Best Camera Phone of 2024
Phone makers promise varying lengths of long-term software and security support ranging from just one year to as many as seven. These updates not only ensure you get many of the latest features but also keep your phone secure.
Phone cameras have gotten better over the past five years. Don?t be fooled by how many cameras a phone has; more is not necessarily better.
Phones are big in general with the smallest ones having a 6.1-inch screen and large models topping out at 6.8 inches. That makes visiting a store and trying a phone out before you buy it quite important.
If your family and friends are on Apple services like iMessage and FaceTime, stick with an iPhone. If you?ve been deep on Samsung, stay on Android. Know that switching between the two has never been easier.
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What to consider iOS or Android If your family and friends are on Apple services like iMessage and FaceTime, stick with an iPhone. If you?ve been deep on Samsung, stay on Android. Know that switching between the two has never been easier. Size Phones are big in general with the smallest ones having a 6.1-inch screen and large models topping out at 6.8 inches. That makes visiting a store and trying a phone out before you buy it quite important. Cameras Phone cameras have gotten better over the past five years. Don?t be fooled by how many cameras a phone has; more is not necessarily better. Software support Phone makers promise varying lengths of long-term software and security support ranging from just one year to as many as seven. These updates not only ensure you get many of the latest features but also keep your phone secure.
Apple's new iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are out, and each comes with a slew of camera improvements from new sensors and lenses to a new Camera Control button and the ability to record 4K 120fps slow-motion video on pro models. The new Apple phones are among the best phones in 2024 -- all of which have amazing cameras that can take photos that'll wow your Instagram followers or family members. These include high-performance phones from Apple, Google, Samsung and others. Different companies offer unique features, a spectrum of camera lenses and varied megapixel counts.?
We thoroughly tested and compared dozens of phones and found that one with more lenses or megapixels isn't necessarily any better at taking great shots. Top phones like the iPhone 16 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro use larger image sensors and software additions for AI-powered computational photography. Then there's the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's camera, which can take some of the best zoom photos that you can possibly get from a phone.
Read more: Best Phones to Buy in 2024
It's important to keep in mind that there isn't a "perfect" phone camera for everyone. Even among CNET's phone reviewers, there isn't a phone camera that suits all our needs. We look at how these cameras perform in real-life situations: how they balance exposures, how they handle colors and how easy they are to use. Read our guide to help find the best phone camera for your needs.
What is the best camera phone?
The $999 iPhone 16 Pro and $1,199 iPhone 16 Pro Max have the same trio of lenses: wide, ultrawide and 5x telephoto. The new 48-megapixel ultrawide camera is a big step up from previous iPhone models. It not only takes outstanding photos but doubles as a high-res macro lens to get the perfect focus on your food snaps. Both phones also support 4K 120fps slow-motion video which looks outstanding. A new Camera Control button doubles as a shortcut key to open the camera but also as a shutter button. It can also be used as a zoom rocker or to swipe through Apple's revamped Photographic Styles -- letting you preview each one in the viewfinder before you take a single pic. Both phones pack advanced features like ProRaw images, ProRes video capture and recording in Log color space, which makes them powerful tools for professional filmmakers.
Is the iPhone 16 Pro leaps and bounds ahead of what Google and Samsung are doing? No. In terms of consistency, reliability and approachability, the iPhone 16 Pro is our pick for people who want a top-notch camera system that's easy to use.
