In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, camera technology continues to advance at an astounding pace. For photography enthusiasts, 2024 promises a new wave of devices packed with cutting-edge features that rival even professional cameras. Whether you’re an aspiring influencer or a seasoned photographer, finding the best smartphone for photography can elevate your creative potential.
This carefully curated list explores the top contenders for best camera phones in 2024, delving into their megapixels, sensor size, low-light performance, and innovative features. We’ll help you navigate the options and choose the perfect smartphone to capture stunning images and unleash your inner photographer.
iPhone 13 Pro Max
While not the newest model, the iPhone 13 Pro Max remains a powerhouse for photography enthusiasts. Its triple 12MP camera system, featuring wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses, delivers exceptional image quality and versatility.
Key features include sensor-shift stabilization for incredibly steady shots, a LiDAR scanner for improved low-light performance and depth sensing, and Cinematic mode for capturing video with a shallow depth of field. The A15 Bionic chip ensures lightning-fast performance and effortless editing.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max might not boast the latest advancements of its successors, but its impressive camera system, powerful performance, and user-friendly interface make it a compelling option for photographers in 2024.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Although released in 2021, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra remains a powerhouse for photography enthusiasts. Its impressive quad-lens camera system boasts a 108MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering incredible zoom capabilities.
This phone excels in various lighting conditions, capturing stunning detail and vibrant colors. The S21 Ultra also offers 8K video recording at 24fps and impressive image stabilization for smooth footage. While not the newest model, its advanced features and competitive price point make it a compelling option for mobile photography in 2024.
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Don’t let the release date fool you, the Google Pixel 6 Pro remains a photography powerhouse in 2024. Its distinctive design and impressive camera system are still highly competitive.
The Pixel 6 Pro boasts a triple-lens camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom. This versatile combination allows for stunning image quality across various shooting scenarios.
What truly sets the Pixel 6 Pro apart is Google’s computational photography prowess. Features like Magic Eraser, Real Tone, and Night Sight continue to impress, delivering exceptional results with minimal effort.
While not the newest phone on the market, the Google Pixel 6 Pro offers incredible value and remains an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts in 2024.
Sony Xperia 1 III
Although released in 2021, the Sony Xperia 1 III remains a compelling option for photography enthusiasts in 2024. Its key strength lies in its versatile triple 12MP camera system, featuring a variable telephoto lens that switches between 70mm and 105mm focal lengths. This offers greater flexibility for framing and composing shots, especially for portraiture and distant subjects.
Sony has packed the Xperia 1 III with pro-grade photography features derived from its Alpha camera line. The phone boasts real-time tracking and eye autofocus for both humans and animals, ensuring sharp focus even on moving subjects. Its dedicated shutter button and Photography Pro app, mirroring the interface of Sony Alpha cameras, further enhance the shooting experience.
While not boasting the highest megapixel count, the Xperia 1 III prioritizes image quality and professional controls. Its large sensor size and ZEISS optics contribute to excellent image clarity and detail. The phone also excels in low-light photography, delivering impressive results even in challenging lighting conditions.
OnePlus 9 Pro
Released in 2021, the OnePlus 9 Pro might not be the newest phone on the market, but its camera capabilities still hold up against newer devices, especially for photography enthusiasts.
The partnership with Hasselblad is evident in the 9 Pro’s natural color reproduction and impressive dynamic range. The phone boasts a versatile camera system, with a 48MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens, offering a range of focal lengths for various shooting scenarios.
While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the latest flagship models, the OnePlus 9 Pro delivers exceptional image quality and a user-friendly camera interface, making it a compelling choice for photography lovers seeking a more affordable option.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra
While not a 2024 release, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra remains a compelling option for photography enthusiasts on a budget. Its standout feature is the massive 1/1.12-inch Samsung GN2 sensor, one of the largest ever seen in a smartphone. This allows for incredible low-light performance and impressive dynamic range.
Beyond the main sensor, the Mi 11 Ultra boasts a versatile triple camera system with a periscope telephoto lens and an ultra-wide lens, both equipped with high-resolution sensors. The phone is also capable of shooting 8K video on all three lenses.
Although lacking the latest processing power of newer models, the Mi 11 Ultra’s dedicated imaging hardware and competitive price point make it a worthwhile consideration for budget-conscious mobile photographers in 2024.
Huawei P50 Pro
The Huawei P50 Pro, despite its release in 2021, remains a powerhouse for photography enthusiasts in 2024. Its standout feature is the remarkable Leica camera system, boasting a 50MP primary sensor, a 40MP monochrome sensor, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom. This combination allows for incredible detail, dynamic range, and versatility in various shooting scenarios.
While the lack of Google Mobile Services might deter some users, the P50 Pro’s camera capabilities are undeniable. Its dedicated XD Fusion Pro image engine and AI-powered features contribute to stunning image quality with accurate colors, impressive low-light performance, and exceptional zoom capabilities. For photography enthusiasts seeking a phone with a proven track record of exceptional image quality, the Huawei P50 Pro remains a compelling option in 2024.
Oppo Find X3 Pro
Released in early 2021, the Oppo Find X3 Pro might not be the newest phone on this list, but its camera system is still remarkably relevant in 2024. The phone boasts a unique microscope camera, allowing for incredible close-up shots with details you won’t find on other devices.
Beyond the gimmick, the Find X3 Pro delivers solid image quality across its main and ultra-wide lenses, supported by Oppo’s vibrant color processing. While it might lack the raw power of newer flagship phones, its unique features and reliable performance make it a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts who enjoy experimentation and want something a bit different.
Vivo X70 Pro+
The Vivo X70 Pro+ is an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts, even in 2024. Its standout feature is the large, high-resolution sensor paired with Zeiss optics and a gimbal-stabilized main camera. This combination delivers exceptional image quality with impressive detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance.
Beyond the hardware, the X70 Pro+ boasts refined image processing and a dedicated Vivo V1 imaging chip that contribute to its photographic prowess. It offers a versatile camera system that includes a periscope telephoto lens for amazing zoom capabilities and a wide-angle lens to capture expansive scenes.
While it might not be the absolute newest model on the market, the Vivo X70 Pro+ continues to be a powerful and capable photography tool that can satisfy the needs of demanding photographers.
Asus Zenfone 8
Don’t let its compact size fool you, the Asus Zenfone 8 packs a powerful punch when it comes to photography.
Its dual-camera system features a 64MP Sony IMX686 sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens, delivering exceptional image quality and versatility.
The Zenfone 8 excels in low-light photography, thanks to its large sensor size and optical image stabilization.
Its intuitive camera app offers a range of shooting modes and manual controls, empowering photography enthusiasts to capture stunning shots with ease.
