Top 5 Smartphones with DSLR-Like Camera Features
For photography enthusiasts, smartphones with DSLR-like camera features have revolutionized mobile photography, offering incredible capabilities for capturing stunning images without the need for bulky cameras.
Whether you're an aspiring photographer or simply love to take breathtaking photos, the latest smartphones now boast advanced features like larger sensors, professional-grade lenses, and powerful software for enhanced image processing.
These devices bring the art of photography into your pocket, making it easier than ever to shoot like a pro on the go. Let’s dive into the top 5 smartphones that offer DSLR-like camera features, perfect for photography lovers.
| Rank | Smartphone |
|---|---|
| 5 | OnePlus 13 (Hasselblad Edition) |
| 4 | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL |
| 3 | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| 2 | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
| 1 | Xiaomi 14 Ultra |
#5. OnePlus 13 (Hasselblad Edition)
The OnePlus 13 shines as an exceptional flagship all-rounder. Its 6.82-inch display is stunning, offering incredible sharpness and superb color accuracy.
What Makes It DSLR-Like:
The Hasselblad partnership brings professional color science to the OnePlus 13. Thanks to the firm's continuing partnership with Hasselblad there's a 1x, 2x, and 3x Portrait mode that emulates the look from Hasselblad camera lenses.
Video Capabilities: You can record up to 8K resolution at 30fps but keep in mind the space these videos will occupy, there's also a 4K 60fps option and of course slow-mo at 1080p 240fps.
The triple-lens system provides versatility with a 23mm wide angle, a 15mm ultra-wide angle and a 73mm triprism lens that provides approximately 3x optical zoom. All three lenses have a 50MP sensor.
Best For: Budget-conscious enthusiasts, portrait photography lovers, users who want professional features without flagship pricing
Strengths: Hasselblad color calibration, excellent value proposition, strong video capabilities, premium build quality
Limitations: Limited zoom range compared to competitors, occasional color inconsistency between lenses
#4. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google's approach to smartphone photography focuses on software intelligence rather than just hardware specifications. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch display, the biggest battery we've ever seen in a Pixel phone, and 37W wired charging.
What Makes It DSLR-Like:
There's also now a "Pro" mode for those who like to take manual control of exposure settings. However, the headline is that Google has gone all-in on AI, with powerful features like "Best Take" and "Magic Editor" that let users do futuristic, postmodern things like swap out faces in group shots.
The Pixel's computational photography can achieve results that challenge the laws of physics.
Even more surprising, Google has amped up the Macro photo capabilities of this camera, and testing against full-frame Nikon DSLRs revealed truly eye-opening results.
Professional Features: The 5x periscope telephoto lens provides genuine optical zoom, while Google's advanced AI processing ensures consistently excellent results across all lighting conditions.
The Pixel 8 Pro's "Night Sight" mode produces excellent results.
Best For: Computational photography enthusiasts, users who prefer software intelligence over manual controls, those who value long-term software support
Strengths: Industry-leading AI features, exceptional night photography, 7-year software support, competitive pricing
Limitations: Limited manual controls compared to competitors, smaller telephoto range
#3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Still stellar a year on, the S24 Ultra offers the last true 10× optical zoom in Samsung's lineup, making it a bargain for wildlife or concert shooters who need serious reach. The S25 Ultra continues this legacy with refined features and improved AI processing.
What Makes It DSLR-Like:
The dual telephoto system sets the S25 Ultra apart. It sports dual telephoto lenses with 3x and 10x optical zoom, letting users get closer to the action without the quality drop from digital zoom.
This flexibility mirrors the lens-changing capability of DSLR systems.
Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra continues its legacy as a zoom photography beast. The phone features a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom and OIS, enhanced by AI-backed scene optimisation and detail enhancer algorithms.
The S Pen adds unique functionality, doubling as a remote shutter for group photos, bringing wireless camera control that's particularly useful for self-portraits and group shots.
Best For: Wildlife photographers, sports shooters, zoom enthusiasts, users who need extreme versatility
Strengths: Unmatched 10x optical zoom, versatile telephoto system, S Pen remote control, excellent low-light zoom
Limitations: Color inconsistency between lenses, overly processed images at times
#2. iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max continues to set the standard for smartphone photography excellence. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are standout cameras, capturing the most impressive images seen from any iPhone.
What Makes It DSLR-Like:
The standout feature is the new Camera Control button – A Camera Control button on the side of the iPhone 16 Pro makes it easy to launch the camera, snap photos and even control different modes without having to use any on-screen controls.
This physical control brings the tactile experience of professional cameras to the iPhone.
It still boasts a main 48MP camera, plus 5x optical zoom and 12MP telephoto lenses.
Users can expect quality images from the iPhone Pro Max, especially when capturing in 48MP ProRAW, while Apple's computational photography ensures consistently excellent results.
Video Excellence: When users 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. The advanced stabilization system and 4K 120fps recording capabilities rival dedicated video cameras.
Best For: iOS ecosystem users, video content creators, photographers who prioritize consistency and ease of use
Strengths: Exceptional video quality, intuitive Camera Control, consistent results, long-term software support
Limitations: No 8K recording, limited zoom range compared to competitors
#1. Xiaomi 14 Ultra
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the best camera phone available in 2025. Paired with the optional Photography Kit accessory, this is the first phone that can genuinely replace a DSLR for many people – it's really that good.
What Makes It DSLR-Like:
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra represents a paradigm shift in mobile photography. Across all four 50Mp rear Leica lenses – variable-aperture main, ultrawide, 3.2x floating telephoto and 5x telephoto – users can expect stunning results.
