Mobile photography has come a long way since its beginnings, and the latest smartphones are proving that professional photography is no longer the domain of dedicated cameras alone. Today's mobile phones are equipped with advanced technologies that make it possible to take photos of a quality comparable to those of digital SLR cameras. In 2024, the market is full of models that offer outstanding image quality, innovative features and ease of use. In our ranking, we take a look at ten of the latest smartphones that stand out for their photographic capabilities, comparing them on various aspects such as photo quality in different lighting conditions, advanced photo modes, video features and overall usability. A good smartphone can be the start of your adventure, to becoming a fine art photographer.
Each of these smartphones represents the pinnacle of photographic technology, and the variety of features on offer means that there is something for every user - from amateurs who value simplicity and automation, to professionals looking for complete control over their shots. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the strengths and weaknesses of each model, discussing their unique features and innovations that set them apart from the competition. Whether you're a landscape photography enthusiast, portrait enthusiast or avid vlogger, our ranking will help you find the perfect smartphone, that meets all your photographic needs. Get ready for a deep dive into the world of mobile photography and discover which models deserve to be called the best smartphone cameras of 2024. If you're a true lens artist and aren't interested in smartphones for mere mortals, just tests and reviews of real equipment, then see review of the Sony A9 III.
1. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is Apple's latest flagship model, continuing its tradition of delivering the highest quality photography. Featuring three lenses - wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle and telephoto - the The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers users versatility and quality that is hard to beat. The biggest selling point of this model is its advanced A16 Bionic image processor, which significantly improves the camera's performance in low-light conditions.
The drawbacks of the iPhone 14 Pro Max are primarily its price, which may put off many potential buyers. In addition, although Apple introduces regular software updates, the lack of manual settings can be limiting for advanced photographers who expect full control over their images.
Advantages of the iPhone 14 Pro Max include its excellent integration with the Apple ecosystem, making it easy to edit and share photos. Night mode and AI-based photo features mean that even amateurs can take photos that look professional. Combined with excellent build quality and durability, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is one of the best choices on the market.
2. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a competitor to the iPhone 14 Pro Max that also offers advanced photographic capabilities. Equipped with four lenses - a 108 MP main lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens, a 10x optical zoom telephoto lens and an additional telephoto lens - this model is a true photographic powerhouse. The S23 Ultra's main strengths are its versatility and ability to capture high-resolution images.
One of the main strengths of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is its photo editing software, which is extremely powerful and intuitive. The smartphone performs well in low light thanks to its large sensor and advanced image processing algorithms. Another advantage is the long-lasting battery, which allows for prolonged photo sessions without worrying about rapid drainage.
The disadvantage of the S23 Ultra may be its size and weight, making it not the most comfortable smartphone to carry around every day. The price is also high, which may put off some users. Nevertheless, for passionate photographers looking for the highest quality images, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is an excellent choice.
3. Google Pixel 7 Pro
The Google Pixel 7 Pro is a phone that has won praise from many photographers thanks to its simplicity and incredible photographic capabilities. Equipped with three lenses - a main lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens - the Pixel 7 Pro excels thanks to advanced artificial intelligence algorithms that improve the quality of photos. The night mode and Super Res Zoom function are particularly impressive.
The advantage of the Google Pixel 7 Pro is its photographic software, which is intuitive and offers a wide range of editing options. Google has also introduced features such as Magic Eraser to remove unwanted objects from photos. In addition, the Pixel 7 Pro offers excellent photo quality in difficult lighting conditions thanks to Night Sight technology.
However, the Pixel 7 Pro has a few drawbacks. Its battery life is average, which can be a problem during long photo shoots. Also, while the photo quality is impressive, the lack of support for 8K video recording may be disappointing for some users. Nevertheless, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is one of the best photography smartphones available on the market.
4. the Huawei Mate 50 Pro
The Huawei Mate 50 Pro is a smartphone that surprises with its photographic capabilities. Featuring an advanced Leica camera system, including a 50 MP main lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, the Mate 50 Pro delivers incredibly detailed and sharp photos. XD Fusion Pro technology improves dynamic range and colours, making photos look realistic.
One of the Mate 50 Pro's greatest strengths is its night mode, which allows it to take bright and clear photos even in very low light. The macro and super macro functions allow for extremely detailed close-up shots. In addition, the high-capacity battery provides long-lasting performance, which is important for intensive users.
