In 2025, you can find a decent phone camera for as low as $500. But truly impressive phone cameras are found only on the best phones. For example, the iPhone 16 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro and the Galaxy S25 Ultra all have amazing cameras and tools that even a professional photographer can appreciate. This list of best camera phones only includes phones that we tested and that you can buy in 2025. Tariffs and a general uncertainty around the economy have caused people to consider upgrading their phone. Apple, Google and Samsung haven’t raised the prices on their current phones.
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What is the best camera phone?
It’s important to keep in mind that there isn’t a best camera phone for everyone. Even among CNET’s phone reviewers, there isn’t a “perfect” phone that suits all our needs. We look at how these cameras perform in real-life situations: How they balance exposures, how they handle colors and how easy they are to use. Read our guide to help find the best phone camera for your needs.
We thoroughly tested and compared dozens of phones and found that one with more lenses or megapixels isn’t necessarily any better at taking great shots. Top phones, like the iPhone 16 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro, tend to have a variety of lenses, including an ultrawide and a telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and use larger image sensors and camera features for AI-powered computational photography. Then there’s the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera, which has 3x and 5x optical zoom lenses and can take some of the best zoom photos that you can possibly get from a phone.
This was taken with the iPhone 16 Pro’s 5x telephoto camera.
Patrick Holland/CNETThe $999 iPhone 16 Pro and $1,199 iPhone 16 Pro Max have the same trio of lenses: wide, ultrawide and 5x telephoto. The new 48-megapixel ultrawide camera is a big step up from previous iPhone models. It not only takes outstanding photos but doubles as a high-res macro lens to get the perfect focus on your food snaps. Both phones also support 4K 120fps slow-motion video that looks outstanding. A new Camera Control button doubles as a shortcut key to open the camera but also as a shutter button. It can also be used as a zoom rocker or to swipe through Apple’s revamped Photographic Styles — letting you preview each one in the viewfinder before you take a single pic. Both phones pack advanced features such as ProRaw images, ProRes video capture and recording in Log color space, which makes them powerful tools for professional filmmakers.
Is the iPhone 16 Pro leaps and bounds ahead of what Google and Samsung are doing? No. In terms of consistency, reliability and approachability, the iPhone 16 Pro is our pick for people who want a top-notch camera system that’s easy to use.
Best camera phones of 2025
The iPhone 16 Pro’s ultrawide lens got an upgrade and here’s one of our favorite photos that we took with it.
Andrew Lanxon/CNETPros
- Larger screens/thinner bezels
- 4K slo-mo OMG
- Audio Mix is brilliant
- iOS 18
Cons
- No Apple Intelligence out of the box
- Camera Control placement not optimal for one-handed shooting
- Elegant finishes aren’t very colorful
- Only 128GB of storage for $1,000
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have everything I’ve come to expect in a year-over-year upgrade. The 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max have a slew of upgrades including one of the best batteries on any phone I’ve tested as well as. In our testing it will easily last a day on a single charge.
The phones also have larger displays, outstanding photo and video chops, high-resolution slo-mo, a new Camera Control button, iOS 18 goodies and a handful of Apple Intelligence tools. The negatives are as thin as the borders around the new screens: You only get 128GB of storage for $1,000; there are only drab color options, and a the new camera button is easy to tap accidentally. Read our full iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max review.
Why we like it
This year the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have the exact same cameras — unlike the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, which had different telephoto options. Screen size, battery life and price should be the deciding factors when you’re choosing between the two. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are excellent phones worthy of a spot in your pocket (and mine) if you can afford them.
Who’s it best for
If you have an iPhone 12 Pro or older, upgrading to the 16 Pro makes a lot of sense. If you’re on a 13 Pro and still have a decent battery capacity, I’d say save your money. And if you’re on a 14 Pro or 15 Pro, there’s no need to upgrade. Also, I should note that the entry-level $999 iPhone 16 Pro only has 128GB of storage.
Who’s it not for
If you are looking for a budget phone or don’t need a phone with the latest features or tech.
Here’s a photo of Dean’s path in Edinburgh taken with the Pixel 9 Pro’s main camera.
Andrew Lanxon/CNETPros
- Genuinely fun new AI skills
- Sleek new design
- Seven years of software updates
- Cameras can take great daytime shots
Cons
- Camera hardware hasn’t improved much over Pixel 8 Pro
- Gemini AI will eventually require a paid subscription
The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL have a lot going for them, from their shiny new designs and long software support period. But it’s the AI skills that really stand out, from the deep integration of the conversational Gemini Live, to the new Pixel Studio that creates weird and wonderful images from your text prompts.
