“The best camera is the one you always have with you,” as the saying goes. And our smartphone is actually always with us. Even though modern cell phones still can’t replace dedicated cameras (even the best compact cameras) in terms of image quality, there are now camera smartphones that take impressive photos and videos. In this buying guide, we take a look at the best camera smartphones that impress with their innovative technology and outstanding image quality and set new standards in photography.
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The best camera smartphones in the test: Our recommendations
Smartphones have long been more than just communication devices – they have become fully-fledged cameras, replacing professional digital cameras in many areas. In recent years in particular, camera technologies in smartphones have developed rapidly, with more and more models with impressive photo functions coming onto the market.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra (Best Camera Smartphone)
When it comes to THE best camera smartphone, there has been no way around Huawei for several years now. However, the lack of Google services and apps means that the devices are absolutely unsuccessful in Europe. And yet, if you are looking for the best camera, you will find it in the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra.
The manufacturer calls this the “Ultra Lighting Camera”, which has a retractable lens. It comes with a 1-inch sensor and an open physical aperture of f/1.6 and is equipped with the manufacturer’s XD Motion Engine.
The camera is capable of capturing moving objects at speeds of up to 300 km/h. The 1-inch sensor shift OIS is designed to noticeably improve image stabilization. Despite the large sensor, the smartphone is only 8.4 mm high and is therefore slightly thinner than the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
The Pura 70 Pro and Pura 70 Ultra both rely on a new Ultra Lighting macro telephoto camera and a large periscope telephoto aperture of f2.1, which should significantly improve the image quality in zoom shots. The macro camera focuses on objects from a distance of just 5 centimeters, even when shooting at telephoto. There is also a 35x macro zoom.
Google Pixel 9 Pro / XL (Best Android camera smartphone)
Google’s Pixel series is always in the running when it comes to the best camera smartphones. This year, you have the choice between the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, which do not differ from each other in terms of size or cameras.
The cameras of the Google Pixel 9 Pro offer an outstanding main camera with high resolution, which enables brilliant photos in various lighting conditions. The ultra-wide-angle sensor ensures wide shots, ideal for landscape or architectural shots. In addition, the telephoto lens supports a strong optical zoom for detailed close-ups, while Google’s AI-supported software further optimizes image quality through various modes such as night mode and the portrait function.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro / Max (Best Camera Smartphone Apple)
What applies to Google also applies to the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, which share the same camera specifications this year and only differ in terms of size and weight.
The iPhone 16 Pro has a powerful Pro camera system with several innovative features. The main camera has a 48 MP Fusion camera that uses a sensor shift and 100% Focus Pixel to take stunning photos in different lighting conditions. A 12 MP 2x telephoto lens and a 12 MP 5x telephoto lens offer precise optical zoom, while the 48 MP ultra-wide angle lens with 120° field of view ensures impressive wide-angle shots.
The cameras also support advanced features such as Night Mode, Smart HDR 5, Photonic Engine and ProRAW to deliver perfect shots even in challenging conditions.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra impresses with an advanced camera system specially designed for photographers and videographers. The main camera offers a 200 MP camera with a state-of-the-art sensor that ensures exceptional detail and color dynamics.
In addition, the device offers a 10 MP periscope telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom for exceptional telephoto shots and a 12 MP ultra wide-angle lens that enables wide-angle shots with a 120° view.
Thanks to innovative AI-supported functions and optimized night mode technology, the Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers outstanding low-light photography. The video functionality is also impressive with 8K recording and stabilized recordings that enable smooth and professional video production.
HONOR Magic6 Pro
The cameras of the Honor Magic6 Pro offer a sophisticated photography experience. It has a 50 MP main camera that delivers exceptional shots in all lighting conditions. For wide-angle shots, the 50 MP ultra-wide-angle sensor provides an impressive field of view and sharp details. In addition, the telephoto lens is equipped with 3x optical zoom to ensure high image quality even with distant subjects.
The camera technology is complemented by advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI), which automatically optimizes the shot and helps to achieve the best results in any situation. Features such as night mode, portrait shooting and macro mode ensure that the Honor Magic6 Pro delivers impressive photos in a variety of scenarios.
Also of particular note is the device’s video recording function, which makes it possible to create 4K videos with smooth transitions and stable recordings. With all these features, the Honor Magic6 Pro offers outstanding camera performance that positions it in the upper smartphone class.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is equipped with an outstanding camera setup led by a Leica Vario-Summilux 50 MP main sensor. This sensor not only enables stunning shots in different lighting conditions, but also offers an aperture-adjustable camera with a focal length of 23 mm to 120 mm. The setup is supported by a 50 MP telephoto lens, a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 50 MP periscope camera, offering high flexibility for different photo styles and shooting situations.
