Your phone is the camera you always have in your pocket, but not all phone cameras are equal. Some provide optical zoom, others take clear shots in low light, and a few are more accurate at rendering color. PCMag has been writing about and reviewing phones for over three decades—including the first-ever camera phone—so we're experts on mobile photography. We put every phone we review through a rigorous series of camera evaluations to determine the best performers on the market. The best camera phones available right now include entries from Apple, Google, and Samsung, such as the iPhone 18 Pro Max, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and the Pixel 11. However, all our recommendations are worthy, so be sure to read our in-depth reviews linked below. And don't forget to scroll to the end for the big picture in our buying guide.
Overview
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Best iPhone Camera for Most PeopleApple iPhone 17
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Most Advanced iPhone CameraApple iPhone 18 Pro Max
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Best Extended ZoomSamsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
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Best Midrange Camera PhoneGoogle Pixel 10a
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Best Android Camera Phone for Most PeopleGoogle Pixel 11
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Best Camera on a Folding PhoneSamsung Galazy Z Fold 8 Ultra
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Best Small Android Camera PhoneSamsung Galaxy S26
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Best Affordable iPhone CameraApple iPhone 17e
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Best iPhone Camera for Most PeopleApple iPhone 17
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The iPhone 17 earns its spot by making pro-level photography more accessible than ever, narrowing the gap between the standard and Pro models. It features a significantly upgraded dual-camera system, with both the main and ultra-wide cameras now using 48MP Fusion sensors. This is a major improvement over the 12MP ultra-wide on the iPhone 16, resulting in more detailed and flexible shots. The system combines data from 48MP and 12MP captures to produce a final 24MP image, which Apple claims optimizes both detail and light capture.
Who It's For
Selfie lovers: Apple’s iPhone 17 introduces a new selfie camera capable of capturing both vertical and horizontal photos without requiring the user to rotate the phone. If you want some variety in your selfies without having to change the way you use your phone, the iPhone 17 is a great pick.
Value-seeking iPhone fans: The entry-level iPhone 17 would be considered a Pro-level model just a few years ago. In fact, it gets you much of the iPhone Pro experience for hundreds less. For $799, it packs 256GB of storage, a powerful Apple processor, and excellent cameras. What's not to like?
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 24 hours, 31 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 48MP, 48MP; 18MP CPU Apple A19 Dimensions 5.89 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches Operating System iOS 26 Screen Resolution 2,622 by 1,206 pixels Screen Size 6.3 Learn More Apple iPhone 17 Review -
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Most Advanced iPhone CameraApple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max has an outstanding and versatile triple 48MP Fusion camera system. The trio includes a main camera with physical aperture blades, an ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view, and a telephoto camera offering 4x optical zoom and clear "optical-quality" shots up to 8x. Beyond stills, its video capabilities are a major differentiator. With support for professional-grade features, the 18 Pro Max is ready for almost anything.
Who It's For
Serious multimedia creators: The iPhone 18 Pro Max includes some of the most powerful camera and video features of any phone on the market. Few others can record super high-quality ProRes footage in HDR at 4K120. If you create content for a living, this is the phone to get. Moreover, it offers up to 2TB of storage, more than enough to hold all your projects.
People who want the best battery life: The iPhone 18 Pro Max's battery life is remarkably long, lasting 34 hours and 31 minutes in our battery rundown test. The Pro Max outlasts not only its siblings but also all Android phones at the time of this writing, earning it a PCMag Lab Award for longest battery life.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 34 hours, 31 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 48MP, 48MP, 48MP; 18MP CPU Apple A20 Pro Dimensions 6.34 by 3.07 by 0.34 inches Operating System iOS 27 Screen Resolution 2,868 by 1,320 pixels Screen Size 6.9 -
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Best Extended ZoomSamsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a huge number of cameras, and they all do different things. You can take advantage of 5x optical zoom and 100x hybrid zoom and capture standard and sprawling views from the device's capable 200MP main and 50MP ultra-wide lenses. Samsung's new Galaxy AI powers let you perform edits such as enlarging subjects or filling in the background. Let's not forget the Privacy Display, which protects you from peering eyes.
Who It's For
People who love zoom: If you often find yourself taking snaps of things that are really far away, this is the phone to get. It has the best zoom range of any phone sold in the US.
Artist and Notetakers: The Galaxy S26 Ultra keeps stylus fans happy. The Ultra features a removable S Pen, which lets you place the stylus on the screen for longhand writing, mind-mapping, or sketching, in ways a keyboard cannot replicate.
