Best Smartphones for Photography in 2024: Shoot Like a Pro!

In today's digital age, a smartphone is more than just a communication device; it's your personal camera, video recorder, and editor all in one. Whether you're an aspiring photographer, a content creator, or someone who just loves capturing life's moments in stunning detail, finding the right camera phone is essential.

In 2024, the market is brimming with incredible options. Let's dive into the best camera phones of the year, highlighting their features, why Dealnew picked them, and their specs and configurations to help you make an informed decision.

 

1. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

 

 

Price: Starting at $0.01 (with qualifying carrier deals)

Key Features

• 5x Optical Zoom: This allows you to get closer to your subject without losing image quality, making it perfect for capturing distant scenes or detailed close-ups.
• 48MP Main Camera: Delivers stunning clarity and color accuracy, ensuring every shot is sharp and vibrant.
• 12MP Ultra-Wide and Telephoto Lenses: Provide flexibility in shooting, allowing you to switch between a wider perspective and zoomed-in details with ease.
• Material: Constructed with premium glass and stainless steel for durability and a sleek finish.

Why We Picked It

The iPhone 15 Pro Max stands out for its incredible camera versatility. With a powerful 48MP main camera and an impressive 5x optical zoom, it offers both clarity and flexibility. This phone is perfect for users who need a reliable all-rounder that can handle anything from landscape photography to detailed portraits. The addition of high-quality ultra-wide and telephoto lenses further enhances its capability, making it one of the most versatile camera phones on the market.

Specs & Configurations

• Camera Setup: Triple rear camera system (48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto)
• Display: 6.7-inch OLED Super Retina XDR
• Processor: A17 Bionic chip
• Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Battery Life: Up to 29 hours of talk time
• Operating System: iOS 17

 

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2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

 

 

Price: Starting at $1,049.99

Key Features

• 200MP Main Camera: Unmatched resolution for capturing incredibly detailed photos and high-resolution crops.
• 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera: Ideal for expansive landscape shots and group photos.
• 10MP and 50MP Telephoto Lenses: Offer impressive zoom capabilities, including a 100x Space Zoom feature for capturing faraway subjects.
• Material: Built with sturdy glass and aluminum, combining elegance with durability.

Why We Picked It

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse for those who prioritize camera performance above all else. With a groundbreaking 200MP main camera, it offers unparalleled detail and flexibility for post-editing. The telephoto lenses provide exceptional zoom capabilities, allowing users to capture shots from a distance without compromising quality. This phone is perfect for professional photographers and enthusiasts who want maximum control over their photography.

Specs & Configurations

• Camera Setup: Quad rear camera system (200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto, 50MP telephoto)
• Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• Processor: Exynos 2400 / Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (depending on region)
• Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Battery Life: Up to 36 hours of talk time
• Operating System: Android 14

 

3. Google Pixel 8a

 

 

Price: $499

Key Features

• 64MP Main Camera: Delivers high-quality images with excellent dynamic range and color reproduction.
• 13MP Ultra-Wide Camera: Allows for capturing wider scenes and more creative perspectives.
• Material: Constructed with durable polycarbonate, offering a lightweight and sturdy build.

Why We Picked It

The Google Pixel 8a offers an exceptional camera experience at a mid-range price point. Its 64MP main camera and smart software enhancements, like Google's renowned computational photography, make it a great choice for those who want high-quality photos without breaking the bank. The ultra-wide camera adds versatility, making it ideal for both everyday photography and more artistic shots.

Specs & Configurations

• Camera Setup: Dual rear camera system (64MP main, 13MP ultra-wide)
• Display: 6.1-inch OLED
• Processor: Google Tensor G3
• Storage Options: 128GB
• Battery Life: Up to 24 hours of talk time
• Operating System: Android 14

 

4. Google Pixel 8

 

 

Price: Starting at $699

Key Features

• 50MP Main Camera: Provides exceptional image quality with Google's powerful image processing.
• 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera: Perfect for capturing more expansive scenes and group shots.
• Material: Made from aluminum, offering a sleek and lightweight design.

Why We Picked It

The Google Pixel 8 is a step up from the Pixel 8a, offering enhanced camera capabilities and a more premium build. With its 50MP main camera and Google's computational photography, it captures stunning photos in various lighting conditions. The ultra-wide lens provides additional flexibility, making it a versatile option for users who want a balance of performance and affordability.