A drawback of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the lack of support for Google services, which may be problematic for many users. Also, while the quality of photos is excellent, the lack of video stabilisation can affect the quality of footage. Nevertheless, for those who focus mainly on photography, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is a great choice.
5. Xiaomi 13 Pro
The Xiaomi 13 Pro is another impressive photography smartphone that offers advanced capabilities. Featuring a 108 MP main camera, ultra-wide-angle and telephoto lens, the Xiaomi 13 Pro offers exceptional versatility and image quality. Thanks to Xiaomi HyperCharge technology, users can quickly charge their phone and get back to taking photos.
One of the main strengths of the Xiaomi 13 Pro is its ability to take high-resolution photos, which preserves a lot of detail. Night mode and HDR features also make photos look impressive in a variety of lighting conditions. In addition, advanced artificial intelligence algorithms improve the quality of photos, making them more realistic and vivid.
The disadvantage of the Xiaomi 13 Pro is its user interface, which can be complicated and difficult to master for some users. Also, while the photo quality is excellent, the video performance may not be as impressive as other flagship models. Nevertheless, the Xiaomi 13 Pro offers great value for money and is an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts.
6. Sony Xperia 1 IV
The Sony Xperia 1 IV is a smartphone that is aimed at professional photographers and filmmakers. Equipped with three lenses - wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle and telephoto - the Xperia 1 IV offers users full control over camera settings. With Eye AF and Real-time Tracking technology, the Xperia 1 IV delivers sharp and clear photos in all conditions.
One of the main strengths of the Sony Xperia 1 IV is its ability to record 4K HDR video at 120 frames per second, making it an ideal choice for filmmakers. Features such as Cinema Pro and Photography Pro offer professional tools for editing and adjusting photos and videos. In addition, the 4K OLED display provides excellent image quality.
The disadvantage of the Sony Xperia 1 IV is its price, which is one of the highest on the market. In addition, the user interface can be complicated for those who are not familiar with professional photography tools. Nevertheless, for advanced users who need full control over their photos and videos, the Sony Xperia 1 IV is an ideal choice.
7. OnePlus 11
The OnePlus 11 is a smartphone that offers excellent photography capabilities at an affordable price. Equipped with three lenses - a main lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens - the OnePlus 11 provides users with versatility and image quality. With advanced image processing algorithms, the OnePlus 11 offers impressive photo quality in a variety of lighting conditions.
The OnePlus 11 has the advantage of fast charging and a long-lasting battery, allowing for long photo sessions without the need for frequent charging. Features such as Nightscape and UltraShot HDR make photos look impressive in a variety of conditions. In addition, the OnePlus 11 offers great value for money, making it an attractive choice for many users.
A disadvantage of the OnePlus 11 is the lack of advanced editing features that some other flagship models offer. Also, the video quality may not be as impressive as the competition. Still, the OnePlus 11 is a great choice for those looking for high-quality photography at an affordable price.
8th Oppo Find X5 Pro
The Oppo Find X5 Pro is a smartphone that surprises with its camera quality and innovative photography features. Featuring a 50 MP main camera, an ultra-wide-angle camera and a telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, the Oppo Find X5 Pro offers versatility and excellent image quality. MariSilicon X NPU technology improves image processing for better photo quality in a variety of lighting conditions.
One of the Oppo Find X5 Pro's greatest strengths is its night mode, which allows it to take bright and detailed photos in low light. In addition, features such as Ultra Night Video and 4K Ultra Night Video make night video recording equally impressive. The high-capacity battery and SuperVOOC fast charging are further advantages that make this smartphone an attractive choice.
The disadvantage of the Oppo Find X5 Pro is its price, which is quite high, which may be a barrier for some users. In addition, while the photo quality is excellent, the user interface may take some getting used to. Nevertheless, the Oppo Find X5 Pro is one of the best photography smartphones on the market, offering innovative features and excellent image quality.
9th Vivo X90 Pro+
The Vivo X90 Pro+ is a smartphone that stands out for its advanced photographic capabilities. Equipped with four lenses - a 50 MP main lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens, a telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom and a periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom - the Vivo X90 Pro+ offers outstanding versatility and image quality. Vivo's V1+ ISP technology improves image processing for better photo and video quality.