Watch this: Camera Comparison: The Galaxy S24 Ultra Takes On the iPhone 15 Pro Max 09:54
Best camera phones of 2024
Hide our expert take See at Amazon $1,100 at Best Buy Pros Larger screens/thinner bezels
4K slo-mo OMG
Audio Mix is brilliant
iOS 18 Cons No Apple Intelligence out of the box
Camera Control placement not optimal for one-handed shooting
Elegant finishes aren't very colorful
Only 128GB of storage for $1,000 Screen size 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches Processor Apple A18 Pro Cameras 48-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (5x telephoto), 12-megapixel (selfie) Colors Desert titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, black titanium $0 at Amazon Best camera phone Apple iPhone 16 Pro See at Amazon $1,100 at Best Buy The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have everything we've come to expect in a year-over-year upgrade. Even without Apple Intelligence at launch, the 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max have a slew of upgrades including good battery life, larger displays, outstanding photo and video chops, high resolution slo-mo, a new Camera Control button and iOS 18 goodies. The negatives are as thin as the borders around the new screens: You only get 128GB of storage for $1,000, plus drab color options and a new camera button that might get accidentally tapped. This year the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have the exact same cameras -- unlike the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, which had different telephoto options. Screen size, battery life and price should be the deciding factors when you're choosing between the two. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are excellent phones worthy of a spot in your pocket -- if you can afford them. Photo Gallery 1/1 Hide our expert take
Show our expert take $1,068 at Amazon Pros Astonishingly good camera system
Unique camera grip transforms it into a compact camera
Lightning fast performance
Great, vibrant display Cons Not sold in the US
Very expensive; camera grip is a pricey extra
Battery life is only OK
Software support period could be longer Screen size 6.73 inches Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Cameras 50-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 50-megapixel (3.2x telephoto), 50-megapixel (5x telephoto), 32-megapixel (selfie) Colors White, black $1,068 at Amazon Best phone camera for photography Xiaomi 14 Ultra $1,068 at Amazon With a main camera sensor that's much larger than those on any of its rivals, a wide, variable aperture and Leica-engineered optics, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is able to take some of the best images we've ever seen from a phone. The huge dynamic range and clarity of the raw files mean we can produce shots we'd normally expect to see from full-sized mirrorless cameras. We particularly like using the 14 Ultra's Leica high-contrast black-and-white mode, to take punchy monochrome street photos that look amazing without any post-processing. To make it more of a fully-fledged camera, Xiaomi sells the Photography Kit that includes a case and a grip that provides physical camera controls. It allows you to use this phone just like a regular camera which makes it a total joy to use. Photo Gallery 1/1 Show our expert take
Show our expert take $999 at T-Mobile $999 at Google $999 at Best Buy Pros Genuinely fun new AI skills
Sleek new design
Seven years of software updates
Cameras can take great daytime shots Cons Camera hardware hasn't improved much over Pixel 8 Pro
Gemini AI will eventually require a paid subscription
Launches with Android 14, not Android 15 Screen size 6.3 inches or 6.8 inches Processor Google Tensor G4 Cameras 50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (5x telephoto), 42-megapixel (selfie) Colors Porcelain, rose quartz, obsidian, hazel $999 at T-Mobile Best Google has to offer Google Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL $999 at T-Mobile $999 at Google $999 at Best Buy The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL have a lot going for them, from their shiny new designs and long software support period. It's the AI skills that really stand out, from the deep integration of the conversational Gemini Live to the new Pixel Studio that creates weird and wonderful images from your text prompts. The phones aren't perfect. The cameras are good and can take excellent photos in bright light, they're just okay in low light and in night mode. The best AI features will require a monthly subscription (although you get the first year for free) If you're keen to experiment with AI on your phone then the new Pixel 9 Pro range is a superb way to experience it. Photo Gallery 1/1 Show our expert take
Show our expert take $1,120 at Samsung $1,139 at Amazon $1,420 at Best Buy Pros Chat translations and Circle to Search are useful
Sharper 5x zoom
Good low-light camera performance
7 years of software upgrades Cons Expensive
Some Galaxy AI features aren't exclusive to S24 series
No specific S24 Ultra Galaxy AI features Screen size 6.8 inches Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Cameras 200-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto), 50-megapixel (5x telephoto), 12-megapixel (selfie) Colors Titanium gray, titanium black, titanium violet and titanium yellow $1,120 at Samsung Best phone camera for zoom Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra $1,120 at Samsung $1,139 at Amazon $1,420 at Best Buy With a sharper 5x optical zoom, a faster new processor, that familiar giant display and 100x digital zoom, the Samsung's "Ultra" phone remains a top choice for mobile photographers who want plenty of screen space. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is also one of the first phones with Samsung's new Galaxy AI features, which include tools for translating text messages and phone calls instantly and Circle to Search, a new gesture that lets you launch a Google search for almost anything simply by drawing a circle around it. Like the previous two generations, the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with an embedded S Pen for those who like jotting down notes or doodling. But perhaps best of all, Samsung has committed to updating these devices with new versions of Android for seven years, meaning it shouldn't feel out of date anytime soon. Still, there are still some important downsides to consider. At $1,300, this phone is expensive, so be sure to look for trade-in discounts if you plan to upgrade. For that high price, I had hoped Samsung would've added extra Galaxy AI features that are specific to the Ultra, perhaps some that take advantage of the S Pen. Galaxy AI is the same on all Galaxy S24 devices, and it'll be coming to the Galaxy S23 lineup soon too, so you don't have to splurge on Samsung's top-of-the-line phone if you just care about those features. Read our Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review. Photo Gallery 1/1 Show our expert take
Show our expert take $830 at Best Buy Pros Camera Control is useful for switching camera settings
Photographic Styles makes photos pop
Ultrawide camera is better in low light Cons Apple Intelligence isn?t out yet
No always on display
No changes to wired charging speeds
No upgrades to the Action button Screen size 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches Processor Apple A18 Camera 48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (selfie) Colors Ultramarine (blue), pink, teal, black and white $830 at Best Buy Best iPhone camera for most people Apple iPhone 16 $830 at Best Buy With its handy new photography features, convenient Action button and elegant build, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are top-notch choices for Apple fans in search of a new phone. The iPhone 16?s key feature, Apple Intelligence, isn?t available yet, but the fact that these phones will support it means they?ll likely feel future-proofed for years to come. For those who don?t need the Pro?s extra photography prowess and battery life, the iPhone 16 won?t disappoint. Aside from screen size (6,1 inches on the regular, 6.7 inches on the Plus), battery size and price, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are identical in every way. The iPhone 16 isn?t perfect -- it?s missing an always-on display, and it feels like it?s been ages since Apple improved its wired charging speeds. It checks all the important boxes, and then some. Photo Gallery 1/1 Show our expert take
Show our expert take Buy a Google Pixel 9, get $100 store credit $800 at T-Mobile $800 at Google $800 at Best Buy Pros Beautiful design
Fun and somewhat useful AI features
Better ultrawide camera
7 years of software updates Cons More expensive
Doesn't feel that different from Pixel 8 Screen size 6.3 inches Processor Google Tensor G4 Cameras 50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 10.5 megapixel (selfie) Colors Peony, wintergreen, porcelain, obsidian $800 at T-Mobile Best phone for Android purists Google Pixel 9 Buy a Google Pixel 9, get $100 store credit $800 at T-Mobile $800 at Google $800 at Best Buy There?s a lot to like about the Pixel 9, from its respectable camera to its classy new design and lengthy 7-year timeline for software updates. Google?s phones have always shined for their clean, slick software, and that once again applies to the Pixel 9 series. Pixels are also among the first to get new software updates, making them an ideal choice for those who want to get their hands on the latest version of Android first. Aside from Android updates, Google also brings new features to Pixel phones throughout the year through updates it calls Feature Drops. The Pixel 9 comes with a few new AI tricks that you may find useful, like the ability to search for content in screenshots, generate images from scratch in the Pixel Studio app and add new objects in photos. These features aren?t must-haves, and they?re not without flaws. Plus, at a starting price of $799, the Pixel 9 has a higher bar to live up to. The Pixel 9 feels like it belongs in that class of device. Photo Gallery 1/1 Show our expert take
Show our expert take $799 at Apple Pros USB-C port for more convenient charging
Colorful matte design
Improved camera that can automatically take people and pet portraits
Dynamic Island brings better multitasking Cons No always-on display
Find My Friends feature works only with other iPhone 15 phones
Discounted iPhone 14 Pro may be a better value
Galaxy S23 offers a longer optical zoom Screen size 6.1 inches or 6.7 inches (Plus) Processor Apple A16 Bionic Cameras 48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (selfie) Colors Blue, pink, yellow, green, black $799 at Apple Best camera for casual snappers Apple iPhone 15 $799 at Apple The base iPhone 15 lacks some of the advanced features of the Pro model, including the telephoto zoom lenses and capturing images in ProRaw or videos in ProRes formats. Its main camera has been given a significant bump to 48 megapixels, and refinements across the board mean it's an extremely capable camera for more everyday shooting. Dedicated photographers will likely want to look toward the Pro line, those of you wanting to simply take beautiful, well-exposed shots of your kids at the beach or your friends gathering for some beers will love the ease with which you can capture those moments with a tap of the screen. Its $200 savings over the base Pro model will be a little easier on your bank balance, as well. Photo Gallery 1/1 Show our expert take
Show our expert take $499 at Best Buy $499 at Amazon $499 at T-Mobile Pros Great camera
7 years of software updates
Many of the same features as the Pixel 8
Good battery life Cons 256GB storage not available on all models
