Best camera mobile phones

What are the best camera mobile phones on the market? In recent years, manufacturers have focused more and more on the photographic qualities of smartphones, which are able to replace most compact cameras without problems, so much so that they almost retire.

With the increase in the number of sensors used in phones, the growth in the size of the sensors and the constant increase in their resolution, it becomes increasingly difficult to understand which smartphones are really valid for photography, not only amateur but also semi-professional.

That is why we have decided to create this guide in which you will find the best camera mobile phone available on the market. The evolution continues rapidly and multiple sensors are now the custom even in the low end of the market, while among the top of the range the evolution has been mainly driven by artificial intelligence, able to impressively improve the quality of the shots taken.

After you have read this ranking you will no longer have any doubts about which phone to aim for, as you will be able to identify the Android phone with the best camera that suits you best.

How we select the best camera mobile phones

In this ranking you will find both phones of 2022 and of 2021 as long as we consider them a valid purchase. In fact, it is very likely that older smartphones are now at much more advantageous prices, offering a user experience like new releases. This places them in lower price ranges, increasing their quality-price ratio.

Here are the main criteria by which we select the best camera mobile phones:

• We only list tested and tried phones : in this guide you will not find phones whose validity we have not tested firsthand or which during our tests did not prove to be up to the situation. For this reason, any mobile phone you will find in this ranking will be certified by us as a valid product.
• Hardware characteristics : we choose the mobile phones to be inserted also looking at the technical characteristics, more generally the smartphones must have sufficiently updated and quality specifications. Therefore, smartphones with low quality displays or with outdated resolution, batteries with limited autonomy or poor connectivity are excluded. Particular attention is then dedicated to the photographic sector which must stand out from competing products.
• User experience and software : a very important aspect for us is the user experience that a smartphone can offer. In our ranking we have included only products suitable for daily use and which are able to optimally balance hardware and software specifications. Another discriminating factor is the software dedicated to the camera, which must prove to be up to par both in terms of functions and in terms of ease of use, without compromise.
• Value for money : finally, our criterion for selecting the best Android smartphones is the ratio between the quality offered and the price at which it is sold. This factor is constantly changing, thanks to the devaluation of online prices, and for this reason the ranking is updated monthly, making more attractive models that in the previous months were not in the rankings.

What is important in a smartphone camera

• Is the photo sensor everything? No, if it is not accompanied by a software capable of processing the image adequately, with the right amount of parameters available to the user, in the same way the software cannot do much if the sensor is of poor quality. With artificial intelligence now also involving cheaper models, software becomes predominant, leaving the sensors to offer greater versatility.
• Does more megapixels mean better photos? No, more megapixels is synonymous with greater detail but this does not always mean better photographs, especially in poorly lit environments. It must be said that in recent times the technology of pixel binning , combining more adjacent pixels to capture more information is changing this dogma, even if it is not yet an absolute reality.
• Are more cameras better than one? No, for the previously debunked myths, “more is better” and “power is nothing without control” by appropriate software is not always the case. The clearest demonstration comes from Google, which for years has been making camera phones with a single sensor, excelling over most of the competition. However, it must be said that having more sensors, especially if with different lenses, makes the camera more versatile. Having a wide-angle lens and a zoom allows you to expand the fields of use of the smartphone to levels unthinkable until a few years ago.

Having said that, here are the best camera-phones with Android, broken down by price range. Obviously the greater the investment you will make, the better the quality that the photographic sector will be able to give you.

Best camera mobile phone under 200 pounds

In the price range below 200 pounds, the photographic quality of smartphones does not reach particularly interesting levels. Generally speaking at night, with poorly lit environments, the results are poor but if the budget at your disposal cannot go beyond these are the best camera mobile phones under 200 pounds.

POCO X3 NFC

POCO X3 arrived at the end of summer 2020, offering a good technical data sheet at a particularly competitive price, in compliance with the brand’s philosophy. With a 6.67-inch screen it is difficult to contain the size, and this POCO X3 definitely feels in the hand: 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm and 215 grams of weight.

The appearance is fresh and youthful thanks to the finishes and design choices and the ergonomics are not particularly penalized by the size. There is little to say about autonomy: with 5,160 mAh, and fast charging at 33 watts, you can’t really complain. Even with demanding use, 7 hours of active screen are exceeded and with normal use on they reach two days without any compromise.

