In the age of social media, mobile photography has become more than a trend — it’s a way of life. Whether you’re a content creator, traveler, or casual photographer, having a top-notch camera phone is essential. With so many options on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve rounded up the 10 best camera phones in 2025, blending image quality, performance, and features to help you snap like a pro.
10 Best Camera Phones in 2025 for Photography Lovers
1. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Key Features:
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Triple-Lens Camera System: 48MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto
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5x Optical Zoom (Telephoto Lens)
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Night Mode on All Lenses
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Apple ProRAW & ProRes Video
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Photonic Engine for Enhanced Low-Light Performance
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Smart HDR 5 & Deep Fusion Technology
In-Depth Overview:
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is Apple’s most advanced camera phone to date, raising the bar for mobile photography in 2025. With its refined triple-lens system, Apple delivers a balance of hardware precision and software intelligence, making it ideal for both everyday users and professional creators.
At the heart of the setup is a powerful 48MP main sensor that captures outstanding detail and texture. Whether you’re photographing landscapes, portraits, or macro shots, images come out sharp and color-accurate — even without editing. Apple’s Photonic Engine and Deep Fusion tech work behind the scenes to optimize every pixel, especially in mid to low-light settings.
The standout addition to this model is its 5x optical zoom, achieved through a new tetra-prism telephoto lens design. This gives users more flexibility to capture distant subjects without losing clarity — perfect for events, wildlife, or travel photography.
Night Mode has also seen improvements. It now works across all lenses, including the ultra-wide and telephoto, producing clean, well-lit shots even in near darkness. With Smart HDR 5, skin tones look natural, highlights are preserved, and shadows are well-balanced.
But the iPhone 15 Pro Max doesn’t just excel in still photography. For videographers and content creators, it supports ProRAW for photography and ProRes for video recording, delivering studio-grade quality directly from your pocket. Combined with cinematic mode and real-time stabilization, it’s a true powerhouse for mobile video production.
And let’s not forget usability. Apple’s Camera app remains intuitive and fast, with a simple interface that makes switching modes and manual controls effortless.
Why It’s Great:
Apple continues to dominate the mobile photography space through its smart blend of hardware and computational photography. The iPhone 15 Pro Max delivers consistently stunning photos in any lighting condition, pro-level video tools, and an unmatched editing workflow thanks to seamless iCloud and macOS integration. It’s a favorite among vloggers, Instagrammers, and everyday users who simply want the best shot, every time.
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Key Features:
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200MP Main Camera Sensor
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10x Optical Zoom + 100x Space Zoom
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12MP Ultra-Wide + Dual Telephoto Lenses (3x & 10x)
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Expert RAW Mode & AI Image Optimization
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Super Nightography for Low-Light Photos & Videos
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8K Video Recording with Stabilization
In-Depth Overview:
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a photography beast and arguably the most versatile camera phone on the market. Samsung has packed in a massive 200MP main sensor, offering insane detail, especially in well-lit environments. Thanks to pixel binning technology, the phone merges data from multiple pixels to enhance sharpness, dynamic range, and low-light performance — giving you brilliant results in every scenario.
One of its biggest strengths is zoom versatility. Unlike most phones that cap out at 3x or 5x optical zoom, the S24 Ultra features dual telephoto lenses with 3x and 10x optical zoom, and up to 100x digital “Space Zoom.” Whether you’re shooting a concert from the back row or capturing architectural details on a distant building, you’ll be amazed at how far you can zoom while maintaining usable quality.
Samsung’s improved Nightography features take low-light photography to a whole new level. The camera leverages advanced AI to reduce noise, enhance shadows, and retain vibrant colors, even in dim settings. Night Mode works across all lenses, including zoom and ultra-wide, ensuring your nighttime shots look just as impressive as daytime ones.
For content creators, Expert RAW mode is a dream. It gives you full control over ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and focus, letting you capture uncompressed, editable files. Add to that 8K video recording, ultra-stable footage, and built-in editing tools, and you’ve got everything you need to shoot professional-level video straight from your phone.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra also uses AI-powered photo editing, letting you effortlessly remove objects, enhance details, or relight faces after the shot is taken — all from the default gallery app.
Why It’s Great:
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is Samsung’s most powerful and flexible camera phone ever. With its unmatched zoom range, ultra-high resolution, and pro-level shooting options, it’s built for photographers who want total creative freedom. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a pro, this phone transforms every moment into a masterpiece.
