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Smartphones with the best camera

Jasper20 APRIL 2026
A person takes a photo of a cappuccino and dessert on a table with their smartphone, captured from a top-down angle.

Are you a content creator, hobby photographer, or do you just want to take impressive photographs with your smartphone? Then you want to choose a device with a top-quality camera. In this list, you'll find 6 smartphones with the best cameras of the moment. This way, you’re always in the right place, no matter what choice you make.

Which smartphone has the best camera?

A woman photographs a beautiful sunset over a river with her smartphone, overlooking a blurred, atmospheric landscape.

To find the smartphone with the best camera, don't just pay attention to the number of megapixels. Several factors determine the quality of your photographs and videos. Below you will find the most important criteria to pay attention to:

  • The number and type of cameras: smartphones often have multiple cameras on the back: a main camera, wide-angle lens, telephoto lens, and sometimes a macro lens or depth sensor. The quality of the front camera is also important, for selfies, videos, and video calls. So, pay attention to both the rear and front cameras and the possibilities they offer.
  • The sensor size: larger sensors capture more light, so you can get sharper and brighter images, especially in low light.
  • The Image Stabilisation (OIS/EIS): Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) and Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) help to reduce motion blur, which is especially useful when shooting videos and photographs where your models are moving.

Close-up of hands taking a photo of a chopping board full of vegetables and a knife, the focus is on the smartphone screen.
  • AI-supported features: more smartphones are using artificial intelligence to enhance photographs. Think of automatic scene recognition, night mode, portrait mode with bokeh effect, and real-time optimisation of colours and contrast.
  • Video capabilities: also pay attention to video resolution, frame rate, and additional features such as slow motion, 4K or even 8K recording, and professional video modes that give you more control over settings.
  • Software and user-friendliness: the camera app and user-friendliness also play a role in image quality. An intuitive interface with useful features, such as manual settings, RAW photographs, and easy editing capabilities, make the difference between mediocre photographs and professional images.

Samsung phone with good camera

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with Galaxy AI, presented showing the screen on the left and the impressive rear quad camera on the right.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the right choice for those who want to get the most out of smartphone photography. Thanks to the 200MP main camera, 50MP ultra-wide angle, and dual telephoto lens (3x and 5x zoom), you can take razor-sharp photographs in any situation. The advanced AI features help you optimise your footage. It's also the right device if you want to shoot video, with 8K recording and 10-bit HDR for beautiful, vibrant images. And with handy features such as object removal and background adjustment, you can create professional photographs effortlessly.

To the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
ProsCons

Razor-sharp photos and videos thanks to high resolution and versatile lenses.

Large size makes the device less easy to use with one hand.

Powerful zoom capabilities of up to 100x, useful for close-ups at a distance.

Sometimes slight noise or blur in extremely low light or fast movement.

Smart AI support guarantees optimal results in different situations.

No charger included (only USB-C cable), you must purchase it separately.

Which iPhone has the best camera?

Two images of a premium smartphone: one of the screen and one of the triple rear camera, both on a black background.

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is specially made for photography enthusiasts who want to experiment to the fullest. With the updated camera system with a 48MP main camera and ultra-wide-angle lens, you can take impressively detailed photographs. The 5x optical zoom gives you the ability to shoot razor-sharp from afar, with additional digital zoom for even more flexibility. Thanks to smart software technologies such as Photonic Engine and Smart HDR 5, your images are always optimally lit and lifelike.

To the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
ProsCons

Excellent detail reproduction thanks to 48MP main camera and advanced wide-angle lens.

Performance in very dark conditions and at large zooms could be better.

Flexible zoom capabilities up to 25x, ideal for a variety of situations.

Photos can sometimes look a bit unnatural due to the powerful software improvements.

Strong software support for better exposure, colour and stabilization.

Smartphone with good camera under € 400

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, displayed with its screen and labelled breakdown of the three rear cameras and their MP specifications.

