Yearender 2025: Top premium camera smartphones

This year, though the smartphones had very little innovation in terms of design langauge, but there was lot of improvements with processing power and impressive camera hardware.

As year comes to an end, we have curated a list of premium phones with best photography hardware. Check it out:

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

It houses a quad-camera module-- 200MP(with OIS: Optical Image Stabilisation)+ 50MP 120-degree Ultra Wide sensor + 10MP Telephoto lens (with 3x zoom, OIS) + 50MP Periscope lens (for 5x zoom, 100x Space Zoom, Laser autofocus) with LED Flash. It will support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second (fps) and 8K at 30fps.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's camera sample.

The object eraser on the Galaxy S25 Ultra does an amazing job with removing unwanted stuff from the frame. It is way better than any premium phone available in the market right now.

Other notable generative AI photography tools include audio eraser in the video. It does an amazing job of reducing the outside ambient noise and retaining the voice of the person.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's camera sample.

On the front, the Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 12MP camera for selfies and video recording. It takes stunning selfies in the sunlight and decent-quality photos indoors with controlled light conditions. Videos too, are on par with rival brands in its segment.

Vivo X300 Pro

Vivo X300 Pro Elite Black (left) and Vivo X300 Summit Red (right).

It comes with top-class triple camera module with ZEISS Optics technology, V3+, VS1 dual imaging chips and features-- main 50MP camera (with 1/1.28-inch Sony LYT828 sensor, f/1.57, OIS) with 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera (with f/2.0 aperture) and a 200MP (with 1/1.4-inch Samsung HPB ZEISS APO periscope telephoto camera with f/2.67 aperture, OIS, 3.7x optical zoom, telephoto macro, Zeiss T* coating, ZEISS optics, ) with LED flash.

The new X300 Pro is a fantastic camera phone. One just has to point the phone at the subject and be assured of a good photo.

Vivo X300 Pro camera sample with ultra-wide angle mode.

Thanks to really good camera software, it does a fantastic job of getting sharp photos at 100X zoom. The best I have seen in a premium phone to date.

Vivo X300 Pro's camera sample.

Vivo has incorporated several AI features, including AI Image Studio, object eraser, reflective glass eraser, AI Landscape Master, and AI One-Shot Multi-Crop features, to enhance the photography experience on the X300 Pro.

On the front, it houses a 50MP (f/2.0) camera for selfies and video calling. It takes brilliant selfies in all light conditions.

Google Pixel 10 Pro

Google Pixel 10 Pro.

The Pixel 10 Pro boasts of triple-camera module— a main 50MP (with 1/1.31-inch Samsung GNV sensor, OIS: Optical Image Stabilisation), LDAF: Laser Detection Auto Focus) with 48MP Ultra-wide camera (with 1/2.51-inch Sony IMX858 sensor, macro option), a 48MP 5x telephoto camera (with 1/2.51-inch Sony IMX858, OIS, macro option, 30x digital zoom) with LED flash.

The device takes amazing quality pictures in all light conditions. One of the perks of owning the Pixel is that the user just has to point the camera at the subject and be assured of a great photo. The Pixel 10 Pro sets a high benchmark in this aspect.

Pixel 10 Pro's camera sample.

And, even if you are a rookie, the Pixel 10 series comes with an AI-powered Camera Coach, which can guide you to get the best photo.

Besides that, Pixel 10 Pro boasts several gen AI photography tools such as Magic Editor, Audio eraser, object eraser, Add Me, Best Take and more. All work flawlessly, but they require internet connectivity to deliver a fantastic photography experience.

Pixel 10 Pro's camera sample.

On the front, the Pixel 10 Pro features a 42MP 103-degree camera with a 1/2.51-inch Sony IMX858 sensor and supports autofocus.

It takes fantastic selfies in all light conditions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max boasts of an all-new triple-camera module— 48MP Fusion Main sensor, a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide lens and a 48MP Fusion Telephoto lens with LED flash.

It can capture HDR photos, support portrait, macro mode and more.

In Portrait mode, it supports six light effects-- natural light, studio light, contour light, stage light, stage light mono and high-key light mono.

On the front, the iPhone 17 Pro Max sports an 18MP centre-stage FaceTime camera.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max's camera sample.

It supports a wider field of view and higher resolution — up to 18MP for photos — to capture more detail. Users can also capture photos and videos in portrait or landscape while holding their iPhone vertically.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max's camera sample.

For group selfies, Centre Stage for photos uses AI to automatically expand the field of view and can rotate from portrait to landscape to include everyone in the frame.

In terms of video recording, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the best in the business. It captures super stable high quality videos in all light conditions.

Oppo Find X9 series

Oppo Find X9 series.

