The ultimate guide to the best camera phones: comparison, analysis, and professional advice.

The camera It's one of the deciding factors for most users when choosing a new smartphone. Over the years, manufacturers have put special emphasis on this aspect, equipping their devices with advanced sensors, artificial intelligence algorithms, and software options that rival professional cameras. The result is fierce competition, with each brand seeking to establish itself as a benchmark in mobile photography.

The range is so extensive that identifying which phone has the best camera can be a challenge. That's why we've conducted an exhaustive comparison, including the most recent and comprehensive industry data and reviews, integrating real-life user experiences, technical analyses, and information from various specialized media and independent laboratories. This way, we can help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.

Best Camera Phones: The Ultimate Guide for Photographers and Enthusiasts

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The leap in quality in smartphone cameras has been enormous in recent years. Not only do high-end models offer exceptional results, but mid-range alternatives have also emerged with surprising photography capabilities. However, Each manufacturer's flagship devices continue to set the standard, incorporating innovations in optics, stabilization, image processing and more.

In this guide, you'll not only find an updated selection of the most renowned mobile phones for their cameras, but you'll also learn the technical criteria you should consider when choosing your next smartphone if photography is a priority. We'll also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each model in real-life situations, day and night, in portraits, landscapes, and video, including opinions from leading labs like DxOMark and reviews from mobile photography experts.

Key aspects for choosing the mobile phone with the best camera

Before entering into the comparison, it is essential to understand the factors that determine the photographic quality on a mobile phone. Thanks to information gathered from leading specialized media outlets and our accumulated experience in mobile photography analysis, we've summarized the most important elements:

• Sensors and optics. Sensor size and lens quality are critical for capturing more light and detail, especially in low light.
• Number of megapixels. More megapixels don't always mean better quality, but they do mean greater versatility for cropping and enlarging.
• Image processor and artificial intelligence. AI software and algorithms make a difference in processing, night mode, HDR, and noise removal.
• Versatility of objectives: Having ultra wide angle, telephoto, macro lenses and specific modes (Portrait, RAW, Pro) gives greater creative freedom.
• Optical (OIS) and digital (EIS) stabilization: key to smooth, professional night photography and video recording.
• Advanced Video Modes: 4K, 8K, HDR recording, slow motion options, and advanced stabilization.
• Front camera quality: essential for high-quality video calls, vlogs, and selfies, with features like autofocus and portrait mode.

Considering these factors will allow you to select a device that suits your profile: whether you're looking for a phone for professional photography or need the best front-facing camera for selfies or high-quality video recording.

Comparison table: technical specifications and ratings of the best mobile cameras

In the table below, you can see at a glance the key model highlights, taken from sources such as DxOMark, independent labs, and expert analysis:

The best camera phones on the market: an in-depth analysis

Below, we detail the reasons why each of these devices is considered a benchmark in the industry. We include both objective data and feedback, as well as strengths and weaknesses identified in real-life tests and expert opinions.

Huawei Pura 70 Ultra

The absolute benchmark in mobile photography according to independent laboratories and experts. Huawei's Pura line remains the most innovative and advanced in mobile photography. The Ultra model features a 1-inch main sensor with variable aperture (f/1.6 to f/4.0), capable of automatically adapting to different lighting conditions. Its triple camera system is completed with a 40 MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens with optical image stabilization for lossless zoom.

It particularly excels in portraits, night photography, and self-portraits, with advanced processing that prioritizes naturalness, dynamic range, and color balance. Night mode is an absolute benchmark, and RAW and Pro modes allow advanced photographers to take full advantage of the hardware. The only weaknesses are in certain overexposure situations and in video recording, where rivals like the iPhone or Samsung slightly excel.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Outstanding in consistency, detail and ease of use. Google maintains the essence of its Pixel series, prioritizing AI computational processing to deliver impressive results in terms of detail, dynamic range, and color. Night Sight mode is one of the best for night scenes, and the 50MP main camera with OIS, along with a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 48MP telephoto lens (5x zoom), form a spectacular combination.

The Magic Editor, exclusive to this model, allows for advanced automatic retouching without losing naturalness. Selfies and portrait mode are benchmarks, although experts point out minor color inconsistencies in certain conditions and a portrait mode that can sometimes create aberrations in very complex conditions.

Honor Magic6 Pro

A surprise due to the quality and versatility of its camera system. Honor has achieved a very balanced combination in the Magic6 Pro, which integrates a 50MP main sensor with variable aperture, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and an impressive 180MP telephoto lens, leading its segment. It excels in versatility, achieving outstanding results both day and night, with exceptional optical and digital zoom.