3. Google Pixel 8 Pro
Key Features:
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50MP Main Camera with Octa-PD Autofocus
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Ultra-Wide and 5x Telephoto Lenses
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AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools (Magic Editor, Best Take)
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Real Tone Technology for Inclusive Skin Tone Representation
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Night Sight & Astrophotography Mode
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Pro Controls for Manual Photography Settings
In-Depth Overview:
The Google Pixel 8 Pro continues to set the gold standard for computational photography, and it’s one of the smartest camera phones you can buy in 2025. While the hardware — including its 50MP main sensor and 5x telephoto lens — is solid, it’s Google’s cutting-edge AI software that makes this phone a standout.
The Pixel 8 Pro captures stunningly sharp and color-accurate photos in nearly any condition. Google’s tuning prioritizes natural tones, accurate contrast, and authentic lighting, resulting in shots that often look like they were taken with a DSLR — especially in portrait mode.
What sets it apart are its AI editing tools, like:
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Magic Editor – lets you move subjects, change backgrounds, and adjust lighting after taking the photo.
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Best Take – combines multiple group shots into one where everyone is smiling or has their eyes open.
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Photo Unblur – intelligently sharpens blurry images, even older ones from your photo library.
These tools make the Pixel 8 Pro feel like a mini Photoshop in your pocket — but super beginner-friendly.
Google also leads in inclusive imaging with its Real Tone technology, ensuring all skin tones are captured accurately, naturally, and beautifully. This has been widely praised and makes the Pixel one of the most ethical and inclusive cameras in the industry.
Low-light photography is another area where the Pixel shines. Night Sight and Astrophotography Mode capture rich detail and accurate colors even under the stars. Unlike many phones that oversaturate or brighten too much, Pixel keeps the vibe real, moody, and balanced.
For more advanced users, Google finally added Pro Controls, allowing manual adjustments for ISO, shutter speed, and white balance. While it doesn’t offer RAW flexibility on par with Samsung or Apple, it bridges the gap for photographers who want a little more creative control without the complexity.
Why It’s Great:
The Pixel 8 Pro is the smartest camera phone available, thanks to Google’s next-level AI. It’s ideal for users who want beautiful, true-to-life images without needing to understand photography fundamentals. With clever editing tools, world-class low-light performance, and a strong ethical focus, this phone is a top choice for casual shooters and mobile storytellers alike.
4. Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Key Features:
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1-Inch 50MP Sony LYT-900 Sensor
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Quad-Lens System with Leica Optics
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Variable Aperture (f/1.6–f/4.0)
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Dual Telephoto Lenses (3.2x and 5x Optical Zoom)
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14-bit RAW Shooting + LOG Video Recording
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8K Video + Dolby Vision Support
In-Depth Overview:
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a photography powerhouse that takes mobile imaging to near-DSLR levels. Built in partnership with Leica, it combines cutting-edge hardware with professional-grade software to deliver an exceptional camera experience — especially for those who love creative control and premium image quality.
At the heart of this device is a massive 1-inch 50MP Sony LYT-900 sensor — the largest sensor in any flagship smartphone right now. Why does that matter? Larger sensors capture more light, resulting in better dynamic range, reduced noise, and gorgeous depth-of-field (yes, actual bokeh!). The results are incredibly detailed, lifelike shots with outstanding color depth.
What really makes the Xiaomi 14 Ultra special is its variable aperture feature on the main lens. You can shift between f/1.6 and f/4.0, giving you full control over how much light hits the sensor — just like on a DSLR. This is huge for adjusting exposure, depth of field, and artistic control.
Its quad-camera system includes dual telephoto lenses — a 3.2x portrait zoom and a 5x periscope telephoto — making it super flexible whether you’re capturing facial details or faraway scenes. Thanks to Leica’s tuning, the colors, contrast, and texture mimic the signature “Leica look,” known for its cinematic depth and character.
Professional photographers and videographers will love the support for 14-bit RAW photo capture and 10-bit LOG video recording, allowing advanced color grading in post. And if you’re a video enthusiast, the 14 Ultra shoots 8K footage, with excellent stabilization and rich color rendering thanks to Dolby Vision support.
Low-light? No problem. The large sensor combined with Night Mode and Xiaomi’s AI processing keeps shots noise-free, crisp, and vibrant, even in extreme conditions.
Why It’s Great:
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is as close as it gets to a DSLR in your pocket. With pro tools like variable aperture, dual telephoto lenses, and Leica’s imaging magic, it’s made for photography purists and creative professionals. Whether you’re shooting high-end portraits, cinematic video, or astrophotography, this phone gives you unmatched quality and control.
