Enhanced night photography with software improvements.
Video Capabilities: Supports 4K video, stabilization, and slow-motion for professional-grade videography.
Software & AI Enhancements: AI-driven scene recognition and optimizations for intuitive use.

Specifications

Model	iPhone 15 Pro Max
Rear Camera(s)	48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto camera
Front Camera	12MP
Screen Size & Resolution	6.7-inch, 2796 x 1290
Processor	A17 Pro
RAM	8GB
Storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB, Non Expandable
Battery Life	14.02 hours

Pros

5x zoom with advanced design.
Top performance with A17 Pro chip.
Long battery life for extensive use.

Cons

Charges slower than rivals.
Pricier than its predecessor(iPhone 14 Pro Max).

Final Verdict: The iPhone 15 Pro Max leads in camera technology, blending superior zoom, performance, and battery life. Despite its price and slower charging, its features make it the best choice for photography enthusiasts.

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Best Andriod Camera Phones

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Portability & Design: Boasts a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen with a sharp 3120 x 1440 resolution. At 8.2 ounces, it’s slightly heavier but still comfortable for photography on the go.

Camera Quality:

Primary Camera: 200MP main (f/1.7) captures sharp, bright images with larger pixels for enhanced light capture.
Secondary Cameras: 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 50MP 5x telephoto (f/3.4), and 10MP 3x telephoto (f/2.4) offer versatile shooting options, from wide scenes to detailed zooms.
Front Camera: 12MP (f/2.2) ensures clear selfies and video calls.

Display Quality: The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display provides vibrant visuals, perfect for reviewing shots and videos.

Performance: Equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy and 12GB RAM for swift app operations and image processing.

Battery Life: Lasts an impressive 16.43 hours with adaptive usage, supporting extended photography sessions.

Additional Features: Features practical AI tools for creative photo editing, like subject resizing and repositioning with generative AI.

Detailed Camera Features Breakdown:

Low Light Performance: Enhanced with larger pixels for brighter, more colorful images.
Video Capabilities: High-resolution video capture with advanced editing features.
Software & AI Enhancements: AI tools enhance photo quality and editing flexibility.

Specifications

Model	Galaxy S24 Ultra
Rear Camera(s)	200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 50MP 5x telephoto, 10MP 3x telephoto
Front Camera	12MP
Screen Size & Resolution	6.8-inch, 3120 x 1440
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
RAM	12GB
Storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB, Not Expandable
Battery Life	16.43 hours

Pros

AI features for creative photo editing.
Sharp 200MP main camera.
Long-lasting battery for all-day use.

Cons

5x telephoto less detailed.
$100 more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Final Verdict: The Galaxy S24 Ultra continues to impress with its robust camera setup and practical AI editing tools. Despite a slight compromise on the 5x telephoto detail and a price increase, its main camera’s sharpness and the long-lasting battery make it a strong contender. For those prioritizing photography, it offers significant value, maintaining its edge over competitors.

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Best Google Camera Phones

1. Google Pixel 8 Pro

Now lts take a look at Google’s latest flagship phone, the Pixel 8 Pro. This bad boy is looking to take on the big dogs with some serious specs.

Let’s start with that Display: Flaunts a 6.7-inch OLED screen with a 2992 x 1334 resolution and a dynamic 1-120Hz refresh rate. Perfect for detailed viewing.

Camera Quality:

Primary Camera: 50MP (f/1.68) main sensor captures stunning detail.
Secondary Cameras: 48MP (f/1.95) ultrawide and 48MP (f/2.8) telephoto lenses offer 5x optical zoom. Versatility in every shot.
Front Camera: 10.5MP (f/2.2) ensures clear selfies and video calls.

Performance: Equipped with the Tensor G3 CPU and 12GB RAM for smooth operation, especially in AI tasks.

Battery Life: Offers 10.03 hours, catering to daily needs with moderate use.

Additional Features: Introduces Pro Controls for photography, alongside AI features like Best Take, Magic Editor, and Audio Magic Eraser. A Video Boost feature enhances video recording.

Detailed Camera Features Breakdown:

Low Light Performance: Excels with AI enhancements for night shots.
Video Capabilities: Unique Video Boost feature for improved recording.
Software & AI Enhancements: Google Assistant offers more human-like interactions and smart responses.

Specifications

Model	Google Pixel 8 Pro
Rear Camera(s)	50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto
Front Camera	10.5MP
Screen Size & Resolution	6.7-inch, 2992 x 1334
Processor	Tensor G3
RAM	12GB
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, Not Expandable
Battery Life	10.03 hours

Pros

Advanced camera features for detailed shots.
AI-assisted experiences enhance usability.
Display is brighter, improving visibility.

