What is the best camera phone on the market? Nowadays, it must be said that 9 best mobile phones with the best camera are of a very similar level. Therefore, it would also be necessary to take into account the price of each one to find out which one is the most interesting. Here are the 9 phones with the best camera on the market, with their respective prices, along with a practical guide so you can choose according to your needs. photographic priorities (zoom, video, night, portrait, etc.).
In addition to evaluating the hardware, it is worth looking at the computer processing, video functions and focus stability. You'll find that there are top-of-the-range options, but also alternatives with a calidad / precio spectacular that perform wonderfully in photos and videos without emptying your pocket.
In the graph that accompanies this post you can see both the camera score of each of these smartphones, such as the price of the same, so that you can analyze the difference between the two.
The mobile with the best camera
Even so, it is worth remembering what we have already highlighted: the 23 megapixel sensor The Xperia Z5 offered great quality. Its price is 700 euros, as it has just been launched. But it must be taken into account that both the Sony Xperia Z5 Compact such as Sony Xperia Z5 Premium They have almost the same camera, and cost 600 and 800 euros respectively. Today, the most recent “Pro/Ultra” equivalents rely on sensors large size (up to 1″), periscopic telephoto lenses with 5x and 10x optical zoom, advanced stabilization and video high performance (4K/60, 4K/120 and even 8K), plus RAW and professional color profiles.
If you prioritize video and stability, the iPhone Pro The latest version remains the most solid choice for its ProRAW/ProRes formats, high-quality HDR, and a very reliable autofocus. If you need long zoom and extreme detail, Samsung Galaxy Ultra and Xiaomi Ultra shine for their periscopes, while Google Pixel Pro stands out for a natural nocturnal and tools like Cinematic Blur and Super Res Zoom. OPPO and HONOR have made a leap in portraits with very pleasant colors and bokehs, and HUAWEI maintains a very high level with its variable aperture and tele macro.
The best mobile camera / price
What is the best purchase if we take into account both the smartphone camera and the price of the same? There are two main candidates. The Samsung Galaxy S6 and the LG G4. Both have been flagship phones from Samsung and LG respectively this year. However, they were launched in the first half of 2015, so their price is already more affordable. If we also take into account that the LG G4 was already cheaper than its rivals, we have a Samsung Galaxy S6 priced at €540 and an LG G4 priced at €440. The Galaxy S6 has a better camera than the LG G4, but it's also true that it's a phone that's €100 more expensive. These prices were the reference prices at launch. and today they only serve as an example of how a top-of-the-range model can become very competitive when its price drops.
So, if we want to buy a mobile phone with one of the best cameras and at an affordable price, one of the best options would be the LG G4, costing only 440 euros. The other great option would be the Samsung Galaxy S6, which is more expensive, costing 540 euros, but not so expensive considering its real price would be higher. Incidentally, we should also mention the Motorola Moto X StyleWith a top-notch camera and a launch price of just €500, it's one of the most interesting phones, as it's the newest of all. In two years, it will even receive an update to the new version of Android, which will be released in 2017, which could be very significant.
Today, the concept “good camera for a good price"has great references in the mid-high range of Google, with models such as Pixel “a” that combine a very capable main lens with a excellent image processing, a great night vision and exclusive features (magic erase, natural portrait, astrophotography). Also noteworthy are Xiaomi alternatives below the top of the range with optics signed by Leica and a very balanced experience, as well as proposals from vivo with ZEISS seal which are surprising for their performance in portrait and low light.
As for the least interesting phone, we have to mention the Nexus 6P. But perhaps the key lies in its price in Spain. Although the smartphone launched at $500, which would make it one of the most interesting on this list, it will ultimately be priced at €650 in Spain, so there are much cheaper options on the market right now, such as those mentioned above. As a general ruleCompare official retail prices with distributor offers because high-end photography can be found at very reasonable prices over the months.
Our updated selection of phones with the best camera
- Latest iPhone Pro: the most camera consistent for photo and the best video on a mobile (ProRAW/ProRes, LOG, good HDR and outstanding stabilization).
- Samsung Galaxy S8: very versatile configuration with high-resolution sensor and 3x/5x telephoto lenses; reference detail and zoom.
- Xiaomi Ultra (Leica collaboration): large sensor up to 1", portraits with natural bokeh and Leica styles; great balance between photo and video.
- Google Pixel Pro: leader in computer processing, very natural night vision, clean portraits and very useful AI tools.
- OPPO Find X Pro y HONOR Magic Pro: : very high-level portrait, competitive periscopic telephoto and very careful colorimetry.
- HUAWEI Pura Ultra: : variable aperture, tele macro and excellent overall performance in different scenes.
- Price quality: Google Pixel “a” and some Xiaomi/vivo offer a photographic experience very serious for less money.
What to look for when choosing a cell phone with a good camera
- Lens Types: major, ultra wide angle to capture more scene, telephoto (3x-5x optical) to get closer without losing quality and, in some cases, periscopic telescopic for long zoom. Macro and depth cameras are helpful, but no substitute for a good telephoto lens.
- Not everything is megapixels: more important than the number is the sensor size and the opening (f/1.6-f/2.2). A large sensor captures more light and reduces noise, especially at night.
- Stabilization: the OIS (optical) is key for sharp photos and smooth video; if there's also EIS/AI, even better results on the go.
- Video Features: check if it records in 4K / 60 or more, if it offers LOG, Dolby Vision/HDR10+ profiles and cinema mode or blur for creative clips.
- Frontal camera: For selfies and video calls, look for good resolution, autofocus and HDR resolution; a 4K front panel enhances content for networks.
- Processing and AI: Brands like Google and Apple excel in Dynamic range, white balance, and fine detail; AI editors (magic erase, image expansion) add value.
- Price: As your photographic ambition increases, so does the cost. Consider what you are giving up (zoom, pro video, large sensor) compared to the audiovisual.
Where to buy and how to save
In addition to official stores, the main electronics stores They frequently renew their offers. Our advice is to compare official retail with promotional prices and watch out for sale periods, coupons, and interest-free financing. High-end products usually go down in price after a few weeks, and previous models (still excellent on camera) are at very attractive prices.
If you're looking for the best, the iPhone Pro and the Ultra from Samsung/Xiaomi don't disappoint; if you want to spend less, the mid-high range from Google and some Xiaomi/vivo offer a photographic experience that surprises with its consistency daily and tools of IA really useful.
Choosing the best camera phone isn't just about chasing the most expensive top-of-the-range phone: it's about understanding what type of photos and videos you do and prioritize the equipment that best resolves those scenes, whether it's portrait, travel, night, or content for social networks. With this guide and by comparing prices, you'll find the perfect balance between photographic quality, video and budget.