5. Sony Xperia 1 V
Key Features:
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52MP Exmor T Main Sensor (1/1.35″)
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True Optical Zoom (85mm–125mm / 3.5x–5.2x)
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Real-Time Eye AF & Object Tracking
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Cinematic Pro Mode (Manual Video Controls)
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4K HDR OLED Display (120Hz)
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Dedicated Shutter Button & Photography Pro App
In-Depth Overview:
If you’re a photography enthusiast who craves full manual control and pro-grade output, the Sony Xperia 1 V is made for you. Unlike most smartphones that prioritize computational photography, Sony leans into its deep camera heritage, building a phone that feels like a mirrorless camera in a mobile body.
The Xperia 1 V uses a powerful 52MP Exmor T sensor, which is larger and more advanced than its predecessor. Designed to improve low-light performance and detail capture, it delivers natural contrast, realistic skin tones, and minimal noise — even in dim environments.
One of the standout features is its real optical zoom, ranging from 85mm to 125mm (3.5x–5.2x). This is different from the usual digital crop or hybrid zoom seen on other phones. It means you get true, clean zoomed-in shots without sacrificing image quality.
Where Sony really flexes is in its Photography Pro and Cinematography Pro modes. These apps mirror the settings and UI found on Sony’s Alpha mirrorless cameras, letting you control ISO, shutter speed, focus, white balance, and more — all manually. This is a dream come true for pros and advanced hobbyists who want to compose every shot precisely.
The Xperia 1 V also includes Real-Time Eye Autofocus and subject tracking, a technology pulled straight from Sony’s top-tier cameras. Whether you’re snapping portraits of people or pets, the phone locks on with uncanny precision, keeping eyes sharp even in motion.
For video, you can shoot in 4K HDR at 120fps, with full manual control. Combine that with Sony’s color science, LOG video support, and audio tuning options, and this phone is an absolute gem for mobile filmmakers.
Bonus: The dedicated shutter button on the side adds a tactile, camera-like experience that no other phone in this list offers — great for one-handed shooting or quick snapshots.
Why It’s Great:
The Sony Xperia 1 V is built for photographers and videographers who want total control. If you’re used to DSLR or mirrorless cameras and want that same level of creative flexibility on a phone, this is your ideal companion. It’s not trying to “fake” photography with AI — it’s giving you the real tools to master it
6. OnePlus 12 Pro
Key Features:
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50MP Sony IMX890 Main Sensor
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Hasselblad Color Calibration
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Triple Camera Setup: Ultra-Wide + 3x Telephoto
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Advanced HDR & Nightscape Mode
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RAW+ Format & Pro Mode Controls
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4K Video at 60fps + Dolby Vision Support
In-Depth Overview:
The OnePlus 12 Pro strikes a perfect balance between elegant design, flagship performance, and photography innovation, thanks to its continued partnership with legendary camera brand Hasselblad. If you’re looking for a phone that delivers rich, natural photos without going overboard on post-processing, this one’s a serious contender.
Its primary camera — the 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor — is known for fast focus, excellent color depth, and crisp clarity. OnePlus doesn’t aim to oversaturate or over-sharpen; instead, it leans on Hasselblad’s natural color science, which means your photos look accurate and timeless, not overly filtered or artificial.
The triple-lens system includes a 48MP ultra-wide camera for expansive landscapes and group shots, and a 3x telephoto lens that maintains solid detail when zooming in. The seamless switching between lenses, powered by the phone’s Snapdragon chipset, ensures a smooth and intuitive shooting experience.
Low-light photography is where the Nightscape mode shines. Using AI-powered image stacking and dynamic exposure control, it captures vibrant colors and soft shadows even in near-darkness — without introducing too much noise.
Photographers who like to take control will appreciate Pro Mode, which offers full manual settings and support for RAW+ format. This allows for high dynamic range and more editing flexibility without losing essential detail in shadows or highlights.
Video performance is equally strong, with 4K recording at 60fps, HDR support, and even Dolby Vision, making it ideal for shooting cinematic content on the go. The image stabilization system ensures smooth footage even while moving.
And let’s not forget the phone itself — with a premium glass-and-metal build, large AMOLED display, and long-lasting battery, the OnePlus 12 Pro is just as sleek as it is smart.
Why It’s Great:
The OnePlus 12 Pro offers a refined, artistic photography experience with a focus on true-to-life color, creative flexibility, and premium performance. It’s perfect for those who value elegance and subtlety in their images — a go-to choice for creators, travelers, and anyone who wants consistent, beautiful results without a steep learning curve.
