Smartphone camera performance continues to improve year by year. Some models are capable of taking clear, beautiful photos like those taken with a digital camera, making this an important point when choosing a smartphone.
So, this time we will pick up recommended smartphone models with excellent camera performance. We will also introduce noteworthy specifications, so if you are interested, please check it out.
How to choose a smartphone with a high-performance camera
Check the number of pixels
Generally, the higher the pixel count of a smartphone camera, the more detailed and beautiful the photos you can take. On the other hand, the higher the pixel count, the larger the amount of data per image. You should be aware that you may need a large capacity built-in storage or a separate microSD card.
If you plan on printing photos, a 9 megapixel model will be enough to print A4 size photos in high quality, so a 12 megapixel model will be sufficient. If you want to get the best image quality, we recommend a smartphone with a 20 megapixel or higher camera.
Check the F-value
The F-number refers to the aperture of the lens. By adjusting the aperture, you can control the background blur and shutter speed. The smaller the F-number, the more versatile the shots you can take, so be sure to check it out.
If the F-number is small, the lens aperture will be opened, the background will be blurred, and the shutter speed will be fast. For example, when shooting night scenes, you can take brighter pictures with less camera shake, and you can capture moving subjects with precision.
Conversely, a larger F-number means a narrower lens aperture, making it difficult to blur the background, and requiring a slower shutter speed.
Check the number of lenses
Smartphone cameras are usually equipped with a lens of around 28 mm. This is perfect for taking pictures of landscapes and night scenes because it provides an angle of view almost the same as the human field of view when looking around. However, there are limitations to taking portraits from a distance with a blurred background.
However, recent high-end models include “double lens” and “triple lens” models that are equipped with a telephoto lens or a lens for wider angle shooting in addition to the 28mm lens. If you want to enjoy a variety of photographic expressions with your smartphone camera, we recommend choosing a model with a large number of lenses.
Check the Zoom performance
Digital zoom
Digital zoom is a method of increasing the magnification of an image in parts without moving the lens, creating a pseudo-zoom effect. Because only a part of the image is enlarged, the more the image is enlarged, the more grainy and unclear it becomes.
However, because there is no need for a physical zoom mechanism inside the camera, the lens does not protrude from the smartphone, making it smarter. There is a difference in appearance, so be sure to check it out.
Optical zoom
Optical zoom focuses physically using a zoom mechanism built into the lens. Since the zoom is achieved by moving the lens, a large lens is required. Therefore, the disadvantage is that the lens part protrudes. Another concern is that the zoom magnification is smaller than that of digital zoom.
The advantage is that the image quality does not deteriorate even when zoomed in. Since high image quality can be maintained, if you plan to use the zoom function frequently, we recommend a model with optical zoom.
Check out the useful features
Image stabilization function
One thing to worry about when taking photos is camera shake. Camera shake is the phenomenon where the shaking of your hand is transmitted to your smartphone when you release the shutter, causing the image to go out of focus.
Some recent smartphone cameras are equipped with image stabilization functions like digital cameras. By applying image stabilization processing in the opposite direction to the direction of camera shake, the camera shake is corrected and high-resolution photos can be taken.
There are two types of image stabilization: digital, which adds a correction effect through digital processing, and optical, which corrects by moving the correction unit inside the lens. The optical type has a stronger correction effect, so if you want to reliably reduce camera shake, choose a model equipped with optical image stabilization.
AI camera function
Smartphone cameras have a variety of settings, but if you want to take pictures easily, we recommend a model with an AI camera function. The AI chip installed in the smartphone works when shooting, analyzes the subject and scene, and automatically sets the appropriate shooting mode.
If you’re taking pictures of sunsets, you can adjust the redness to make the image more impressive, and if you’re taking portraits, you can adjust the brightness of the face. Even beginners can easily take a variety of photos, so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out.
Selfie function
With the spread of social media, “selfies” have become an established photography style. Selfies are very important when it comes to smartphone cameras, so whether or not your smartphone has a good selfie function is an important point.
