The Best Smartphone Cameras

Best Apple

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

4.8

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Apple's iPhone 12 Pro Max delivers impressive specs for serious mobile photographers. While some may pan the triple-lens camera system as something that's already been done by other smartphones, Apple continues to improve its rear-camera system, adding more perks per generation.

The iPhone 11 Pro already had an impressive camera, but the 12 Pro Max's is even better. It incorporates a LiDAR sensor for better low-light photos, better performance with AR apps, and better overall pictures. 

Compared to the already-impressive iPhone 11 series, the 12 Pro Max has more zoom on the telephoto lens and a larger wide-angle sensor to allow more light. The three-lens rear camera employs a main f/1.6 wide-angle, an f/2.4 ultra-wide, and an f/2.0 telephoto lens. In our testing, our reviewer, Andrew Hayward, noted that he could see more detail in nighttime photos with the 12 Pro Max.

_{Rear Cameras: 12MP Ultra-wide, wide, telephoto system | Front Camera: 12MP TrueDepth camera system | Video Recording: 4K resolution and 60 frames per second}

Best Android

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

4.6

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Most smartphones come with (at least) dual-lens camera setups. These generally include a primary sensor and a telephoto lens for optical zoom. While that’s great, an ultra-wide lens is usually better since it lets you capture more detail in every photo. Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra takes it further, adding another ultra-zoom camera.

The front selfie-cam is 40MP, while our testing showed that the rear camera system of the Galaxy S21 Ultra uses a 12MP primary sensor with dual pixel autofocus, as well as a 108MP ultra-wide module with an f/1.8 aperture, a 10MP telephoto camera with f/2.4 aperture, and another 10MP telephoto lens with f/4.9 aperture. Plus, with Super Resolution Zoom of up to 100x and optical image stabilization, you get a clear image no matter how close-up you want. 

Our reviewer, Andrew, noted that he could take hyper-detailed photos with the 108MP primary sensor, and the ultra-wide and 3x telephoto lenses delivered quality images.

_{Rear Cameras: 12MP Ultra Wide Camera (F2.2), 108MP Wide-angle Camera (F1.8) 10MP Telephoto Camera (F2.4), 10MP Telephoto Camera (F4.9) | Front Camera: 40MP Selfie Cam | Video Recording: 8k resolution}

Best Value

Google Pixel 4a 5G

4.3

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Like the Google Pixel 3a, the Pixel 4a 5G has an impressive camera for a smartphone that comes at a budget price. The Pixel 4a’s rear camera system includes a 12.2MP dual-pixel camera with f/1.7 aperture and a 77-degree field of view and a 16MP ultra-wide camera with f/2.2 aperture and a 117-degree field of view.

Our reviewer, Andrew, called the Pixel 4a 5g’s camera a "fantastic point-and-shoot camera." He said the camera is excellent for astrophotography and can take good nighttime and distance photos.

_{Rear Cameras: 12.2 MP (f/1.7), 16 MP ultra-wide (f/2.2) | Front Camera: 8MP | Video Recording: 4K at 30 FPS}

Best Google

Google Pixel 5

4.2

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The Google Pixel 5 has the same camera system as the Pixel 4a 5G, but we include it because the phone offers a few additional perks, like longer battery life and more RAM. This means you’ll get a 12.2MP dual-pixel primary camera, a 16MP ultra-wide camera, and an 8MP selfie camera. 

You can take advantage of a few cool features available on the Pixel 4a 5G and the Pixel 5, like enhancements to portraits, which let you adjust lighting even after taking a picture. Our reviewer, Andrew, praised the Night Sight feature and was able to take clear photos in low light.

_{Rear Cameras: 12.2 MP (f/1.7), 16 MP ultra-wide (f/2.2) | Front Camera: 8MP | Video Recording: 4K at 30 FPS}

Best Budget Android

Google Pixel 4a

4.5

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The Google Pixel 4a's camera is different from the 4a 5G in that it lacks the second ultra-wide camera. However, it features the main 12.2MP dual-pixel camera and the front 8MP selfie cam. This doesn't mean the camera on the Pixel 4a doesn't produce high-quality images, though. Even with the 12.2MP dual-pixel cam, you can capture 4k video at up to 30 FPS, and features like electronic image stabilization make for a steadier image with less blur. 

The Pixel 4a boasts Autofocus with dual pixel phase detection, a 77-degree field of view, and an f/1.7 aperture on the rear camera, which allows you to take pictures up close and at a distance in a variety of different lighting conditions.

Our reviewer, Andrew, found the camera to be an exceptional point-and-shoot camera, producing solid results in various lighting conditions (even low light).

_{Rear Cameras: 12.2MP (f/1.7) | Front Camera: 8MP | Video Recording: 4K at 30 FPS}

Best Compact

Apple iPhone 12 mini

4.5

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The iPhone 12 mini doesn’t have the advanced three-camera system you’ll find on the Pro Max, but you will get the same camera as you can on the regular iPhone 12. It includes a 12MP wide-angle sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor with a 120-degree field of view. You can record 4K video at up to 60 FPS, and the front camera is a 12MP TrueDepth Camera like you’ll find on the Pro models.

Our reviewer, Andrew, found the 12 mini cameras will produce vibrant images in just about any lighting, and he got a detailed picture during day or night.

_{Rear Cameras: 12.2MP (f/1.7) | Front Camera: 8MP | Video Recording: 4K at 30 FPS}