People who want the best Samsung phone: The S26 Ultra’s specs are out of this world, with a superfast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a titanium frame. Plus, its enormous 6.9-inch OLED display features Privacy Display to keep your content secure.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 15 hours, 5 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy Dimensions 6.61 by 3.37 by 0.35 inches Operating System Android 16 Screen Resolution 3,120 by 1,440 pixels Screen Size 6.9 Learn More Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Review -
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Best Midrange Camera PhoneGoogle Pixel 10a
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Google's Pixel 10a is an ideal midrange phone thanks to its Tensor G4 processor, top-notch camera system, and built-in Google AI. Its bold design and variety of color options help it stand out. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and an IP68 rating ensure the device withstands everyday perils. And of course, it has an excellent Google-built camera that's entirely flush with the rear panel.
Who It's For
People who love taking photos: Every phone on this list can take good photos, but the $499 Pixel 10a provides the best value. Google’s hardware and software shape the Pixel’s image workflow to effortlessly produce beautiful pictures.
Google fans seeking a bargain: If you've ever wondered what the big deal is about Pixels, the Pixel 10a offers the best of Google in an affordable package. This is Android as Google envisions it, with various AI features that make the Pixel 10a fun to use.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 12 hours, 15 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 48MP, 13MP; 13MP CPU Google Tensor G4 Dimensions 6.06 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches Operating System Android 16 Screen Resolution 2,424 by 1,080 pixels Screen Size 6.3 Learn More Google Pixel 10a Review -
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Credit: Florence Ion
Best Android Camera Phone for Most PeopleGoogle Pixel 11
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Google’s Pixel phones have long set the bar for mobile photography. The Pixel 11’s three cameras, together with Google’s image processing, produce incredible results. Camera Coach teaches you to shoot better, and the phone’s AI photo-editing tools let you clean up or completely reimagine a scene. Both front and rear cameras capture video at up to 4K at 60 fps with steady, detailed results. If you want more resolution, Google’s Video Boost can produce 8K video at 30 fps, though you need to upload to the cloud first.
Who It’s For
Uncompromising small-phone fans: The Pixel 11 packs virtually everything its larger sibling offers into a small, dense body. Google's AI features work exceptionally well on this phone, while its cameras produce some of the best photos you'll see from any smartphone.
Long-term phone users: Google offers seven years of operating system updates, security fixes, and feature drops. That means the Pixel 11 hardware may age, but its software will stay current thanks to Google's generous policy. If you prefer to hold onto your investment, the Pixel 11 is worth considering.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 19 hours Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 48MP; 13MP, 10.8MP; 10.5MP CPU Google Tensor G6 Dimensions 6.0 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches Operating System Android 17 Screen Resolution 2,424 by 1,080 pixels Screen Size 6.3 -
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Best Camera on a Folding PhoneSamsung Galazy Z Fold 8 Ultra
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is Samsung's best folding phone yet, and it has one of the best available cameras on a folding phone. It has five cameras, including a 200MP main camera on the rear, as well as upgraded ultra-wide and telephoto cameras. Moreover, Samsung improved the two selfie cameras, which take sharper photos than ever. The device is thinner and lighter than previous iterations, has a more durable design, and comes with genuinely useful Galaxy AI features. Both screens are bright and beautiful, the performance is excellent, and the software experience remains top-notch.
Who It's For
Tablet lovers: If you want a larger screen while working with the Z Fold 8 Ultra, just open it up, and you've got a tablet to work with. It's a great option for those looking to do more with one device (though it costs as much as two).
Design buffs: Somehow, Samsung made the Z Fold 8 Ultra so thin that it resembles a regular (non-folding) smartphone while closed. Opening up the Z Fold 7 reveals its remarkable thinness. The refined Flex Titanium hinge feels sturdy, while its excellent build quality showcases Samsung's manufacturing capabilities.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 16 hours and 29 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 200MP, 50MP, 10MP; 10MP, 10MP CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Dimensions 6.24 x 2.87 x 0.35 inches folded, 6.24 x 5.64 x 0.61 open Operating System Android 17 Screen Resolution 2,504 by 2,256 pixels Screen Size 8 -
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Best Small Android Camera PhoneSamsung Galaxy S26
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Many Android phones have grown so large that one-handed shooting feels awkward. The Galaxy S26 stays compact and fits comfortably in one hand. Its cameras produce pleasing images with strong detail and more accurate color than before. The telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom for tighter framing, and optical image stabilization keeps video steady.
Who It's For
The small-handed: If you have trouble operating a large phone, this is one of the best compact Android models on the market with high-end specs.