Representative functions include the “hand shutter,” which takes a picture a few seconds after you show your palm, and the “smile shutter,” which takes a picture when it detects the subject’s smile. These can be conveniently controlled remotely even when using a selfie stick.
Also, if you want to take pictures of your face more beautifully, we recommend a model that supports skin beautifying effects. It automatically smooths out skin tones and brings you closer to the ideal appearance.
Recommended smartphone manufacturers with high camera performance
Sony
Sony is developing high-performance domestic Android smartphones. Their smartphone brand, Xperia, is characterized by the incorporation of the company’s know-how in digital devices such as LCD TVs and audio speakers. You can enjoy a high-quality entertainment experience.
The camera performance is also extremely good. You can enjoy top-class image quality and advanced photography techniques cultivated in the popular mirrorless interchangeable-lens series “α” on a palm-sized device. Other attractive features include “Eye AF” that keeps the subject in focus and the ability to shoot cinema-quality 4K video.
Samsung
Samsung is a leader in the global smartphone industry. Its market share is also expanding in Japan. The company’s representative smartphone is the Galaxy series. With the launch of commercial services for next-generation communications, 5G, around the world, the company is also focusing on communications.
Another point is that they have a wide range of gadget products, including the tablet “Galaxy Tab”, the wireless earphones “Galaxy Buds”, and the smartwatch “Galaxy Watch Active”. It is a brand whose future developments will be watched closely.
“Google” develops the Android OS. It is installed on a wide range of devices from domestic manufacturers such as Sony and Sharp to overseas manufacturers such as Samsung and Huawei, and is deployed on a global scale.
Although the company has had its own smartphone lineup since 2016, it first arrived in Japan with the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL in 2018. They are designed with Japanese users in mind, including support for the Osaifu-Keitai FeliCa.
It also features high-quality images despite being a single camera, and is designed for ease of use with features such as Google Lens, which can recognize and search for objects.
Apple
Apple is known for its high-end smartphones, and their quality is well-known, especially their professional smartphone cameras.
Depending on the model, the camera lens type is divided into single camera, dual lens type that supports both wide-angle and telephoto, and professional models with triple lens type that supports wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle, and telephoto lenses. Be sure to check the difference before purchasing.
Recommended smartphone models with high camera performance
Google Pixel 9 Pro
This smartphone has a high-performance camera that allows you to take comfortable photos thanks to its excellent AI functions. You can use the “Be in the photo together” function, which allows the AI to synthesize images so that the photographer can be included in the group photo, and the “blur correction function,” which corrects unclear images with a tap. It is convenient because even those who are not used to taking photos can easily create the ideal photo.
The camera specs are also high-level, with a triple-lens configuration of 50MP wide-angle, 48MP ultra-wide-angle, and 48MP telephoto. The front camera is 42MP, so you can take beautiful selfies. There are a wide variety of camera settings available, such as shutter speed and manual focus, so you can take photos to your liking.
In addition, it uses the proprietary high-performance chip “Google Tensor G4”, and the battery life is good. It is said to last more than 24 hours with normal use, and the advantage is that the battery is unlikely to run out even when shooting on the go. The maximum brightness is also high at 2000 nits, and it has excellent visibility outdoors. It is a recommended model for those who want to enjoy serious photography, so be sure to check it out.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
This smartphone is equipped with four high-performance cameras. It has a main camera that captures the subject clearly, an ultra-wide camera that can zoom in on even the smallest details, a telephoto camera that can zoom up to 30x, and a front camera that can take clear selfies. It can take beautiful pictures of both landscapes and people, so it is also recommended for those who want professional camera performance.
Another attractive feature is the ease of editing. By using the editing magic of Google Photos, you can adjust the background and move the subject. It’s recommended for taking photos of trips and events, as it allows you to make memorable photos more creative.
It’s also perfect for shooting videos. By using the “Video Boost” function, you can automatically correct color, brightness, camera shake, etc. You can also use the night scene mode for videos, so you can shoot in dark places. If you want to easily shoot beautiful videos, be sure to check it out.
