Which Android Phone Has the Best Camera in 2024?

There is no doubt that the camera is one of the most important parts of a smartphone these days. Even though almost all current Android phones have powerful cameras, there are a few that really stand out and let you take photos like a pro.

In 2024, the cameras on a number of Android devices have come a long way. They now offer a great balance between hardware improvements and computer-based photography. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to find which Android phone has the best camera. 

This is not a full detail analysis of each Android phones in this list.  But in this fast review, we will compare the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, OnePlus 12, and Sony Xperia 1 VI to determine which Android phone currently offers the best camera system.

The Computational Photography Champion

1. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Just one month ago in August 2024, this latest model in the Pixel lineup was announced.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL shows that Google is still the leader in digital photography. While Google’s approach to camera hardware is more conservative than its competitors, relying heavily on software and AI to enhance its images, Google produces extremely impressive results.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL has three cameras: a main sensor with 50MP, a telephoto lens with 48MP and 5x optical zoom, and an ultra-wide sensor with 12MP.

Key Camera Features

• • Night Sight: Google’s Night Sight mode is one of the best in the industry, allowing the Pixel 9 Pro XL to capture clear, well-lit images even in near-total darkness. The AI-driven software processes multiple frames to deliver sharp, detailed images with minimal noise.
  • Magic Eraser: This innovative feature allows users to remove unwanted elements from photos easily. It’s an excellent tool for improving images without needing advanced photo editing skills.
  • Super Res Zoom: Google’s computational zoom capabilities are impressive, offering high-quality zoomed-in shots without relying solely on the hardware. The 5x optical zoom provides great detail, and Super Res Zoom extends this to 10x while maintaining clarity.

Image Quality

True-to-life colors and an outstanding dynamic range are two things that the Pixel 9 Pro XL does really well. The camera delivers well-balanced pictures even in places with a lot of contrast thanks to Google’s HDR+ algorithms.

Portrait mode is as good as more expensive stand-alone cameras when it comes to natural bokeh and isolating the subject. Low-light performance is exceptional, with sharp details and minimal noise even in dimly lit settings.

Video Performance

The Pixel 9 Pro XL supports 4K video recording at 60fps, offering solid video stabilization and HDR support. While not as feature-packed as some competitors’ video systems, it handles color accuracy, stabilization, and focus well enough to make it a strong contender for casual videography.

The Zoom King

2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 

This phone was introduced in January 2024.

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra is known for pushing the boundaries of smartphone photography. The S24 Ultra features a 200MP main sensor, a 10MP periscope telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 3D depth sensor.

This robust setup makes the S24 Ultra the most versatile camera system among Android smartphones.

Key Camera Features

• • 200MP Sensor: The massive 200MP sensor allows for ultra-detailed photos. You can crop and zoom in post-production without losing much quality, making it ideal for photographers who need to capture intricate details.
  • Periscope Telephoto Lens: Samsung’s 10x optical zoom and up to 100x Space Zoom allow users to capture distant subjects without sacrificing quality. This feature is unparalleled in the smartphone industry.
  • Expert RAW Mode: Samsung’s Expert RAW mode provides full manual control over the camera settings, giving you access to pro-level tools like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance. This is ideal for professional photographers looking for more control over their shots.

Image Quality

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra excels in versatility. Thanks to its 200MP sensor and advanced image processing, this camera captures vibrant detailed shots with vivid colors and impressive dynamic range. Samsung’s AI-enhanced image stabilization makes photos clear even when zoomed in very far. But Samsung’s strong color saturation might not be appealing to people who like more realistic tones.

In terms of low-light performance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra does an excellent job, though it’s not quite on par with the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Night mode captures well-lit images with decent color accuracy, but there’s sometimes a slight loss of detail compared to Google’s computational photography.

Video Performance

Being one of the few smartphones that can record 8K video at 30 fps (frames per second), the Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out for this feature. Samsung also has top-notch video stabilization, which makes it ideal for people who want to make professional-quality movies on their phones. The support for HDR10+ increases the dynamic range in videos, providing deeper colors and more vibrant details.

Professional Photography in Your Pocket

3. Xiaomi 14 Ultra

Released in January 2024. 

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is another powerhouse, co-engineered with Leica to deliver one of the most advanced mobile camera systems on the market.

The 13 Ultra sports a 50MP quad-camera system, which includes a wide, ultra-wide, telephoto, and periscope telephoto lens, providing photography enthusiasts with unmatched freedom.

Key Camera Features

• • Leica Partnership: Xiaomi’s collaboration with Leica brings advanced color science and image processing, which produces high-quality, professional-grade images with a natural look.
  • Advanced Manual Controls: Similar to Samsung’s Expert RAW, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra offers comprehensive manual controls, allowing users to fine-tune their shots for professional results.
  • Superb Low-Light Performance: Leica lenses plus Xiaomi’s sizable 1-inch sensor provide superb low-light photography with lots of detail, low noise, and vibrant colors.
    

Image Quality

When taking pictures, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra does a great job with natural colors and a wide dynamic range. Imaging processing shows the Leica relationship, giving photos a special film-like quality that photography fans love. Even when zoomed in, the telephone lens with 5x optical zoom has outstanding sharpness and detail.

Low-light performance on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is impressive, thanks to the large sensor and advanced AI algorithms. Night mode captures sharp, bright images with minimal noise, making it one of the best options for nighttime photography.

Video Performance

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra can record 8K video, similar to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, making it suitable for content creators and videographers. Thanks to the Leica color calibration, the film provides remarkably stable footage with realistic colors. The cinematic mode adds a layer of professionalism to videos, with smooth transitions between subjects.

