10 Top-rated Camera Phones

“How’s the camera quality?” is often the very first question that comes to mind when shopping for a new phone. These days, every smartphone claims to offer exceptional photos, but not all of them manage to deliver. So, here’s our handpicked list of the top-rated camera phones that capture jaw-dropping, crystal-clear images and footage. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just want great shots on the go, these devices offer pro-level results straight from your pocket.

Our Top 10 Picks for Phones with the Best Cameras

These 10 top-rated camera phones are based on specifications and performance. We’ve also factored in price, features and actual value for money when curating the list. Let’s discuss our top picks in detail.

• iPhone 16 Pro Max

  Apple phones thrive on their outstanding camera features. The iPhone 16 Pro Max brings the most upgraded camera improvement by far. It features an ultrawide camera with 48 megapixels (MP) that provides impressive sharpness, even at higher resolutions. This means you’ll get a wider shot without sacrificing image quality.

  A compelling bonus of this 48 MP upgrade is that it does wonders for macro photography. The macro mode also uses the ultrawide for super-high resolution. It doesn’t disappoint either, as the detailing is remarkable.

  Furthermore, the iPhone 16 Pro Max features an advanced quad-pixel sensor, enabling it to produce impressive shots. Zoom in on the sensor’s microscopic structure and you’ll see pixels made up of four ‘photosites’. These are tiny sensors that collect blue, green and red light. The Fusion camera is highly responsive for dynamic shooting over extended periods.

  For those who are huge fans of zoomed-in photos, the 5x Telephoto camera is a standard feature across all iPhone 16 Pro models. You can enjoy detailed close-ups from farther away. Another standout feature is the latest generation of Photographic Styles, which allows you to make your snaps even better. There is also a skin-tone rendering option to get the desired look while maintaining picture integrity.

  Of course, taking videos is also even more thrilling. The iPhone 16 Pro Max creates truly cinematic footage. The new 4K/120fps mode delivers stunning slow-motion in ultra-high definition; the results are simply breathtaking.

  The new physical “Camera Control” button is what makes the iPhone 16 Pro Max lead our top-rated camera phones list. It is a customisable shutter button that gives quick access to these features. Just click on it to launch the camera, or lightly press to access zoom controls. Swiping across the button takes you through different controls that you can personalise from Settings.

  Pros:

  • Ultrawide sensor
  • Low-light performance
  • 5x optical zoom
  • Detailed macro shots
  • 4K 120fps slow motion
  • Zero shutter lag
  • Camera control button
  • Advanced AI features

  Cons:

  • Overly bright photos
  • 5x optical zoom is difficult to master
  • Some photos are overly processed
  • Limited depth of field in a few instances
  • Reduced pixel binning in extremely low-light conditions

  These amazing camera capabilities may entice you to get your hands on this device. So, why not make the purchase more affordable? At Mobile Guru, you can buy a refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max at very competitive prices. Product quality is never a question, as all our devices pass through a 72-point software test.

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

  The second on our top-rated camera phones list is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. It can pull off difficult shots with great clarity and sharpness. Featuring a new 50 MP ultrawide lens, it captures detailed close-up snaps and stunning landscapes. The shots have a dynamic range, good colour rendition, and are well-exposed.

  You can also do macro photoshoots using the upgraded ultrawide camera in high resolution, and the results are exceptional, too. The 5x telephoto camera detailing is solid and provides good shots, with minimal grain. All in all, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra brings high-quality results in both daylight and low-light conditions, no matter which lens you’re using.

  The video recording quality is incredible as well. You can create high-definition footage of up to 4K HDR at 60fps in the regular mode. Even the phone’s Zoom option delivers an amazing experience, capturing fine details in any situation. Moreover, there’s an 8K 30 option available for the main, ultrawide and 5x cameras.

  All camera modes in the Galaxy S25 Ultra have a video stabilisation feature, which you can turn off from the Settings menu. The “Photo Assistant” is also a helpful tool that removes distracting sounds or trims them during editing. Simply put, this device is your best bet if you wish to take your photographic experience to a professional level.

  Pros:

  • 4x high-resolution ultrawide camera
  • 4x lenses (two telephoto)
  • Macro photos in 50 MP resolution
  • Excellent screen
  • Pre-record in the “Single Take” mode
  • Video recording in log format
  • Dual recording in 4K
  • Detailed Nightography video
  • Accurate skin tone and texture of subjects

  Cons:

  • It’s a minor update from the previous model
  • Noticeable noise in low-light conditions
  • Potential autofocus and exposure instabilities
  • The zoom-in feature might give a whole new colour palette
  • Colour variations in Macro mode

• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

  If you’re searching for a phone camera that lets you create wonders, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is an excellent choice. It features a multi-camera system on the back for outstanding image and video quality. The main rear camera is a 50 MP sensor with improved light capture and clarity. Plus, the telephoto lens offers optical zoom, typically 5x, for better close-up shots.