Sony Xperia 5V
This smartphone uses a new structure, “two-layer transistor pixel stacked CMOS sensor.” It achieves low noise and high sensitivity, making it easy to take high-quality photos. Another point is that it supports “Creative look,” which allows you to choose your favorite color while taking photos.
In terms of specifications, it is equipped with the 8-core “Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform” and a large capacity of 8GB RAM. In addition, this product supports microSD cards, so you can enjoy various content such as apps and videos without worrying about capacity.
The phone is available in three colors: black, platinum silver, and blue. Its compact size of approximately 68mm wide x 154mm high x 8.6mm thick makes it easy to hold in one hand.
Sony Xperia 1V
This smartphone is equipped with a high-performance camera that can take beautiful photos on par with digital cameras that use full-size sensors. It is equipped with a two-layer transistor pixel stacked CMOS image sensor, which allows it to take photos with high sensitivity and low noise. It also achieves high image quality when shooting 4K videos.
Our unique AI technology allows you to control white balance and exposure. It reproduces natural tones just as you see them. It also features an optical zoom lens that does not degrade image quality and highly accurate AF. It is packed with the camera technology cultivated in Sony’s digital single-lens camera “α”.
In addition to its excellent camera performance, it also has excellent sound from audio products and a high-definition 4K OLED display inherited from a TV. It also has excellent gaming performance. It is a highly recommended product that is dustproof and waterproof and can be used in a wide range of shooting scenes.
Sony Xperia 1 â…¥
This smartphone is suitable for telephoto photography. It is equipped with a telephoto optical zoom of up to 170mm, and when combined with digital zoom, it can zoom up to about 21 times. You can take clear photos of distant subjects. It also has a telemacro mode for close-up photography, and supports close-up photography from as close as 4cm. You can take clear photos at long and short distances.
Another point is that it is easy to use in dark environments. The image sensor “Exmor T for mobile” captures more light, allowing you to take photos with less noise regardless of the time of day or location. It can take clear photos even in low-light situations such as nighttime events or indoors, so it is recommended for those looking for something that can be used in a wide range of scenes.
Another advantage is the convenient autofocus function. It can recognize and track the subject at the skeletal level, so it can continue to capture even in places with obstructions or many people. This model is also suitable for shooting sports events and other sporting events where the subject moves a lot.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
This smartphone has a camera that can take high-quality photos. It is equipped with a wide-angle camera with about 200 million pixels, an ultra-wide-angle camera with about 50 million pixels, and a telephoto camera, and also has a high-performance “ProVisual engine”. It can realistically reproduce skin color and texture, and can take clear photos even at night.
Another attractive feature is the convenient functions. By pressing and holding the side button and speaking, AI will provide real-time support based on the content of the conversation. It also comes with “Now Brief” which allows you to check your schedule and energy score. Recommended for those who want a model that is useful for both work and private life.
Another key point is its high durability. This is a sturdy model that uses titanium frame material and Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass. It is waterproof and dustproof to IP68 standards, making it suitable for those who often use it outdoors.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
This smartphone has a high-performance camera that can take high-resolution photos. In addition to adopting a 200-megapixel wide-angle camera, it also comes with the “ProVisual engine” that can improve color tone and reduce noise. It can take photos that capture every detail, so it is recommended for those who want to take more realistic photos.
Another key point is its high durability. In addition to being made of sturdy titanium, it is also waterproof and dustproof to the IP68 standard. The body is scratch-resistant and resistant to sweat, rain, and dust, making it perfect for those who use it outdoors a lot or who want a model that is not likely to break.
The long-lasting battery is also an attractive feature. The longest video viewing time is 30 hours, and the music playback time is 95 hours, so it is convenient for those who want to use their smartphone without worrying about their battery or who do not want to carry a charging cable when they go out. In addition, with a brightness of 2600 nits, it is easy to use even under bright lighting or sunlight.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
This smartphone can be used in two ways, folded and unfolded. It can be used as a smartphone with a 6.3-inch display that can be operated one-handed, and when unfolded, it has a large 7.6-inch screen that allows multiple apps to be run at the same time. By folding it 90 degrees, you can also take photos without the stand.
