Top 10 Best Camera Phones for Photography in 2025 That Capture Photos Like a DSLR

Top 10 Best Camera Phones for Photography that Capture Photos Like a DSLR

In 2025, smartphone cameras have reached unprecedented levels of sophistication, blurring the lines between professional photography equipment and the device in your pocket.

Today's flagship phones pack advanced sensors, multiple lenses, and intelligent processing that can rival dedicated cameras in many scenarios.

Whether you're an aspiring photographer, social media enthusiast, or simply someone who values quality imagery, these top 10 camera phones deliver exceptional results that were once the exclusive domain of DSLRs.

A New Era of Mobile Photography

The latest generation of smartphone cameras represents a quantum leap in capability. With larger sensors, computational photography advancements, and professional-grade controls, these devices are redefining what's possible with pocket-sized equipment. Let's explore the elite models that stand at the forefront of this photography revolution.

10. Google Pixel 7a - Best Budget Camera Phone

• Performance: Superb for its price range.
• Strengths: Night Sight, realistic portraits, consistent performance.
• Ideal For: Budget-conscious users who still want near-flagship results.

Proving that exceptional photography doesn't require flagship prices, the Google Pixel 7a continues to impress with its 64MP main sensor and 12MP ultrawide lens. Google's computational photography expertise ensures this more affordable option delivers results that often rival much more expensive devices.

The Pixel 7a excels at point-and-shoot photography, consistently producing detailed, well-exposed images without requiring user intervention. Its portrait mode creates convincing background blur, while Night Sight captures impressive low-light shots that belie the phone's mid-range status.

For aspiring photographers on a budget or those who simply want great photos without the flagship price tag, the Pixel 7a represents exceptional value and demonstrates how software can elevate camera hardware beyond its price class.

Key Features

• 64MP main sensor + 12MP ultrawide delivering flagship-grade results
• Tensor-powered image processing with Night Sight and Portrait Mode
• Auto HDR and subject separation mimicking DSLR bokeh
• Great photos with minimal effort, ideal for beginners

9. Sony Xperia 1 VI - For Photography Purists

• Performance: Professional-grade experience with manual control.
• Strengths: RAW bursts at 20fps, physical shutter, Alpha camera interface.
• Ideal For: Experienced photographers, manual shooters, Sony Alpha users.

Sony brings its camera expertise to smartphones with the Xperia 1 VI, a device designed for photography enthusiasts who appreciate traditional camera controls. The Photography Pro and Videography Pro apps mimic Sony's Alpha camera interface, providing a familiar experience for those transitioning from dedicated cameras.

The 12MP fast-readout sensors enable 20fps RAW bursts with continuous autofocus and auto-exposure tracking—capabilities typically reserved for professional cameras. Sony's approach to color reproduction prioritizes realism over social media appeal, resulting in images that photographers will appreciate.

Additional features like a 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD slot, and physical shutter button complete the pro-focused package. The Xperia 1 VI even offers an external monitor mode to control Sony Alpha cameras via USB-C, cementing its position as the photographer's smartphone of choice.

Key Features

• Photography Pro and Videography Pro apps with manual controls
• 12MP sensors with fast-readout for 20fps burst RAW + autofocus
• Physical shutter button and microSD slot for a DSLR-style setup
• Color tuning for realism and minimal digital enhancement

8. Xiaomi 14 - Compact Photography Champion

• Performance: Impressive for its compact form.
• Strengths: Excellent main sensor, Leica tuning, good low-light ability.
• Ideal For: Travel, street photography, users wanting power in a small package.

For those who find flagships too unwieldy but don't want to compromise on image quality, the Xiaomi 14 offers a more compact alternative with serious photographic credentials.

While it lacks the variable aperture and 5x telephoto of its Ultra sibling, the Xiaomi 14 still delivers exceptional results from its 50MP main sensor and complementary ultrawide and 3.2x telephoto lenses.

The Leica partnership is evident in the camera's color science and imaging profiles, allowing photographers to choose between vibrant colors or more natural, subdued tones.

Despite its smaller size, the main sensor delivers excellent low-light performance and impressive dynamic range.

With its premium build quality and manageable dimensions, the Xiaomi 14 is perfect for street photography or travel, where discretion and portability matter as much as image quality.

It represents an excellent compromise for serious photographers who prefer a more pocketable device.

Key Features

• 50MP Leica-tuned main sensor for high dynamic range
• 3.2x telephoto + ultrawide for creative compositions
• Natural and Vibrant color modes inspired by Leica cameras
• Compact design ideal for street photography with DSLR-like depth

7. OnePlus 13 - Color Accuracy Expert

• Performance: Smooth and accurate.
• Strengths: Hasselblad color science, motion capture, great for candid portraits.
• Ideal For: Portrait and lifestyle photography, vibrant and clean visuals.

The OnePlus 13 approaches mobile photography with an emphasis on color accuracy and realism. Its triple 50MP camera system benefits from Hasselblad's color science, resulting in images with punch and realism that stand out on social media while maintaining photographic integrity.

A clever dual-exposure pipeline fuses short and long frames, ensuring moving subjects like children or pets remain sharp while still capturing dynamic range.

