In recent years, smartphones have effectively replaced point-and-shoot cameras, and many have even outperformed them. For many of us, these portable computers have even become our main camera, making photo quality a priority when picking a new smartphone.
Are you looking to get a new phone? In this post we put together a list of the very best camera phones out there. These are all stunning performers, but there are different factors that put them on this list. Some are better in some ways, but not in others. Let’s just go through the list and find out which one is the right one for you!
Nexus 6P
Shall we start with Google’s very own Nexus 6P? Listing a Nexus phone here is definitely refreshing, as these devices are usually not known for their camera prowess. But this time around Google and its partner have really outdone themselves, and many argue that the Nexus 6P has the best Android smartphone camera currently on the market.
The Nexus 6P features a 12.3 MP sensor, and the old “megapixels don’t matter” saying certainly applies here. Instead of making images larger, the Nexus 6P takes advantage of 1.55 µm pixels. Pixels are larger and let in more light, making for faster shutter speeds, crisper images and vibrant colors. And optics are equally important, which is why the Nexus 6P sports an f/2.0 aperture.
In addition to being a great camera phone, the Nexus 6P also packs high-end specs that make the entire phone experience an epic one, and is easily one of the best flagships in the smartphone world.
Specs
- 5.7-inch AMOLED display with 1440 x 2560 resolution, 518ppi
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor
- 3GB of RAM
- 32/64/128GB of on-board storage, no microSD card slot
- 12MP rear-facing camera, 8MP front-facing camera
- Non-removable 3450mAh battery
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- 159.3 x 77.8 x 7.3mm, 178g
- Aluminum, Graphite, Frost
Read more
- Nexus 6P Review
- Nexus 6P vs Samsung Galaxy Note 5
- Nexus 6P vs iPhone 6S Plus
- Nenus 6P vs Nexus 5X
- Best Nexus 6P cases
Nexus 5X
While the Nexus 5X is more affordable and is made by a whole other manufacturer (LG, as opposed to Huawei), it actually sports the very same 12.3 MP sensor we see in the Nexus 6P. Google didn’t skimp out on photography this time around. There are a few minor differences in terms of camera performance, but this is still a great choice. As for the rest of the specs? It’s not nearly as impressive as the 6P, but the mid-range package is more than enough to provide a solid Android experience for most users.
Specs
- 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 423ppi
- 1.8GHz hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor
- 2GB of RAM
- 16/32GB of on-board storage, no microSD card expansion
- 12.3MP rear camera, 5MP front camera
- Non-removable 2700mAh battery
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- 147 x 72.6 x 7.9mm, 136g
Read more
- Nexus 5X review
- Nexus 5X – second opinion
- Nexus 6P vs Nexus 5X
- OnePlus X vs Nexus 5X
- Nexus 5X vs Motorola Moto X Style (aka Pure Edition)
- Best Nexus 5X cases
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+
When it comes to smartphone photography, Samsung is definitely a manufacturer we can’t ignore. The Korean giant keeps pushing the barriers of mobile photography with industry-leading handsets. The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ comes with the same 16 MP sensor and f/1.9 aperture we saw on the regular Galaxy S6. It also features OIS (optical image stabilization).
It may no longer be considered “the best camera in mobile”, but it was for a while, and it continues to be one of the best around. Your images will look gorgeous if you use this bad boy, and you’ll be backed up by equally high-end specs.
Specs
- 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 1440 x 2560 resolution, 518ppi
- Samsung Exynos 7420 processor
- 4GB of RAM
- 32/64GB of on-board storage, no microSD card slot
- 16MP rear cam, 5MP front cam
- Non-removable 3000mAh battery
- Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
- 153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6mm, 171g
- Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum, Silver Titan, White Pearl
Read more
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
Don’t like those edges? No problem. Just move over to the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and you will get your large handset with the same gorgeous camera, and the added benefits of the S-Pen. For photography, productivity, or even just gaming, there’s few handsets that compete in the same league as the Note 5.