7. Oppo Find X7 Ultra
Key Features:
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50MP Quad-Camera System (Main, Ultra-Wide, Dual Telephoto)
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Dual Periscope Zoom Lenses (3x & 6x Optical)
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1-Inch Sony LYT-900 Sensor on Main Camera
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Hasselblad Natural Color Calibration
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Advanced AI Noise Reduction & HDR Processing
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4K Dolby Vision Video Recording
In-Depth Overview:
The Oppo Find X7 Ultra is a photography-focused flagship that’s redefining zoom versatility and image quality, especially for mobile photographers who crave flexibility without compromise. It’s packed with cutting-edge imaging tech, most notably dual periscope zoom lenses, which is incredibly rare in smartphones.
At its core is the 50MP main camera with a large 1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensor — the same sensor featured in some of the most premium camera phones like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. This sensor captures outstanding light and detail, delivering ultra-sharp images with rich textures and a natural bokeh effect.
The real showstopper is the dual telephoto setup: a 3x periscope zoom for portrait-level compression, and a 6x periscope zoom for serious reach. Combined, they allow for fluid zooming up to 120x (hybrid), all while maintaining excellent clarity and stability. Whether you’re shooting wildlife, sports, or distant architecture, the Find X7 Ultra handles it all with ease.
Oppo’s collaboration with Hasselblad brings in their signature Natural Color Calibration, which ensures your photos maintain true, balanced tones — no oversaturation, no blown highlights. It’s ideal for those who love color-accurate images straight out of the camera.
Night photography also impresses, thanks to advanced AI noise reduction and Oppo’s proprietary HDR fusion algorithm, which keeps shadows detailed and highlights under control even in ultra-low light. Night shots are clean, vibrant, and full of depth without looking artificially brightened.
The Pro Mode allows full manual controls and RAW image capture, while videographers will love the ability to shoot in 4K with Dolby Vision, offering a cinematic look with high dynamic range and rich color grading potential.
All this tech is wrapped in a luxurious, curved design with a stunning display and top-tier performance, making it not just a great camera phone but a truly premium flagship device.
Why It’s Great:
The Oppo Find X7 Ultra is a zoom king with pro-level versatility. With dual periscope lenses, a massive main sensor, and Hasselblad’s imaging magic, it’s perfect for photographers who want DSLR-like framing options and detail in their pocket. If you love portraiture, travel, or long-range shots — this is the ultimate mobile camera tool.
8. Vivo X100 Pro
Key Features:
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50MP Triple Camera System with ZEISS Optics
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1-Inch Main Sensor with Floating Telephoto Lens
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ZEISS APO Telephoto with 4.3x Optical Zoom
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Astrophotography Mode + Long Exposure Features
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Vivo V3 Imaging Chip for Real-Time Enhancements
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4K Night Video & Cinematic Portrait Mode
In-Depth Overview:
The Vivo X100 Pro is built for those who love to explore the limits of mobile photography, especially in creative or challenging light conditions. Developed in close collaboration with ZEISS, the legendary German optics company, this phone delivers sharp, clean, and highly detailed photos — whether you’re shooting stars, portraits, or vibrant cityscapes.
At the heart of the X100 Pro is a 50MP 1-inch main sensor, delivering exceptional depth, color fidelity, and low-light performance. But what really makes this phone unique is its floating periscope telephoto lens, offering a 4.3x optical zoom with APO (Apochromatic) correction. That means reduced chromatic aberration, cleaner edges, and sharper detail — especially important in high-contrast environments.
One of the highlights is its Astrophotography mode, which uses intelligent sky segmentation and long exposure algorithms to capture constellations, star trails, and even the Milky Way with incredible clarity. You don’t need a tripod — just point and shoot. It’s ideal for night explorers and travel photographers.
The Vivo V3 imaging chip works alongside the main processor to enhance real-time imaging. It powers advanced features like 4K night video, bokeh-style cinematic portraits, and live HDR preview before you even hit the shutter. This chip not only improves image quality but makes the entire camera system feel responsive and professional.
ZEISS adds its signature T lens coating*, reducing glare and lens flare, especially during night or backlit photography. Combine this with Vivo’s Pro Mode (for full manual control and RAW shooting), and you have a camera that’s both smart and powerful.
Design-wise, the Vivo X100 Pro is sleek and futuristic, with a massive circular camera module on the back that makes a bold visual statement. The AMOLED display, long battery life, and fast charging round out its premium feel.