  Moving on to picture quality, the Pixel 9 Pro XL combines Google’s advanced AI algorithms like HDR10+ and Real Tone to produce natural colours. Past users greatly appreciate the high dynamic range and excellent detail retention across lighting scenarios. It also features enhanced Night Sight for low-light photography and astrophotography capabilities.

  “What about the video quality?” you ask. Well, the rear camera can record in 8K/30fps as well as 4K/60fps, while the front and ultrawide units can do so in 4K at up to 30fps. However, the device lacks a dedicated periscope zoom, but you can still expect amazing footage quality with its optical zoom.

  Pros:

  • Excellent AI camera features
  • Sharp low-light photos
  • Versatile triple-lens camera system
  • Smooth video stabilisation
  • Strong optical zoom
  • Powerful front camera

  Cons:

  • Complex camera interface
  • Occasional depth estimation issues

• Apple iPhone 16

  We can’t skip the iPhone 16 from our list of top-rated camera phones. Contrary to what you may think, it does not lag behind its Pro counterparts in terms of camera features. While it’s missing a 5x telephoto lens available in the Pro version, the main 48 MP camera with a 2x digital zoom is quite potent. More importantly, its lower price is a plus point.

  The iPhone 16 sensor has an f/1.6 lens and sensor-shift OIS. These features together contribute to high-resolution snaps and videos. What’s exciting is the ultrawide camera with a brighter f/2.2 aperture lens and phase detection autofocus. You can capture colours better, even when there’s poor light.

  Apple has also introduced the Camera Button feature in the iPhone 16, just like the Pro series. In terms of video capture, the main camera is quite impressive. From detailing to sharpness to colour rendition and dynamic range, everything is pretty fault-free. All in all, it will live up to your expectations for good photography and videography.

  Pros:

  • Excellent main camera details
  • Improved ultrawide with autofocus
  • Physical “Camera Control” button
  • 4K video on all cameras
  • Good low-light main camera
  • Powerful new processor

  Cons:

  • Ultrawide has a limited range
  • 2x zoom quality drops sometimes
  • Grainy low-light ultrawide shots
  • Photo tone customisation feels gimmicky

• Google Pixel 9

  Next on our top-rated camera phones list is the Google Pixel 9, which inherits most features from its predecessor, the Pixel 8. Though it lacks a periscopic telephoto lens like the 9 Pro XL model, many upgrades make this phone desirable. For instance, the advanced dual rear camera, the 48 MP 1/2.55" Quad Bayer Ultrawide unit and auto-focus for the selfie camera.

  Overall, the video and picture quality will not disappoint. Both the main and ultrawide units capture solid images. You’ll get detailed snaps that are rendered in natural colours, with occasional pixelation around the edges. With regards to the videos, it’s not exceptional but better than average. That being said, the Google Pixel 9 is a premium Android phone for casual photographers and social media enthusiasts.

  Pros:

  • Large 6.3” OLED, 120Hz screen
  • New, brighter 48 MP ultrawide with Macro focus
  • Auto-focus on rear and front units
  • Clean, natural 50 MP main
  • Less expensive than Pro models

  Cons:

  • No telephoto, limited zoom options
  • Video clips are somewhat softer than their counterparts
  • 8K video recording support is not available
  • Slight softness in low-light photos

• Apple iPhone 16e

  If there’s anything constant in Apple phones, it's that their cameras become more powerful with each upgrade. Similar to the other 16 models, the iPhone 16e is a good example of a robust camera system that any smartphone can have. You can take nice pictures of your life’s most important moments.

  The iPhone 16e has the same 48 MP Fusion sensor as the other 16 models, but with a different type of focus. It has Hybrid Focus Pixels, meaning not all pixels auto-focus. This is somewhat of a disappointment, as it doesn’t produce the desired quality, particularly under challenging light conditions.

  Speaking of software, there’s Photonic Engine, Smart HDR 5, and Deep Fusion. They make your photos look better with improved colours, detail and brightness.

  However, the latest-generation Photographic Styles feature is omitted from this model, which is a big deal for Apple’s 16 series. Still, video recording quality is impressive, particularly with 4K Dolby Vision capabilities, optical image stabilisation and audio zoom.

