Looking for the best camera phone right now? Users want a smartphone that captures sharp, vibrant photos and videos for both daily use and professional content. The search for the top camera phone is more intense as flagship models from major brands continue to evolve their camera technology.
Recent independent evaluations show a significant shift in which brands lead smartphone photography. The latest industry report from DxOMark, a trusted authority for imaging benchmarks, indicates that Apple’s current flagship is no longer at the top. It is now challenged by strong competition from Chinese manufacturers that bring innovative hardware and advanced software processing.
Top 10 Best Camera Smartphones Right Now
Here is the latest list of the best camera smartphones based on DXOMark’s updated rankings:
-
Huawei Pura 80 Ultra
This phone now holds the number one spot for camera performance. The main triple-lens array includes a 50 MP 1-inch sensor, a 40 MP ultrawide, and two telephoto cameras (50 MP and 12.5 MP) with up to 9.4x optical zoom. The 13 MP front camera produces crisp, natural-looking self-portraits. -
Oppo Find X8 Ultra
The runner-up features four rear cameras, all 50 MP sensors, with the primary lens being 1-inch in size. Dual telephoto periscopes (3x and 6x zoom) provide detailed long-range shots without quality loss. -
iPhone 17 Pro
Apple’s newest premium device sits in third place. It combines three 48 MP lenses (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) and an 18 MP front camera. Users appreciate its natural color output, reliable lighting control, and exceptionally smooth video, which remain favorites among photography professionals and vloggers. -
Vivo X200 Ultra
Notable for its 200 MP periscope telephoto lens and a front-facing 50 MP camera, this phone delivers high detail and realistic skin tones in both bright and low-light conditions. Fast autofocus and sharp zoom at all levels are its main advantages. -
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
This device offers a 50 MP main camera, a 48 MP ultrawide, a 48 MP periscope telephoto (5x), and a 42 MP selfie camera. Google’s advanced AI image processing with up to 100x Pro Res Zoom ensures stunning detail and vivid shots. -
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra
With a trio of lenses (50 MP main pop-out, 40 MP ultrawide, 50 MP telephoto macro) and a 13 MP front camera, this phone consistently delivers sharp images in any setting. Its natural blur effects and accurate skin tones stand out for portrait photography. -
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The previous-generation Apple flagship stays relevant for video quality, offering 48 MP wide, 48 MP ultra-wide, and 12 MP telephoto lenses (5x zoom). It excels at recording high-quality ProRAW and HEIF formats, with highly accurate HDR video, even in low light. -
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Features a 50 MP main sensor, 48 MP ultrawide, and 48 MP telephoto (5x). Its zoom detail competes with the best, and the phone delivers realistic skin tones and exceptional video stabilization, even in fast-moving situations. -
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
This model packs a versatile quad-camera setup: 50 MP 1-inch main, 50 MP ultrawide, 50 MP telephoto, and a 200 MP periscope. Selfies are handled by a 32 MP sensor. Its clear, naturally contrasted zoom shots are highly regarded outdoors. - Honor Magic6 Pro
Closing out the list, this model carries a 50 MP main, 180 MP periscope telephoto, and a 50 MP ultrawide. Faster subject tracking, realistic indoor portraits, and bright HDR video make it popular for family photography.
Why Apple Lost Its Top Camera Spot
Apple’s flagship previously dominated the benchmark charts. Now it trails behind rivals for several reasons. The main camera sensor, while technically impressive at 48 MP, is smaller than some competitors. Its telephoto and ultrawide modules fall short in terms of advanced zoom and innovative optics compared to the latest Chinese smartphones. Apple’s image processing continues to prioritize natural, conservative color profiles, which appeal to professionals but can feel less dynamic than the cinematic tones or vivid styles now favored by younger creators.
Other manufacturers are outpacing Apple in zoom technology, using larger and more versatile sensors, as well as adopting aggressive computational photography features. Enhanced video performance, including HDR, stabilization, and fast autofocus—in both photo and video—are also factors shifting consumer appeal toward non-Apple devices.
New Trends in Smartphone Camera Innovation
This year shows a clear trend as brands race to combine large sensors, periscope zoom technology, and AI-driven image processing. Benchmarks from DXOMark and reports from technology industry analysts indicate that users are responding to bold experiments with creative features and flexible optics—rather than just sticking to familiar names.
The latest rankings signal a pivotal moment in the evolution of smartphone photography. Consumers looking for the best camera now have a wider choice of devices with advanced imaging features, personalized modes, and sharper results across a variety of shooting situations. The new wave of flagship smartphones suggests that the title for the camera king is more competitive than ever.