The Find X9 boasts of quad-camera module-- main 50MP camera (with 1/1.4-inch Sony LYT808 sensor, f/1.6 aperture, OIS: Optical Image Stabilisation) with 50MP ultra-wide camera (with JN5 sensor), a 50MP (with 1/1.95-inch Sony LYT600 sensor 3x periscope telephoto lens, ƒ/2.6, OIS) and a 2MP (f/2.4, multi-spectral lens, Hasselblad portrait) with LED flash on the back.

Backed by Lumo Imaging Engine, the Find X9 series takes impressive photos in all light conditions.

It also supports optical zoom up to 6X and digital zoom up to 120X.

Oppo Find X9 camera sample captured with 40X Zoom.

Also, it is touted to be the first phone to boast 4K Motion Photo. To use 4K Motion Photo, the user has to enable Hasselblad Hi-Res Mode and tap the 4K icon at the top of the screen.

It can record 4K Dolby Vision videos at 120 frames per second. The video quality is really good and stable, even when taken with a shaky hand.

On the front, it houses a 32MP camera (with a 1/2.74-inch Sony IMX615 sensor, f/2.4).

The Find X9 can take pretty impressive portrait selfies in natural sunlight.

It can record 4K Dolby Vision quality videos at 60 fps. It is also really good for video calling.

Xiaomi 15

Xaiomi 15.

Xiaomi 15 boasts of triple camera with Leica system— main 50MP (with 1/ 1.31-inch Light Fusion 900 sensor, f/1.62 aperture, Hyper OIS: Optical Image Stabilisation, Leica Summilux lens) + 50MP 115-degree Leica ultra-wide angle camera (with f/2.2) + 50MP (2.6X 10cm to Infinity Leica telephoto camera with f/2.0, OIS) with LED flash.

It takes stellar images in all light conditions, and I have to say, this is the best camera phone I have tested in 2025.

Subjects such as human faces, pets, and flowers come with vibrant and lively colours, perfect to share on social media platforms.

Xiaomi 15 camera sample.

Xiaomi 15 camera sample.

It has the best portrait modes in its class. It offers a cinematic master-lens system with options such as swirly bokeh, soft focus, wide, and bubble to deliver professional camera-like quality portrait images.

There are Leica filters such as Leica Oringinal, Leica VIV, Leica Nat, Leica BW Nat, Leica BW HC, Leica Sepia, Leica Blue, Scarlet, Teal Mist, Cinematic, Vivid, Gold Vibes and Monsoon.

The device can record high-quality 8K videos at 24/30 frames per second.

On the front, it has a 32MP camera (with f/2.0) and can record 4K at 60 fps (frames per second) video recording.

It takes pretty amazing portrait photos worthy to be used as a Display Picture (DP) for social media platforms.

Vivo V50

Vivo V50 series.

It boasts of a ZEISS dual-camera module-- main 50MP (with 1/1.55-inch Omnivision OV50E sensor, f/1.88 aperture, OIS: Optica Image Stabilisation, ZEISS optics,) with 50MP ultra-wide camera (with Samsung JN1 sensor, f/2.0) with LED flash.

The Aura LED light is backed by an enhanced AI 3D Studio Lighting 2.0, which ensures the pictures of the human face are captured with near-natural colour tone and crisp.

With the AI Photo Enhance feature, users can make the picture sharper and clearer.

A notable aspect of the Vivo V50's photography feature is the wedding portrait mode exclusive to the Indian market. The Wedding Portrait Studio modes-- Pastel, Neo-Retro, Prosecco and a Film Camera mode which incorporates colourful frames around pictures.

Vivo V50's camera sample.

It also boasts of AI Image Studio to help users remove objects or edit photos with ease. Users can even pull a person's face or pet from the frame to create a sticker out of it, to be shared on social media platforms or messenger apps.

The Vivo V50 also has several ZEISS-tuned portrait modes including Cine-Flare Style, Biotar Style, Cinematic Style, Sonnar Style, Distagon Style, Planar Style, and B-Speed Style.

Also, it comes with a special Underwater Photography mode. It can allow users to take sharp photos in the aquarium or in the swimming pool. However, ensure to fully dry the phone before plugging it for charging.

On the front, it comes with a 50MP autofocus camera (with Samsung JN1 sensor, f/2.0).

Both the primary and front cameras can record high-quality 4K videos.

Nothing Phone (3a)

Nothing Phone (3a).

The Phone (3a) boasts of triple-camera module-- main 50MP main camera (with f/1.88 aperture, 1/1.56-inch Samsung sensor, OIS: Optical Image Stabilisation) + 8MP 114-degree ultra-wide camera (with f/2.2) + 50MP (with 1/2.74-inch Samsung 2x telephoto lens) with LED flash on the back.