Specs
- 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 1440 x 2560 resolution, 518ppi
- Samsung Exynos 7420 processor
- 4GB of RAM
- 32/64GB of on-board storage, no microSD card slot
- 16MP rear cam, 5MP front cam
- Non-removable 3000mAh battery
- Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
- 153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6mm, 171g
- Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum, Silver Titan, White Pearl
Read more
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 review
- Best Samsung Galaxy Note 5 cases
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 unboxing and first impressions
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 tips and tricks
- Nexus 6P vs Samsung Galaxy Note 5
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 vs iPhone 6S Plus
See also: Samsung Galaxy Note 5 review
LG V10
The LG G4 was known to have one of the best smartphone cameras in 2015, so it’s no surprise that the V10 continues this tradition. In fact, they both have the same 16 MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. The main difference is that the newer LG V10 includes more editing features for both imaging and video. And just like the LG G4, it does have laser autofocus for super quick focusing.
On the front side things are a little more different though. The LG V10 comes with dual 5 MP front-facing cameras that captures wider angles in order to better include all your friends in those casual selfies. While it might not have the highest end Qualcomm chip available, make no mistake, this phone is a premium flagship both in terms of the camera and its general performance.
Specs
- Main display: 5.7-inch IPS Quantum Display with 2560 x 1440 resolution, 513ppi
- Secondary display: 2.1-inch IPS Quantum Display with 160 x 1040 resolution, 513ppi
- Hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor
- Adreno 418 GPU
- 4GB of RAM
- 64GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 2TB
- 16MP rear-facing camera, 5MP Dual Lens front-facing camera
- Removable 3000mAh battery
- Android 5.1 Lollipop
- 159.6 x 79.3 x 8.6mm, 192g
- Space Black, Luxe White, Modern Beige, Ocean Blue, Opal Blue
Read more
- LG V10 review
- LG V10 durability drop test
- LG V10 hands-on and first impressions
- LG V10 vs LG G4: quick look
- LG V10 officially announced: everything you need to know
LG G4
While the LG V10 camera is amazing, the LG G4’s is just as good. The main difference here is that the LG G4 is not nearly as large. It’s still a big smartphone, but much more manageable. And it also comes with great specs and high-end performance. In addition, you can enjoy an 8 MP front-facing shooter that will make for slightly bigger images.
The LG G4 has been met with somewhat mixed reception, though it is still easily one of the best phones out there for those looking for a good camera experience at a decent price.
Specs
- 5.5-inch LCD Quantum Dot display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution (534 ppi)
- 1.82 GHz hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor
- Adreno 418 GPU
- 3GB of RAM
- 32GB of on-board storage, expandable via microSD up to 128GB
- 16 MP rear camera with LED flash, 8 MP front-facing camera
- 3,000 mAh battery
- Android 5.1 Lollipop
- 148.9 x 76.1 x 6.3 – 9.8 mm, 155 grams
Read more
Sony Xperia Z5
Sony doesn’t quite get the reputation it deserves when it comes to smartphone cameras. They make their own sensors and actually sell plenty of them to other phone makers, so there’s a high chance you use a Sony camera right now. The Japanese manufacturer’s Exmor technology is one of the best in the industry and it’s no surprise to see them go all out with their very own flagship smartphones.
The Sony Xperia Z5 features a powerful 23 MP Exmor RS sensor. But what good is a great sensor if you can’t get yourself to capture the moment in time? This is why Sony is loyal to their dedicated camera buttons, making it silly easy to access the camera. In addition, you won’t be wasting time focusing, as the Xperia Z5 comes with Hybrid AF technology. This translates to 0.03-second focus times! And let’s not forget that 5x Clear Image Zoom, which allows you to zoom in without losing quality.
For those looking for high-end performance outside of just the camera, the Z5 should do wonderfully here as well.