Cons

Graphics processing under Tensor G3 is not as strong.
Battery life doesn’t impress compared to rivals.

Final Verdict: Overall, the Pixel 8 Pro brings some serious heat in the camera and AI departments. Graphics power isn’t its strong suit and the battery is just alright. But if you’re into mobile photography and smart AI experiences, the Pixel 8 Pro has you covered.

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2. Google Pixel 7a

Portability & Design: It packs a smooth 6.1” OLED display into a feathery 6.8oz body. We’re talking lightweight lightning in your pocket!

Camera Quality:

Primary Camera: Boasts a 64MP main camera (f/1.89). It’s a significant leap, capturing more light for detailed shots.
Secondary Camera: A 13MP ultrawide (f/2.2) lens expands your shooting range.
Front Camera: The 13MP (f/2.2) selfie camera keeps your selfie game strong.

Display Quality: The 6.1-inch screen not only is bright but also refreshes at 90Hz. It makes every scroll smooth and every photo review clear, even under bright sunlight.

Performance: The Tensor G2 chip isn’t just about speed; it enhances photo features, making every shot count.

Battery Life: Lasts a solid 10.05 hours. It’s reliable for a day’s adventure without constant charging.

Additional Features: Comes with Magic Eraser for photo tweaks and Photo Unblur to sharpen old memories.

Detailed Camera Features Breakdown:

Low Light Performance: Excels in dim settings, ensuring quality shots in any light.
Software & AI Enhancements: Google’s computational photography and AI make each photo stand out.

Specifications

Model	Google Pixel 7a
Rear Camera(s)	64MP main, 13MP ultrawide
Front Camera	13MP
Screen Size & Resolution	6.1-inch, 2400 x 1080
Processor	Tensor G2
RAM	8GB
Storage	128GB, Not Expandable
Battery Life	10.05 hours

Pros

64MP camera upgrades your photography.
Tensor G2 chip boosts photo processing.
The display is bright and fast.

Cons

Noticeable bezels might distract.
Tends to favor dark colors, affecting some photos.

Final Verdict: here’s the bottom line, if you want fantastic photography without emptying your bank account, the Pixel 7a is a smash hit. With its upgraded camera, smart chipset, and vibrant display packed into this phone, it’s an absolute steal for photography enthusiasts. Sure, the bezels are there, and it has a penchant for darker hues, but its strengths in camera technology and AI features make it a top pick for value seekers.

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Best iPhone Camera Phones

1. iPhone 15

Portability & Design: Features a 6.1-inch OLED screen, 2556 x 1179 resolution. Ultra-light at 6 ounces, it’s a breeze to carry around.

Camera Quality:

Primary Camera: 48MP (f/1.6) main camera with 2x zoom produces detailed images.
Secondary Camera: 12MP (f/2.4) ultrawide lens for broader scene capture.
Front Camera: 12MP (f/1.9) ensures sharp selfies and clear video chats.
Display Quality: Boasts a Super Retina XDR display, enhancing the view with brightness and clarity.

Performance: Runs on A16 Bionic chip with 6GB RAM, delivering smooth app and photo editing performance.

Battery Life: Lasts 11.05 hours, notable for its class.

Additional Features: Inherits Smart HDR, portrait mode, and Night sight from the iPhone 15 Pro Max for quality photography.

Specifications

Model	iPhone 15
Rear Camera(s)	48MP main with 2x zoom, 12MP ultrawide
Front Camera	12MP
Screen Size & Resolution	6.1-inch, 2556 x 1179
Processor	A16 Bionic
RAM	6GB
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, Not Expandable
Battery Life	11.05 hours

Pros

Detailed shots with 48MP camera.
Impressive battery life for size.
Super Retina XDR display for vivid visuals.

Cons

No improvement in battery recharge rate.
Display limited to 60Hz refresh rate.

Final Verdict: Wrapping up, the iPhone 15 stands out for those wanting high-end camera tech without stretching to the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s budget. It packs a punch with the same software boosts—Smart HDR, portrait mode, and Night sight—seen in the Pro Max, blurring the lines between the two. While the Pro Max edges ahead with its 5x zoom and more powerful A17 Pro chip, the iPhone 15 cleverly offers a taste of premium at $400 less. This makes it a smart pick for savvy shoppers, offering a stellar photo experience without the top-tier price, highlighting Apple’s knack for making cutting-edge tech accessible.

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Best Budget Camera Phones You Can Buy

1. Samsung Galaxy A54

Portability & Design: A mid-range smartphone with a sleek profile that fits nicely in one hand. Weighs 7.1 ounces for easy portability during photo sessions. Durable plastic build.