This makes the OnePlus 13 particularly well-suited for portrait and candid photography.

The OnePlus 13 truly shines when action starts, with cameras capable of freezing motion with minimal blur—perfect for sports, wildlife, or capturing spontaneous moments.

For photographers who value color accuracy and motion-freezing capabilities, the OnePlus 13 delivers a compelling package.

Key Features

• Triple 50MP lenses with advanced exposure fusion
• Hasselblad color science for true-to-life hues
• Fast shutter and motion freezing ideal for action shots
• Balanced dynamic range and consistent skin tone reproduction

6. Honor Magic 6 Pro - Low-Light Champion

• Performance: Dominates in low-light and zoom.
• Strengths: 180MP periscope lens, fast action capture (0.2 sec), great nighttime clarity.
• Ideal For: Night shooters, zoom lovers, and event photographers.

The Honor Magic 6 Pro has carved out a niche as the premier device for low-light photography.

Its 50MP main camera with variable aperture (f/1.4-f/2.0) captures exceptional detail in dimly lit environments, while its headline feature—a massive 180MP periscope telephoto—delivers tack-sharp zoom shots without digital degradation.

This telephoto innovation allows for "lossless" zoom up to 5x, with usable results extending to 15x, making it a zoom lover's dream.

The AI Falcon capture system can grab fast action in 0.2-second bursts, ensuring you never miss the perfect moment even in challenging lighting.

The Magic 6 Pro also excels in video with HDR10+ support and excellent microphone wind-noise reduction.

For night photography enthusiasts or those who frequently shoot in challenging light conditions, the Honor Magic 6 Pro offers specialized capabilities that few competitors can match.

Key Features

• 50MP main sensor with variable aperture (f/1.4–f/2.0) for light flexibility
• 180MP periscope lens with up to 15x usable zoom
• AI Falcon Capture for freezing motion in dim conditions
• HDR10+ video and pro-grade audio recording

5. Google Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL - Computational Photography Master

• Performance: Computational photography at its best.
• Strengths: Low-light magic, real-time HDR, perfect skin tones, zero effort shooting.
• Ideal For: Point-and-shoot users, social media, and street photographers.

Google continues to push the boundaries of computational photography with the Pixel 9 Pro series.

Despite not having the largest sensors or highest megapixel counts, the Pixel's camera system—comprising a 50MP main sensor and twin 48MP ultrawide and 5x periscope lenses—delivers consistently impressive results.

The secret to the Pixel's success lies in its Tensor G4 chip and Google's industry-leading image processing algorithms.

Features like Night Sight for low-light photography, Portrait Mode with excellent subject separation, and Real Tone for accurate skin tones set the Pixel apart from competitors.

For those who prefer a point-and-shoot experience that consistently delivers stunning photos without manual adjustments, the Pixel 9 Pro series represents the pinnacle of smart photography.

Its computational magic turns challenging shooting conditions into opportunities for remarkable images.

Key Features

• Tensor G4 chip powering industry-best image processing
• 50MP main + dual 48MP ultrawide and periscope for balance and reach
• Night Sight, Portrait Mode, and Real Tone for DSLR-quality images under any conditions
• Automatic scene optimization with minimal manual effort

4. iPhone 16 Pro Max - Video King

• Performance: Excellent for both photos and industry-leading for video.
• Strengths: Natural color science, ProRes and Dolby Vision video, strong performance in all lighting.
• Ideal For: Content creators, filmmakers, casual shooters wanting realism.

Apple's flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max continues to set the standard for mobile videography while making significant strides in still photography.

The 48MP Fusion main sensor pairs with a new 48MP ultrawide and the 12MP 5x telephoto (using innovative tetraprism technology) to deliver Apple's most capable camera system to date.

Where the iPhone truly shines is video capture. With 4K recording at 120fps, Dolby Vision HDR support, and the ability to record ProRes video directly to an external SSD, the iPhone 16 Pro Max provides cinema-quality video capabilities that rival professional equipment.

The new Camera Control button enhances the photography experience, offering intuitive access to camera functions.

Apple's approach to color science and image processing produces photos that look authentic and natural—like photographs rather than over-processed digital images—making the iPhone 16 Pro Max an excellent choice for those who value realism in their photography.

Key Features

• 48MP Fusion sensor and tetraprism 5x telephoto for hybrid precision
• 4K at 120fps, Dolby Vision, and ProRes for cinematic video
• New Camera Button for faster access and more control
• True-to-life color science and advanced HDR

3. Oppo Find X8 Pro - Photography Powerhouse

• Performance: Reliable and detailed across the board.
• Strengths: Clean zoom performance, intuitive physical camera button, balanced color processing.
• Ideal For: Enthusiasts who want both control and quality.

The Oppo Find X8 Pro emerges as a dark horse in the camera phone race, offering a photography system that excels in nearly every metric.

With its high-resolution main sensor and dual telephoto arrangement, the X8 Pro delivers exceptional image quality throughout its zoom range.

A standout feature is its dedicated camera control button, providing intuitive access to the camera's impressive capabilities.

