Dvij Kotadia | 21 Apr 2025 04:24 PM
The evolution of smartphone cameras has been nothing short of astonishing, and we've reached a point where flagship devices are genuinely challenging traditional cameras. This feature dives into five of the best, highlighting their strengths and unique features. From Apple's computational prowess to Vivo's telephoto mastery, these phones are pushing the boundaries of mobile photography. Whether you're a casual snapper or a budding pro, these cameras offer incredible versatility and image quality.
ALSO SEE: OnePlus 13 vs Xiaomi 15: Flagship Android smartphone shootout
Apple continues to refine its camera system with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. While visually similar to its predecessor, key hardware upgrades include a larger 48-megapixel primary sensor (now dubbed the "Fusion camera") and a new 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera, enabling higher-resolution macro shots. The telephoto and selfie cameras remain largely the same, with the latter now capable of 4K Dolby Vision recording. Apple emphasises improving its image signal processing (ISP) pipeline, promising enhanced image quality, especially in challenging conditions.
Beyond hardware, Apple is focusing on the ‘experience’ of capturing photos and videos. The new Audio Mix feature allows users to isolate the subject's voice from background noise in videos, offering three distinct styles (In Frame, Studio, and Cinematic). Photographic Styles, another key addition, provides granular control over luminosity, colour, and intensity, with a non-destructive editing workflow. These features, combined with Apple's renowned ease of use, make the iPhone 16 Pro Max a compelling choice for both casual and creative photographers.
You can find our review of it right here: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max review
Google Pixel phones have long been celebrated for their exceptional image processing, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL continues this tradition. The rear camera setup comprises a 50-megapixel wide, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide with macro focus, and a 48-megapixel 5x telephoto lens, all benefiting from a new HDR pipeline powered by the Tensor G4 processor. Users can expect improved sharpness and colour tones, with the Pixel's colour accuracy being a standout feature.
However, the Pixel 9 Pro XL's camera experience isn't without its quirks. Some users may find the viewfinder noisy, and the 5x telephoto lens exhibits noticeable sway. The Portrait mode's reliance on digital crop rather than the telephoto lens is also a point of contention. Despite these drawbacks, the Pixel 9 Pro XL consistently delivers natural-looking photos with excellent detail and dynamic range. Google also leans heavily into AI-powered features within the Google Photos app such as the ‘Add Me’ feature, which allows users to seamlessly insert themselves into group photos.
You can find our review of it right here: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL hands-on review
Samsung has consistently been a leader in smartphone camera technology, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra upholds this reputation. Its quad-camera setup provides exceptional versatility, featuring a 200-megapixel primary camera, a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera. The ultra-wide sensor's megapixel bump is the only change from the S24 Ultra.
The S25 Ultra excels in various shooting scenarios, delivering reliable performance in both good and low-light conditions. Its zoom capabilities are particularly noteworthy, with 100x digital zoom offering surprisingly usable results. Video recording is equally impressive, supporting up to 8K resolution at 30fps and 4K at 60fps. Samsung also caters to content creators with features like log video recording. Overall, the Galaxy S25 Ultra provides a well-rounded and powerful camera system that remains among the best in the smartphone market.
You can find our review of it right here: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review
The Vivo X200 Pro makes a bold statement with its innovative camera system, particularly its groundbreaking telephoto capabilities. The phone boasts India’s first 200-megapixel Zeiss APO Telephoto Camera with Bionic Spectrum 3.0, Optical precision calibration, a New GLC Coating and Super Blue Glass. Vivo emphasises the telephoto lens's versatility, offering features like Telephoto Hyperzoom (for extreme zoom with minimal chromatic aberration) and Telephoto Macro mode (for detailed close-ups).
The X200 Pro also excels in low-light photography, with the telephoto lens capturing impressive details even in challenging conditions. Portrait mode benefits from a 135mm focal length and ZEISS bokeh effects, producing natural-looking portraits. Video recording is equally advanced, supporting 4K at 60 fps 10-bit Log video recording and 4K Super Backlit Cinematic Portrait Video. With its focus on telephoto innovation and strong all-around performance, the Vivo X200 Pro stands out as a serious contender for mobile photography enthusiasts.
You can find our review of it right here: Vivo X200 Pro review
The Xiaomi 15 offers a compelling camera experience, co-engineered with Leica. While not the ‘Ultra’ model, it still packs a punch with a versatile triple-camera setup: a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 2.6x optical zoom, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera. The Xiaomi 15 delivers admirable performance across different shooting scenarios, with particularly impressive low-light capabilities.
The Leica-branded system offers a range of shooting options, including telephoto shots, portrait mode, ultrawide, and video recording in Dolby Vision up to 8K resolution. Slow-motion video can be recorded at up to 960fps (interpolated). Users can also fine-tune their images with various settings and modes, or simply point and shoot for excellent results. The Xiaomi 15 strikes a good balance between image quality, versatility, and ease of use, making it a strong contender in its price range.
You can find our review of it right here: Xiaomi 15 review
These five smartphones represent the pinnacle of mobile photography, each with its unique strengths and characteristics. Whether you prioritise computational photography, telephoto capabilities, or all-around versatility, there's a phone on this list that will likely exceed your expectations. The line between smartphones and dedicated cameras continues to blur, and the future of mobile photography looks incredibly exciting.