Honor's camera software needs to evolve to be more intuitive and modern, but in terms of functionality and quality, it's on par with its rivals. Portrait and macro modes, along with an AI-powered front camera for selfies and video calls, make it an outstanding option for those looking for a different photography experience.

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Consistency, naturalness and professional video. Apple's flagship maintains its position as a benchmark in video and portrait photography. It sports a triple camera system: 48 MP main, 48 MP ultra-wide, and 12 MP 5x telephoto, with fine-tuned software that allows you to capture high-quality images in any situation.

ProRAW mode continues to make a difference for advanced users, as does Dolby Vision HDR video and the ability to record in ProRes. While the main camera and portrait mode stand out for their naturalness and consistency (especially in skin tones), its ultra-wide angle is still a step below the competition, and night mode performance is slightly more noisy. In the video department, it's unbeatable: spectacular stabilization, color, and dynamic range.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The all-rounder for night photography, zoom and video. This model features four sensors: a 200 MP main lens, a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, a 50 MP telephoto lens (5x optical), and a 10 MP telephoto lens (3x optical). Its system is incredibly versatile, excelling in both night photography and zoom, where it competes head-to-head with the best.

Samsung's camera software is one of the most comprehensive and intuitive, and its ExpertRAW mode enables professional-quality captures. The zoom range, night vision quality, and optical stabilization make it a favorite choice for urban photography, travel, and video. In bright lighting conditions, it saturates colors somewhat and can appear overprocessed in certain situations, but its overall consistency is excellent.

Xiaomi 14Ultra

Maximum power in sensors and zoom, great Leica collaboration. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra impresses with the number and quality of its sensors: a 50 MP main sensor, four 50 MP cameras, and a focus on computational photography. Its collaboration with Leica allows it to offer color and processing modes that are especially attractive to photography enthusiasts.

The maximum daytime zoom is one of the sharpest and most powerful on the market, and the ultra-wide angle excels in bright light. However, it exhibits some overexposure and color saturation in night scenes, and the processing can be a bit more aggressive than advanced users would prefer.

OPPO FIND X5 PRO

Naturalness and color modulation, a strong commitment to AI. The alliance with Hasselblad and the MariSilicon imaging chip have revolutionized the processing of the Find X5 Pro. Its 50 MP main and UGA cameras, along with a 13 MP telephoto lens, combine naturalness, detail, and very balanced processing in any situation.

It's especially appreciated by creative photography enthusiasts and those seeking a balance between naturalness and automatic retouching. Its 32 MP front camera is ideal for quality selfies.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Versatility, raw power and extreme zoom. Although it's already been surpassed in scores by the S24 Ultra, the S23 Ultra remains a benchmark. Its 200MP sensor, along with two telephoto lenses and an ultra-wide-angle lens, allows you to capture high-quality images in all scenarios. Night, portrait, and RAW modes give complete freedom to those looking to experiment, and the video section is remarkable.

What criteria do media outlets and laboratories like DxOMark use to choose the best mobile photography camera?

In the most prestigious reviews and comparisons, such as Xataka, Cincodías, DxOMark, and Topes de Gama, the criteria combine laboratory tests and real-life user experiences. The following are evaluated:

• Color and tone reproduction: fidelity in the interpretation of the scene, natural but striking.
• Dynamic range: ability to represent shadow areas and highlights without losing information.
• Sharpness and detail: level of definition in both wide scenes and in cutouts and close-ups.
• Processing and absence of artifacts: avoid excessive softness, chromatic aberrations and compression artifacts.
• Optical and digital zoom: Noise-free and minimal loss of detail at all zoom levels.
• Night and low light mode performance: noise reduction, stability and color accuracy.
• Selfies and portraits: Precise segmentation and naturalness in skin, hair and blurred background (bokeh).
• Videographer: stabilization, dynamic range, audio and motion performance.
• Interface and ease of use: ergonomics, quick access to professional functions and options.

Real-life tests: analysis by situations and camera modes

The following breakdown illustrates how the best mobile photography cameras perform in different contexts and modes, based on the most comprehensive analysis on the market:

Daytime photography

• Huawei Pura 70 Ultra: Outstanding in detail, dynamic range and naturalness, even in difficult shadow and light conditions.
• Xiaomi 14Ultra: Excellent in sharpness and focus, although it tends to darken the image in some situations.
• iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max: Better dynamic range and color, with smooth transition between lights and shadows.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Good level of detail, although processing can be clumping in complex areas.

