With the replacement of compact digital cameras from the market by smartphones, the latter have become more and more like cameras, not only functionally, but also externally. Some of them have got massive blocks with lenses, because of which it is becoming increasingly difficult to use them as a phone. The quality of the pictures of the best smartphones has become such that in good light conditions it can compete with the work of a good camera. We have collected in our selection the best camera phones of 2023.
7. OnePlus 11 5G
Specs: Display – 6.7” | Rear / front cameras – 50/16 MP | Battery – 5,000 mAh | Storage – 128-256 GB
Pros: Top processor from Qualcomm, optics from Hasselblad
Cons: No wireless charging, rather weak zoom
Verdict: One of the best camera phones from China
Using a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and a 50MP, 32MP, and 48MP rear camera array developed in collaboration with Hasselblad, we have created a great smartphone for photography lovers. A wonderful screen and a capacious battery complete the picture, the only thing that spoils the case is the easily soiled case and the zoom range inferior to the flagships of the market. Otherwise, this is an amazing camera phone.
6. Google Pixel 7 Pro
Specs: Display – 6.7” | Rear / front cameras – 50 / 10.8 MP | Battery – 5,000 mAh | Storage – 128-512 GB
Pros: Excellent camera with powerful processing, excellent performance
Cons: Controversial camera module design
Verdict: The best camera phone in terms of price and quality
The powerful Google Tensor G2 processor and a triple-lens module allow the top-end “Google” smartphone, which shoots not only in JPEG, but also in RAW, to produce stunning pictures in both manual and automatic modes. Photos look great not only on the native 6.7-inch AMOLED display, but also on a properly calibrated monitor. IP68 rating allows you to take photos in all weather conditions.
5. OPPO Find X6 Pro
Specs: Display – 6.82” | Rear / front cameras – 50/32 MP | Battery – 5,000 mAh | Storage – 256-512 GB
Pros: Hasselblad camera module, powerful processor, IP68 protection
Cons: Not always perfect stabilization
Verdict: One of the leaders in the camera phone market
After the takeover of the startup OnePlus, OPPO began to produce excellent camera phones under two brands. The latest flagship Find X6 Pro features a huge camera module from Hasselblad with Sony sensors that scores 153 on DxOMark and captures quality images in all lighting conditions. The zoom is very good, as is the color reproduction.
4. Xiaomi 13 Ultra
Specs: Display – 6.73″ | Rear / front cameras – 50/32 MP | Battery – 5,000 mAh | Storage – 256-512 GB
Pros: Quad camera module with 50 MP sensors, Leica filters and shooting modes, powerful optical stabilization
Cons: Poor selfie camera
Verdict: A real camera with a phone function
In Xiaomi, when creating a new flagship, they decided not to be hypocritical and made it as similar as possible to a camera. There is a recognizable shutter sound, and a separate button for shooting, and an artificial leather trim on the back panel. The shots look very similar to those taken with a decent mirrorless camera. In general, the ideal device for those who buy a smartphone for photography.
3. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Specs: Display – 6.7” | Cameras – 48/12 MP | Battery – 4,323 mAh | Storage – 128-1000 GB
Pros: Stunning RAW detail, gorgeous screen
Cons: Zoom is a bit limited, no manual mode
Verdict: The best camera phone for Apple fans
The new flagship of the company will appear very soon, but at the moment the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the best offer from the engineers from Cupertino. As usual, the main advantage is the natural color reproduction of images when displayed not only on a professional monitor, but also on the screen of the smartphone itself.
2. Huawei P60 Pro
Specs: Display – 6.67″ | Rear / front cameras – 48/13 MP | Battery – 4,815 mAh | Storage – 256-512 GB
Pros: Ultra-fast shooting in automatic mode, light-sensitive optics, IP68 protection, 120 Hz screen
Cons: The design of the camera module “played up”
Verdict: Huawei’s new flagship camera phone
The triple photo module includes a 48 MP light-sensitive camera with a variable aperture from f1.4 to f4.0, a 13 MP wide-angle camera with an f2.2 aperture, and a 48 MP camera with an f2.1 aperture, an optical stabilization system and a zoom. All of these cameras are controlled by the proprietary XMAGE system, which uses artificial intelligence algorithms, and a huge number of settings allow you to take photos in a variety of conditions and modes. Camera performance received top marks in the DxOMark system – 159 points.
1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Specs: Display – 6.8” | Rear / front cameras – 200/12 MP | Battery – 5,000 mAh | Storage – 256-1000 GB
Pros: Best camera on the market, shooting in RAW at 50 MP
Cons: Very expensive
Verdict: You will have to pay extra for the right to have the very best camera phone
The top model Galaxy S23 is good in every way, but the undeniable advantage over the competition is an incredible 200 MP sensor and the ability to maintain excellent image resolution even at a large zoom. The design is also almost flawless – the many lenses on the back of the smartphone do not look bulky. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor processes images instantly, and the traditionally powerful camera software has become even better.
