Best Camera Phones for Photography in 2025

Smartphones in 2025 have redefined what we expect from photography. Once considered a convenient substitute for a dedicated camera, flagship phones today rival professional DSLRs and mirrorless systems in many aspects. With cutting-edge sensors, multi-lens setups, AI-driven computational photography, and powerful editing tools built right in, the best camera phones in 2025 allow both amateurs and professionals to capture magazine-worthy images.

If you’re wondering which phone should be your next pocket-sized photography powerhouse, we’ve rounded up the Top 10 best camera phones for 2025, explained their strengths, and added tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.

 

Comparison Table: Best Camera Phones for Photography in 2025

Rank	Phone	Main Sensor	Zoom Lenses	Video Quality	Best For
1	Huawei Pura 80 Ultra	1-inch 50MP	Up to 5x optical	8K + AI stabilization	Best overall still photography
2	OPPO Find X8 Ultra	1-inch 50MP	3x & 5x telephoto	8K HDR video	Dynamic range & realistic colors
3	Apple iPhone 17 Pro	Triple 48MP	3x telephoto	4K/8K ProRes, Cinematic Mode	Video + everyday photography
4	Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra	200MP main	Dual telephoto (3x & 10x)	8K 60fps	Zoom versatility & all-rounder
5	Google Pixel 9 Pro	50MP main	5x telephoto	4K HDR video	Computational & night photography
6	vivo X200 Ultra	50MP gimbal camera	3x telephoto	8K + pro modes	Creative shooting & stabilization
7	Xiaomi 15 Ultra	1-inch 50MP	5x telephoto	8K video	Value flagship performance
8	Honor Magic7 Pro	50MP main	3.5x telephoto	4K HDR video	Portraits & low-light shooting
9	Sony Xperia Pro-II	48MP	Continuous zoom lens	4K 120fps	Manual control & RAW shooters
10	OnePlus 13 Pro	50MP Hasselblad tuned	3x telephoto	8K video	Balanced photography & price

 

Top 10 Best Camera Phones for Photography in 2025

1. Huawei Pura 80 Ultra – Best Overall Camera Phone

Huawei continues to dominate photography-focused smartphones, and the Pura 80 Ultra is no exception. With its massive sensors, versatile zoom lenses, and superb color science, it delivers sharp, detailed images in all conditions. Low-light photography is particularly impressive, thanks to its advanced AI noise reduction and multi-frame exposure stacking.

Best for: Landscape and professional-style still photography.

DO NOT MISS: Google Pixel 9 Leak Shows Redesigned Display

2. OPPO Find X8 Ultra – Best for Dynamic Range

The OPPO Find X8 Ultra pushes the boundaries of mobile photography with its high-resolution sensors and wide dynamic range. Its large 1-inch main sensor captures incredible detail, while the telephoto system provides crisp zoom shots. OPPO’s image processing leans toward natural tones, making it perfect for photographers who prefer a true-to-life aesthetic.

Best for: Photographers who value realistic color and wide dynamic range.

3. Apple iPhone 17 Pro – Best for Video and Everyday Photography

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro shines as the most consistent all-rounder. Its triple 48MP setup ensures reliable results across wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. Apple has also doubled down on video performance, offering professional-grade ProRes video, Cinematic Mode refinements, and strong stabilization. The iPhone remains the most reliable choice for vloggers and filmmakers.

Best for: Content creators who need both photography and world-class video.

4. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Best for Zoom Versatility

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra continues its legacy as the zoom champion. Its quad-lens system includes multiple telephoto options, making it ideal for wildlife, travel, and sports photography. The main sensor excels in both day and night conditions, while Samsung’s AI processing enhances detail without over-saturation.

Best for: Photographers who need versatile zoom and all-round shooting power.

5. Google Pixel 9 Pro – Best for Computational Photography

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro takes computational photography to the next level. Night Sight, Real Tone, and advanced HDR make it one of the strongest phones for portraits and low-light scenarios. Its AI-driven image processing ensures consistent results with minimal effort — just point and shoot.