Full resolution mode (RAW/Pro)

• iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max: Maximum balance between detail and color, great flexibility in professional editing.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Exceptional sharpness and texture, although manual retouching is required for color perfection.
• Xiaomi 14Ultra: Outstanding in resolution, especially in outdoor and landscape photography.

Ultra wide angle

• Huawei Pura 70 Ultra: : great consistency with respect to the main sensor, balanced in dynamic range.
• Xiaomi 14Ultra: powerful, although oversaturates in some intense light conditions.
• iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max: maintains natural and balanced results.

Optical zoom

• Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Leaders in detail and dynamic range with 5x zoom and above.
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: Excellent in detail and image clarity at 5x zoom.
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: excels in extreme zoom (10x) with minimal loss of quality.

Indoor photography

• Huawei Pura 70 Ultra: Outstanding sharpness and dynamic range, especially in mixed lighting conditions.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Good detail and color, performing better than expected.
• iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max: naturalness in color, although it tends to overexpose intense lights.

Night photography and night mode

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Excellent controller of highlights and sharpness.
• iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max: maintains naturalness although it introduces a little more noise.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Warm white balance and acceptable detail.
• Huawei Pura 70 Ultra: Leader in noise reduction and detail, although it can overexpose in certain areas.

Portraits and selfies

• Huawei Pura 70 Ultra: a leader in hair segmentation and natural bokeh, although it lightens the skin more than necessary.
• iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max: Excellent segmentation, realistic and natural skin tone.
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: sharpness and detail, although segmentation is somewhat less precise.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Very good processing, especially in color and skin texture.

Institutional

• iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max: The industry standard, with realistic colors, perfect stabilization, and superior audio.
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Great stabilization and dynamic range, excelling in low light conditions.
• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: good stabilization, although less stable color.
• Xiaomi 14Ultra: High detail, although it requires color adjustments in professional editing.

User experience and camera apps: usability versus results

Camera software has evolved alongside the hardware. Camera apps are evaluated for ease of use, customization, and quick access to manual controls:

• Google Pixels: clean interface, easy access to settings, Night Sight mode, and Google Photos integration for advanced AI-based editing.
• iPhone: The most intuitive app, allowing you to control RAW and professional settings without distractions.
• Samsung: one of the most complete on Android, with automatic modes and ExpertRAW.
• Honor and Huawei: complete, although they require adaptation if you come from other brands.

Frequently asked questions about mobile phones with the best camera

• How many cameras do I need? There's no direct relationship between the number of cameras and image quality. What matters is the quality of each sensor and the image processing.
• Which mobile phone has the best camera? According to independent labs and expert analysis, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra leads the ranking, followed closely by the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Honor Magic6 Pro.
• Which mobile camera is best for video? The iPhone 16 Pro Max remains the benchmark for video stabilization, color, and audio quality.
• Do megapixels matter? Only up to a point. More megapixels allow for greater detail in enlargements and crops, but the quality of the sensor, pixel size, and image processor are equally or more important.
• Which mobile phone is best for night photography? Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Huawei Pura 70 Ultra are especially powerful in night mode.

Professional tips to get the most out of your mobile camera

• Use manual mode (Pro) whenever possible to adjust ISO, shutter speed and focus to your liking.
• Shoot in RAW to retouch your photos in editing and make the most of the sensor.
• Activate optical stabilization or use a tripod in night photos or long exposure.
• Test specific modes such as panoramic, portrait, macro or wide angle depending on the scene.
• Clean the optics regularly and update the camera app for new features and processing improvements.

What do the next generations of mobile photography hold for us?

The future of mobile photography points to even larger sensors, under-display camera systems, artificial intelligence for real-time automatic editing, and new, more advanced optical materials. The use of quantum computing, lens miniaturization, and the integration of multispectral sensors will enable results that were unthinkable just a few years ago. Innovations in future smartphones They promise an increasingly professional and accessible experience for all users.

Each generation adds a new leap in quality, offering visual creation tools that a decade ago were only available to professionals. The ecosystem of apps and cloud services like Google Photos, Apple Photos, and Adobe Lightroom expands editing and archiving possibilities, removing barriers to sharing high-quality content on social media and digital platforms.

Quick comparison: main advantages and disadvantages of the best camera phones

Choose the best camera phone 2024 It involves assessing your real needs, the type of photography you do most, your budget, and the experience you're looking for in camera software. Whether you're a professional photographer looking for complete control, a digital content creator, or someone who prioritizes ease of use and consistency, this ranking and in-depth analysis will help you make the best decision.