In 2025, the smartphone industry has witnessed a remarkable leap in mobile photography, with several flagship models pushing the boundaries of what camera phones can achieve.

Equipped with advanced sensors, multi-lens systems, and AI-powered image processing, these devices deliver professional-grade photography and video capabilities that rival dedicated cameras.

Experts highlight their versatility, from ultra-wide to telephoto lenses, exceptional low-light performance, and sophisticated zoom functions, making them ideal for both casual shooters and photography enthusiasts.


Here is a closer look at six of the year’s best camera phones that have captured attention:


1. iPhone 17 Pro Max

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max emerges as one of 2025’s premier camera smartphones, featuring a refined triple-lens system with a 48MP main sensor with sensor-shift stabilization, a 48MP periscope telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide camera. It supports ProRAW, 4K Dolby Vision and ProRes video at 120fps, Log 2 recording, and the enhanced Photonic Engine for superior low-light performance and detail retention. Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the uniform 48MP across all lenses allows for sharper crops and zoom shots, while improved dynamic range delivers more vivid and detailed images. Dolby Vision HDR, spatial video, and a LiDAR scanner further boost its versatility, making it a standout for professional-grade photography and videography.


2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra


The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra reinforces the brand’s leadership in premium smartphone photography. It features a 200MP main camera, a 50MP periscope lens with 5x optical zoom, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a 50MP ultrawide sensor. Supporting 8K video recording and HDR10+, the phone delivers sharp detail and vibrant colors, cementing its status as one of 2025’s best camera-centric smartphones. Features a 200MP main sensor, dual telephoto lenses (3x and 5x), and AI enhancements for editing and video, making it ideal for all-around use.


3. iPhone 16 Pro Max


Offers excellent video recording with Log tools, a new camera control button, and consistent image quality across scenarios.


4. Vivo X300 Pro


The Vivo X300 Pro has garnered acclaim for its robust triple-camera system, featuring a 50MP wide sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 200MP periscope telephoto lens offering 3.7x optical zoom and macro capabilities, and a 50MP ultrawide lens. With Zeiss optics, Dolby Vision HDR support, 8K video recording, and a 50MP front camera capable of 4K video, the device delivers stunning photos and professional-quality video performance.


5. Google Pixel 10 Pro


The Google Pixel 10 Pro continues the brand’s legacy in computational photography, boasting a 50MP main camera, a 48MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide sensor. Its 42MP front-facing camera captures sharp 4K video, while Google’s advanced imaging algorithms ensure consistently impressive results, making it one of 2025’s most dependable camera phones. Leads in AI-driven computational photography, delivering natural colors and top low-light shots with advanced editing tools.


6. Oppo Find X9 Pro


The Oppo Find X9 Pro completes the lineup of 2025’s top camera phones with a versatile triple-lens setup: a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 200MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. Featuring Hasselblad color calibration, laser autofocus, Dolby Vision, and LOG video recording, it delivers outstanding image and video quality. A 50MP front camera capable of 4K recording adds further appeal for content creators. Shines in zoom with a 200MP telephoto (3x optical, up to 13x lossless) and Hasselblad-tuned colors.