Camera Quality:

Primary Camera: 50MP main (f/1.8), large sensor captures abundant light and detail. Excels in low light scenes.
Secondary Cameras: 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2) with 123-degree FOV for group shots and landscapes. 5MP (f/2.4) macro lens reveals fine details when shooting subjects up close.
Front Camera: 32MP selfie camera keeps faces looking crisp in photos and videos. Quick, precise autofocus.

Display Quality: 6.4-inch AMOLED display offers vivid colors and great viewing angles. 60Hz refresh provides a smooth scrolling and viewing experience for photos/videos.

Performance: Exynos 1380 processor and 6/8GB RAM handles daily tasks and photography needs, albeit with minor slowdowns at times in demanding apps.

Battery Life: Lasts over 10.2 hours with heavy camera use or 11.45 hours with light usage. Fast charging support helps refuel quickly.

Additional Features: Portrait mode creates aesthetic background blur in people pictures. HDR and night mode enhance photos in challenging lighting.

Price: $449 makes this a nicely equipped camera phone for budget-minded mobile photographers.

Detailed Camera Features Breakdown

Low Light Performance: 50MP sensor excels in dim lighting with dedicated night mode for solid low light shots.
Video Capabilities: 4K video capture with digital stabilization; 720p super slow-mo modes.
Software & AI Enhancements: Multi-frame processing when shooting speeds up shutter and improves HDR quality. Scene optimizer adjusts settings automatically based on subjects recognized.

Specifications

Model	Samsung Galaxy A54
Rear Camera(s)	50MP main; 12MP ultrawide; 5MP macro
Front Camera	32MP selfie camera
Screen Size & Resolution	6.4-inch AMOLED (2340 x 1080)
Processor	Exynos 1380
RAM	6GB/8GB
Storage	128GB/256GB, Expandable
Battery Life	10+ hours (camera usage)

Pros

Excellent 50MP primary camera with big sensor captures lots of detail
Great low light and night photography results
Long battery life rating
Vivid 6.4-inch AMOLED display

Cons

Processor somewhat underpowered for demanding apps/games
Lacks a telephoto zoom lens

Final Verdict: With a flagship-level main camera, beautiful display quality, ample battery life and affordable $449 pricing, the Galaxy A54 offers fantastic overall value for budget-focused mobile photographers and average users alike. Some processing hiccups and the lack of a zoom lens may push enthusiastic creators to seek out higher-end devices. But for most everyday shooting scenarios and needs, this is a well-rounded package with impressive imaging capabilities given its cost.

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Best Foldable Camera Phones

1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Portability & Design: Foldable design with book-style folding. Weighs 8.9 ounces for a device with two displays. Easy to carry folded up and fits nicely in a pocket. Premium build quality with glass exterior.

Camera Quality:

Primary Camera: 50MP main (f/1.8) captures abundant detail and light. Vibrant, accurate colors in images.
Secondary Cameras: 12MP ultrawide garners expansive shots. 10MP 3x optical zoom telephoto handy for distant subjects.
Front Camera: Disappointing 4MP under-display camera. Better off using rear cameras for selfies. 10MP front sensor on cover display performs well.

Display Quality: 7.6” inner foldable AMOLED display with 2176 x 1812 resolution showcases photos and videos beautifully with sharp detail. Smooth 120Hz refresh rate. 6.2-inch AMOLED (2316 x 904; 120Hz), outer.

Performance: Top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy delivers speedy photo processing and multitasking. 12GB RAM assists with demanding photography apps.

Battery Life: Lasts over 11 hours on a charge with typical mixed usage. Adaptive mode optimizes various functions, including camera, for longer runtime.

Additional Features: Several modes like portrait, pro and director’s view enhance photographic control and creativity for both photo and video shooting.

Price: Starts at $1799 making it a premium-priced foldable aimed at photographers wanting cutting-edge camera hardware and design.

Detailed Camera Features Breakdown:

Low Light Performance: Bright f/1.8 aperture on 50MP sensor excels in dim lighting. Night mode boosts exposure for solid low light images.
Video Capabilities: Up to 8K video capture quality. Steadfast video stabilization keeps footage smooth when folded open or closed.
Software & AI Enhancements: Good Lock 2024 app offers pro-level controls over camera settings and functionality. Scene optimizer tweaks things automatically based on shot content.

