Discover the best mobile phones for photography enthusiasts. Our expert-approved list of 10 smartphones offers the perfect blend of high-quality camera features, speed and performance for capturing stunning shots on the go.
In the era of smartphone photography, capturing stunning images has become more accessible than ever. For photography enthusiasts, having a mobile phone with exceptional camera capabilities is paramount. That's why HT Shop Now has curated a list of the top 10 mobile phones that cater specifically to the needs of photography enthusiasts.
These phones boast cutting-edge camera systems, featuring high-resolution sensors, advanced optics, and innovative software enhancements. From flagship models to budget-friendly options, each device on our list offers remarkable photography capabilities, allowing you to unleash your creativity and capture professional-grade images on the go.
Whether you're passionate about landscape photography, portraiture, or night photography, these mobile phones excel in various shooting conditions, thanks to features like multiple lenses, optical image stabilization, low-light performance, and versatile shooting modes. Additionally, many of these devices offer manual controls, RAW support, and post-processing options, enabling you to fine-tune your images and achieve your desired artistic vision.
Join us as we explore the top 10 mobile phones for photography enthusiasts, unlocking a world of endless photographic possibilities right at your fingertips.
1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G sets a new benchmark in mobile photography with its exceptional camera capabilities. Equipped with a Pro-grade Camera system, it captures stunning photos and videos even in low-light conditions. The intelligent pixel sensor and lens enhancements ensure brighter and clearer captures, while the impressive 200MP resolution on the Wide-angle Camera delivers unparalleled detail. Whether you're zooming in or cropping your shots, the Galaxy S23 Ultra preserves brilliant clarity from corner to corner. With its cutting-edge camera technology, this device empowers you to capture breath-taking moments with professional-level precision and quality, making it a must-have for photography enthusiasts and content creators alike.
Specifications
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Rear camera: 200MP
Pros
Cons
200MP main camera
8K videos take up a lot of space
8K video recording
2. iPhone 14 Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro Max are the latest and greatest smartphones from Apple, and they offer a wealth of features for photography enthusiasts. One of the most notable features is the 48MP main camera, which allows you to capture stunningly detailed images. This camera system also has a 12MP ultra-wide and 12MP telephoto lens, which allows you to capture various shots and perspectives. The Cinematic mode is also an exciting feature for photography enthusiasts. This mode allows you to capture 4K Dolby Vision video up to 30 frames per second. This means you'll be able to capture high-quality video footage that looks stunning on the Pro and Pro Max's 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display.
Specifications
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Rear camera: 48MP + 12MP + 12MP
Pros
Cons
Excellent processing
Expensive
Great macro photos
3. Google Pixel 7 Pro
The Google Pixel 7 Pro boasts an impressive camera setup that guarantees exceptional performance and stunning image quality. With its 50 MP wide-angle lens, featuring multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, and OIS, you can capture detailed and sharp photos with ease. The 48 MP telephoto lens offers a 5x optical zoom, allowing you to get closer to the subject while maintaining excellent clarity. The 12 MP ultrawide lens captures expansive shots with its 126˚ field of view, perfect for landscapes or group photos. The camera also supports advanced features such as Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, and panorama, providing versatility and creative possibilities. When it comes to video recording, the Pixel 7 Pro shines with its ability to shoot 4K videos at various frame rates and gyro-EIS and OIS for smooth and stabilized footage. The 10.8 MP front camera ensures high-quality selfies, and it also supports 4K video recording. Overall, the camera performance of the Google Pixel 7 Pro is truly impressive, offering users the ability to capture professional-level photos and videos with ease and precision.
