Best Smartphones for Photography Enthusiasts in 2024

Are you a photography enthusiast looking for the best smartphones to capture breathtaking moments with stunning clarity and detail? Gone are the days when you needed to sacrifice camera quality for portability. Today’s smartphones offer powerful camera systems packed with AI-enhancements, pro-level features, and multiple lenses—all in your pocket. In this guide, we'll dive deep into the top smartphones for photography, analyze what makes them stand out, and help you find the perfect device to elevate your photography game in 2024.

Why Choose a Smartphone for Photography?

Smartphones have become indispensable tools for photographers, both amateur and professional. With rapid advances in sensor technology, computational photography, and editing capabilities, modern smartphones now deliver images that can compete with entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Convenience, connectivity, and the ability to instantly share your creations make smartphones ideal companions for capturing auto, travel, street, and even portrait photography.

What Features Matter Most in Photography Smartphones?

• Sensor Size and Megapixel Count: Larger sensors and higher megapixels can capture more detail and perform better in low-light.
• Lens Variety: Multiple rear cameras (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto, macro) provide creative flexibility.
• Image Processing: AI-powered features like Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and Smart HDR enhance photos instantly.
• Manual Controls: Pro or manual modes enable exposure, ISO, and shutter speed adjustments similar to dedicated cameras.
• Video Capabilities: High-resolution video (4K or 8K), stabilization, and advanced video modes are important for creators.
• RAW Format Support: Essential for professionals who want greater control in post-processing.
• Front Camera Quality: Ideal for vloggers and selfie enthusiasts.

Top Smartphones for Photography Enthusiasts in 2024

After extensive research and real-world testing, we’ve curated a list of the best smartphones that excel at mobile photography.

1. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

• Triple Camera System: 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto
• Sensor-shift OIS: For super-steady shots and low-light performance
• Photonic Engine: Improves image quality and detail
• ProRAW and ProRes: Professional formats for editing flexibility

The iPhone 15 Pro Max leads the way with a revolutionary 48MP sensor and advanced computational photography. Apple’s Smart HDR 5, Deep Fusion, and Photonic Engine ensure vibrant colors, true-to-life skin tones, and impressive dynamic range. The dedicated 5x optical zoom lens is a game-changer for detail shots. For those who love to edit, shooting in Apple ProRAW and ProRes video formats means limitless creative freedom.

2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

• Quad-lens Array: 200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 10MP 10x periscope
• Space Zoom 100x: Unmatched zooming capabilities
• ExpertRAW: Advanced manual controls and RAW file support
• AI Nightography: Exceptional low-light performance

With its massive 200MP sensor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra redefines resolution and clarity. Its unique 10x periscope lens and Space Zoom enable creative shots from miles away. Samsung’s AI-powered Nightography ensures bright, detailed images even after sunset. The ExpertRAW app provides manual controls for exposure, focus, and shooting in RAW, giving photographers DSLR-like flexibility on the go.

3. Google Pixel 8 Pro

• Triple Camera: 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto
• Super Res Zoom: 5x optical, up to 30x digital
• Magic Editor: AI-powered editing directly in Google Photos
• Best-in-Class Night Sight: Top results in low light environments

Google’s Pixel line has always been celebrated for outstanding software processing, and the Pixel 8 Pro continues this legacy. AI-driven features like Magic Editor, Real Tone, and Best Take elevate photo quality without fuss. Night Sight remains unrivaled, producing detailed, noise-free low-light photos. The Pixel 8 Pro is a must-have for those who value point-and-shoot simplicity with cutting-edge results.

4. Xiaomi 14 Ultra

• Quad-lens System: 50MP main (1-inch sensor), 50MP ultra-wide, two telephoto lenses
• Leica Co-engineered Optics: For authentic, vibrant color science
• Variable aperture: From f/1.6 to f/4.0 for creative control
• RAW Format Support: Complete manual control for photography enthusiasts

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, co-developed with Leica, emphasizes true-to-life color rendition and versatile shooting. Its 1-inch sensor captures rich detail and excels in challenging lighting. The dual telephoto lenses (3.2x and 5x) offer great focal length versatility. The variable aperture, a rarity in smartphones, gives you direct control over depth of field—for creative photographers who want the ultimate manual touch.

5. Sony Xperia 1 V

• Triple Lens: 52MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto
• Dedicated Shutter Button: For a true camera-like feel
• Cinema Pro & Photo Pro Apps: Advanced manual settings for professionals
• Eye AF and Object Tracking: Borrowed from Sony’s Alpha series

Sony's Xperia 1 V is built for serious creators. Leveraging Sony’s Alpha camera expertise, it features professional-grade apps, a real shutter button, and advanced autofocus capabilities. Shooting full manual, capturing RAW, and creating cinematic videos are seamless and enjoyable. If you’re transitioning from a traditional camera and want pro-level control, this is the smartphone for you.

6. OnePlus 12

• Triple Camera: 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 64MP periscope telephoto
• Hasselblad Partnership: For true-to-life color calibration
• Pro Mode: RAW and manual shooting options
• 4K Video & Hasselblad Master Filters: For dynamic creative output

The OnePlus 12 brings camera-heavy features in partnership with Hasselblad, delivering accurate colors and sharp images. The 64MP periscope lens puts high-quality zoom within reach. Pro Mode enthusiasts can manually fine-tune their shots and embrace RAW workflows. It’s an excellent package for content creators who want versatility and value.

Photography Smartphone Buying Guide: How to Choose?

Selecting the right smartphone for photography depends on your unique needs and creative ambitions. Here are some tips to help you decide:

• For Professional Flexibility: Opt for phones like the Sony Xperia 1 V or Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which offer manual controls and RAW support.
• For AI and Convenience: Google Pixel 8 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max shine with computational photography and ease of use.
• Zoom and Versatility: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and OnePlus 12 offer extensive zoom ranges and diverse lenses for all kinds of shots.
• Editing and Sharing: Ensure your smartphone supports fast processing and easily integrates with your favorite editing apps.
• Budget Considerations: Don’t overlook older flagship models from 2023—many offer pro-level features at reduced prices in 2024.

Conclusion: Capture Your Vision with the Best Camera Phones

With top-tier camera hardware, innovative AI features, and professional-grade editing tools, the best photography smartphones of 2024 can help you unleash your creativity wherever inspiration strikes. Whether you’re shooting landscapes at golden hour, framing the perfect urban portrait, or recording a cinematic 4K video, today’s flagship smartphones deliver more freedom and flexibility than ever before.

Still undecided? Compare these camera smartphones side-by-side, consider your budget, style, and favorite photography genres, and make sure to check out sample galleries before making your choice. The right smartphone can transform everyday moments into extraordinary images, all from the palm of your hand.

Ready to upgrade your mobile photography experience? Stay tuned to our smartphone blog for the latest reviews, tips, and trends in mobile imaging—or explore our full list of the best camera phones here.