For professional shots, the Pro Mode, Night Mode and the Xiaomi ProFocus function are available, which enable automatic image and motion tracking. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra also supports 8K video recording at 30 fps and offers video functions such as MasterCinema mode and Dolby Vision for outstanding video quality.
The device’s 32MP selfie camera is also impressive and offers numerous features such as dynamic framing and portrait mode with bokeh effects. It also supports 4K video recording at 30 fps and enables smooth video quality even when taking selfies thanks to EIS (electronic image stabilization). The Xiaomi 14 Ultra thus delivers excellent performance for both photography and videography.
Google Pixel 8a (price-performance tip)
The Google Pixel 8a is equipped with a powerful 64 MP main camera, which enables razor-sharp and detailed photos thanks to dual-pixel PDAF and optical image stabilization (OIS). The system is complemented by a 13 MP ultra-wide-angle camera with a 120° field of view, ideal for landscape and group shots. The device’s AI-supported functions automatically optimize image quality and offer a user-friendly photography experience.
For videography, the Pixel 8a offers the ability to film in 4K resolution at 30 or 60 fps as well as 1080p at 30, 60, 120 or 240 fps. The gyroscopic electronic image stabilization (EIS) ensures smooth and stable recordings.
The 13 MP front camera with a field of view of 87° enables high-quality selfies and video calls. It supports auto-HDR and panoramic shots and can record videos in 4K at 30 fps and 1080p at 30 fps.
What about Oppo, Vivo and OnePlus?
Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus. They all have one thing in common. Not only do they all come from China, they are also all part of the BBK Electronics Group. Following a patent dispute with Nokia in 2022, the entire group of companies was banned from selling in Germany.
The all-clear was given in spring 2024: the dispute was settled and the manufacturers were allowed to sell their devices in Europe again. But things turned out differently. In a further dispute with InterDigital, another sales ban was imposed.
At the end of October, Oppo announced in its own newsroom that this dispute had also been settled and that it would be allowed to sell smartphones in Germany again in future. However, the announcement was deleted and smartphones can no longer be found on the German websites of Oppo and Vivo.
We have therefore decided not to include any devices from Oppo and Vivo in the best list due to a lack of availability in Germany.
Buying camera smartphones: What you should look out for
Choosing the right camera smartphone can be a real challenge, as more and more models with impressive camera functions are appearing on the market. To find the best device for your needs, you should consider a few important criteria:
1. camera features and lenses
The number of camera lenses is a decisive factor. Many smartphones today offer more than just a main camera. A wide-angle lens enables wide landscape shots, while a telephoto lens is an advantage for optical zoom. The macro lens is suitable for close-up shots, and an ultra-wide-angle lens helps with group photos or architectural shots. Make sure that the camera modules are well coordinated to ensure good image quality in different shooting situations.
2. sensor size and image quality
A larger sensor usually means better light capture, resulting in clearer, more detailed images in low light. The number of megapixels is not the only criterion for image quality. Pixel size and sensor type are also important. A larger sensor with larger pixels captures more light, which improves the quality of the images, especially in difficult lighting conditions such as night shots.
3. image processing and software
The software plays just as important a role as the hardware. Features such as night mode, image stabilization and AI-assisted photography can significantly improve the quality of the shot. Some smartphones also offer pro modes that allow you to make manual adjustments to have creative control over your shots. Make sure that the software is user-friendly and offers a variety of editing options to further optimize your photos afterwards.
4 Battery and performance
A good battery is essential for longer photo sessions. Make sure that the smartphone battery has sufficient capacity, especially if you are on the move a lot and regularly take photos. The performance of the processor also plays a role – fast image processing ensures that there is no delay when taking photos and that the camera app responds quickly.
5 Additional functions and special features
Many smartphone cameras offer innovative additional functions such as portrait modes, snapshot button or 360-degree cameras that open up creative possibilities. Video recording functions such as 4K resolution and stabilization are also important criteria for many users. So if you like shooting videos, you should make sure that the smartphone also performs well in this area.
6. price-performance ratio
The price of a camera smartphone can vary greatly depending on the model and features. If you are looking for an excellent camera without high costs, there are now also mid-priced devices that offer good performance. Set yourself a budget and check which features are most important to you in order to get the best device for your money.
Conclusion
Buying a camera smartphone requires a good balance between various factors such as camera features, image quality, software and price. Depending on your individual needs – be it for everyday snapshots or professional photography – there are now numerous models that are tailored to different requirements. By paying attention to these features, you can ensure that you find a device that meets your expectations and won’t let you down on your photo adventures.