Zoomed and low light shots aren't as clear as the Pixel 8's Screen size 6.1 inches Processor Google Tensor G3 Cameras 64-megapixel (wide), 13-megapixel (ultrawide), 13-megapixel (selfie) Colors Aloe, bay, obsidian, porcelain $499 at Best Buy Best Android phone under $500 Google Pixel 8A $499 at Best Buy $499 at Amazon $499 at T-Mobile The Pixel 8A is so good it makes the regular Pixel 8 almost feel irrelevant. It shares so much in common with its pricier sibling -- from its selection of AI-powered features like Circle to Search, to its aesthetic and Tensor G3 processor -- that it's hard to see why anyone would buy the Pixel 8 instead. The Pixel 8 does offer a marginally better camera system, a slightly larger screen and the ability to charge other phones and accessories wirelessly on the back of the device, but those features don't feel significant enough to impact the buying decision for most people. As I wrote in my review, the Pixel 8A raises the bar for what a $500 phone should be. That also means I'll be expecting more from the Pixel 9 this fall. Photo Gallery 1/1 Show our expert take
Show our expert take $630 at Best Buy Pros Main camera is good
Autofocus makes selfies look better
Improved repairability is welcomed
Action mode is smooth Cons Ultrawide photos are a step down in image quality
Videos recorded in low light look just OK
Needs more iOS features for the Plus' larger screen Screen size 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches Processor Apple A15 Bionic Cameras 12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (selfie) Colors Product red, blue, purple, yellow, starlight, midnight, $630 at Best Buy Best cheaper iPhone camera Apple iPhone 14 $630 at Best Buy At $599, the iPhone 14 is a great buy and solid upgrade, especially if you're using an 11 or older. There are two models the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus that normally starts at $699. Both phones are identical and really the deciding factor comes down to screen and battery size as well as price. The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus have a long battery life, fast performance, great durability and wonderful cameras as well as safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite. Both phones came out in September 2022 originally but are still solid options today. In terms of drawbacks, neither phone has a high refresh rate screen, and always-on display or the newer Action button found on the 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series. At hundreds of dollars less, we think that the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus have the best value to the dollar that Apple currently sells. Photo Gallery 1/1 Show our expert take
Factors to consider when looking at a phone's cameras Try it before you buy it: It's one thing to ogle over the camera features of a phone, but it's another to actually try them out in a store. Protect your new phone with a case: Make your phone and its camera's last longer with a case. Don't overlook affordable phones: The $499 Pixel 8A and $599 iPhone 15 can do almost everything that a new premium phone can do for a fraction of the price. Save some money and still take great snaps. Wait for sales: Many of the best phone camera systems are found on more expensive models. Look for sales and discounts around major holidays, especially Amazon's Prime Day and Black Friday. Check if you're already invested: Have you already bought a lot of iPhone camera accessories like a case or tripod? Stick with an iPhone if you still want access to them. Make sure your new iPhone will still work with your setup. Show more
How we test phones We test every phone in real-world scenarios, focusing on its features, design, performance, cameras, battery life and overall value. We document our findings in an initial review that is periodically updated when there are new software updates, or to compare it against new phones from competitors such as Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 largely has the same camera hardware as the Z Flip 4. But the new chip brings some image processing improvements. Lisa Eadicicco/CNET Photography Photography is a major focus for most phones these days, so we take pictures and videos of various subjects in a variety of settings and lighting scenarios. We try out any new camera modes, such as ProRes Log video that debuted with the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, or the Magic Editor photo tool that launched with the Google Pixel 8 series. Battery life Battery testing is conducted in a variety of ways. We assess how long a phone lasts during a typical day of use and note how it performs during more focused sessions of video calls, media streaming and gaming. We also conduct a video playback test, as a simple, replicable measure of pure battery life, which isn't always included in the initial review but sometimes added later in an update. Performance measuring We use benchmarking apps to measure each phone's performance, alongside our own anecdotal experiences using the phone for our review. Most notable are how the graphics and animations look. Are they smooth? Or do they lag or stutter? We also look at how quickly the phone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations, and how fast the camera app opens and is ready to take a photo. Emergency SOS might be one of the most important features to come out on any phone this year. Kevin Heinz/CNET We perform processor-heavy tasks like editing photos, exporting videos and playing games. We evaluate whether a newer version of a particular phone includes enough features to make it worth upgrading from older models. Read more: How We Test Phones Show more
Other phones we tested The $1,400 Sony Xperia 1 V retains all the best features of previous Xperia 1 phones, like a 4K high refresh rate display, expandable storage, cutting-edge cameras with eye-tracking autofocus, a 5,000-mAh battery, a dedicated hardware shutter button and a headphone jack, all wrapped in Sony's lovely, mundane utilitarian design. The phone brims with numerous quality-of-life improvements for its target audience of creative types like photographers, filmmakers, musicians and gamers who want nuanced control over the content they make. Its $1,400 price tag keeps this phone squarely aimed beyond most consumers. Show more