Specifications

Model	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Rear Camera(s)	50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x optical telephoto zoom
Front Camera	10MP cover display, 4MP under-display
Screen Size & Resolution	7.6” foldable AMOLED 2176 x 1812; 6.2” AMOLED 2316 x 904
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
RAM	12GB
Storage	256GB/512GB/1TB
Battery Life	11+ hours
Price	Starts at $1799

Pros

Excellent image quality and vibrant colors
Unique folding form factor
Telephoto zoom & ultrawide lenses
Long battery life rating

Cons

Underwhelming 4MP under display selfie cam
Very expensive at $1799+

Final Verdict: The Galaxy Z Fold 5 brings Photography enthusiasts a foldable phone with excellent image quality from its versatile triple camera array backed by top-end Snapdragon power. Clear, dynamic shots combined with the large inner screen’s immersive viewing experience make for compelling mobile creativity. Just be prepared to pay a premium for those capabilities in an innovative but still niche folding design. For the adventurous photographer not fazed by high cost, it delivers exciting tools and potential.

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Accessory Recommendations

That smartphone in your pocket has an incredible camera, but to truly unlock its photographic potential, you need the right add-ons and accessories. Let me explain why they are absolutely essential:

Tripods: A tripod should be the first accessory every mobile photographer buys. Why? By stabilizing your phone, it eliminates unwanted motion blur and camera shake, especially in low light. This allows you to use longer exposures and night photography modes to capture ultra-sharp images and crystal clear video footage.
Gimbals: While tripods are great for static shots, gimbals let you shoot smooth, stabilized video on the move! The 3-axis motorized gimbal counters your hand movements, allowing you to walk, run and even climb while retaining footage clarity and production value of a big budget Hollywood film!
External Lenses: Be it a wide angle, fish eye, macro or telephoto – external camera lenses offer you creative possibilities way beyond the fixed lens on your phone. From sweeping landscape panoramas to tiny details close up, they transform what and how you can shoot. They clip on in a flash too!
Extra Lighting: The best camera phones today boast great low light capabilities, but they cannot match the power of professional lighting gear. Carrying an LED panel or even clip-on ring light in your kit will allow you to overpower difficult lighting environments. You can highlight details the phone camera would otherwise miss!
Microphones: A dedicated condenser microphone is an absolute must if you record vlogs or videos with your phone. Yes, phones have great mics, but they pickup background noise easily. An external mic maintains audio focus on your voice, eliminates ambient sounds and delivers clear, professional sound.
Rugged, Waterproof Case: Adventure photographers – this one’s for you! A waterproof case keeps your phone protected in the harshest environments – whether beaches, mountains or the depths of the oceans! With one of these cases, you’ll get breathtaking footage few others can capture. No compromises!
Extra Storage: Your phone’s internal storage fills up faster than you can imagine, especially if you shoot hi-res 4K video or use the full 48MP camera capabilities. Invest in either a huge 512GB+ micro SD card or cloud backup subscription. With virtually unlimited capacity, you’ll never miss great photo opportunities or compromise on quality ever again!
Editing Apps: Even professional DSLR photos are edited afterwards to achieve the signature look. Mobile apps like Adobe Lightroom, VSCO and Snapseed put that same power right on your phone! From one tap filters to advanced editing tools like masks and layers, they help transform okay images into visual masterpieces likes millions follow on Instagram. Learn professional editing on the device that’s always in your pocket!

FAQ’s

What Features Should I Look for in a Camera Phone if I’m Passionate about Photography?

For passionate photographers, look for phones with large, high-quality camera sensors, multiple lenses, manual controls, RAW support, optical stabilization, 4K/8K video recording, a robust battery, fast performance, and photography modes like night, portrait, and pro modes. These allow more creativity and control when taking photos.

How does Artificial Intelligence (AI) Enhance Camera Phone Photography?

Smartphone cameras utilize artificial intelligence and computational photography methods to recognize photographic scenes and subjects, automatically optimizing the camera settings as needed. This means automatically enabling night mode for low light shots, switching to portrait mode algorithms to aesthetically blur backgrounds, or simply dialing in better focus, exposure and color for the subject at hand. The end result is better looking, optimized photos and videos with minimal effort.

“Best Camera Phones in 2024: Our Top Picks [Updated]”

Introduction

14 Key Specifications to Consider – Camera Phone Buying Guide

Best Camera Phone Overall in 2024

1. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Best Andriod Camera Phones

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Best Google Camera Phones

1. Google Pixel 8 Pro

Specifications

Pros

Cons

2. Google Pixel 7a

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Best iPhone Camera Phones

1. iPhone 15

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Best Budget Camera Phones You Can Buy

1. Samsung Galaxy A54

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Best Foldable Camera Phones

1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Accessory Recommendations

FAQ’s

What Features Should I Look for in a Camera Phone if I’m Passionate about Photography?

How does Artificial Intelligence (AI) Enhance Camera Phone Photography?

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