Ranking the top phone cameras of 2025 - what devices captured the finest images?
Smartphone Cameras of 2025: A Mid-Year Review
Ladies and gentlemen, sharpen your lenses and let's dive right in! A quick disclaimer first: we're still waiting for the best smartphone camera technology to hit the market. However, some handset shooters have left us impressed during the first half of 2025. From budget devices that capture stunning images to flagship powerhouses, here are the top smartphone cameras you can currently rock.
Blockbuster Hit: iPhone 15s
Believe it or not, the hit movie "28 Years Later" was shot using the iPhone 15s. Yes, you heard it right! The actors loved it. If it's good enough for Hollywood, that's saying something, isn't it?
Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
No surprises here. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is this list's undisputed king when it comes to smartphone cameras. With a whopping 200MP wide lens, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens, the results speak for themselves. The zoom lens is a standout feature, maintaining excellent clarity even up to 30x zoom. You have to see it to believe it, so check out our Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review for some eye-popping examples!
Best Cheap Android Camera: Google Pixel 9a
Google has always delivered on the camera front, and the Pixel 9a is no exception. At just $500, the Pixel 9a boasts a competitive camera array of a 48MP wide lens and a 13MP ultra-wide lens. Google's software wizardry ensures that the Pixel 9a can capture vibrant, bright photos—meaning you don't need an expensive flagship for great shots!
Best Cheap iOS Camera: Apple iPhone 16e
Until the flagship iPhone 17 and 17 Air roll out, the iPhone 16e claims the cheapest iOS camera title. With a single 48MP rear lens, you might think it's underpowered. But, good news—it's still capable of producing clear, natural photos with competent low-light performance.
Best Affordable Flagship Camera: OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13 is a winner punching above its weight class. This Chinese brand is known for releasing phones that offer flagship-like specs at a more accessible price point. The OnePlus 13 boasts a Hasselblad-backed 50MP camera array consisting of a wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lens. Coupled with Macro Focus, the OnePlus 13 can capture some truly impressive shots!
Now, hold onto your seats, folks! The second half of 2025 is set to bring some major flagship releases, such as the Apple iPhone 17 and 17 Air, Google Pixel 10 series, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 series, Nothing Phone 3, and Vivo X Fold 5. Stay tuned as we'll be here to keep you updated on these fantastic future smartphones and their amazing cameras!
- Sources:
- [1] Phone Arena, "5 best smartphones to buy in 2025's first half"
- [2] Techradar, "Everything we know about the iPhone 17"
- [3] Android Central, "Google Pixel 10: Leaked specs, price, and more!"
- [4] Phone Arena, "Everything we know about Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra!"
- [5] Digital Trends, "Everything we know about the Google Pixel 9"
- [6] 9to5Google, "Google Pixel 9A specifications, price, and release date leaked"
- [7] Tom's Guide, "OnePlus 13 guide"
- The iPhone 15s, a standout smartphone from tech giant Apple, was used to shoot the hit movie "28 Years Later," showcasing its impressive camera capabilities.
- The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, with its powerful 200MP wide lens, 50MP ultra-wide lens, and 50MP telephoto lens, is currently the best overall smartphone camera in the market.
- Google's Pixel 9a, priced at just $500, offers a competitive camera array with a 48MP wide lens and a 13MP ultra-wide lens, delivering vibrant, bright photos without the need for an expensive flagship.
- Apple's iPhone 16e, currently the cheapest iOS camera option, boasts a single 48MP rear lens that can still capture clear, natural photos with competent low-light performance.
- The OnePlus 13, a top-performing affordable flagship, features a Hasselblad-backed 50MP camera array and Macro Focus, enabling users to capture impressive shots with its wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses.