Specifications
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB, 512GB
Rear camera: 50MP
Pros
Cons
Stock Android experience
Battery life can be better
Excellent camera performance
4. Sony Xperia 1 III XQ-BC72 5G
The Sony Xperia 1 III XQ-BC72 5G is a high-end smartphone that offers a wealth of features for photography enthusiasts. One of the most notable features is the 4K HDR OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This display offers a resolution of 3840x1644 pixels and a high dynamic range, which makes it perfect for capturing and viewing high-quality photos and videos. The 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and seamless experience while scrolling and interacting with the device. Another standout feature is the camera setup, which consists of a 12MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 12MP telephoto camera.
Specifications
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
Display size: 6.50-inch
Battery Capacity: 4500mAh
Pros
Cons
Minimalisitc
Battery life is poor
Modern design
5. OnePlus 11 5G
The camera performance of the OnePlus 11 5G is highly impressive with its advanced camera setup. The 50MP main camera, featuring the Sony IMX890 sensor with OIS support, ensures stunning image quality with excellent detail and clarity. The 48MP ultrawide camera, equipped with the Sony IMX581 sensor and a wide FOV of 115 degrees, captures expansive shots with a wider perspective. The 32MP telephoto lens, featuring the Sony IMX709 sensor and 2X optical zoom, allows you to get closer to your subject without compromising on image quality. The 16MP front camera with EIS support ensures great-looking selfies with stabilized video recording.
Specifications
RAM: 8GB, 16GB
Storage: 128GB, 256GB
Rear camera: 50MP
Pros
Cons
Unique design
Heating issues
Impressive camera performance
6. realme GT 2 Pro
The realme GT 2 Pro is a high-end smartphone that offers a wealth of features for photography enthusiasts. One of the most notable features is the camera setup, which consists of a 50 MP main camera, a 50 MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro camera. This camera system allows you to capture a variety of different shots and perspectives and also has the ability to shoot 4K video. Another standout feature is the 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 1080 x 2400 pixels. This display offers a high dynamic range and a high refresh rate of 120Hz. The device also features a 5000mAh battery.
Specifications
RAM: 8GB, 12GB
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Rear camera: 50MP + 50 MP + 3MP
Pros
Cons
Microscope camera
Bloatware
Affordable
7. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 5G
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 5G is a unique smartphone that offers a wealth of features for photography enthusiasts. One of its most notable features is its foldable design, which allows you to switch between a compact 6.2-inch Cover Screen and a larger 7.6-inch Main Screen. The camera setup is another standout feature of the Galaxy Z Fold4 5G. It features a 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto camera setup. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 888 and has a RAM of 12GB and internal storage of 256GB.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G is a unique smartphone that offers a wealth of features for photography enthusiasts. One of its most notable features is its foldable design, which allows you to switch between a compact 6.7-inch foldable main screen and a 1.1-inch external screen. This makes it perfect for capturing and viewing high-quality photos and videos in different scenarios. The camera setup is another standout feature of the Galaxy Z Flip4 5G. It features a 12 MP dual camera setup which includes a 12MP primary camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera.
Specifications
ROM: 512GB
RAM: 8GB
Battery: 3700 mAh
Pros
Cons
Slim
Gap in the hinge
Good build
9. Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a flagship smartphone that offers a wealth of features for photography enthusiasts. One of its most notable features is its triple rear camera setup, which includes a 12MP Dual Pixel main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 64MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 888 5G or the Exynos 2100 and has a RAM of 8GB and internal storage of 128 GB. This provides lightning-fast performance and efficient power management. The device also features a 4000mAh lithium-ion battery.
Specifications
RAM: 8GB
ROM: 128GB
Camera: 12MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera, 64MP telephoto camera
Pros
Cons
5G Support
Battery size
Colors
10. Redmi Note 11 Pro
The Redmi Note 11 Pro is a high-end smartphone that offers a wealth of features for photography enthusiasts. One of the most notable features is the 108MP HM2 sensor on its main camera, which allows you to capture stunningly detailed images. This camera system also has an 8MP ultrawide and a 5MP telephoto lens, allowing you to capture various shots and perspectives. The device also features a 6.67-inch FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400x1080 pixels. The device is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 5G chipset and has a RAM of 12GB and 180GB of internal storage.
