There was a time when one had to carry around a dedicated camera on vacations to click pictures. However, with time, smartphone cameras have gotten so good that I’ve stopped carrying my DSLR anymore on most occasions. If you too are looking to keep your bulky camera at home before leaving for a vacation, here are some of the best smartphones you can buy with cameras that are both capable and versatile.
1. Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Most Versatile Camera Setup
If you planned to carry your camera for that creamy bokeh from the large sensor — you no longer need to. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has you covered. You get a massive 1-inch sensor for the primary camera with three other very capable lenses too.
Along with the 1-inch sensor, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra also offers a variable aperture that goes all the way from f/1.6 to f/4.0. Pair that with an ultrawide lens, a 3X telephoto, and a 5X periscope and you get one of the best well-rounded camera setups on a smartphone. The Leica processing is top-notch resulting in some splendid shots from the phone.
If you’re looking for something more compact or affordable, the Xiaomi 14 also clicks stellar photos.
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2. Oppo Find X7 Ultra: Best for Portraits
Are you the one who goes around clicking awesome portraits of friends and family? If yes, you have to consider the Oppo Find X7 Ultra. It has the same 1-inch sensor as the Xiaomi 14 Ultra but thanks to Oppo’s processing algorithms, it does a better job at capturing human subjects.
Along with the main and ultrawide cameras, the Find X7 Ultra has a 3X telephoto and a 6X periscope instead of the 5X lens on the Xiaomi. However, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers a tele-macro solution using the 3X lens that lets you click close-up objects. So, if that’s what you prefer, the 14 Ultra is the way to go. But, the Find X7 Ultra does better lossless zoom at higher levels, thanks to the 6X lens.
The internals on both phones are more or less similar so you can choose between the two based on your photography preferences.
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3. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max: Best for Reliability
While the latest iPhone may not have the best-in-class lenses or large 1-inch sensors, it offers a shooting experience that’s reliable and user-friendly. It’s also decently versatile with the primary sensor flanked by an ultrawide sensor and a 5X telephoto.
Despite not boasting of high-end specifications on paper, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a no-frills experience to both beginners as well as experienced photographers. Simply point at the scene and hit the shutter button. That’s enough to ensure you a good picture that will surely fetch you likes on Instagram. The 5X shooter clicks some fantastic portraits too.
The iPhone has also been regarded to be the best at smartphone videography over the years and the 15 Pro Max holds up to the notion. So, if you’re a content creator, this is your best option.
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4. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Best for Low-light and AI Features
Just like Apple, Google’s flagships don’t necessarily have the best hardware. However, the brand’s computational prowess makes the Pixel 8 Pro a worthy contender for one of the best smartphone cameras.
Google’s software algorithms aren’t just limited to processing clicked images. The 8 Pro added a ton of AI features to the software that can be used to make your photos look better. Whether it’s the Unblur feature to ensure there are no blurry faces or the Magic Eraser to remove unwanted elements from a photo.
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense camera phone but don’t want to climb over to the walled garden to get an iPhone, the Pixel 8 Pro is the way to go.
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5. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Best for Selfies
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is easily one of the most well-rounded phones on this list. Everything from performance to the display is flagship-level — with the selfie camera also being one of the major highlights.
That’s not to say the rear cameras aren’t good. The four cameras on the rear of the S24 Ultra are surely capable of clicking excellent pictures. However, Samsung’s software processing is slightly slow and the sensors aren’t as big as some other names on this list. As a result, the photos are good; not excellent.
What is excellent though is the performance of the selfie camera. If you click a lot of photos of yourself or with a group of friends, the Galaxy S24 Ultra won’t disappoint. The dynamic range is excellent and the photos are detailed. Plus, you can also click selfies from a distance using the S-Pen.
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6. Sony Xperia 1 VI: Best for Professionals
Most phones on this list cater to everyone from novice camera enthusiasts to professional photographers. However, the Xperia 1 VI is specifically meant for professionals who know how to operate a camera.
Of course, the Sony Xperia 1 VI’s camera app also has an auto mode. However, the cameras perform the best when used in Pro Mode. This is primarily because Sony’s image-processing algorithms aren’t as good as some other brands. So, if you know your ISO levels and shutter speed values, go ahead and pick up the Xperia 1 VI.
Pro tip: The Xperia 1 VI can also be used as a viewfinder with an existing Sony camera so if you’re already in the Sony ecosystem, it makes all the more sense to get this phone.
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7. Google Pixel 7: Best Budget Camera Phone
Don’t want to spend north of a grand on a phone but still want excellent cameras? Last year’s Pixel 7 offers the perfect solution. It’s more affordable than this year’s Pixel 8a while offering the same level of camera performance.
Google’s software processing squeezes out the best details and colors even from older hardware. That means you’re not losing out on much of the camera goodness from this year’s Pixel 8 even if you pick up the Pixel 7. Despite being affordable, the low-light performance of the Pixel 7 is excellent. It’s also quite compact making it a handy option to carry with you when traveling — even as a secondary phone just for photos.
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Last updated on 29 May, 2024
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