The phones aren’t perfect. While the cameras are good and can take excellent photos in bright light, they’re just okay in low-light and in night mode. The best AI features will require a monthly subscription (though you get the first year for free) But if you’re keen to experiment with AI on your phone then the new Pixel 9 Pro range is a superb way to experience it. Read our Google Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL review.
Why we like it
Google’s Pixel line of phones has gone from strength to strength and its latest model is unquestionably the best phone the company has ever made. It’s not just the slick-looking design; the Pixel 9 Pro offers a superb camera system, a generous support period and a host of new AI skills making it one of the most accomplished Android phones around. The 9 Pro XL takes that further by accommodating a bright and vibrant 6.8-inch display.
Who’s it best for
It’s a great phone for those of you looking for an elegant everyday Android phone. The interface is easy to navigate and the camera takes great photos with almost no effort on your part. If you feel overwhelmed by the plethora of settings and menus on other Android flagships, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro is the way to go. If playing mobile games or watching videos on the go is a priority, opt for the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Who’s it not for
If you don’t need the best cameras Google makes, consider the regular Pixel 9. I do like the fit and finish better on the 9 Pro, but it starts at $999.
CNET’s Patrick Holland snagged this shot with the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s new ultrawide camera.
Patrick Holland/CNETPros
- Best screen on any phone
- Versatile cameras
- Most powerful phone I’ve tested
- Good battery life
Cons
- $1,300 price
- Design is almost too minimal
- AI features are hit-or-miss
- S25/S25 Plus have similar features and cost less
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra which has a lot of AI features, the best of which are interesting and the worst of which unreliable. Luckily, Samsung gets a lot of other things right on the S25 Ultra, which has a new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, high-resolution ultrawide camera, and some sweet pro video tools that rival the iPhone 16 Pro. Samsung wisely kept all the best parts of last year’s Galaxy S24 Ultra (basically the entire phone including that antireflective display) but some of its worst parts, too, like the $1,300 price tag.
If you want the best screen you can find on any phone, get the S25 Ultra. If you want the most versatile phone cameras, get the S25 Ultra. If you want a stylus, get the S25 Ultra. But if your needs scale back on any of those fronts, the more affordable S25 options, or even last year’s S24 Ultra, may be worth considering. Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review.
Why we like it
The reason to get the Ultra over its S25 siblings is its screen, which is truly the best I’ve seen on any phone, and the cameras, which are a step above what the S25 and S25 Plus have. Added video features like ability to record in Log format gets the Ultra as close as it’s ever been to the iPhone in terms of professional video capture.
Who’s it best for
If you have a Galaxy S22 Ultra or older, the S25 Ultra will seem like a significant upgrade. It’s harder to make that case for S23 Ultra owners, who, unless their phone’s battery is ailing or they can score an incredible discount, should otherwise sit this one out. And for you S24 Ultra owners, you don’t need this phone. Save your money and treat yourself to a nice steak dinner and a movie.
Who’s it not for
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s appeal is muddied by its $1,300 price. The regular Galaxy S25 has the same functionality, power and longevity, and it costs $500 less. Want a bigger screen? Consider the Galaxy S25 Plus. For the majority of people, the regular Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus will be a better fit.
This iPhone 16 photo, taken with the main camera, looks true to life.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNETPros
- Camera Control is useful for switching camera settings
- Photographic Styles makes photos pop
- Ultrawide camera is better in low light
Cons
- Apple Intelligence isn’t out yet
- No always on display
- No changes to wired charging speeds
- No upgrades to the Action button
When I tested the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus I was definitely impressed by the new photography features, the convenient Action button and the elegant build. I consider these phones to be top-notch choices for Apple fans. Parts of the iPhone 16’s key feature, Apple Intelligence, are now out, and the fact that these phones will support it means they’ll likely feel future-proofed for years to come. Aside from screen size (6.1 inches on the regular, 6.7 inches on the Plus), battery size and price, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are identical in every way.
The iPhone 16 isn’t perfect — it’s missing an always-on display, and it feels like it’s been ages since Apple improved its wired charging speeds. But it checks all the important boxes and then some.
Why we like it
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus rank so high in our testing because the phones appeal to both novice users and power players a like. They offer about 90% of the experience of Apple’s Pro models but cost hundreds of dollars less. Not only is the iPhone 16 a wonderful phone out of the box, Apple has a long track record of updating its software and security patches for years.
Who’s it for
When you think about how the Camera Control key, the Action button and the Dynamic Island come together, along with the camera and battery improvements Apple has made over the last several years, the iPhone 16 is a compelling upgrade for someone coming from an older iPhone, especially if that person is on an iPhone 13 or older. For those who don’t need the Pro’s extra photography prowess and battery life, the iPhone 16 won’t disappoint.