Specs & Configurations

• Camera Setup: Dual rear camera system (50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide)
• Display: 6.3-inch OLED
• Processor: Google Tensor G3
• Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB
• Battery Life: Up to 25 hours of talk time
• Operating System: Android 14

 

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5. Google Pixel 8 Pro

 

 

Price: Starting at $999

Key Features

• 50MP Main Camera: Offers incredible clarity and color accuracy, perfect for capturing high-quality images.
• 48MP Telephoto and Ultra-Wide Cameras: Provide extensive zoom capabilities and wide-angle shots for versatile photography options.
• Material: Crafted from premium aluminum, offering both durability and a refined look.

Why We Picked It

The Google Pixel 8 Pro takes the already impressive Pixel 8 series to the next level. It boasts a more sophisticated camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, 48MP telephoto, and 48MP ultra-wide cameras, making it a powerful tool for serious photographers. This phone excels in various shooting scenarios, from portraits to landscapes, and benefits from Google's robust software optimizations.

Specs & Configurations

• Camera Setup: Triple rear camera system (50MP main, 48MP telephoto, 48MP ultra-wide)
• Display: 6.7-inch OLED
• Processor: Google Tensor G3
• Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
• Battery Life: Up to 27 hours of talk time
• Operating System: Android 14

 

6. Apple iPhone 15 Pro

 

 

Price: Starting at $0.01 (with qualifying carrier deals)

Key Features

• 48MP Main Camera: Offers high-resolution photos with excellent color fidelity and detail.
• 12MP Ultra-Wide and Telephoto Cameras: Enhance versatility, allowing for a range of shooting styles from macro to telephoto.
• Material: Made from surgical-grade stainless steel, providing a premium feel and durability.

Why We Picked It

The iPhone 15 Pro shares many of the excellent camera features of its bigger sibling, the 15 Pro Max, but in a more compact form. It's an ideal choice for users who want top-tier camera performance without the larger size of the Pro Max. With its high-resolution main camera and versatile lens setup, it delivers great photos and videos in a variety of conditions.

Specs & Configurations

• Camera Setup: Triple rear camera system (48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto)
• Display: 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR
• Processor: A17 Bionic chip
• Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Battery Life: Up to 28 hours of talk time
• Operating System: iOS 17

 

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7. Samsung Galaxy S24

 

 

Price: Starting at $779.99

Key Features

• 50MP Main Camera: Delivers clear and detailed photos with vibrant colors.
• 12MP Ultra-Wide and 10MP Telephoto Cameras: Offer flexibility for wide-angle shots and zoom capabilities.
• Material: Constructed from glass and aluminum, balancing elegance with durability.

Why We Picked It

The Samsung Galaxy S24 offers a well-rounded camera experience for a reasonable price. With a 50MP main camera and additional ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, it provides versatility for various shooting scenarios. It's a great option for users who want a solid camera phone without stepping up to the Ultra model.

Specs & Configurations

• Camera Setup: Triple rear camera system (50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto)
• Display: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• Processor: Exynos 2400 / Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (depending on region)
• Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours of talk time
• Operating System: Android 14

 

8. Google Pixel Fold

 

 

Price: $1,799

Key Features

• 48MP Main Camera: Provides high-quality images with great detail and dynamic range.
• Dual 10.8MP Cameras: Offer versatility for ultra-wide and telephoto shots, enhancing the phone's photographic capabilities.
• Material: Made from durable aluminum, designed to withstand the demands of daily use.

Why We Picked It

The Google Pixel Fold is a unique entry in this list, offering foldable technology combined with excellent camera capabilities. It's perfect for users who want the flexibility of a foldable phone with high-quality cameras. The Pixel Fold's camera setup allows for a variety of shooting styles, making it a versatile choice for those looking to innovate their photography.

Specs & Configurations

• Camera Setup: Triple rear camera system (48MP main, 10.8MP ultra-wide, 10.8MP telephoto)
• Display: 7.6-inch Foldable OLED (Main) / 5.8-inch OLED (Cover)
• Processor: Google Tensor G3
• Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB
• Battery Life: Up to 26 hours of talk time
• Operating System: Android 14

 

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the right camera phone in 2024 depends on your specific needs and budget. Whether you're a professional photographer looking for top-tier specs, like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, or someone who wants a great all-around phone, like the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, there's something for everyone.

For those who prioritize affordability without compromising on quality, the Google Pixel 8a offers an excellent balance. Meanwhile, the innovative design of the Google Pixel Fold brings something unique to the table for early adopters and tech enthusiasts.

Each of these phones has been carefully selected by Dealnew, based on their camera capabilities, features, and overall value, ensuring that you'll find the perfect device to capture your world in stunning detail.