Six smartphones to buy purely for their impressive cameras

If you're not into the techy specifications when it comes to purchasing a new smartphone, your decision will probably come down to storage size, the phone's aesthetic or (most likely) the camera's quality.

Hate to say it, but being able to take the perfect photo with your smartphone is important. So whether you're a creative, amateur content creator or a parent who just likes to take really good photos of your adorable kids, these are the phones to consider if you're after the best camera performance.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Now $1999

Rear cameras: 200MP wide, 50MP periscope telephoto, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto

Front camera: 12MP wide

Standout feature: Quadruple rear camera setup, 8K video recording

Why this smartphone?

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is Samsung's best slab phone offering this year. We found that while testing this phone, it delivers crystal-clear photos effortlessly. This is particularly noticeable thanks to its upgraded nightography capabilities.

With its extensive camera set-up, we had no trouble creating the best shot, regardless of contrast.

If you're looking for a phone with cameras that can do everything, including recording up to 8k footage, then the Ultra series will always have a standout camera system.

READ MORE: The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra delivers innovation for the privacy-conscious, but is it worth it?

Google Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL

Pro | $1169.91Pro XL | $1499

Rear cameras: 50MP wide, a 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto

Front camera: 42MP ultrawide

Standout feature: 100x Pro Res Zoom, 8K video recording, Gemini Coach

Why this smartphone?

This has become a hill I'll die on: the Pro models of the Google Pixel 10 delivered some of the most consistent results I've seen this year. The colour profile of the photos always turned out to be exactly what I wanted as well: true to life, but punchy and clear.

Moreover, Google has placed a bigger focus on AI photography and introduced two new features. One: 100x Pro Res Zoom, which delivers AI-enhanced zoom photography. Two: Gemini Coach, a personal photography companion that delivers real-time inspiration and a step-by-step guide to help with the best angle, lighting and composition.

READ MORE: I was sceptical of AI-assisted photography, but then I tried the Google Pixel 10 series

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max

Pro | $1997Pro Max | $2197

Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 48MP periscope telephoto, 48MP telephoto

Front camera: 18MP multi-aspect

Standout feature: Centre Stage on selfie camera and Apple ProRes

Why this smartphone?

The colour profiles on Apple cameras always look fantastic, and it has improved this year in the new 48MP triple camera system.

A particular standout that's accessible on all iPhones this year is a new square sensor selfie camera that allows both portrait and landscape photos without the need to turn your phone. Neat!

READ MORE: Should you upgrade? Everything to to know about the iPhone 17 series

Nothing Phone (4a) Pro

Starting at $949

Rear Cameras: 50MP wide, 50MP periscope telephoto, 8MP ultrawide

Front camera: 32MP

Standout feature: Camera dot for recording and Glyph Interface

We tried the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro and were pleasantly surprised with the photography capabilities of this mid-range phone. So, if you don't want to spend thousands on a phone, then simply spend one thousand on this one.

It offers a great balance of colours in its photography, plus there's a range of wacky and fun filters you can add all native within the camera app itself.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Now $2899

Rear cameras: 200MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto

Front camera: 10MP ultrawide and 10MP cover camera

Standout feature: Triple camera set-up on a foldable phone

Why this smartphone?

If you're after the flagship foldable experience with the best possible cameras, then all the years of R&D have led to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. This phone is so unbelievably thin, sitting at 4.2mm unfolded, and it feels just like a regular bar phone still.

All the while, Samsung has still managed to pack a triple camera set-up into the phone, albeit at the cost of being a wobbly phone when lying flat. Without a 50MP telephoto camera, you still have access to all the right tools to snap great photos.

READ MORE: Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 really worth the price?

iPhone 15 Pro

$852 | Amazon$919 | OzMobile$939 | Kogan

Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto

Front camera: 12MP wide

Standout feature: Apple ProRes (log footage recording)

Why this smartphone?

I bought the iPhone 15 Pro a few months after its release for one thing only, and that was the camera system. This model introduced the Apple ProRes feature, which allows creatives to film in log footage and colour grade videos. The photos are fantastic, with a great colour profile.

More than that, it's just an extremely durable phone, with a titanium feel, that has unfortunately been changed to aluminium for the iPhone 17. The size is perfect as well, sitting at 6.1 inches with a beautiful 120Hz ProMotion display.

After a phone plan?

READ MORE: Could the Nothing Phone (3) be the most unconventional smartphone on the market?