The best camera phones you can buy now

TL;DR:

iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best video phone.
Pixel 9 Pro XL leads for point-and-shoot stills and HDR.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra rules long zoom.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra stays a top stills all-rounder.
Galaxy S25 Ultra is versatile, though not the top score.

As of October 6, 2025, these are the best camera phones by job, based on independent lab tests and field reviews.

Best overall for point-and-shoot stills: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

DXOMARK’s retested June 25, 2025 report places the Pixel 9 Pro XL near the top for stills. It delivers accurate exposure, true-to-life colors, and sharpness in many scenes. Google’s HDR pipeline improved highlight control over earlier Pixels. If you want reliable snaps without tinkering, start here.

Best video phone: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

DXOMARK ranks the 16 Pro Max among the very best for video, calling out detailed, low-noise footage and excellent color. The iPhone 16 Pro line also brought 5x tetraprism telephoto to both sizes. Still photo zoom between 2x and 5x is a weak spot, but for consistent video capture, it is unmatched.

Best long-range zoom: Xiaomi 15 Ultra

Xiaomi’s 15 Ultra earns praise for zoom quality and overall camera balance. Lab tests highlight stable exposure and strong detail across focal lengths. If wildlife or far-off architecture is your thing, this is the zoom leader.

Best all-around stills alternative: Huawei Pura 70 Ultra

Despite limited availability, the Pura 70 Ultra remains a stills powerhouse. DXOMARK credits it with class-leading photo and zoom performance, plus well-controlled noise in low light. If you can buy it in your region, it is a top option for photography.

Strong runner-up all-rounder: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The S25 Ultra is flexible, with a 200 MP main sensor and a deep feature set. DXOMARK’s June 25, 2025 retest says it falls short of the very top, but it remains a great social-ready camera with fast autofocus, rich color, and useful zoom ranges.

How they compare at a glance

Phone	Big strengths	Trade-offs
Pixel 9 Pro XL	HDR stills, skin tones, consistency	Limited optical reach vs zoom champs
iPhone 16 Pro Max	Class-leading video, color, AF	2x to 5x photo zoom gap
Xiaomi 15 Ultra	Best long zoom, balanced stills	Availability varies by region
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra	Top stills and zoom	Limited availability, app caveats
Galaxy S25 Ultra	Versatile, great features	Not top of lab rankings

Picking the right one for you

Shoot lots of family videos. Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Its video pipeline is dependable and looks great on HDR screens.
Want clean photos with no fuss. Pick the Pixel 9 Pro XL for its point-and-shoot reliability.
Love distant subjects. Get the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for its long-range zoom.
If you can import, and care about stills above all. The Pura 70 Ultra is a keeper.
Prefer one phone that does most things well with Samsung features. The S25 Ultra is still easy to recommend.

Why it matters

Phone cameras replace dedicated gear for most people. The right pick depends on what you shoot. A strong zoom, the best video engine, or a worry-free point-and-shoot feel can change how often you capture moments. Independent lab testing helps you choose with less guesswork

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