It supports 2X optical zoom and up to 4X lossless zoom and can digitally zoom up to 30X. The picture quality remains sharp and crisp up to 10X.

It also supports Portrait modes with multiple special effects such as Velvet, Twist, pentacle and snowflake. It succeeds in delivering dramatic photos.

Nothing Phone (3a)'s camera sample.

The Phone (3a) supports 4K video recording with up to 30 fps (frames per second) with EIS (Electronic Image Stabilisation). The video quality is good for its price range.

On the front, it feartures 32MP (1/3.44-inch sensor) for selfies and video calling (up to full 1080p).

Redmi Note 14

Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 5G.

The Redmi Note 14 features a triple-camera module-- main 50MP (1/1.95-inch Sony LYT-600 sensor, f/1.7, OIS: Optical Image Stabilisation) camera with an 8MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide camera and a 2MP (f/2.4) macro camera with LED flash on the back.

The triple camera model of the new Xiaomi is great. It takes sharp and crisp photos without any issues. Also, the subjects such as human faces and colourful flowers become a little more vibrant than they usually look through our eyes. They are great for getting good photos for DPs on social media platforms.

It supports up to 2X optical zoom without any issue of loss of quality. It also digitally zooms up to 20X.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 5G's camera sample with portrait mode on.

It also supports Artificial Intelligence-powered Erase (object eraser) and AI Magic Sky (sky background changer). As advertised, they work well too. The Redmi Note 14 is one of the very few in its class to boast such features.

With the AI Erase feature, users can remove unwanted objects or people from the background of the subject. It comes in very handy when taking photos in popular tourist places.

And, with AI Magic Sky, users can seamlessly change the colour of the sky with numerous artistic effects.

On the front, the Redmi Note 14 houses a feature-rich 20MP front camera for selfies and video calling. For its price range, it takes pretty good selfies in almost all light conditions.

Both the front and the back cameras support up to 1080p (full HD) video recording. The quality is really good for a phone, which costs less than Rs 20,000.

iQOO Z10x

iQOO Z10x.

It boasts of dual-camera modul-- 50MP wide camera with f/1.8 aperture, support Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAC), gyro Electric Image Stabilisation (EIS) and a 2MP (f/2.4) depth sensor with Ring-LED flash on the back.

iQOO Z10x takes pretty amazing photos in the sunlight. The colours, particularly the flowers and human faces appear vibrant and lively.

iQOO Z10x camera sample.

The device also supports AI Eraser. It does a fine job with removing the unwanted people or objects from the frame.

It can record decent quality 4K and full HD (1080p) videos.

On the front, it houses an 8MP (f/2.05) camera. It takes pretty nice selfies in the sunlight, good enough for Display Picture (DP) on social media platforms.

OnePlus Nord CE 5

OnePlus Nord CE 5.

The Nord CE 5 houses a dual-camera module-- main 50MP (with 1/1.95-inch Sony LYT-600 sensor, f/1.8, OIS) + 8MP 112-degree ultra-wide camera (f/2.2) with LED flash on the back.

OnePlus Nord CE 5's camera sample.

It supports several gen AI tools to enhance the photography experience. Users can make good use of them to remove unwanted objects from the frame without any trace. It can remove reflections of the glass in the picture. This comes in handy while taking pictures of aircraft sitting in the waiting area or capturing photos of the fish in an aquarium.

OnePlus Nord CE 5's camera sample.

The main camera can record videos up to 4K at 60 fps. The video quality is good and on par with others in its class.

On the front, it features a 16MP (f/2.4) sensor. It takes pretty nice photos in bright sunlight conditions. At night, the photo quality is decent.

iQOO 15

iQOO 15.

iQOO 15 boasts of triple camera module-- main 50MP camera (with 1/ 1.49-inch Sony IMX921 sensor, f/1.88 aperture, OIS: Optical Image Stabilisation) + 50MP 150-degree ultra-wide-angle camera (with f/2.0) and a 50MP 3x periscope telephoto camera (with 1/1.95-inch Sony IMX882 sensor, f/2.65, OIS) with LED flash on the back.

It takes brilliant photos in the natural sunlit conditions. The colours don't come off brighter than they really appear to the eyes.

iQOO 15's camera sample.

On the front, it also features a 32MP (f/2.2) camera. It takes really good selfies in almost light conditions.

iQOO 15's camera sample.

It supports generative Artificial Intelligence features such as AI Eraser, AI UHD (quality upscaler), AI Image Expander, and AI Colour Adjustment to enhance the photography experience.

Both the front and the back cameras can record high-quality 4K videos.

iQOO 15 camera sample.

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