Specs
- 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 428ppi
- 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor
- 3GB RAM
- 32GB storage, microSD expansion up to 200GB
- 23MP rear camera, 5MP front-facing camera
- Non-removable 2900mAh battery
- Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
- 146 x 72 x 7.3mm, 154g
- White, Graphite Black, Gold, Green
Read more
- Sony Xperia Z5 review
- Feature focus: up close with the Sony Xperia Z5’s camera
- Sony Xperia Z5 hands-on and first look
- Watch our Xperia Z5 unboxing on Periscope
OnePlus 2
OnePlus isn’t very well known for camera quality, but the OnePlus 2 actually sports a pretty darn good shooter. What makes it special is the 13 MP sensor with 1.3µm pixels, which are relatively bigger than those found in other phones. In addition, that f/2.0 aperture will make shutter speeds faster and images crisper. And the phone is also aided by laser autofocus and a dual-LED flash.
That’s a remarkable camera for a phone that costs under $400. Equally great is the fact that you get a Snapdragon 810 and all the high-end performance you’d expect from a more expensive Android flagship.
Specs
- 5.5-inch LTPS IPS LCD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 401ppi
- Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor
- 3/4GB of RAM (depending on storage option)
- 16/64GB of on-board storage, no microSD card expansion
- 13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera
- Non-removable 3300mAh battery
- Android 5.1 Lollipop
- 151.8 x 74.9 x 9.9mm, 175g
Read more
- OnePlus 2 review
- OnePlus 2 vs OnePlus One
- OnePlus 2 vs Samsung Galaxy S6
- OnePlus 2 – new features focus
- Best OnePlus 2 cases
Moto X Style (Pure Edition)
Motorola is another manufacturer not commonly known for mobile photography, but they have made some changes with the Moto X Style (otherwise known as Pure Edition). 2015 was a good year for mid-range smartphones, at least in the camera department. The Moto X Style comes with a 21 MP Sony IMX 230 sensor and an f/2.0 aperture. This does make for some great shots that competes with the best of the best.
the Moto X Pure Edition also offers great specs, awesome customization, and a large screen that’s great for media consumption.
Specs
- 5.7-inch display with QHD 2560x1440p resolution, 520ppi
- 1.8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor
- 3GB of RAM
- 16/32/64GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB
- 21MP rear cam, 5MP front camera
- Non-removable 3000mAh battery
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- 153.9 x 76.2 x 11.06mm, 179g
- Customizable via Moto Maker
Read more
- Motorola Moto X Style (aka Pure Edition) Review
- Best cases for the Moto X Style/Pure Edition
- Moto X Style (aka Pure Edition) – second opinion
- Moto X Style (aka Pure Edition) vs Samsung Galaxy S6
- Nexus 5X vs Moto X Style (aka Pure Edition)
- Moto X Style (aka Pure Edition) vs iPhone 6S Plus
HTC Desire Eye
Most of these phones have good front-facing cameras, but none of them are outstanding. This industry focuses mostly on back cameras, which tends to make sense, but we know some of you love those selfies. This is why we wanted to include a phone that specifically excels in this department.
The HTC Desire Eye features the same 13 MP in the front and back. And there is even a dual-LED flash adorning the front of the device, meaning you will never take dark or grainy selfies again. Oh, and let’s not forget it is one of the most affordable handsets in this list.
As for performance? While the Snapdragon 801 isn’t going to win any awards, it’s still a decent processor and should provide a pretty solid Android experience for all but the most hardcore Android fans.
Specs
- 5.2-inch 1080p display, 424 ppi
- 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor
- 2GB of RAM
- 16GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB
- 13MP rear cam, 13MP front camera
- Non-removable 2400mAh battery
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
- 153.9 x 76.2 x 11.06mm, 179g
- Customizable via Moto Maker
Read more
Wrapping up
So there you have it, guys. Those are our top 10 smartphone cameras. The picture will be looking good with any of these, though some better than others. Check out our reviews to learn more about these gadgets and make the best decision for your own needs. And don’t forget to hit the comments and tell us which is your favorite!