Smartphone cameras have come a long way. In fact most camera smartphones today do such a great job, they single-handedly killed off the consumer camera industry. While almost all smartphones today come equipped with a camera, not all are made equal. The best smartphone camera systems usually have multiple camera units including the main camera, an ultrawide, a telephoto, and in some cases a periscope lens.
In this article, we will explore smartphones with the best camera as well as photography and videography features to help you capture your most precious moments.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Most Versatile Camera Smartphone
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra probably has the most complete camera package in the current smartphone generation. It comes with a quad camera system with a whopping 200 megapixel (MP) main camera. Supporting this powerful main camera is a 12MP ultrawide camera, a 10MP 3X telephoto, and a 10MP 10X periscope camera.
What makes the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the video shooting capabilities. Not only can it shoot up to 8K30, the smartphone comes with a potent Super Steady more, which combines optical image stabilisation (OIS) and electronic image stabilisation (EIS) for a near shake-free video.
You can also install an app called ExpertRAW to shoot in RAW format, allowing professional photographers to utilise the full capabilities of the camera to shoot at full resolution and at higher bitrates for photo editing.
Check out our in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra here.
HUAWEI P60 Pro: Best Night Photography Performance Camera Smartphone
The HUAWEI P60 Pro exceeded our expectations with its night photography capabilities. Unlike other smartphones, the P60 Pro uses a RYYB sensor, which allows transmission of more light for more detailed low-light photos. This results in less noise, more detail and better exposed shots for beautiful night photos.
Daytime performance is no slouch either, as the P60 Pro can take sharp and detailed photos thanks to its XMAGE camera system. You get a 48MP main camera, a 48MP telephoto and a 13MP ultrawide. OIS is excellent at handling minor shakes and wobble as well.
Check out our in-depth review of the HUAWEI P60 Pro here.
iPhone 14 Pro Max: Best Camera Smartphone for Auto Mode
We understand that most users just want a camera smartphone that works without too much input. Our pick for best camera smartphone for auto mode is the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The iPhone 14 Pro Max comes with a 48MP main camera, alongside a 12MP ultrawide and a 12MP telephoto.
What makes the iPhone 14 Pro Max great is that it has a near flawless auto mode that can handle most lighting situations. This is perfect for snap and go moments, allowing users to shoot in confidence.
To learn more, check out our review of the iPhone 14 Pro Max here.
Xiaomi 13: Camera Smartphone with Iconic Leica Look
The Xiaomi 13 has benefitted from its partnership with Leica to produce images that mimic the look and feel of a Leica camera. While it does not boast the sharpest of details, the pictures look vibrant and has good dynamic range.
If you don’t like punchy colours, you can opt for the Leica Authentic colour profile, which looks more natural. The telephoto is decent and can double as a macro camera thanks to a floating lens that allows for extreme close ups.
For more information about the Xiaomi 13, do check out our in-depth review here.
Honor Magic5 Pro: Speedy Autofocus Camera Smartphone for Fast Subjects
One frustrating aspect of smartphone photography is that sometimes the camera just can’t keep up with the subject, resulting in blurred out images. For parents or pet owners who like to take photos and videos of their own kids or animals, the Honor Magic5 Pro could be your best option.
The autofocus system is probably the best one yet, as once it latches on to a subject it almost never lets go. It is so capable, that the AI could automatically capture the best shot in the background, whether it’d be a badminton smash or a basketball dunk, ensuring that you will never miss a crucial moment.
Want to know more about the Honor Magic5 Pro? Check out our review here.
OnePlus 11 5G: Flagship Tier Camera Smartphone on a Budget
The OnePlus 11 5G might not excel in any particular category, but users can get a taste of flagship smartphone photography on a wallet friendly budget. With a starting price of RM3,299, the OnePlus 11 5G packs a lot features at this price point. You get a versatile triple camera system with OIS and autofocus, which is more than enough for most users.
Thanks to a collaboration with renowned camera company, Hasselblad, the OnePlus 11 can product natural look colours that won’t look oversaturated.
To learn more about the OnePlus 11, do check out our review here.
