The article reviews the top smartphones for photography in 2024, highlighting models from brands like Samsung, Google, Apple, Honor, and Xiaomi. It emphasizes advancements in smartphone camera technology, noting that high-end devices excel in photo quality, versatility, and innovative features. Notable models include the Galaxy S24 Ultra with its advanced sensor capabilities, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro renowned for its outstanding software processing, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max praised for its natural-looking photos. Budget options, such as the Pixel 8a, are also mentioned.
Photography capabilities are a crucial factor for many consumers when selecting a new smartphone. Based on our evaluations, we present the top smartphones for photography in 2024.
Top Picks for Photography Smartphones
Nowadays, numerous smartphones provide adequate performance for daily tasks. For the average user, features such as photo quality, battery longevity, and overall usability are essential factors in their decision-making.
Recent advancements in smartphone camera technology have been remarkable. Almost all flagship devices now capture stunning images, showcasing a variety of sensor options. The finest smartphones for photography can even meet professional standards.
After extensive testing of various models, we bring you our curated selection of smartphones that excel in photography. As expected, the top-tier models frequently rank as the best in this category, but you will also find reasonably priced options that perform admirably.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: A Photography Powerhouse
The latest Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra firmly secures its position among our best photography smartphones for 2024. This device is equipped with four sensors: a 200 MP main wide-angle camera, a 12 MP ultra-wide lens, and two telephoto lenses of 50 MP (periscope with X5 optical zoom) and 10 MP (x3 optical zoom). The selfie camera on the front features 12 MP.
When it comes to photography, the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out with its impressive contrast and color accuracy. The results are consistently excellent, indoors and outdoors, with strong dynamic range that minimizes overexposure or dark shadows.
A standout feature of this generation is the integration of Galaxy AI functions, which utilize artificial intelligence to enhance user experiences, especially in photography. Notably, the device includes an Astrophotography mode to beautifully capture the night sky.
For a deeper dive into its photographic capabilities, check out our comprehensive review of the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Google Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL: A Testament to Google’s Expertise
The Pixel 9 Pro showcases Google’s remarkable understanding of photography. With advanced software processing, the three rear cameras deliver outstanding performance. It features a 50 MP (f/1.7) main sensor, a 12 MP (f/2) ultra-wide sensor, and a robust 48 MP (f/2.8) telephoto lens with 5X optical zoom.
Continuing the legacy of its predecessors, the Pixel 9 Pro produces stunning shots. Its contrast and color management are exceptional, with accurate light reproduction that impresses, even in backlit situations.
Google’s night mode ensures that you can capture sharp, detailed images in low light. Using the telephoto lens, distance shots retain impressive clarity. Although it lacks a dedicated macro sensor, the Pixel 9 Pro includes a specialized mode for close-up photography.
The smartphone is equipped with intelligent features powered by AI, such as the Best Shot function, which optimizes group photos by selecting the best image of each individual. Additionally, the Add Me feature allows you to seamlessly include a person who was not present in the original photo, and the magic eraser tool makes it easy to remove unwanted elements from images. The anti-blur setting improves the sharpness of existing photos, enhancing even those taken with other devices.
This year, Google introduces the Pixel 9 Pro XL, a true upgrade to the Pixel 8 Pro, featuring a larger 6.9-inch display, while the slightly smaller Pixel 9 Pro offers a 6.3-inch screen.
Discover the best offers for Google’s Pixel 9 Pro/Pixel 9 Pro XL.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: A Reliable Choice
The iPhone 16 Pro Max undeniably belongs in our guide to top photography smartphones. It boasts a 48 MP main sensor, building on the previous models’ 12 MP capabilities. The remaining two sensors, the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, maintain a resolution of 12 MP.
Apple incorporates Pixel binning technology on the primary sensor to create superior 12 MP photos by combining four pixels into one. For 48 MP images, users must utilize ProRaw mode for added control.
This main sensor also features a function called Fusion, which allows it to serve as a 2x telephoto lens. Similarly,