If the rear camera design is really bizarre, the composition of the photographic sector is average in terms of composition. 64 megapixel main sensor (f / 1.89). 13 megapixel (f / 2.2) ultra wide angle (FoV 119 degrees), 2 megapixel macro and 2 megapixel depth sensor. Good photos taken even if there are problems with the management of strong contrasts, especially with the wide-angle sensor.

Realme 8

It arrived in our country in the spring of 2021, together with two other models of the same series. It is on sale in two different colors and with only one memory variant. Although using a 6.4-inch screen, the dimensions are not particularly compact: it measures q60.6 x 73.9 x 7.99 mm thick, with a weight of 177 grams which makes it easy to handle, even with only one but no. Very good autonomy, thanks to a 5.00 mAh battery that allows you to arrive in the evening even on the most demanding days with a good residual charge.

With more moderate use it is also easy to reach two days. The photos taken by the rear camera are very good, especially in good light. There are four rear sensors: a main one from 64 megapixel (f / 1.79) flanked by an ultra wide angle sensor (FoV 119 degrees) from 8 megapixel (f / 2.2) and by two 2 megapixel sensors (f / 2.4) one for macros and one in black and white to improve the quality.

Redmi Note 10s

Presented in the spring of 2021 together with three other models, it represents the ideal compromise for those who want a fair compromise between price and performance. Despite a smaller screen than other variants (it uses a 6.43-inch panel) the dimensions are not exactly compact: 160.46 x 74.5 x 8.29 mm. Overall, however, the ergonomics are not bad, thanks also to the weight of 178.8 grams which makes it usable even with one hand.

The 5,000 mAh battery is one of the highlights of this model, and thanks to the fast charging at 33 watts it will always be ready for use. A full charge takes just over an hour, but charging covers an entire day of work, even the most intense. Four main camera sensors: one from 64 megapixel (f / 1.79) flanked by an ultra wide angle (FoV 118 degrees) from 8 megapixel (f / 2.2) and from 2 2 megapixel sensors (f / 2.4) for macro and depth of field.

Best Android camera-phone under 300 pounds

Under 300 pounds there are many alternatives including a top of the range of 2018, we are talking about LG G7 ThinQ which inevitably wins the scepter of best on this price range.

Redmi Note 10 Pro

During a very eventful March 2021, Redmi Note 10 Pro was also launched, one of the four versions of this family. Three colors to choose from, as well as memory cuts. With a 6.67-inch screen, the dimensions could certainly not be contained: 164 x 76.5 x 8.1 mm and 193 grams of weight. Despite this, thanks to the workmanship of the back cover, the ergonomics are acceptable. With the 5,020 mAh battery, even the most stressful working day can be covered without any problem, in any case thanks to the fast charge at 33 watts in about 90 minutes the battery will be back to 100%.

Although on paper the numbers are impressive, the photographic quality is not at the top. The 108 megapixel sensor (f / 1.9) and the 8 megapixel (f / 2.2) ultra wide-angle sensor (FoV 118 degrees) are flanked by the classic two 2-megapixel sensors of little use. In a lot of light the shots are good, but when night falls, or indoors, the details tend to get mixed up.

OPPO Find X3 Lite

It made its debut in March in three different colors and a single memory variant. Interesting dimensions, which stand at 159.1 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm and 172 grams of weight, not bad for a model with a 6.4-inch screen. Overall, therefore, ergonomics and usability are acceptable. The 4,200 mAh battery, with fast charging at 65 watts, always manages to take you into the evening, leaving all functions active.

By reducing the screen refresh to 60 Hz it is possible to squeeze something more, without however reaching two days, if not with a very quiet use. Four rear camera sensors: one 64 megapixel (f / 1.7), one ultra wide angle (FoV 119 degrees) 8 megapixel (f / 2.2), two 2 megapixel (f / 2.4) sensors for macro and image enhancement . Nice shots obtained, with the wide angle that suffers when the light goes down.

Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite

It arrived April 2021, a few days after its presentation, with three color options and two memory cuts. Mi 11 Lite is small only in name since the 6.55-inch screen implies important but not exaggerated dimensions (160.5 x 75.7 x 6.8 mm) with a weight of just 157 grams. A good compromise between ergonomics and multimedia therefore, with an appreciable result. The autonomy is very good, thanks to the 4,250 mAh battery that allows you to arrive in the evening without particular problems. To signal the presence of the fast charge at 33 watts, with charger in the package.