One of the Vivo X90 Pro+'s main strengths is its ability to take photos in different lighting conditions thanks to advanced artificial intelligence algorithms. Night mode, HDR features and advanced editing options make photos look impressive. In addition, the Vivo X90 Pro+ offers excellent video quality, making it an ideal choice for filmmakers.
The disadvantage of the Vivo X90 Pro+ is its price, which is quite high. In addition, the user interface can be complicated for some users, which may take some getting used to. Nevertheless, the Vivo X90 Pro+ offers some of the best photographic capabilities on the market, making it an excellent choice for demanding users.
10. Asus Zenfone 9
The Asus Zenfone 9 is a smartphone that offers exceptional photographic capabilities in a compact form factor. Equipped with two lenses - a 50 MP main lens and an ultra-wide angle lens - the Zenfone 9 provides users with high image quality and versatility. Thanks to advanced image processing algorithms, Zenfone 9 offers impressive photo quality in a variety of lighting conditions.
The Asus Zenfone 9 has the advantage of its compact size and lightweight design, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a convenient and portable smartphone. Features such as Night Mode and Super Night Mode make photos look impressive even in low light. In addition, the Zenfone 9 offers fast charging and a long-lasting battery, which is important for intensive users.
A disadvantage of the Asus Zenfone 9 is the lack of a telephoto lens, which limits the optical zoom capabilities. In addition, video quality may not be as impressive as other flagship models. Nevertheless, the Asus Zenfone 9 is an excellent choice for those looking for high-quality photography in a compact and convenient form factor.
So which smartphone is the best? Our overview
| Model | Main advantages | Main Disadvantages | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | A16 Bionic processor, Night mode, Apple Ecosystem | High price, No manual settings | Very high |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | 10x optical zoom, Night mode, Editing software | Large size, High price | Very high |
| Google Pixel 7 Pro | AI software, Night Sight, Magic Eraser | Average battery, No 8K recording | High |
| Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Leica system, Night mode, Macro | No Google services, no video stabilisation | High |
| Xiaomi 13 Pro | High-resolution photos, HyperCharge, AI | Complicated interface, Average video quality | Average |
| Sony Xperia 1 IV | 4K HDR recording, Eye AF, Professional tools | High price, Complicated interface | Very high |
| OnePlus 11 | Fast charging, Nightscape, Price | Lack of advanced editing functions, Average video quality | Average |
| Oppo Find X5 Pro | Night mode, MariSilicon X NPU, Fast charging | High price, Complicated interface | High |
| Vivo X90 Pro+ | Four lenses, Night mode, HDR | High price, Complicated interface | High |
| Asus Zenfone 9 | Compact size, Night Mode, Fast charging | No telephoto lens, Average video quality | Average |
To sum up our ranking, we can confidently say that 2024 has brought us an exceptional range of photography smartphones that will meet the needs of even the most demanding users. Technological innovations such as advanced image-processing algorithms, artificial intelligence to improve the quality of photos and extremely versatile lens kits allow you to take photos and videos at the highest level. Choosing the best photography smartphone depends on individual preferences and needs, and each of the models discussed has its own unique advantages that can be crucial for different types of photography.
Among the models discussed, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stand out as leaders in terms of versatility and quality, offering both advanced night modes and impressive optical zoom capabilities. The Google Pixel 7 Pro, on the other hand, impresses with its ease of use and excellent performance thanks to its advanced AI software. The Huawei Mate 50 Pro, despite some limitations due to the lack of Google services, impresses with a Leica camera system that delivers exceptional quality images. The Xiaomi 13 Pro and Oppo Find X5 Pro offer excellent value for money, while the Sony Xperia 1 IV and Vivo X90 Pro+ target more advanced users with professional tools and exceptional video recording capabilities.
At the end of our list are the OnePlus 11 and the Asus Zenfone 9, which, although slightly less advanced in terms of photographic features, still offer excellent photo quality at affordable prices. Each of these smartphones has something unique to offer, and choosing the right model depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you're a professional photographer or simply enjoy taking beautiful photos on a daily basis, our ranking will help you find the perfect smartphone to meet all your needs. The world of mobile photography has never been more exciting, and the possibilities offered by the latest smartphones allow everyone to capture special moments in the highest quality.
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