The telephoto performance at both 3x and 6x ranges is particularly noteworthy, offering clean, detailed images without the quality degradation often seen in competing models.

The X8 Pro's computational photography features are equally impressive, with advanced algorithms that enhance details while maintaining natural colors and textures.

For photographers who value versatility and reliability, the Oppo Find X8 Pro represents one of the most complete camera packages available.

Key Features

• High-res main sensor with large pixel size for low-light strength
• Dual telephoto (3x & 6x) lenses for optical-quality zoom range
• Dedicated shutter button for DSLR-style shooting
• Natural image processing with accurate tones and textures

2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - Best All-Rounder

• Performance: Versatile and consistent in all conditions.
• Strengths: High-res 200MP main sensor, excellent zoom range (up to 10x), AI-driven detail and clarity.
• Ideal For: Everyday users, travelers, zoom-heavy use cases (wildlife, concerts).

Samsung's flagship continues to evolve and impress with its balanced approach to mobile photography.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra combines a remarkable 200MP main sensor with a versatile lens arrangement that includes a new 50MP ultrawide and dual telephoto lenses (10MP 3x and 50MP 5x).

The S25 Ultra's AI ProVisual Engine elevates its performance, delivering images with incredible detail in daylight and impressive clarity in low light thanks to advanced pixel-binning technology.

The 10x optical zoom capability remains class-leading, making this phone ideal for wildlife, concert, or sports photography where distance is a factor.

As a bonus, the integrated S Pen can function as a remote shutter, perfect for group shots or stable long-exposure photography.

For users seeking a premium all-purpose camera phone with exceptional versatility, the S25 Ultra delivers consistently outstanding results across all shooting scenarios.

Key Features

• 200MP main sensor for unmatched detail
• 50MP ultrawide + dual telephoto (3x & 5x) lenses for versatile zoom
• AI ProVisual Engine for advanced image processing and noise control
• 10x optical zoom for DSLR-like telephoto performance

1. Xiaomi 14 Ultra - The Ultimate Camera Phone

• Performance: Outstanding. DSLR-level quality, especially with its 1-inch sensor and variable aperture.
• Strengths: Low-light photography, depth-of-field control, manual photography with the Photography Kit.
• Ideal For: Pro photographers, low-light and portrait shooters.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has rightfully earned its place at the summit of mobile photography.

Co-engineered with legendary camera maker Leica, this device is essentially a pocket DSLR with its massive 1-inch main sensor and variable aperture system (f/1.6-f/4.0).

What sets the 14 Ultra apart is its quad 50MP camera array, providing exceptional versatility across all shooting scenarios.

The variable aperture main lens offers true depth control reminiscent of traditional cameras, while the optional Photography Kit accessory adds physical controls that will make any photography enthusiast feel right at home.

Low-light performance is particularly remarkable, with the large sensor capturing stunning detail even in challenging conditions.

For those serious about mobile photography and willing to invest in the ultimate tool, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra currently stands unmatched.

Key Features

• 1-inch main sensor for high light sensitivity and shallow depth of field
• Variable aperture (f/1.6–f/4.0) for true background blur control
• Quad 50MP lens setup for consistent quality across all focal lengths
• Leica tuning and Photography Kit for pro-level manual control

What Makes These Phones DSLR-Like?

Modern smartphone cameras approach DSLR quality through several key innovations:

• Larger Sensors: The one-inch sensor in the Xiaomi 14 Ultra captures significantly more light than typical smartphone sensors, approaching APS-C camera capability in certain conditions.
• Computational Photography: By combining multiple frames and applying advanced processing, smartphones can achieve dynamic range and detail that rival or exceed single-shot DSLR images.
• Multiple Focal Lengths: Instead of changing lenses, today's phones offer ultrawide, standard, and telephoto options that cover most photography needs.
• Manual Controls: Professional modes with adjustable settings give photographers the creative control traditionally associated with dedicated cameras.
• RAW Capture: Most flagship models support RAW file formats, allowing for extensive post-processing similar to professional workflows.

Choosing Your Perfect Camera Phone

When selecting among these photography powerhouses, consider your specific needs:

• Versatility seekers will appreciate the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or Oppo Find X8 Pro
• Video enthusiasts should gravitate toward the iPhone 16 Pro Max
• Low-light specialists will find the Honor Magic 6 Pro or Xiaomi 14 Ultra exceptional
• Budget-conscious photographers will get tremendous value from the Google Pixel 7a
• Traditional camera enthusiasts might prefer the Sony Xperia 1 VI's familiar approach

The Verdict

The gap between smartphone cameras and dedicated photography equipment continues to narrow in 2025.

While DSLRs and mirrorless cameras still maintain advantages in specific scenarios—particularly with very long telephoto requirements or specialized professional applications—today's flagship smartphones deliver exceptional image quality that satisfies the needs of most photographers.

Whether you're capturing family moments, travel adventures, or pursuing creative photography, these top 10 camera phones deliver results that were unimaginable just a few years ago.

The best camera, as they say, is the one you have with you—and when that camera is as capable as these devices, the creative possibilities are virtually limitless