Why It’s Great:
The Vivo X100 Pro is a dream for night shooters and creative photographers. With astrophotography tools, ZEISS optics, and pro-level video capabilities, it gives you everything you need to push your mobile photography to new heights — especially when the sun goes down.
9. Huawei P60 Pro
Key Features:
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48MP Main Camera with Variable Physical Aperture (f/1.4–f/4.0)
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48MP Telephoto Lens with 3.5x Optical Zoom
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Ultra-Wide Lens + AI-Enhanced Image Processing
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XD Fusion Pro Engine for Natural Detail Rendering
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Super Night Mode & Light Painting Features
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4K Video with OIS & HDR Vivid
In-Depth Overview:
The Huawei P60 Pro is one of the most technologically advanced camera phones, particularly in how it handles light and exposure. Its biggest innovation is the variable physical aperture on the main lens — a rare feature even among high-end smartphones.
The 48MP main sensor lets you physically adjust the aperture between f/1.4 and f/4.0, giving you real DSLR-like control over how much light enters the lens. Want creamy background blur in a portrait? Use f/1.4. Need more depth of field for a landscape? Switch to f/4.0. This flexibility results in more natural bokeh, better low-light shots, and sharper focus when needed.
Its 48MP periscope telephoto lens provides a 3.5x optical zoom, with exceptional clarity and a wide aperture of f/2.1 — one of the largest ever in a zoom lens. Combined with Huawei’s impressive XD Fusion Pro image engine, it preserves detail and shadow texture even in complex lighting.
Low-light performance is phenomenal. The Super Night Mode merges multiple exposures with AI to brighten scenes while keeping color tone and contrast intact. The phone also features creative tools like Light Painting mode, allowing for artistic long-exposure shots of trails, water flow, and star movement.
For video, the P60 Pro supports 4K HDR Vivid recording, ensuring your clips have great contrast and accurate colors. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) keeps everything smooth, even while shooting handheld.
Huawei’s AI image processing continues to impress. It intelligently boosts dynamic range, adapts white balance, and fine-tunes textures — all without making your photos look artificial. The results are realistic and polished, perfect for both casual shooters and serious mobile photographers.
Why It’s Great:
The Huawei P60 Pro is ideal for photographers who want precision control over depth, light, and exposure. With its groundbreaking variable aperture, excellent zoom, and masterful low-light performance, it’s perfect for both artistic and technical shooters who demand more from their smartphone camera.
10. ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Key Features:
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50MP Sony IMX890 Main Camera with Gimbal Stabilization
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13MP Ultra-Wide & 32MP 3x Telephoto Lens
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6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal 3.0 Stabilizer
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AI Night Mode & Light Trail Features
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Pro Video Mode + Wind Noise Reduction Mic Setup
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144Hz AMOLED Display + Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
In-Depth Overview:
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro may be best known as a gaming powerhouse, but in 2025, ASUS flipped the script and delivered a phone that’s not just for gamers — it’s now a legit photography and videography beast, especially for action shooters and vloggers.
The headline feature is the 50MP Sony IMX890 main sensor, the same flagship-grade sensor used in premium phones — but here, it’s paired with next-gen gimbal stabilization. ASUS’s 6-axis Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 is one of the best in the mobile market, keeping your shots ultra-smooth even while running, jumping, or shooting from a moving vehicle. If you’re into action photography or filming on the go, this is a game-changer.
The camera system also includes a 32MP 3x telephoto lens for zoomed-in shots with high detail, and a 13MP ultra-wide lens for expansive perspectives — both surprisingly capable given the phone’s gaming-focused roots.
Low-light performance is strong, thanks to a combination of AI Night Mode and ASUS’s advanced noise reduction. You’ll also find creative tools like Light Trail mode (great for capturing moving lights in cities or car trails) and Pro Video Mode, which offers manual controls and 4K video recording.
Vloggers and content creators will appreciate ASUS’s built-in wind noise reduction mic setup — perfect for outdoor filming — and the Vlog Mode, which uses stabilization and smart focus to keep faces clear and well-lit.
Beyond cameras, the phone is stacked: A 144Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, massive battery, and RGB customization make it a multitasking beast for gaming and content creation.
Why It’s Great:
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro proves that a gaming phone can also be a top-tier camera phone. With gimbal-like stability, high-res sensors, and smart video features, it’s perfect for creators who need buttery-smooth footage and dynamic photography — all packed in a flashy, high-performance body.
