5 mobile phones with the best cameras

Since Instagram came into existence, the popular photo-sharing platform has brought out the photographer in all of us. Back then, a smartphone’s camera capabilities were quite limited, so those who were serious or highly passionate about photography had no option but to opt for a digital camera. Over the years, technology has evolved so much that the bridge between smartphones and DSLRs has now narrowed down.

Many OEMs continue to break the boundaries of camera innovation on mobile phones. Bigger sensors, collaborations with legendary camera makers, and computational photography just to name a few advancements that we have witnessed over the years.

Additionally, the AI era has also introduced intelligent features that help in enhancing the overall experience. These are a great recipe for shooting exceptional images on a compact and portable device without the bulk of a digital camera.

Mobile phones with the best camera

Although budget and mid-range smartphones come with decent cameras that get the job done, the aforementioned features are often reserved for top-tier flagship models. This guide explores mobile phones with the best cameras in the market.

1. OnePlus 12 5G

2. Xiaomi 14

3. iPhone 15 Pro Max

4. Google Pixel 8 Pro

5. Vivo X100 5G

1. OnePlus 12 5G

The OnePlus 12 5G launched earlier this year takes the top spot as it is a great all-round device. On the optics front, it has triple rear cameras. The setup comprises a 50MP Sony LYT-808 primary sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 64MP periscope unit for capturing zoomed images. 

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The device comes with legendary camera maker Hasselblad’s image processing and enhancement. Additionally, there are a host of features onboard including master mode, video HDR, Dolby vision, and support for RAW format.

The OnePlus 12 5G is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip paired with up to 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a 5,400mAh battery unit with support for 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. The smartphone starts at Rs 59,999.

2. Xiaomi 14

The Xiaomi 14 packs a Leica-branded triple rear camera setup. It includes a 50MP main sensor with OIS, f/1.6 aperture, along with a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens with EIS and 14mm focal length.

There is a 50MP telephoto unit with 75mm focal length that can even handle 10cm super close-up shots. The smartphone comes with Leica colour tones and filters that are similar to the ones you get from the brand’s camera.

Apart from photography, the device is capable of recording 8K videos at 24 fps, 4K in low light, Dolby Vision HDR and also 10-bit log recording. There is built-in HyperOIS for shake-free footage. The device has a 4-mic array for Spatial sound.

The Xiaomi 14 carries a price tag of Rs 69,998.

3. iPhone 15 Pro

Apple’s iPhones have been exceptional devices for photography and videography both. The iPhone 15 Pro camera system consists of a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 12MP telephoto unit with 3x optical zoom and up to 15x digital zoom. The device is capable of shooting at up to seven focal lengths from 13mm to 77mm.

Computational photography lets you choose between 24, 28, and 35mm. The smartphone has a new Photonic Engine that delivers portraits with true-to-life colour, zero shutter lag, and better low-light performance. The iPhone 15 Pro is capable of recording 4K videos along with Spatial audio, log encoding, and cinematic mode.

The iPhone 15 Pro can be purchased starting at Rs 1,27,990.

4. Google Pixel 8 Pro

Google’s Pixel smartphones are known for their photography prowess especially because of their computational photography and various image enhancement features. Additionally, camera-based AI features are becoming quite popular in smartphones today. Hence, Pixel smartphones are an excellent choice. The Pixel 8 Pro has a 50MP main sensor and a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens for capturing high-resolution images. The 48MP telephoto unit offers 5x optical zoom along with OIS for shooting pictures from far without blur.

The Google Pixel 8 Pro retails at Rs 97,999.

5. Vivo X100 5G

The Vivo X100 5G has a huge protruding circular camera island on the back panel. It has ZEISS-branded sensors comprising a 50MP main snapper, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 64MP periscope telephoto unit with 100x digital zoom. The multiple focal lengths allow you to shoot portraits in 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 100mm.

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There is a V2 chip that enhances the imaging experience. Additionally, the device also features a ZEISS coating that reduces the reflection from the lenses. It is also capable of recording 4K video at night.

The Vivo X100 5G costs Rs 69,999.

The aforementioned smartphones are loaded with the best cameras that make photography easier for everyone. You can be guaranteed of professional-level results thanks to advanced sensors, computational photography, and software-based features.