Who shouldn’t get it
I wouldn’t recommend buying the iPhone 16 just for the Camera Control button or the better ultrawide camera.
This photo was taken with the Pixel 9’s new Add Me feature.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNETPros
- Beautiful design that feels durable
- Fun and somewhat useful AI features
- New ultrawide camera takes good photos
- 7 years of software updates for longevity
Cons
- More expensive that previous Pixels and competitors
- Doesn’t feel that different from Pixel 8
There’s a lot to like about the Pixel 9, from its respectable camera to its classy new design and lengthy 7-year timeline for software updates. But Google’s phones have always shined for their clean, slick software, and that once again applies to the Pixel 9 series. Pixels are also among the first to get new software updates, making them an ideal choice for those who want to get their hands on the latest version of Android first. Aside from Android updates, Google also brings new features to Pixel phones throughout the year through updates it calls Feature Drops.
The Pixel 9 comes with a few new AI tricks that you may find useful, like the ability to search for content in screenshots, generate images from scratch in the Pixel Studio app and add new objects in photos. These features aren’t must-haves, and they’re not without flaws. Plus, at a starting price of $799, the Pixel 9 has a higher bar to live up to. But the Pixel 9 feels like it belongs in that class of device. Read our full review for the Google Pixel 9.
Why we like it
The Pixel 9 and Google’s Gemini assistant still feel like a first step toward what the company is hoping to achieve: Making phone software more intelligent so that we can spend less time swiping, tapping, scrolling and digging. In the meantime, the Pixel 9 shines for its great camera, elegant design and clean software, just like the less AI-centric Pixels of years past.
Who’s it best for
If you’re a Pixel fan upgrading from an older phone, like the Pixel 6 or earlier, you’ll find a lot to love about the Pixel 9. But keep in mind that for the same price, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 has a brighter screen and a dedicated telephoto lens for taking zoomed photos.
Who’s it not for
If you want the absolute best cameras that Google makes, including having a dedicated telephoto lens, I’d recommend the Pixel 9 Pro.
Best phone cameras compared
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| Apple iPhone 16 Pro | Google Pixel 9 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Apple iPhone 16 | Google Pixel 9 | |
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,622 x 1,206 pixel resolution; 1-120Hz adapative refresh rate | 6.3-inch LTPO OLED; 2,856×1,280 pixels; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate | 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,556 x 1,179 pixel resolution; 60Hz refresh rate | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,424×1,080 pixels; 60-120 Hz variable refresh rate |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi | 495 ppi | 501 ppi | 460 ppi | 422 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches | 6×2.8×0.3 inches | 6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 in. | 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches | 6×2.8×0.3 inches |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25mm | 152.8x72x8.5 mm | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm | 152.8x72x8.5 mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 199 g (7.03 oz.) | 199g (7 oz.) | 218g (7.69 oz.) | 170 g (6 oz.) | 198g (7 oz.) |
| Mobile software | iOS 18 | Android 14 | Android 15 | iOS 18 | Android 14 |
| Camera | 48-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide) 5x telephoto | 50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (5x telephoto) | 200-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto), 50-megapixel (5x telephoto) | 48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide) |
| Front-facing camera | 12-megapixel | 42-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 10.5-megapixel |
| Video capture | 4K | 4K | 8K | 4K | 4K |
| Processor | Apple A18 Pro | Google Tensor G4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Apple A18 | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM + storage | RAM N/A + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 16GB + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | RAM N/A + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB |
| Expandable storage | None (Face ID) | None | None | None (Face ID) | None |
| Battery | Up to 27 hours video playback; up to 22 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15W | 4,700 mAh | 5,000 mAh | Up to 22 hours video playback; up to 18 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15W | 4,700 mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | None (Face ID) | Under display | Under display | None (Face ID) | Under display |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None | None | None |
| Special features | Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera Control button, 4x audio mics, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits display brightness range, IP68 resistance. Colors: black titanium, white titantium, natural titanium, desert titanium. | Satellite SOS; 7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; IP68 dust and water resistance; Video Boost with 8K Upscaling; Macro Focus on ultrawide; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; 3,000-nit peak brightness; 45W fast charging (charger not included); 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (second gen); 12W wireless Qi-charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (eSIM + nano SIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor | Titanium frame, 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; integrated S Pen; UWB for finding other devices; 45W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7; Gorilla Glass Armor cover glass; ultrawideband | Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera Control button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits display brightness range, IP68 resistance. Colors: black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine. | Satellite SOS; 7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; IP68 dust and water resistance; 2,700-nit peak brightness; 45W fast charging (charger not included); 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (second gen); 12W wireless Qi-charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (eSIM + nano SIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor |
| US starting price | $999 (128GB) | $999 (128GB) | $1,300 (256GB) | $799 (128GB) | $799 (128GB) |
In January 2025, we added the Samsung Galaxy S25, S25 Plus and S25 Ultra to our list. The new phones replace last year’s Galaxy S24 series and come with new processors and cameras–all at the same price.
