Top phones of 2025: Camera

Posted on Jan. 5, 2026, 8:16 p.m.

Best Camera Phones of 2025: A Tech Editor's Perspective

The smartphone camera landscape in 2025 has been a dynamic arena. Manufacturers have pushed the boundaries, with some achieving significant breakthroughs in imaging technology, while others have concentrated on refining existing capabilities. Regardless, the competitive spirit has ensured that nearly every major brand offers compelling camera experiences.

vivo has arguably set a new benchmark. The brand's early 2025 release, the China-exclusive vivo X200 Ultra, paved the way for the globally accessible X300 and X300 Pro which arrived later in the year. While the X300 Pro didn't boast radical hardware upgrades, its camera system remains exceptionally desirable. It features a potent array of lenses, complemented by an enhanced selfie camera for a truly comprehensive photography package.

Red smartphone with quad-lens camera system.

vivo X200 Ultra: A Deep Dive

Smartphone held horizontally, showing circular camera array.

vivo X300 Pro: Unpacking the Features

Phone camera array with 'H' logo.

Oppo Find X8 Ultra: The Imaging Powerhouse

Smartphone with triple-lens camera held by hands.

Oppo Find X9 Pro: Next-Level Photography

Xiaomi entered the fray with its 15 Ultra, a device that achieved global distribution, unlike some of its contemporaries (the 17 Ultra, released just last week, awaits its full review). The 15 Ultra stands out for its remarkable versatility, boasting two dedicated telephoto lenses rather than the typical single unit. Its 1-inch main sensor and a 200MP telephoto lens continue to be industry leaders.

Smartphone with prominent LEICA camera array.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra: A Camera Masterclass

Honor Magic7 Pro: Advanced Optics

Nubia phone camera, large red lens design

nubia Z80 Ultra: The Enthusiast's Choice

The Realme GT 8 Pro has emerged as another standout. While Realme flagships have historically prioritized performance, design, and display over camera prowess, the GT 8 Pro marks a significant shift. This year's iteration presents a considerably improved ultrawide lens and embraces the 200MP trend for its telephoto capabilities, delivering impressive results that can confidently challenge the best in the market.

Smartphone camera module on blue grid background.

Realme GT 8 Pro: Redefining Expectations

Huawei has secured a unique spot on this list thanks to the innovative telephoto camera system found in the Pura 80 Ultra. This lens is arguably the largest ever implemented in a telephoto shooter and features not one, but two distinct optical zoom capabilities: one at 3.7x and another at an impressive 9.4x. This exceptional telephoto setup is further enhanced by a 1-inch main sensor and a capable ultrawide lens.

Close-up of a gold smartphone triple camera system.

Huawei Pura 80 Ultra: A Telephoto Triumph

For those seeking more conventional yet highly reliable options, particularly in markets where Chinese manufacturers have less presence, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google's Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL are noteworthy. These devices may not showcase radical innovation or bleeding-edge camera specs, but they consistently deliver excellent still photos and videos, solidifying their positions as dependable choices.

Blue iPhone camera array with three lenses.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro: Cinematic Capabilities

Orange phone camera setup with three lenses.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: The Ultimate Mobile Filmmaker

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra camera system with S Pen.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Versatile Imaging

When it comes to video recording, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are unparalleled, offering the most comprehensive feature sets and consistently delivering industry-leading video quality.

Looking ahead to 2026, we anticipate a more robust challenge from Samsung and Apple, while the ongoing innovation from Chinese smartphone manufacturers is expected to continue driving the market forward.

Source