Top 10 Smartphones with DSLR-Like Camera Features for Photography Lovers

Top 10 Smartphones with DSLR-Like Camera Features for Photography Lovers

Smartphone photography in 2025 is nothing short of revolutionary. Thanks to cutting-edge sensors, advanced AI, and pro-grade lenses, today’s top smartphones rival—and in some scenarios, even outperform—entry-level DSLRs. Whether you’re a content creator, travel enthusiast, or simply love capturing life’s moments in stunning detail, this guide spotlights the top 10 smartphones with DSLR-like camera features that will elevate your photography game.

10. Motorola Edge 50 Ultra

The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra impresses with a 200MP main sensor, periscope zoom, and AI-powered features. Its versatile camera system delivers sharp, detailed images across wide, telephoto, and macro modes. With 8K video, advanced night mode, and pro-level editing tools, the Edge 50 Ultra is a strong choice for users who want both power and flexibility in mobile photography.

Key features:

• 200MP main, periscope zoom, AI, 8K video, multi-mode, pro editing.

Best For:

• Motorola fans, telephoto photography

9. Xiaomi 14 Ultra

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers Leica-branded optics, a 1-inch main sensor, and up to 120x digital zoom. Its quad-camera system covers ultra-wide, telephoto, and macro, delivering pro-level results in every scenario. With advanced AI features, 8K video, and RAW support, the 14 Ultra is built for users who want flexibility and creative control in their photography.

Key features:

• Leica optics, 1-inch sensor, 120x zoom, quad camera, AI, 8K video, RAW.

Why It Excels:

• The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the clearest indicator yet that Xiaomi wants to be the best in mobile photography, even if some parts of the world don't know it. Anecdotal as it may be, people react with surprise at the images they see captured by the phone when I show them

Best For:

• Photography enthusiasts, Leica fans, and users who want true 1-inch sensor performance

8. Realme GT 6 Pro

The Realme GT 6 Pro combines a 50MP Sony sensor, 3x optical zoom, and advanced night mode for clear, vibrant images in all conditions. Its AI-powered features enhance portraits, landscapes, and macro shots, while 4K video and a dedicated pro mode offer creative flexibility. The GT 6 Pro is a strong contender for users seeking flagship camera performance at a competitive price.

Key features:

• 50MP Sony, 3x zoom, night mode, AI, 4K video, pro mode, value.

Best For:

• Value seekers, emerging market photography.

7. Huawei P70 Pro+

Huawei’s P70 Pro+ features an Ultra Vision sensor, advanced periscope zoom, and AI HDR for stunning night and portrait photography. Its multi-lens setup delivers crisp, detailed images in all lighting conditions, while the AI-powered image processing ensures natural skin tones and vibrant colors. With 8K video, RAW support, and a robust night mode, the P70 Pro+ is a top choice for those who demand DSLR-like versatility and performance in a smartphone.

Key features:

• Ultra Vision sensor, periscope zoom, AI HDR, 8K video, RAW, advanced night mode.

Limitations:

• Limited Google services availability in some markets, restricted 5G support in certain regions.

Best For:

• Innovation enthusiasts, macro photography, and extreme zoom capabilities

6. Sony Xperia 1 VI

The Sony Xperia 1 VI is built for photography and videography professionals, featuring a 1-inch Exmor T sensor, Zeiss optics, and a variable telephoto lens. With pro-level manual controls, RAW shooting, and S-Cinetone color science, it delivers cinematic results. The phone supports 4K HDR video recording, real-time Eye AF, and advanced stabilization. Its Creator Mode and external monitor functionality make it a favorite among content creators who want DSLR-like flexibility in a pocketable device.

Key features:

• 1-inch sensor, Zeiss optics, variable telephoto, S-Cinetone, 4K HDR video, pro manual controls.

Notable Limitations:

• It can produce some good results in certain conditions, and gives you lots to work with if you want those manual controls; however, it lags behind other flagships in overall image processing compared to computational photography leaders.

Best For:

• Sony ecosystem users, professional video creators, and manual control enthusiasts

5. Google Pixel 8 Pro

The Pixel 8 Pro leverages Google’s AI to deliver outstanding images with its 50MP main sensor and 5x telephoto lens. Features like Magic Eraser, Real Tone, and advanced HDR make it a leader in color accuracy and portrait photography. The phone excels in low-light and challenging conditions, while its 4K video and Super Res Zoom ensure versatility for all types of content creators.

