The Best Smartphones for Photography Enthusiasts in 2025

Mobile photography has become a serious art form, with smartphone manufacturers pushing the limits of what tiny sensors can do.

In 2025, photography-focused smartphones come packed with AI enhancements, variable aperture, periscope lenses, and pro-grade editing features. If you’re passionate about photography, here are the top smartphones you should consider this year.

The Best Smartphones for Photography Enthusiasts in 2025

1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Best For: All-around pro-level mobile photography

Key Camera Specs:

Quad-camera setup
200 MP main sensor
50 MP periscope telephoto (5x optical zoom)
12 MP ultra-wide
10 MP 3x telephoto
8K video recording, RAW capture

Highlights:

Samsung continues to dominate mobile photography with its massive 200MP sensor, delivering extreme detail and color depth. The periscope lens allows for clean zoom shots, and the AI scene optimizer is useful for casual and pro users alike.

Pros:

Incredible zoom range
Excellent low-light performance
Pro Mode with RAW support

Cons:

Expensive
Slight over-sharpening in default mode

2. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Best For: Consistent photo and video quality, especially for creators

Key Camera Specs:

Triple-camera system
48 MP main sensor with variable aperture (ƒ/1.4 to ƒ/4.0)
12 MP ultra-wide
12 MP 5x telephoto
Photonic Engine, Smart HDR 6

Highlights:

Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max builds on the previous generation with a new variable aperture lens, improving depth-of-field control. Video features include ProRes, Dolby Vision HDR, and improved stabilization.

Pros:

Natural color reproduction
Great for video creators
Superb image consistency

Cons:

Limited manual controls
Fewer megapixels than some Android rivals

3. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Best For: Computational photography and point-and-shoot excellence

Key Camera Specs:

Triple-camera array
50 MP main sensor
48 MP telephoto (5x zoom)
12 MP ultra-wide
Tensor G4 image processing

Highlights:

Pixel phones have long been known for their incredible computational photography, and the Pixel 9 Pro raises the bar. Super Res Zoom, Night Sight, and Real Tone make it a top choice for portraits and everyday scenes.

Pros:

Fantastic night mode
Realistic skin tones
Easy-to-use camera UI

Cons:

Fewer manual controls for pro users
Telephoto performance trails Samsung

4. Xiaomi 15 Ultra

Best For: Hardware innovation and extreme image customization

Key Camera Specs:

Quad-camera system
1-inch 50 MP main sensor
Dual telephoto (3.2x + 5x)
50 MP ultra-wide
Leica optics and filters

Highlights:

Xiaomi partnered with Leica to deliver a stunning camera experience. The main 1-inch sensor allows shallow depth of field and better light capture. Ideal for those who want DSLR-like images without the bulk.

Pros:

True bokeh with 1-inch sensor
Amazing color profiles via Leica
Dual zoom lenses for flexibility

Cons:

Software not as polished as Pixel or iPhone
Limited availability globally

5. Sony Xperia 1 VI

Best For: Manual controls and professional-level photography

Key Camera Specs:

Triple-camera setup
48 MP main sensor (with variable zoom)
12 MP ultra-wide
Eye AF and real-time object tracking
4K OLED display with accurate color calibration

Highlights:

Sony appeals to purists with full manual control over ISO, shutter speed, and focus. It’s ideal for photographers who want to treat their phone like a mirrorless camera. Eye AF and real-time tracking are inherited from Sony’s Alpha line.

Pros:

Full manual controls
True-to-life color rendering
Excellent for video and filmmaking

Cons:

Steep learning curve
Mediocre low-light auto mode

6. OnePlus 13 Pro

Best For: Balanced photography at a slightly lower price

Key Camera Specs:

Triple-camera system
50 MP main with Sony LYT sensor
64 MP 3x periscope telephoto
48 MP ultra-wide
Hasselblad color tuning

Highlights:

OnePlus continues to impress with sharp imagery and improved HDR thanks to its collaboration with Hasselblad. This phone is a solid alternative to more expensive flagships, with flagship-level optics at a friendlier price.

Pros:

Excellent HDR and dynamic range
Good zoom and ultra-wide options
Stylish design and fast performance

Cons:

Night mode still lags behind Pixel and Samsung
Limited availability in some regions

Buying Guide: What Photography Enthusiasts Should Look For

Sensor Size – Larger sensors (like 1-inch) provide better light sensitivity and dynamic range.
Optical Zoom – Periscope and telephoto lenses are crucial for wildlife or portrait photography.
Manual Controls – Enthusiasts benefit from full control over exposure, ISO, and shutter speed.
Video Features – Look for ProRes, 8K, or advanced stabilization if you shoot video often.
Color Science – Consider phones tuned by Leica, Hasselblad, or Apple’s consistent tone-mapping.

FAQs

What is the best smartphone camera for low-light photography in 2025?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro lead in low-light performance, with Samsung offering brighter exposures and Pixel delivering balanced, noise-free images.

Do more megapixels mean better photo quality?

Not always. While higher MP can capture more detail, sensor size, image processing, and lens quality matter more. A 50MP sensor on a 1-inch sensor (like Xiaomi 15 Ultra) often outperforms a 200MP sensor on a smaller chip.

Which smartphone is best for manual photography controls?

The Sony Xperia 1 VI offers the most DSLR-like experience, with full manual settings and an interface inspired by Sony Alpha cameras.

Can smartphones replace DSLR or mirrorless cameras?

For casual use and even some professional settings (social media, portraits, travel), yes. However, DSLRs and mirrorless cameras still dominate in flexibility, sensor size, and lens options for serious studio or wildlife work.

Is Apple or Samsung better for video recording?

Apple iPhones (especially the 16 Pro Max) offer superior video quality with ProRes and Dolby Vision, making them ideal for content creators. Samsung is strong too, particularly with zoomed video and 8K recording.

Which phone has the best zoom?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers the best hybrid zoom system, combining 3x and 10x lenses with AI-powered digital zoom up to 100x.

Conclusion

For photography enthusiasts in 2025, there’s no shortage of powerful smartphones to choose from. Whether you prioritize manual control, computational photography, or video performance, the best phone for you depends on your specific shooting style. Samsung and Apple continue to lead overall, while Pixel, Xiaomi, and Sony cater to niche needs with specialized features.