Consider last year’s models: Apple no longer sells the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but you can still find it at third party retailers and often for hundreds less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Protect your new phone with a case: Make your phone and its camera’s last longer with a case.
Don’t overlook affordable phones: The $499 Pixel 8A and $599 iPhone 15 can do almost everything that a new premium phone can do for a fraction of the price. Save some money and still take great snaps.
Wait for sales: Many of the best phone camera systems are found on more expensive models. Look for sales and discounts around major holidays, especially Amazon’s Prime Day and Cyber Monday.
Check if you’re already invested: Have you already bought a lot of iPhone camera accessories like a case or tripod? Stick with an iPhone if you still want access to them. Make sure your new iPhone will still work with your setup.
We test every phone in real-world scenarios, focusing on its features, design, performance, cameras, battery life and overall value. We document our findings in an initial review that is periodically updated when there are new software updates, or to compare it against new phones from competitors such as Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 largely has the same camera hardware as the Z Flip 4. But the new chip brings some image processing improvements.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNETPhotography
Photography is a major focus for most phones these days, so we take pictures and videos of various subjects in a variety of settings and lighting scenarios. We try out any new camera modes, such as ProRes Log video that debuted with the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, or the Magic Editor photo tool that launched with the Google Pixel 8 series.
Battery life
Battery testing is conducted in a variety of ways. We assess how long a phone lasts during a typical day of use and note how it performs during more focused sessions of video calls, media streaming and gaming. We also conduct a video playback test, as a simple, replicable measure of pure battery life, which isn’t always included in the initial review but sometimes added later in an update.
Performance measuring
We use benchmarking apps to measure each phone’s performance, alongside our own anecdotal experiences using the phone for our review. Most notable are how the graphics and animations look. Are they smooth? Or do they lag or stutter? We also look at how quickly the phone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations, and how fast the camera app opens and is ready to take a photo.
Emergency SOS might be one of the most important features to come out on any phone this year.
Kevin Heinz/CNETWe perform processor-heavy tasks like editing photos, exporting videos and playing games. We evaluate whether a newer version of a particular phone includes enough features to make it worth upgrading from older models.
Read more: How We Test Phones
The $1,400 Sony Xperia 1 V retains all the best features of previous Xperia 1 phones, like a 4K high refresh rate display, expandable storage, cutting-edge cameras with eye-tracking autofocus, a 5,000-mAh battery, a dedicated hardware shutter button and a headphone jack, all wrapped in Sony’s lovely, mundane utilitarian design. The phone brims with numerous quality-of-life improvements for its target audience of creative types like photographers, filmmakers, musicians and gamers who want nuanced control over the content they make. Its $1,400 price tag keeps this phone squarely aimed beyond most consumers.
Which phone camera is the best at night?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Google Pixel 9 Pro all have dedicated night modes that take multiple images and combine them in a single photo that’s brighter and has less image noise. All three are good, and it’s nearly impossible to say one is better than another.
Are iPhone or Samsung cameras better?
Samsung Galaxy phones and Apple iPhones have some of the best cameras found on any phone. Either smartphone is a capable photographic tool, but neither is such a clear leader that it’s worth moving from Android to iOS or vice versa. If you want the biggest telephoto zoom camera found on a phone, grab a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. If you want an excellent all-around shooter that produces natural-looking images and videos, along with pro features like ProRes and Log video capture, get an iPhone 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max.
What’s the difference between real cameras and phone cameras?
The biggest difference between a dedicated camera and a phone camera is the size. A dedicated camera has a larger sensor and bigger lenses that take in more light. The results are photos that have more detail, a wider dynamic range and more versatility in medium and low light. A phone camera is tiny. The sensor is smaller than a fingernail and the lens is about the size of a single Lego brick. To overcome the limitations of a small sensor and lens, a phone uses computational photography (AI and machine learning) to combine parts of multiple images into a single photo that’s brighter and has more detail than a phone camera alone.
Samsung teased the Galaxy S25 Edge at its January Galaxy Unpacked event. Not much is known about the phone aside from it being slimmer than the regular Galaxy S25. Here’s everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. There’s also buzz for the next iPhone, likely called the iPhone 17 — from a slimmer version of the upcoming device to a new screen with a higher refresh rate on baseline models. We’ve rounded up rumors, leaks and analysis on the iPhone 17 Air (one of several nicknames for Apple’s next iPhone). Read CNET’s iPhone 17 rumor roundup for more info.