People who won't skimp on performance: The Galaxy S26 has the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip found in the more expensive Galaxy S26+ and Ultra, while offering a practically identical experience.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) TBD Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy Dimensions 5.91 by 3 by 0.37 inches Operating System Android 16 Screen Resolution 2,340 by 1,080 pixels Screen Size 6.3 Learn More Samsung Galaxy S26 Review -
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Best Affordable iPhone CameraApple iPhone 17e
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Apple iPhone 17e may not have all the cameras that its stablemates carry, but it has a sharp 48MP Fusion camera that can handle the most demanding shooters. It is limited in terms of focal range, but its ability to snap great shots isn't in question. More importantly, it's the most affordable iPhone you can buy.
Who It's For
iPhone photogs on a budget: With a price of $599, it's $200 cheaper than the more mainstream iPhone 17—but it has the same camera.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (As Tested) 22 hours, 2 minutes Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) 48MP; 12MP CPU Apple A19 Dimensions 5.78 by 2.82 by 0.32 inches Operating System iOS 26 Screen Resolution 2,532 by 1,170 pixels Screen Size 6.1 Learn More Apple iPhone 17e Review -
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Best For | Best iPhone Camera for Most People | Most Advanced iPhone Camera | Best Extended Zoom | Best Midrange Camera Phone | Best Android Camera Phone for Most People | Best Camera on a Folding Phone | Best Small Android Camera Phone | Best Affordable iPhone Camera | Best iPhone Camera for Most People | Most Advanced iPhone Camera | Best Extended Zoom |
Operating System | iOS 26 | iOS 27 | Android 16 | Android 16 | Android 17 | Android 17 | Android 16 | iOS 26 | iOS 26 | iOS 27 | Android 16 |
CPU | Apple A19 | Apple A20 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G6 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy | Apple A19 | Apple A19 | Apple A20 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy |
Dimensions | 5.89 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches | 6.34 by 3.07 by 0.34 inches | 6.61 by 3.37 by 0.35 inches | 6.06 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches | 6.0 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches | 6.24 x 2.87 x 0.35 inches folded, 6.24 x 5.64 x 0.61 open | 5.91 by 3 by 0.37 inches | 5.78 by 2.82 by 0.32 inches | 5.89 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches | 6.34 by 3.07 by 0.34 inches | 6.61 by 3.37 by 0.35 inches |
Screen Size | 6.3 | 6.9 | 6.9 | 6.3 | 6.3 | 8 | 6.3 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 6.9 |
Screen Resolution | 2,622 by 1,206 pixels | 2,868 by 1,320 pixels | 3,120 by 1,440 pixels | 2,424 by 1,080 pixels | 2,424 by 1,080 pixels | 2,504 by 2,256 pixels | 2,340 by 1,080 pixels | 2,532 by 1,170 pixels | 2,622 by 1,206 pixels | 2,868 by 1,320 pixels | 3,120 by 1,440 pixels |
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 48MP, 48MP; 18MP | 48MP, 48MP, 48MP; 18MP | 200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP | 48MP, 13MP; 13MP | 48MP; 13MP, 10.8MP; 10.5MP | 200MP, 50MP, 10MP; 10MP, 10MP | 50MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP | 48MP; 12MP | 48MP, 48MP; 18MP | 48MP, 48MP, 48MP; 18MP | 200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP |
Battery Life (As Tested) | 24 hours, 31 minutes | 34 hours, 31 minutes | 15 hours, 5 minutes | 12 hours, 15 minutes | 19 hours | 16 hours and 29 minutes | TBD | 22 hours, 2 minutes | 24 hours, 31 minutes | 34 hours, 31 minutes | 15 hours, 5 minutes |
Buying Guide: The Best Camera Phones for 2026
Which Phone Has the Best Camera?
One frustrating thing about modern smartphones is that the best cameras are often unavailable in the US. Manufacturers such as Honor, Oppo, and Xiaomi are intensely innovative in camera technology, but they don't sell their phones stateside for various reasons.
In the US, Apple, Google, and Samsung phones typically have the best cameras. Higher-end models tend to perform better than low-cost ones, but the gap is closing, especially if you primarily take photos in good light.
Apple's iPhone cameras tend to be the benchmark in the creative industries. They're dead simple to use and provide excellent focus and balanced colors. Google's Pixel cameras are like the Apple of Android: fast, simple, and balanced, with a growing amount of AI to make things fun.
Samsung typically packs more lenses and shooting modes into its phones than its competitors do. The S26 Ultra uses Space Zoom to reach 100x, with a 5x optical telephoto for clean midrange shots. Google matches the 100x reach with the Pixel 11 Pro line with Pro Res Zoom, an AI-backed tool that improves detail at extreme zoom levels. Samsung and Google have improved color accuracy with their latest Galaxy and Pixel phones, respectively, moving away from the oversaturated look for which they had become known.
