These days, people don’t even think about getting a separate “camera” to handle their everyday tasks. Instead, they use the phone in their pocket. Nowadays, phone cameras are receiving significant updates daily. Phone camera sensors are getting bigger, and image processing is receiving in-depth core updates. In our recommendations, you’ll find high-quality, worthwhile reviews.

Key Factors That Make a Great Smartphone Camera

Saying that a 48-megapixel image from an iPhone or any smartphone doesn’t look as sharp as a 48-megapixel image from a full-frame interchangeable lens camera is accurate.

“I think, as photographers, we enjoy comparing specs and outputs, but we’ve always known that megapixels are not a reliable indicator of camera quality. It’s not even an indicator of resolution—resolving detail comes down to the lens and camera attributes and parameters!”

Things have changed over time. Nowadays, camera sensors are no longer the biggest factor in smartphone photography. Everything can now be changed and enhanced with the help of AI and the impact of image processing on the final result.

The Best Android Phones for Camera Quality (2024)

Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 50MP main camera, a 48MP telephoto camera, and another 48MP ultrawide camera. It has a 42MP selfie camera inside the display notch. With a bunch of AI-powered image processing tools, it delivers crisp, detailed photos and professional-level videos effortlessly.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in night sight performance and has even improved low-light capabilities, making sense for those upgrading from previous-generation Pixel phones.

I recommend the Pixel 9 Pro XL for those who want crisp and clear image and video quality in their daily life. The seamless integration of Pixel’s software and hardware enhances every aspect, including the camera.

Specifications

• Display size: LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak), 6.8 inches, 109.7 cm²
• CPU: Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB

Rear cameras:

• 50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31″, 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, multi-zone laser AF, OIS
• 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm (telephoto), 1/2.55″, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom
• 48 MP, f/1.7, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55″, dual pixel PDAF

Front cameras:

• 42 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), PDAF

Battery life: 15 hours (approximate)

Reasons to buy:

• Excellent camera performance, especially for zoom
• Super bright display
• Clever AI tools for photo editing and more
  
  

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

On the other hand, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra is a camera BEAST. The Galaxy S series was designed for next-level features and the best performance. But these days, the Galaxy S series has taken the game to a new level, excelling in both camera quality and multitasking.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s main camera is a 200MP sensor, allowing for incredible zooming capabilities. This device produces ultra-realistic photos and videos while also delivering high-performance boosts for gaming.

This phone is the best choice for people who want to elevate their day-to-day tasks. It is ideal for power users and those who need long battery life.

Specifications

• Display size: 6.8″ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak)
• CPU: Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm)
• RAM: 12GB

Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB

Rear cameras:

• Wide (main): 200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm, 1/1.3″, 0.6µm, multi-directional PDAF, laser AF, OIS
• Ultrawide: 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚, 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, Super Steady video
• Telephoto: 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm, 1/3.52″, 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
• Telephoto: 50 MP, f/3.4, 111mm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom

Front cameras:

• 12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), dual pixel PDAF

Battery life: 14 hours (approximate)

Reasons to buy:

• Practical AI features
• Sharp main camera
• Long-lasting battery
  
  

OnePlus 12

Here we go! OnePlus phones hold a special place for me because a few years ago, I used a OnePlus device as my primary phone. Now, OnePlus devices are improving in both performance and camera quality.

The camera’s shutter speed and color accuracy are strong in both photo and video sections. This phone is an excellent tool for social media influencers or videographers who need to shoot everyday videos seamlessly. They can take their content to the next level if they use this camera properly.

Specifications

• Display size: 6.82″ LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 600 nits (typ)
• CPU: Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm)
• RAM: 12GB/16GB/24GB

Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB

Rear cameras:

• Wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm, 1/1.43″, 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
• Telephoto: 64 MP, f/2.6, 70mm, 1/2.0″, 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
• Ultrawide: 48 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 114˚, 1/2.0″, 0.8µm, PDAF

Front cameras:

• 32 MP, f/2.4, 21mm (wide), 1/2.74″, 0.8µm

Battery life: 16 hours (approximate)

Reasons to buy:

• Sharper 3x periscope camera
• Responsive performance
• Bright, high-contrast display
  
  

Pixel 8 Pro

For under $500, the Pixel 8 Pro is a smart choice for camera lovers and those seeking a performance boost in daily tasks. The Pixel 8 Pro excels in low-light and night photography, delivering social media-ready pictures.

With its 50 MP primary camera and Google Tensor G3 processor, the Pixel 8 Pro offers great software compatibility and powerful camera sensors that simplify daily tasks.

Specifications

• Display size: 6.7″ LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 2400 nits (peak)
• CPU: Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
• RAM: 12GB

Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB

Rear cameras:

• Wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm, 1/1.31″, 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, multi-zone laser AF, OIS
• Ultrawide: 48 MP, f/2.0, 126˚, 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF
• Telephoto: 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm, 1/2.55″, 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom

Front cameras:

• 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1″, 1.22µm, PDAF

Battery life: 13+ hours (approximate)

Reasons to buy:

• Practical AI features
• Sharp main camera
• Long-lasting battery

Here are my personal picks for the best camera-centric phones. I know you’re wondering why there are only 4 picks, not 5 (haha). But these phones are some of the best choices for your daily tasks and are user-friendly. If you’re not satisfied with these picks and need more recommendations, feel free to email us without hesitation.

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