Specifications
RAM: 8GB
Battery Capacity: 5000mAh
Display: 6.67-inch
Pros
Cons
Good build
Plastic frame
Stereo speakers
Price of mobile phones at a glance:
Product
Price
Samsung Galaxy S32 Ultra 5G
Rs. 1,24,999
iPhone 14 Pro Max
Rs. 1,43,999
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Rs. 67,390
Sony Xperia 1 III XQ-BC72 5G
Rs. 83,490
OnePlus 11 5G
Rs. 61,999
realme GT 2 Pro
Rs. 57,959
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 5G
Rs. 1,46,999
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G
Rs. 82,999
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Rs. 59,999
Redmi Note 11 Pro
Rs. 19,999
Three best features for consumers:
Product
Feature 1
Feature 2
Feature 3
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G
5G capability
200MP camera
8K video recording
iPhone 14 Pro Max
High-end camera and video capabilities
5G capability
security features
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Excellent camera performance
5G capability
Google Assistant integration
Sony Xperia 1 III XQ-BC72 5G
5G capability
high-resolution display
high-end camera and video capabilities
OnePlus 11 5G
5G capability
High-end camera and video capabilities
fast charging and long battery life
realme GT 2 Pro
High-end camera and video capabilities
5G capability
fast charging and long battery life
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 5G
foldable display
5G capability
High-end camera and video capabilities
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G
foldable display
High-end camera and video capabilities
5G capability
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
high-resolution display
5G capability
high-end camera and video capabilities
Redmi Note 11 Pro
large high-resolution display
fast charging
high-end camera and video capabilities
Best overall product
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is considered the best overall product due to its exceptional user interface, advanced camera system, and superior performance. Additionally, it offers a variety of other features and capabilities that make it a top choice for consumers.
Best value for money
The Sony Xperia 1 III XQ-BC72 5G is considered the best value for money product due to its impressive features, such as a 4K HDR OLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and a 12MP main camera. Additionally, it also offers 5G connectivity, powerful performance, and a variety of other features that make it an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality device at an affordable price.
How to find the perfect smartphone for photography?
Finding the perfect smartphone for photography can be a bit of a challenge. Still, there are a few key factors to consider when deciding.
Camera specs: Look for a smartphone with a high-resolution sensor and a wide aperture (low f-stop number) for better low-light performance. A dual or triple-lens system with various focal lengths can also help capture different types of photos.
Camera software: Look for a smartphone with advanced camera software that includes manual controls, RAW support, and advanced shooting modes.
Display: Consider a smartphone with a high-resolution OLED or AMOLED display, allowing you to preview your photos in great detail.
Battery life: Good battery life is essential for photography as you don't want your phone to die in the middle of a shoot
Durability: Look for a phone with the good build quality and protection from water and dust.
Brand reputation: Look for a phone from a reputable brand with a good track record of producing high-quality camera phones.
Budget: Finally, consider your budget and choose the phone that offers the best value for your money.
Overall, it's important to research and compare different smartphone models to find the one that best meets your needs and preferences as a photographer.
At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
top mobile phones for photography enthusiasts
The most important camera specs for a smartphone for photography are a high-resolution sensor, a wide aperture (low f-stop number), and a dual or triple-lens system with various focal lengths.
OLED or AMOLED displays are better for photography because they offer higher resolution and deeper blacks than LCD displays, allowing for more accurate color reproduction and greater detail in images.
Yes, a phone's battery life is important for photography as you don't want the phone to die in the middle of a shoot. Look for a phone with good battery life.
Some particularly good smartphones for low-light photography include the Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, and Huawei Mate 40 Pro.
The camera software is important in a smartphone for photography as it can offer advanced features such as manual controls, RAW support, and advanced shooting modes. This can help you to achieve the best results possible from the device.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so ... we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority. Read more