The photographic sector is of a good level, with 64 megapixel main sensor (f / 1.79), 8 megapixel ultra wide angle (f / 2.2) and a 5 megapixel telemacro, with results suitable for the market range, without particular weaknesses.

Best Android camera phone under 400 pounds

The price increases, the photographic quality of smartphones increases. On this range we find devices capable of capturing some more details; difficult situations in poorly lit environments are still problematic. Here are the best camera mobile phones between 300 and 400 pounds.

OnePlus Nord 2 5G

Presented in July 2021, exactly one year after its predecessor, OnePlus Nord 2 is available in two memory variants and two different colors. Optimized frames, albeit not symmetrical and a design that incorporates that of OnePlus 9, are a strong point, together with a plastic frame that make it comfortable and pleasant to handle. Despite a 4,500 mAh battery, it is not so obvious to be able to cover a particularly busy day: it is difficult to exceed 6 hours of screen on, fortunately charging at 65 watts allows you to fill up in just over 30 minutes.

The camera convinces, thanks above all to the quality 50 megapixel (f / 1.88) sensor, flanked by an 8 megapixel (f / 2.25) ultra wide angle (FoV 119 degrees) and a third 2 megapixel sensor. Too bad only for the wide-angle under tone and which slightly drops the overall level.

Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G

You can buy it from August 2021 in a single version with 6-128 GB of memory and in four different colors, including two very special ones. It is certainly not a compact, but given the presence of a 6.5-inch screen, the dimensions are not bad: 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm and 189 grams of weight. To report the IP67 certification and the 120 Hz screen that offer an excellent user experience.

The 4,500 mAh battery, with fast charging at 25 watts, does not shine with autonomy and allows you to reach 5 hours of screen with difficulty. The use of a fast recharge to arrive in the evening cannot be ruled out. There are four main camera sensors: a 64 megapixel (f / 1.8), a 12 megapixel (f / 2.2) ultra wide angle (FoV 123 degrees), a 5 megapixel (f / 2.4) macro and a depth sensor 5 megapixel (f / 2.4). Apart from the inevitable suffering from the wide-angle lens (although the HDR mode helps a lot), the main camera defends itself well in all circumstances. The videos are good too.

Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE

It arrived in mid-September 2021 to make up for the lack of chips that made the previous model impossible to find, from which it inherits the design. The dimensions, in particular weight and thickness, are one of the strengths, despite a metal chassis. It measures 160.53 x 75.63 x 6.81 mm and weighs just 158 grams, a featherweight these days.

The 4,250 mAh battery guarantees excellent autonomy and the fast recharge at 33 watts allows you to fill up with energy in about 60 minutes. Difficult not to arrive in the evening with a charge, unless you overdo it. There remains the excellent rear camera with 74 megapixel main sensor (f / 1.79) which is flanked by an 8 megapixel (f.2.2) ultra wide angle sensor (FoV 119 degrees) and a 5 megapixel telemacro sensor. Very good photos, much better than the 4G version.

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE

It has been on sale since October 2020 in at least six colors and only one memory cut. Despite the 6.5-inch screen, the dimensions are not exaggerated and stand at 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm and a weight of 190 grams. Ergonomics is therefore not particularly sacrificed for the benefit of usability. The 4,500 mAh battery, supported by a wired charging at 25 watts and wireless at 15 watts, offers a decent autonomy, allowing you to arrive in the evening even on the most intense days, perhaps with some precautions if you work late.

There are three sensors that make up the rear camera: one of 12 megapixel (f / 1.8), flanked by an ultra wide angle, also of 12 megapixel (f / 2.2) and an 8 megapixel 3x optical zoom (f / 2.4) ). Good photos in every situation, even in low light, as well as videos, always defined.

Best Android camera-phone under 500 pounds

In the price range between 400 and 500 pounds there are the top of the range of 2019, which have dropped in price several months after the launch, but also some products designed specifically for photography. Regardless of the brightness of the framed scene, the shots are very pleasant and of quality. A good compromise if your budget isn’t unlimited.

Honor 50

After the vicissitudes related to Huawei, HONOR restarted in the autumn of 2021 with this mid-range but very well-finished model. Despite mounting a 6.57-inch panel (at 120 Hz) the dimensions are more than acceptable (159.96 x 73.76 x 7.78 mm and 175 grams of weight) as well as the ergonomics thanks to the curvatures on the sides.