It uses a triple camera system that combines an ultra-wide-angle and telephoto camera with a wide-angle camera of about 50 million pixels. It also has a “ProVisual engine”, so you can take clear photos with reduced noise even when zoomed in. This model has camera performance that allows you to easily take high-quality photos.
Another attractive feature is the convenient Galaxy AI. In addition to the note assist function, which can transcribe recorded audio and summarize the contents, you can also use the chat assist function, which will complete your sentences by entering a minimum number of keywords. Recommended for those looking for a convenient model that can be used in a wide range of situations.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
A recommended smartphone with a high camera performance that allows you to carry a large screen compactly. The large screen of about 7.6 inches, which is comparable to a tablet, can be folded like a book. It also has a cover display of about 6.2 inches on the outside. You can use the two displays freely.
Equipped with a 50MP wide-angle camera, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 10MP 3x optical zoom telephoto camera. The main display is equipped with a 4MP front camera, and the cover display is equipped with a 10MP cover camera, so you can choose from a wide range of cameras to suit the scene.
It also supports 30x Space Zoom, which combines 3x optical zoom and super-resolution zoom, so you can capture distant subjects in large, high-quality images.
Another big attraction is the dual preview function, which allows you to check the image of both the photographer and the subject while taking the picture. It is also suitable for people who often take portraits or selfies.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
A foldable smartphone that makes it easy to take selfies. By folding the body into an L-shape, you can take stable selfies without a tripod. The approximately 3.4-inch sub-display allows you to check the image while taking the picture, and it is also attractive that the shutter can be released by deciding on a pose. It is suitable for selfies and photos with family and friends.
Another feature is that it can take beautiful photos. The combination of a 50 megapixel camera and the AI-powered “ProVisual engine” allows you to take clear photos even at night or in dark places. Another feature is the auto zoom function, which automatically adjusts the zoom to match the subject, allowing you to capture memories at a natural angle.
Another point is that it is equipped with easy-to-use functions. It is equipped with a “real-time interpretation” function that is convenient for traveling, and a “box search” function that allows you to quickly search for text and images on the screen. This model is useful for both work and private use.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flips5
This smartphone has a 6.7-inch display that can be folded to a size that makes it easy to fit in your pocket. It is recommended for those looking for a model that combines portability and camera performance.
The outside is equipped with a 3.4-inch sub-display, which allows you to check the image when taking a selfie with the rear camera. In addition, the smartphone can stand on its own when taking a photo, so you can take a photo without a tripod.
You can watch videos on the sub-display even with the smartphone closed, making it easy to use. In addition, it has high battery efficiency, so you can enjoy watching videos and playing games for a long time.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
A smartphone with a camera control button. Press the button on the side to quickly launch the camera app, and press it again to take a picture. You can also slide the button to adjust detailed settings such as zoom. This model combines speed and ease of use.
Another attractive feature is the camera’s ability to take clear photos from a distance. The “tetraprism” folds glass under the lens to reflect light, allowing the camera to house a 5x telephoto 120mm lens in a slim body. Since it can capture distant subjects in high quality, it is a great model for taking photos of outdoor natural scenery or events at travel destinations.
Another point is that it can capture high-definition and smooth images. It can shoot high-quality videos with 4K resolution and a frame rate of 120fps. In addition, it has a long-lasting battery. It is equipped with a powerful battery that can play video for 33 hours, so you can reduce the risk of running out of charge on the go.
SHARP AQUOS sense8
A smartphone that is resistant to camera shake. It supports two types of image stabilization, optical and electronic, so you can take clear photos when pressing the shutter of the camera or taking a video while walking. This model is easy to use even for beginners, as it eliminates the need to retake the photo due to shaking caused by vibration.
