These days, many of the best phones are for more than just calling and texting. They also have built-in, high-quality cameras that capture amazing photos and video recordings. Of course, some phone cameras are better than others.
Keep reading if you’re looking for the best phone cameras and handsets with integrated camera suites.
We’ll take a look at some of the best camera phones of 2023, including the:
- Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Google Pixel 6a
- iPhone 13 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy A54
7 Best Phones With Cameras in 2023
Top-notch camera phones often have great smartphone cameras and other top-tier features, including fast processors. Fortunately, the best phones in this category come from many manufacturers, including Android phones and iOS funds.
However, the differences in specs and camera traps can often make or break a phone, depending on what you are looking for. For our money, seven of the best smartphones come with stellar camera systems and good minimum camera specifications.
Let’s take a closer look.
Google Pixel 7 Pro
The Pixel 7 Pro is the most advanced iteration of the Pixel line of phones, with a Tensor G2 chipset and various advanced features that complement the fantastic camera suite built into this handset.
Why We Chose This Phone
The Pixel 7 Pro’s cameras are genuinely top-tier. For example, the rear cameras include a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom capabilities. The front camera is also nothing to sneeze at: it's a 10.8-megapixel camera. The Pixel 7 Pro can take excellent-quality pictures from any orientation or position.
Of course, the rest of the phone’s features are also top-tier. The phone supports wireless charging and is IP68 water-resistant. Without being overly expensive, the Pixel 7 Pro features a superior screen and continued software support. Even though there are a few hiccups, it’s still a stellar choice if you’re looking for one of the best camera phones of 2023.
Pros
- Excellent camera quality and setup/spacing
- Sleek design that makes it easy to hold
- Pretty reasonable price overall
- Wireless charging
- Fairly durable
Cons
- It doesn’t charge very quickly
- The camera bump is a bit divisive among fans
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Of course, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra is also a top pick if you're looking for one of the best phones with cameras in 2023. It features one of the best overall camera setups in terms of pure image quality, plus a variety of other excellent features.
Why We Chose This Phone
The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s cameras are worthwhile in more ways than one. They include a 200-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and 10-megapixel telephoto cameras with 3x and 10x zoom, respectively. The front camera is a 12-megapixel variety. These combine to produce excellent photos, primarily when used with the 50MP RAW capture app integrated into the phone out of the box.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a powerful device in other ways as well. The Qualcomm Snapdragon processor ensures smooth, fast functionality no matter what you do, and the S pen complements the large screen. This phone's clean, minimal style will surely make it popular among tech heads for years.
Pros
- Cameras are some of the most powerful and clear in the industry
- 50MP RAW photos are available
- Low-light performance specialized for nighttime and astrophotography
- Excellent streamlined design
- Powerful processor
Cons
- One UI isn’t the best anymore since Google took the lead
- A bit pricy, especially since you’ll need to purchase accessories to get the most use out of this phone
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The Galaxy S22 Ultra could be a better choice if you want to save money. It includes many of the design features of its counterpart but for a lower price tag.
Why We Chose This Phone
The Galaxy S22 Ultra may not have as powerful cameras as the S23 Ultra, but there's still much to like. The rear cameras include a 108-megapixel rear main camera, two 10-megapixel front cameras, and a 12MP ultrawide camera. The front camera is 40 megapixels.
With a sophisticated digital zoom system and stylus control, the Galaxy S22 Ultra gives you ultimate control over your notetaking and photography adventures.
You'll also like the 40-megapixel selfie camera packed into the device. Reasonably fast charging, a night mode, and automatic stabilization algorithms make this a top choice regarding camera features.
Pros
- It comes with stylus control
- Pretty good rear cameras
- Very sophisticated digital zoom
- Good selfie camera
Cons
- No slot for microSD cards
- Not as powerful cameras as the S23 Ultra
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has plenty of excellent features that attract camera fans and phone fanatics equally.
Why We Chose This Phone
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 48-megapixel rear camera with 2x optical zoom. However, it's also bolstered by 12-megapixel ultra-wide and telephoto cameras, respectively. The front camera is also 12 megapixels. Altogether, this camera setup is versatile and powerful.
However, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is further noteworthy thanks to its extensive battery life and immersive Always-On display. The cameras also benefit from an "Action Mode" for videos, resulting in high-quality video recordings at any time of day.
The camera sensor and its autofocus capabilities enable cinematic and close-up shots. The computational photography and dynamic range software make this camera set stand out.
Pros
- Great for recording videos
- Some of the best-in-class cameras you can find
- Stellar battery life
- Good display size and quality
Cons
- Charging speed could be a bit better
Google Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a is an affordable alternative to the Pixel 7 Pro, featuring many of the same benefits and attributes for a much more agreeable price tag. It’s also much cheaper than the Pixel 6 Pro, all without losing too many features typical in Pixel phones. Overall, it’s one of the topics for video quality and wide-angle photography.
Why We Chose This Phone
The Google Pixel 6a offers a compact and lightweight design with IP67 water resistance and several years of guaranteed upgrades. The 12.2-megapixel camera is the primary offering here, but it's combined with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera and an eight-megapixel selfie camera. That's a good set of cameras for an affordable handset like this.
Indeed, the Google Pixel 6a produces reliable, very pleasing photos, even in low-light environments. The camera is simple to use and great for those who aren't photography experts but still want to capture the natural world in all its splendor.
Pros
- Decent camera setup for the price
- Pretty durable
- Compact and lightweight
- Years of guaranteed software updates
Cons
- Not the best battery life
- It can run a little hot in your hand
iPhone 13 Pro
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro features great cameras and other excellent features that make it a great choice for fans looking to get a modern handset without splurging for the most recent Apple offering.
Why We Chose This Phone
The iPhone 13 Pro comes with very quality, if limited, cameras, including a 12-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. The front camera is also 12 megapixels. More importantly, the video cameras can record up to 4K 60 FPS footage, making it a top choice for video recording fans.
In addition to the cameras, the iPhone 13 Pro is bolstered by a gorgeous, bright display and very good battery life compared to its predecessor.
Pros
- Excellent 120hz display
- Good processor performance
- Top-tier cameras all around
- Much better battery life
Cons
- Charging speed could be better
Samsung Galaxy A54
Samsung’s Galaxy A54 is a great Samsung phone if you’re looking for a device with an excellent main camera and an affordable price, though you do have to sacrifice a more extensive camera suite.
Why We Chose This Phone
The Galaxy A54’s main camera is a 50-megapixel shooter. It's the same camera you can find on the Galaxy S23. As a result, it’s perfect for getting good camera shots in lowlight environments.
The Galaxy A54’s display is also pretty impressive, particularly considering the asking price. A portrait mode, expandable storage, and a very long-lasting battery make this an excellent all-around, versatile phone for those needing a new device to capture good pictures in the moment or unexpectedly.
Pros
- Pretty affordable
- Good main camera quality
- Very bright and colorful display
- Great at taking pictures in low light
Cons
- No telephoto lens or zoom lens camera
- Processor is not the best in the industry