The Samsung Galaxy A36 has a good camera and a low price tag. With a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilisation, you can take beautiful photographs, even in low light. In addition, with the 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 5MP macro lens, you can take both detailed close-ups and panoramic images. With the 12MP front camera with Video HDR, you can take clear selfies and videos.

To the Samsung Galaxy A36
ProsCons

Sharp and stable photos thanks to 50MP main camera with OIS.

Ultra-wide-angle and macro lens perform less strongly than the main camera.

Good selfie camera with Video HDR for clear images.

No optical zoom, only digital zoom up to 10x with loss of quality.

4K video and smart editing features like Object Eraser.

Smartphone with good camera under € 500

Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, with the screen and the back view labelled with all four cameras and their megapixel counts.

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is the best choice for those who want to spend less than € 500, but want a good camera. With the 50MP main camera with optical image stabilisation, you always take detailed photographs. Thanks to a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, you can effortlessly capture impressive panoramas and group photographs. The 5MP macro lens, on the other hand, is great for detailed close-ups, and the updated 12MP selfie camera lets you take natural and sharp selfies and videos. Thanks to 4K video and smart AI support, the camera performs well even in dark conditions.

To the Samsung Galaxy A56
ProsCons

Crisp and clear images thanks to 50MP main camera with OIS.

Ultra-wide-angle and macro lenses sometimes deliver less consistent colours.

Improved selfie camera for vivid colours and sharp details.

No optical zoom, only digital zoom up to 10x with loss of quality.

Versatile lenses and 4K video for a variety of photography needs.

Photos can be a bit pale or less contrasty in changing light.

Best mid-range camera smartphone

A modern purple smartphone shown from the front and the back, with dual camera and flash, set on a light background.

The Google Pixel 9a is an excellent choice for those looking for a smartphone with a top-of-the-line camera and smart AI features. Thanks to the dual-camera system with 48MP main camera and 13MP ultra-wide angle, you can take sharp, true-to-life photographs even in low light. With handy features such as Night Vision, Macro Focus, and the Magic Editor, you can get the most out of every shot with ease. You can also record in high quality, with 4K recording and optical image stabilisation for smooth images. The 8x Super Res Zoom offers plenty of detail without a telephoto lens, whilst the 13MP selfie camera ensures razor-sharp selfies.

To the Google Pixel 9a
ProsCons

Outstanding image quality with sharp details and true-to-life colours.

Zooming in is done entirely via software, which is disadvantageous with detailed images.

Versatile AI features for better photos and easy post-processing.

Sensor size is smaller than some predecessors, which you notice in the quality of dark photos.

Smooth 4K videos with smart stabilization and convenient audio options.

Sometimes some oversaturation of colours and loss of detail in portrait photos.

Smartphone with best camera and optimal value for money

A modern black OnePlus 13 smartphone. The left side shows the screen with "Never Settle", while the right displays a circular triple camera setup.

The OnePlus 13 offers an impressive camera system that is comparable to high-end models, but at a bargain price. With 3 cameras of 50MP (main camera, ultra-wide-angle, and telephoto lens), you can let your photography skills run wild. The collaboration with Hasselblad, the Swedish camera manufacturer, assures you of natural colours and extensive creative possibilities. The camera app is fast and easy to use; you can effortlessly switch between different modes. With a 32MP selfie camera, you can also take the most beautiful selfies.

ProsCons

Triple 50MP camera system with 3x optical zoom for razor-sharp images.

Digital zoom above 6x leads to visible loss of quality.

Hasselblad software ensures true-to-life colours and creative options.

Selfie camera performs less well in low light.

Our advice on the mobiles with the best camera

A man takes a photo of a pier at sunset with his smartphone, as evening lights reflect softly across the water’s surface.

Choosing a smartphone with a good camera is about more than just megapixels. Pay particular attention to the combination of lens quality, sensor size, image stabilisation, and smart AI features. High-end models such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer versatile lenses and advanced software for professional results. If you want a budget-friendly smartphone, the Google Pixel 9a and OnePlus 13 are strong choices with excellent cameras and smart features.

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