One of the biggest reasons to buy a high-end phone is for the camera. Whether through computational processing or as many lenses as possible, phones are taking good enough photos these days that most people don't even consider a dedicated camera. Luckily, there are plenty of options for people who want effortless point-and-shoot style photography and those who want to go more in-depth or have different needs beyond the camera. Whether you choose the Google Pixel 6 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, you'll be getting a stellar camera for every situation.
These are the best Android camera phones
Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best for parents
Google's pedigree for smartphone photography holds up with its latest flagship, the Pixel 6 Pro. It's got a nice, big set of camera sensors, 4x optical zoom, and tons of impressive photography modes. Even photos of hyperactive kids will come out crisp and clear (opens in new tab) with Google's AI prowess, and abilities like Magic Eraser make it easy to remove parts of the photo you don't want.
Best for zoomers
Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra features the most powerful camera (opens in new tab) on the market, including the famous 100x Space Zoom feature. In addition to that, Samsung included its amazing 108mp sensor on board for the main camera, packed in a crisp ultra-wide-angle camera, and updated the software with even better automated features than before. Its only shortcoming is with moving pets or kids where Samsung still struggles a bit.
Best for photo enthusiasts
OnePlus continues to settle into its partnership with world-famous camera company Hasselblad, adding more unique features with this year's phone than ever before. Deep HDR color photos, unique filters, and solid software make this a superb performer in every situation (and at a surprisingly good price).
Best camera on a budget
Buyers in the U.S. are lucky to have this phone as an option, not just because it's not widely available elsewhere, but also because it takes so much from the Pixel 5 and puts it at a lower price. The 12MP primary and 16MP ultra-wide sensors are the same as Google used in flagships before the Pixel 6, as is Google's unmatched image processing. It's a superb snapper for an even better price.
Feature laden
It's hard not to notice the Vivo X70 Pro+ when you're talking about a phone laden with photography features. A bevy of modes open the doors to a whole lot of experimentation. The software offers many options, whether it's the unique take on portrait shots or the surprisingly useful long exposure modes. Of course, if you're looking for 5G stateside, you won't get it, but great photos are a snap away if you're an international user.
Best international
If you haven't heard of Xiaomi or the Mi 11 Ultra, this is one of the most fully loaded smartphone cameras available to date. It's not just that it looks like a beast on paper, but the output also rings true to the litany of specs putting this phone on the pedestal. It has one of the best ultra-wide lenses in the industry, with low-light shooting to rival what the best has had to offer thus far. Just note you may miss out on 5G band support with U.S. carriers.
Perfect for video
All of the phones on this list can take very good video, but if you want to make sure your home movies look as good as they can be, the Xperia 1 III comes out ahead as the go-to pick. Offering three cameras and a time-of-flight sensor, this phone has incredibly fast focus speeds, records in 4K HDR, and offers full manual video controls you won't find anywhere else. It takes some time to master, but the potential is unreal once you get a feel for it.
If we're making some Android camera suggestions
The Google Pixel 6 Pro comes out on top because of its consistent performance in every condition, including when pets or kids won't stop moving. It's hard to top it, or any other Pixel phone really, as one of the best Android phones around based on its fantastic ability to capture beautiful photos in every situation without any tweaking, guessing with settings, or edits after capture.
But you'd be remiss to not consider Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra, which provides the best quality zoom at almost any level, including some seriously ludicrous quality even beyond 30x zoom. It's also a consistently excellent low-light performer and takes the best video of any Android smartphone available in most countries.