Best for: Street photographers and night shooters who want effortless results.

6. vivo X200 Ultra – Best for Creative Shooting Modes

The vivo X200 Ultra combines top-tier hardware with creative features like professional portrait modes, gimbal-style stabilization, and vibrant filters. It’s favored by photographers who like to experiment with styles while still maintaining professional-grade detail and sharpness.

Best for: Creative shooters who want versatile modes and strong hardware.

7. Xiaomi 15 Ultra – Best Value Flagship

Xiaomi has consistently delivered great photography hardware at competitive prices, and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is no different. Its massive main sensor and solid telephoto lenses make it a reliable choice for those who want flagship-level performance without breaking the bank.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who still demand pro-level quality.

8. Honor Magic7 Pro – Best Emerging Flagship

The Honor Magic7 Pro has quickly earned a reputation for strong cameras. With large sensors, fast aperture lenses, and competitive AI processing, it’s a serious challenger to better-known brands. Its portrait and night photography modes are especially strong.

Best for: Users who want flagship performance from a newer brand.

9. Sony Xperia Pro-II – Best for Manual Control

Sony keeps its professional camera DNA alive in smartphones with the Xperia Pro-II. It offers unmatched manual shooting options, RAW capture, and an interface designed for photographers who want full control. While its automatic shooting is not as polished as others, professionals love its flexibility.

Best for: Enthusiasts who want DSLR-style control in a smartphone.

10. OnePlus 13 Pro – Best Balance of Performance and Price

The OnePlus 13 Pro may not always top lab tests, but it balances price, performance, and photography features. Its Hasselblad partnership continues to refine color tuning, and its triple-lens setup ensures reliable results in most situations.

Best for: Everyday photographers seeking balance and value.

How to Choose the Best Camera Phone in 2025

1. Think About Your Photography Style

• Landscape photographers should look for large sensors and high dynamic range.
• Wildlife/sports photographers need a long telephoto zoom.
• Content creators should prioritize video features like ProRes or gimbal stabilization.

2. Don’t Get Stuck on Megapixels

While megapixels are important, sensor size, aperture, and image processing often matter more. A 48MP sensor with large pixels usually beats a 200MP sensor with smaller ones.

3. Look at Ecosystem and Updates

Phones like the iPhone and Pixel are updated for longer, ensuring your camera continues to improve with new software updates.

4. Consider RAW and Pro Modes

If you want to edit your photos later, make sure your chosen phone supports RAW capture and manual controls.

Quick Photography Tips for Smartphone Users

• Use gridlines for better composition.
• Tap to lock exposure and adjust brightness before taking the shot.
• Shoot in RAW for landscapes and portraits you’ll edit.
• Use a tripod for night photography or long exposure.
• Experiment with computational modes like Night Mode or HDR.

Conclusion

The competition for the best camera phone in 2025 is fierce, but the choice comes down to your needs. The Huawei Pura 80 Ultra and OPPO Find X8 Ultra deliver the best raw image quality, while the iPhone 17 Pro and Galaxy S25 Ultra remain the most consistent everyday performers. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro is unbeatable for computational photography, and other brands like vivo, Xiaomi, and Sony offer strong alternatives with unique strengths.

No matter your budget or photography style, there’s a phone on this list that can transform the way you capture memories in 2025.

FAQs

Q1: Which phone has the best night mode in 2025?
Google Pixel 9 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra excel in low-light photography with advanced night modes.

Q2: Which camera phone is best for video recording?
The iPhone 17 Pro leads in video with ProRes recording, Cinematic Mode, and excellent stabilization.

Q3: Is more megapixels always better?
Not necessarily. Sensor size and processing are more important for real-world results than megapixel count alone.

Q4: Which camera phone offers the best zoom?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra remains the zoom king with multiple telephoto lenses for crisp long-distance shots.