The 4,300 battery, with fast charging at 66 watts, could make you turn up your nose, but even on the busiest days you always arrive in the evening with over 6 hours of screen on. The camera is not bad overall, with the 108 megapixel sensor (f / 1.9) flanked by an ultra wide angle 8 megapixel (f / 2/2) and a couple of sensors for macro and depth. With a lot of light the photos are excellent, a little less when the conditions are not optimal.

Motorola Moto G200 5g

The top of the range of 2021 was presented in November with two memory cuts. With a 6.8-inch screen, the dimensions could only be important, also thanks to an optimization of the revisable frames: 168.07 x 75.53 x 8.89 mm and 202 grams of weight always feel and make it impossible to ‘use with one hand.

Excellent autonomy thanks to a battery of 5,000 mAh accompanied by fast charging which, however, stops at 33 watts, thus lengthening the charging times. Nothing excellent, in relation to the price range, as regards the triple rear camera, which still does its own in every situation: main sensor from 108 megapixel (f / 1.9), ultra wide angle (FoV 119 degrees) from 8 megapixel ( f / 2.2) and 2 megapixel depth sensor, while on the front there is a 16 megapixel sensor.

Oppo Reno6 5G

It arrived in the autumn of 2021, a few months after the Chinese version. It is available in two colors and only one memory size. Not bad the dimensions, given the presence of a 6.43-inch screen: it measures 156.8 x 72.1 x 7.59 mm and 182 grams of weight. Ergonomics are therefore good, thanks also to the punch hole solution for the front camera.

The 4,300mAh battery does not disappoint and is supported by fast charging at 65 watts. In this way, even the most demanding days are covered, with the possibility of a short recharge for the really full ones. In the segment average, the rear camera, with a 64 megapixel main sensor (f / 1.8), flanked by an 8 megapixel sensor (f / 2.2) with 119 degrees wide angle and a 2 megapixel sensor (f / 2.4) for close-up shots. The shots produced are very good, even without absolutely shining.

Best top-of-the-range Android camera-phone

In the “premium” range, the products presented this year are very many but it is right to make a little selection when it comes to cameras. Below you will find the best camera mobile phones among the top of the range.

OnePlus 9 Pro

OnePlus 9 Pro was announced on March 23, 2021 and has been on the market since April 2021 in three different colors and two memory sizes to choose from. With a 6.7-inch screen, dimensions are inevitably important and come in at 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 millimeters and 197 grams in weight. The iconic side slider to silence notifications remains, overall the ergonomics are acceptable. The results of the 4500 mAh battery (with fast charging at 65 watts, wireless at 50 watts) are good but not amazing, also the fault of the QHD screen. To arrive in the evening you will have to pay attention to the use you make of it.

The collaboration with Hasselblad can be seen, but we are still slightly below the best, especially in terms of color rendering. It improves the night mode, even if the wide angle is not up to the main sensor, lacking the optical stabilization.

Samsung Galaxy S22 5g

Presented at the beginning of February 2022 together with two other models, it is the “basic” version of the Samsung flagships for 2022. It is available in four colors and two memory sizes. Definitely compact by 2022 standards: it measures 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm, with a weight of 168 grams, a rarity in the smartphone market. The battery seems underpowered, with about 3,700 mAh, so much so that it is not always possible to arrive in the evening with a single charge.

Things could get better over time. The photographic sector is of excellent quality: main sensor from 50 megapixel (f / 1.8) with OIS, ultra wide angle (FoV 120 degrees0 from 12 megapixel (f / 2.2) and 3x optical zoom from 10 megapixel (f / 2.4). The shots taken are of the highest level, even at night or in low light.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5g

Presented in February 2022, it is the “middle” model of Samsung’s new flagship series, available in four colors and two memory sizes. While not as compact as Galaxy S22, the Plus version has decent measurements: 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm and 196 grams of weight, not bad considering the screen and the battery. The latter has a capacity of 4,500 mAh which does not disappoint, touching the six hours of screen and covering even the most demanding days without particular problems.

To report the presence of fast charging at 45 watts, with wireless charging at 15watt. Three rear camera sensors: main 50 megapixel (f / 1.8) with OIS, 3x optical zoom 10 megapixel (f / 2.4) with OIS and ultra wide angle (FoV 120 degrees) 12 megapixel (f / 2.2). Excellent photos with all three sensors, both day and night: taking a bad photo is almost a feat.