The most crucial factor in any photo isn't the camera—it's the photographer. Whatever phone you have, following our camera expert Jim Fisher's tips and tricks for mobile photography can improve your images.
Even if you aren't the best photographer, some phones—particularly those from Google and Samsung—include AI-assisted processing and editing to tweak photos afterward, so you might just luck out.
Which Camera Phone Features and Accessories Do You Need?
Many phones now have a standard lens, a magnifying zoom lens, and a wide-angle lens. Monochrome or infrared time-of-flight sensors can help judge depth for bokeh effects. Less successful lenses and sensors we've seen include color filters and dedicated macro lenses for close-ups.
Although super-high-megapixel camera phones are becoming more popular, the options are scant in the US. The 200MP sensor on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the exception. The advantage of that many pixels is that you can zoom and crop images after the fact, or use lossless digital zoom in your camera app without relying on an extra magnifying lens. The disadvantage is that individual pixels can sometimes be small, which can create problems with color capture or low-light photography.
Superzoom lenses are also popular. Phones now combine high-megapixel sensors, optical magnifying lenses, and advanced software to give you 30x, 50x, or—in the case of the Galaxy S26 Ultra—100x zoom. Anything much higher than 10x shows heavy digital artifacts unless AI fills in the gaps. But a good 5x optical zoom, as you get on the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Pixel 11, is still a big step forward from what we used to have.
Sensor size is a separate matter from the megapixel count. Unfortunately, most phones available in the US fall behind their international counterparts. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's 1/1.3-inch primary sensor and the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max's 1/1.28-inch sensor are among the biggest you can buy in the US. Compare those with the older Sony Xperia Pro-I's industry-topping 1-inch primary sensor, and you can see we still have a way to go. Larger sensors are arguably more important than a higher megapixel count because they capture more light in less time. That translates to less blur and sharper photos, particularly in challenging light.
The most advanced night modes combine nearly a dozen frames to brighten photos and improve clarity. They appear to have long, multi-second exposures, but they use AI software to reduce blur by aligning the images. Google's Pixel phones, Apple's iPhones, and Samsung’s Galaxy S and Z phones all have excellent night modes.
Recommended by Our Editors
Google's camera software also has top-notch features such as Magic Eraser (removes unwanted objects), Real Tone (ensures accurate skin tones), Face Unblur (leans on the other lenses to make sure everyone's face in an image is sharp), and Audio Eraser (minimizes background noise in video recordings). Samsung is catching up here, and its latest Galaxy S26 range has AI-based shooting and editing tools, including Magic Editor for backfilling shots that aren't quite there.
A good Pro mode can tie all these individual facets together and make for a powerful platform. Most phones have manual settings that let you tweak exposure, aperture, and focus point to get exactly the shot you want. If you're getting into smartphone photography, take some time to learn how to manually adjust settings like aperture, ISO, and shutter speed to improve your photos. If you need a fast shot, however, all the phones on our list use machine learning and other software smarts to take incredible photos without any manual tweaks.
Why do so many photographers rely on iPhones? The availability of third-party camera apps plays a big role. Some are available on Android, but apps that professionals use still tend to launch first and receive more frequent updates on iOS.
For more, see our story on the best phone and camera gimbals.
Which Phone Is Best for Video Recording?
In the TikTok and Instagram Reels era, video is more important than ever. Here are some features to look for.
Optical image stabilization is always better than electronic or digital image stabilization because it results in less jittery video. Many high-end phones now use both, giving an almost Steadicam-like effect.
Although 1080p video is still good enough for most people, many phones can record in 4K at 60fps. This is the current gold standard. 8K recording is becoming more common on Android flagships, but it requires a massive amount of storage and isn't truly usable or shareable yet.
Slow-motion videos can have some exciting effects. Although most phones can now capture up to 240fps (1/8 speed), some can go up to 960fps (1/32 speed). Keep an eye on how long a phone can record slow-motion, though, because it can be tricky to grab a scene if you only have 0.2 seconds of recording time. Many phones also have other video tricks like time-lapse, hyper-lapse, and video bokeh (or cinematic) or HDR modes.
How Do Camera Phones Compare With Standalone Cameras?
For the ultimate in image quality, the best possible low-light performance, killer optical zoom, or a sharp macro shot, you still need a dedicated SLR or mirrorless camera. Our list of the best digital cameras is a great place to start. And be sure to check out our beyond-basic photography tips.
However, if you don't need to take professional shots, a top smartphone camera should suit you just fine, and you can't go wrong with any of our picks here.