  Pros:

  • Single 48 MP main camera with good daylight detailing
  • Reliable low-light performance
  • Optical image stabilisation (lens-based)
  • Video recording up to 4K60fps with Dolby Vision support
  • Decent close-up shots

  Cons:

  • Lacks ultrawide and telephoto lenses
  • No sensor-shift stabilisation
  • The 2x zoom quality is noticeably lower
  • Photos sometimes have graininess in lower light
  • Lacks the latest-generation Photographic Styles
  • No Camera Control button

• Google Pixel 8a

  A mid-range smartphone that leaves a mark in our top-rated camera phones ranking is the Google Pixel 8a. It boasts versatile camera systems, including a dual rear camera, but no Macro capabilities. The main camera is a 64 MP OIS main camera and a 13 MP ultrawide unit for expansive photography. As the focus is fixed at infinity, capturing distant subjects is very easy and satisfying.

  Google’s processing has always targeted a natural look, and the Pixel 8a delivers the same. The phone’s 2x zoom produces highly detailed results that look like they’re from a real telephoto camera. The colour rendition, sharpness and details are spot-on in all light conditions. As far as videos are concerned, both main and ultrawide units offer 4K footage with a wonderful range, accurate colours and a natural tone.

  Pros:

  • 64 MP main camera
  • Super Res Zoom up to 8x10
  • Optical + electronic image stabilisation (OIS)
  • Good colour accuracy and life-like results
  • Decent details in ultrawide shots
  • Reliable auto-focus
  • Powerful AI features

  Cons:

  • No manual focus, shutter speed and ISO adjustment
  • Occasional autofocus instability
  • Portrait mode edge detection is imperfect
  • Slight noise visible in low-light

• Apple iPhone 15 Pro

  The iPhone 15 Pro takes awesome photos and videos, whether you're using the main or the selfie cam. The main sensor uses the Sony IMX803, which offers improved image quality and performance, even in dim lighting. Video shooting is another standout feature as the camera can record 4K at up to 60 fps when connected to an external storage. Moreover, many users have appreciated the cinematic mode, as it lets you choose a focus subject to track.

  Pros:

  • 48 MP main camera for exceptional details
  • Sensor-shift optical image stabilisation
  • Accurate depth estimation and fine portrait segmentation
  • Dedicated 5x telephoto lens
  • Easy-to-use camera controls

  Cons:

  • The ultrawide camera has a smaller aperture
  • Digital zoom beyond 2x results in noticeable quality degradation
  • Portrait mode can sometimes appear artificial

• OnePlus 13R

  OnePlus is another well-known smartphone brand with high-quality cameras. Seeing its rising popularity, we’ve ranked the brand’s 13R model ninth on our top-rated camera phones. The device comes with an upgraded camera setup, which was absent in the previous models. It features a 50 MP wide-angle and Telephoto sensor for capturing high-resolution images with excellent details. On the contrary, the selfie and ultrawide cameras are 16 MP and 8 MP, respectively.

  You can capture nice daylight stills in the right contrast and colours using the main camera. While the 50 MP mode produces soft pictures and is a contested topic, the image quality at night is pretty solid—sharp, clean and detailed. When it comes to video, the footage is generally clean and rarely has any graininess. Simply put, settle for the OnePlus 13R if you’re after a medium-range phone that captures decent portraits.

  Pros:

  • 50 MP main camera
  • 2x optical zoom
  • Consistent colour
  • Main and Zoom cameras shoot 4K video

  Cons:

  • Low detail and bland colours in ultrawide
  • 2x zoom lacks OIS
  • Selfies are slightly soft
  • Artificial look in night mode

• Samsung Galaxy S25

  Last but not least, we end our list of top-rated camera phones with the Samsung Galaxy S25. This phone features AI-assisted shoots and enhanced Nightography that can take your pictures to new heights. It delivers quite impressive images and recordings in almost all modes.

  Pros:

  • Interesting results with full 50 MP resolution
  • On-point dynamic range
  • Revamped app with OneUI 7

  Cons:

  • Decent 3x telephoto snaps
  • Compromised sharpness in the ultrawide camera
  • Autofocus inconsistencies in video mode

Top 10 Rated Camera Phones: A Quick Comparison

Are you still confused about which phone will suit your needs best? Don’t worry, this comparison table between all 10 top-rated camera phones will help you decide faster:

Buy Top-rated Camera Phones at Great Prices with Mobile Guru

Now that you’ve gone through our list of the 10 top-rated best camera phones, the only question left is—why pay retail? Make premium tech more affordable with Mobile Guru. We sell refurbished iPhones, Samsung devices, and Google Pixel models. Every device is in exceptional condition, allowing you to enjoy outstanding mobile photography for much less.

So, if you want to upgrade to iPhone 16 Pro Max, Pixel 9 Pro XL, or a more pocket-friendly Samsung Galaxy S25, we’ve got you covered. Our store provides a 24-month warranty, plus a 1-year extended warranty with Guru+ Care and accidental damage cover, so your purchase is safe. If you have any questions, call us on 1300 362 017 or email us at hello@mobileguru.com.au.