OPPO Find X5 Pro

Presented on February 24, 2022 together with two other smartphones, OPPO Find X5 Pro is the flagship model of the brand, available in two colors and only one memory cut. Challenging dimensions but not exaggerated, given the 6.7-inch screen: 163.7 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm (and 215 grams of weight) will still be felt in the hand, making it difficult to use with one hand . The autonomy is of an absolute level, thanks to a 5,000 mAh battery, arriving in the evening is not a problem.

And for the most demanding days there is fast charging at 80 watts with the wireless one reaching 50 watts, really not bad. Three rear camera sensors: main 50-megapixel (f / 1.7) with 5-axis OIS, 50-megapixel (f / 2.2) ultra wide-angle (110-degree FOV) and 3x 13-megapixel (f / 2.4) zoom. The collaboration with Hasselblad, but above all the presence of the Marisilicon chipset, allow to obtain shots of the highest quality, at the level of the best models in this sector.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5g

It is the flagship model of the S22 series presented in February 2022 and can be purchased in four colors and four memory cuts. Includes the S Pen, which has its own slot. If the dimensions are all in all acceptable (163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm) what in the long run tires is the weight of 227 grams, which combined with the above average width makes it more complicated to grip with one hand.

After a few days of settling in, the battery easily reaches six hours of screen on: hard to do worse with a 5,000 mAh unit, which can also count on fast charging at 45 watts (no charger in the package) and on wireless at 15 watts.

Four sensors to keep Samsung at the top even in the photographic field: main 108 megapixel (f / 1.8) with OIS, 10 megapixel (f / 2.4) telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, 10 megapixel (f / 4.9) periscopic telephoto lens with zoom 10x optical and 12 megapixel ultra wide angle (FoV 120 degrees) (f / 2.2). The zoom reaches 100x with impressive sharpness, the shots are always convincing, even at night, when some imperfection is still visible.

Google Pixel 6 Pro

Like its “little” brother, Pixel 6 Pro also arrived at the beginning of 2022, after having been purchased only by importing from abroad. It is a large but not huge smartphone, with its 163.9 x 75.8 x 8.9 millimeters, justified by the presence of a 6.7-inch screen. The quality is perceived at the first touch and there are some goodies such as the dry but pleasant vibration. The 5,000 mAh battery needs a few weeks to calibrate itself, adapting to the type of use by the user, and allows you to reach the 6-7 hours of screen without particular problems. Good fast charging, at 30W wired and 23W wireless.

The photographic sector has been renewed, with the main sensor from 50 megapixel (f / 1.9), ultra wide angle (FoV 114 degrees) from 12 megapixel (f / 2.2) and 4x optical zoom from 48 megapixel (f / 3.5) periscopic. Impeccable photos even if the algorithm needs some improvements to achieve excellence.

Best camera mobile phone with optical super zoom

Given the proliferation of phones equipped with particularly high optical zoom, 5x optical, 10x hybrid and in some cases up to 100x digital, we have decided to introduce this category dedicated to smartphones that have (at least) a 5x optical zoom, therefore capable of provide a sufficient number of optical magnifications without the quality being particularly affected.

Oppo Find X5 Pro

Presented on February 24, 2022 together with two other smartphones, OPPO Find X5 Pro is the flagship model of the brand, available in two colors and only one memory cut. Challenging dimensions but not exaggerated, given the 6.7-inch screen: 163.7 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm (and 215 grams of weight) will still be felt in the hand, making it difficult to use with one hand . The autonomy is of an absolute level, thanks to a 5,000 mAh battery, arriving in the evening is not a problem.

And for the most demanding days there is fast charging at 80 watts with the wireless one reaching 50 watts, really not bad. Three rear camera sensors: main 50-megapixel (f / 1.7) with 5-axis OIS, 50-megapixel (f / 2.2) ultra wide-angle (110-degree FOV) and 3x 13-megapixel (f / 2.4) zoom. The collaboration with Hasselblad, but above all the presence of the Marisilicon chipset, allow to obtain shots of the highest quality, at the level of the best models in this sector.

These were therefore the phones with Android with the best camera updated in the month of arile 2022. In creating this guide we had to exclude several products that are still very valid, perhaps due to a still very high price for what it offers or an experience of use. not adequate, which can still be improved with software updates.

We will update this ranking monthly to help you choose the best camera mobile phone with Android.