The variable aperture main camera can adjust between f/1.4 and f/2.0, mimicking the behavior of professional camera lenses.
The optional Photography Kit transforms the phone into a professional camera system, complete with a grip that provides DSLR-like ergonomics and extended battery life.
The way the camera captures light is a particular highlight, to the extent that many people wouldn't believe some photos came from a smartphone.
Best For: Professional mobile photographers, content creators who need maximum image quality, photography enthusiasts transitioning from DSLRs
Strengths: Leica color science, true variable aperture, comprehensive lens system, professional accessories
Limitations: Premium pricing, large size when using Photography Kit
What Makes a Smartphone Camera "DSLR-Like" in 2025?
Before examining the top picks, it's essential to establish what separates truly professional smartphone cameras from the pack. The term "DSLR-like" isn't just marketing speak – it represents specific capabilities that mirror professional photography equipment.
Optical Zoom Capabilities: The newest flagships from the likes of Samsung and Huawei even have periscope-style lenses that offer varying degrees of optical zoom. The best historically offered 10x magnification, which can rival the power of DSLRs. Unlike digital zoom, which simply crops and enlarges an image, optical zoom uses actual lens movement to magnify subjects without quality loss.
Manual Camera Controls: Professional photographers need control over their tools. There's also now a "Pro" mode for those who like to take manual control of exposure settings. This includes manual focus, ISO adjustment, shutter speed control, and RAW file capture for extensive post-processing flexibility.
Large Sensors & Advanced Optics: Megapixels don't matter as much as aperture. Cameras with a wider aperture (lower ƒ-stop numbers translate to wider lenses) let in more light, which greatly helps produce better shots in the dark. The best smartphone cameras now feature variable aperture systems and sensors approaching one-inch in size.
Professional Video Features: Modern smartphones offer 8K recording, high frame rate capture, and advanced stabilization systems that rival dedicated video cameras. Many now include features like focus peaking, zebra patterns, and professional color grading tools.
Physical Camera Controls: Features an upgraded 48MP ultrawide camera, 5x optical zoom on the telephoto lens, and a new touch-sensitive shutter button for a DSLR-like photography experience. Dedicated camera buttons and external accessories are bringing the tactile experience of traditional cameras to smartphones.
Real-World Photography Performance Comparison
Portrait Photography
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max lead in portrait photography, with natural bokeh and excellent edge detection. The Hasselblad partnership gives OnePlus 13 a unique aesthetic that many users prefer for portrait work.
Wildlife and Sports Photography
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra dominates with its 10x optical zoom, providing reach that other phones simply cannot match. Its long-range zoom offers great clarity, and Samsung's Pro Visual Engine adds computational wizardry for low-light zoom shots and stabilisation.
Low Light Performance
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in challenging lighting conditions, with computational photography that often outperforms larger sensors. The iPhone 16 Pro Max provides consistently good results with minimal noise.
Video Production
Powered by a 48MP primary camera with sensor-shift OIS and a 12MP 120mm, 5x optical periscope zoom camera with the same robust stabilization hardware, users don't need to worry about shaky-handcam footage even when cropping in on a fast-moving subject. The iPhone 16 Pro Max leads in video quality and stabilization.
Limitations and Realistic Expectations
While these smartphones offer impressive DSLR-like capabilities, it's important to understand their limitations. Ultimately, with their interchangeable lenses, larger sensors, and raw imaging capability, the answer is: not yet. Some genres and shooting situations, such as portrait photography and macro photography are certainly better served by a camera than a smartphone, but phones are catching up quickly.
Where DSLRs Still Lead:
- Extreme telephoto photography (beyond 10x)
- Ultra-high dynamic range situations
- Professional studio work requiring specific lighting
- Extended battery life for all-day shoots
- Ergonomics for prolonged use
Storage and Battery Considerations:
8K video and RAW photography files require substantial storage space and processing power, which can impact battery life during intensive shooting sessions.
Purchasing Recommendations by User Type
- Professional Mobile Photographers: Xiaomi 14 Ultra with Photography Kit accessory delivers the most comprehensive professional features
- iPhone Ecosystem Users: iPhone 16 Pro Max offers seamless integration and video excellence within Apple's ecosystem
- Wildlife/Sports Enthusiasts: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra provides unmatched zoom capabilities for distant subjects
- AI Photography Fans: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL leads in computational photography innovation
- Value-Conscious Creators: OnePlus 13 delivers premium features at accessible pricing
The Future of Mobile Photography
Smartphone cameras leaped forward again this year, further blurring the lines between phones and pro cameras. The advancement in editing capabilities and image quality have created all-in-one machines of the future.
The integration of AI processing, computational photography, and traditional optical engineering is creating capabilities that were unimaginable in traditional cameras. While DSLRs maintain advantages in specific scenarios, smartphones have democratized professional-quality photography in a way that's reshaping the entire industry.
Whether for professional photographers looking for a capable backup camera, enthusiasts wanting to upgrade their smartphone photography, or content creators needing maximum versatility in a pocket-sized device, these five smartphones represent the cutting edge of mobile photography technology. Each offers a unique approach to DSLR-like capabilities, ensuring there's a perfect match for every photography style and budget.
The camera someone has with them is always the best camera – and in 2025, that camera is more powerful than ever before.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on available specifications and expert reviews as of 2025. Smartphone models and features may vary by region, and manufacturers may release software updates or new models that could alter the performance and capabilities mentioned. The rankings and opinions are subjective and reflect the personal preferences of photography enthusiasts and experts. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research and consider their specific needs before making any purchasing decisions.