Another attractive feature is that it is easy to take photos with one hand. The “floating shutter” allows you to move the shutter button to a position that is easy to press, and each button has been designed to be easy to press, so you can switch to self-portraits or record videos with one hand. With its high camera performance and ease of use, it is perfect for travel destinations and events.
It is also easy on the eyes. The display reduces blue light, so you can enjoy videos and games while reducing eye strain. It reduces blue light without affecting image quality, so it is recommended for those who want to reduce eye fatigue while still viewing a vivid screen.
SHARP AQUOS R8 pro
A smartphone equipped with a large 1-inch sensor. It can take professional-quality photos. Another big advantage is that it is equipped with an “AI engine” that allows you to take photos that match the subject.
Another attractive feature is its high-precision, high-speed AF. Since it can focus quickly, it is also suitable for shooting fast-moving subjects such as pets. Another convenient feature is that it uses subject tracking technology.
In addition, it is equipped with a 6.6-inch Pro IGZO OLED display that allows you to enjoy beautiful and realistic images. It also supports Dolby Atmos, a surround sound technology that allows you to experience powerful sound. It is recommended for those looking for a smartphone that has a good camera performance as well as basic functions.
SHARP AQUOS R9 pro
This smartphone has a shutter switch on the side of the device. It is about seven times larger than a regular switch, making it easy to operate and comfortable to press. It lets you take photos with the same feel as using a real camera, so it’s recommended for those who want to take photos like using a real camera, or who want a comfortable feel.
The camera system was designed by Leica, a long-established German brand. It has a standard camera that captures a lot of light, a wide-angle camera that takes clear photos, and a telephoto camera that makes the subject stand out. Each of the three cameras has about 50.3 million pixels, so you can take clear photos. It can be used in a wide range of situations, such as events and travel.
Another attractive feature is that it can take photos with accurate colors. It is equipped with a “14ch spectrum sensor” that measures and corrects the intensity and color of light, allowing you to take photos that are close to the actual colors. The advantage is that the intensity and color of the lighting are less likely to affect the shooting, so you can take photos of food, people, etc. with the colors they see.
Xiaomi 13T Pro
This smartphone is equipped with a professional-grade camera with approximately 50 million pixels. By combining a large image sensor with optical image stabilization, you can take beautiful photos day or night. It also supports 4K video recording.
In addition to the main camera, it also has a telephoto camera and an ultra-wide-angle camera, which allows you to enjoy professional photography with a wide range of angles.
The screen size is about 6.7 inches, with a resolution of 2712 x 1220. It uses AMOLED, which has excellent color reproduction, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy their favorite movies and games in beautiful images.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
This smartphone is equipped with a quad camera system supervised by German camera brand Leica. The four lenses, main camera, telephoto, ultra-wide angle, and periscope, cover six focal lengths, allowing you to take clear photos of your subject. In addition, the photos can be watermarked with Leica’s logo, so it is also recommended for Leica fans.
The high-quality recording modes are also attractive. You can take advantage of the mode that can shoot high-definition 8K videos and the mode that can smoothly depict 4K image quality at 120 fps. It also supports Dolby Vision, so you can create high-brightness, high-contrast images. It’s also perfect for those who want to create their own video content.
Another key feature is the AI-based image processing system. You can take advantage of convenient functions such as “ColorLM” which adjusts colors to be more realistic, “PortraitLM” which brightens and emphasizes the subject of a portrait, and “PortraitLM” which prevents noise in composite images.
OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G
The slim and lightweight body has a curved shape that fits comfortably in the hand. The design around the camera is also carefully designed. Not only does it have excellent camera performance, it is also a stylish smartphone.
The 6.7-inch display has a high refresh rate and can display smooth images. The narrow bezels provide an immersive experience when playing games or watching videos.
A word from the writer
Recently, more and more people are continuing to use the same model for a long time rather than frequently replacing their smartphones. When purchasing, it is important to carefully compare and consider. In addition, the recommended models introduced this time include many smartphones with high specifications as well as high camera performance. If you are looking for a model that will give you high satisfaction, please refer to this article.