Key features:

• 50MP main, 5x telephoto, Magic Eraser, Real Tone, HDR, 4K video.

Why It's Notable:

• After using it on several occasions, side by side with some of my favorite mirrorless cameras, I can see myself leaving a bulky digital camera at home and using the phone instead without feeling like it's a huge compromise

Best For:

• Computational photography enthusiasts, daylight photography, and AI-powered editing

4. Oppo Find X8 Pro

The Oppo Find X8 Pro is a flagship smartphone designed for photography enthusiasts who demand DSLR-like performance in their pocket. It features a next-generation 1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensor, co-engineered with Hasselblad, delivering stunning clarity and true-to-life color.

The triple camera system includes a 50MP wide, 50MP ultra-wide, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with up to 120x digital zoom, ensuring versatility for portraits, landscapes, and distant subjects. Advanced AI scene optimization, Super Night Mode, and 4K/60fps video recording make it a creative powerhouse. Its premium build, curved AMOLED display, and fast charging complete the high-end experience.

Key features:

• 1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensor, Hasselblad color calibration, 64MP periscope zoom, 120x digital zoom, Super Night Mode, 4K/60fps video, premium design.

Why It's Excellent:

• The Oppo Find X8 Pro's camera delivered excellent results in our tests. The camera was very well balanced, making it a versatile option for most use cases. We particularly noticed its performance in low-light conditions.

Best For:

• Balanced photographers, low-light shooting, and portrait photography.

3. Vivo X200 Pro

The Vivo X200 Pro sets a new benchmark with its ZEISS co-engineered triple camera: 50MP True Color main (Sony LYT-818), 200MP APO telephoto with 100x HyperZoom, and 50MP ultra-wide. Its large sensors, ZEISS T* Coating, and CIPA 4.5 stabilization deliver stunning clarity and HDR color, even in low light.

The AI Erase feature, advanced night mode, and versatile telephoto options (portrait, macro, nightscape) make this phone a true DSLR challenger. The V3+ imaging chip and professional video features round out an impressive package for any serious photographer.

Key features:

• 50MP main, 200MP telephoto, 100x HyperZoom, ZEISS optics, AI Erase, pro stabilization, V3+ chip.

Best For:

• Portrait photography, professional content creation.

2. iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max

Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are set to redefine mobile imaging with a new 48MP ultra-wide camera, upgraded periscope telephoto for 5x optical and 25x digital zoom, and a main sensor rumored to capture twice as much light for stunning low-light shots. The devices support ProRAW, spatial video, and benefit from anti-reflective ALD coating to reduce lens flare.

With LiDAR for depth mapping and industry-leading color accuracy, these iPhones excel in both photography and 4K/120fps cinematic video, making them the go-to choice for Apple fans and content creators.

Key features:

• 48MP ultra-wide, 5x optical zoom, ProRAW, LiDAR, anti-reflective coating, 4K/120fps video.

Why It Excels:

• When you want to capture stunning-looking video, Apple's iPhone 16 Pro (or the larger Pro Max) is the best choice on the market right now. You don't need to worry about shaky-handcam footage even when you're cropping in on a fast-moving subject.

Best For:

• Videographers, filmmakers, and natural photography aesthetics

1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra pushes mobile photography to new heights with a rumored 200MP main sensor, upgraded 50MP ultrawide lens, and advanced periscope telephoto zoom. Its new 4-in-1 pixel binning technology ensures sharp, detailed images even in low light, while the bright f/1.7 aperture and EIS deliver crisp, stable shots. With support for JPEG and DNG formats, 8K video, and AI-powered editing, the S25 Ultra is a versatile tool for both photos and cinematic videos. Its enhanced dynamic range and improved low-light capabilities make it a top pick for serious photographers.

Key features:

• 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, periscope zoom, EIS, 8K video, AI editing, pro RAW support.

Why It's Elite:

• The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra claims the crown as 2025's most versatile camera phone, scoring an impressive 158 points in comprehensive camera testing—the highest rating currently available.

Best For:

• All-around photographers, content creators, and zoom photography.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which smartphone has the best DSLR-like camera in 2025?

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are top contenders for their large sensors, advanced zoom, and pro-grade features.

Can smartphones really replace DSLRs for photography?

For most users and even many enthusiasts, modern smartphones deliver DSLR-like quality in many scenarios, especially with computational photography and advanced sensors.

What features should I look for in a DSLR-like camera phone?

Large sensor size, multi-lens setup, optical zoom, RAW support, OIS, and advanced AI editing tools.