Best Budget and Balanced Photography

4. OnePlus 12

Back in January 2024, this phone was made available.  

Following in the footsteps of previous flagships, the OnePlus 12 continues the brand’s reputation for producing affordable, high-performance smartphones with premier features. The camera system, which has been the main area of development compared to earlier generations, receives special attention, and there are also notable enhancements to the appearance, display, and performance of the device.

Among its features are a 50MP primary sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Optical image stabilization (OIS) is another characteristic of the telephoto lens which offers steady and sharp zoomed-in images even when held in hand.

With the help of Hasselblad, the OnePlus 12 camera system aspires to rival other premium Android phones when it comes to photography and filming.

Key Camera Features

• • Hasselblad Color Calibration: As with previous models, the Hasselblad partnership provides more accurate and natural color reproduction, especially in skin tones and landscapes.
  • AI-Driven Features: The OnePlus 12 includes AI-enhanced modes for better portrait photography, night mode, and scene detection, automatically optimizing settings based on lighting conditions and the subject.
  • Macro Mode: Enhanced close-up photography for capturing intricate details of small subjects, using the ultra-wide lens.

Image Quality

The OnePlus 12’s powerful sensors and advanced software make the most of their abilities to take stunning photos. The 50MP main camera excels at daylight photography, capturing images with high detail, sharpness, and dynamic range. The company has worked hard to improve HDR performance so that shadows and colors are evenly distributed, even when lighting is bad.

In low-light scenarios, the OnePlus 12 performs admirably, thanks to the Nightscape mode, which reduces noise and enhances brightness. The bigger camera helps it pick up more light, and the AI-powered algorithms combine several exposures to make night shots that are clearer and more detailed. Hasselblad Color Calibration goes a step farther in preventing oversaturation and keeping colors realistic and natural.

Video Performance

The OnePlus 12 significantly improves video recording by supporting 8K video at 30fps, delivering incredible detail and clarity in video recordings. For most users, the 4K at 60fps option is the best option because it gives them smooth, high-resolution video with excellent color reproduction and steadiness.

The phone also has a Cinematic Mode that makes videos look like they were shot by a professional by adding bokeh effects and smoothing the focus between objects in real time. This mode is ideal for artistic filming and producing a professional-grade video experience.

A Videographer’s Dream

5. Sony Xperia 1 VI 

This android phone was launched on May 2024.

Co-engineered with Zeiss, a German manufacturer of optical systems and optoelectronics, videomakers and content creators will enjoy using the Sony Xperia 1 VI. The Sony Xperia 1 VI continues Sony’s tradition of bringing professional-grade photography and videography to the smartphone market.

The Xperia is known for its high-resolution 4K display and advanced camera system. Leveraging Sony’s expertise in camera technology from its Alpha line, this smartphone offers a combination of powerful hardware and software designed to capture exceptional stills and video. 

The Sony Xperia 1 VI boasts a triple-camera setup, with an emphasis on manual controls and professional features. It also has a 50MP primary sensor, a 16MP ultra-wide sensor with 124° field of view (ideal for landscapes and group shots), and a 12MP variable telephoto lens with 3.5x to 5.2x optical zoom. It also equipped with OIS (optical image stabilization) for steady zoomed-in shots.

Key Camera Features

• • Real-Time Eye Autofocus and Object Tracking:  The ability to precisely focus on the eyes of subjects, whether they be humans or animals, is a feature carried over from Sony’s Alpha cameras.  Ideal for portraits and action photography.
  • Zeiss Optics with T Coating: Collaborating with Zeiss, the lenses are designed to reduce reflections and improve light transmission, resulting in clearer images with better contrast.
  • Pro-Level Camera App: The Xperia 1 VI includes the Photography Pro app, which gives users access to manual controls such as shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. This is designed for advanced users who want more control over their shots.
  • AI Super Resolution Zoom: AI-driven digital zoom allows for high-quality zoomed images without major loss of detail, extending beyond the optical zoom range.

Image Quality

The Sony Xperia 1 VI is engineered to deliver stunning pictures, harnessing the power of advanced camera technology and professional-grade features. This smartphone is extremely versatile, with a triple-lens system that combines a 12 MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lens, allowing users to capture beautiful details in a variety of circumstances.

Using Sony’s famous processing algorithms, which were first created for their Alpha series cameras, provide pictures that have incredible clarity, bright colors, and complex textures. You can expect a wide dynamic range and colors that are true to life.

Video Performance

When it comes to mobile videography, the Sony Xperia 1 VI stands out because it has a lot of features that both beginner and professional filmmakers will find useful. This smartphone records in 4K HDR at up to 120 frames per second, making it possible to produce remarkably smooth and detailed videos. The camera’s strong three lenses give you a lot of creative shooting choices, like using the ultra-wide lens to capture wide landscapes or the telephoto lens to get close-up shots of people far away.

One of the best things about the Xperia 1 VI is its improved video stabilization, which makes handheld shots smoother by reducing shake. Adding Sony’s Cinema Pro app gives you direct control over settings like frame rate, ISO, and focus, making video production more like filmmaking.

You can take videos with the same exceptional low-light performance, so you can get clear, colorful footage even in dim lighting. The Sony Xperia 1 VI is a powerful tool for anyone who wants to improve their mobile video recording skills.

The Bottom Line 

It is not that hard as you think to find the answer as to which Android phone has the best camera.  As a final note, the best Android phone for camera performance in 2024 will depend on your specifications.

Feel free to use this short list as a guide.

• • Best Overall Photography: The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the best phone for people who want to take the best computational photography experience, do well in low light, and have easy-to-use AI-enhanced features like Magic Eraser.
  • Best Zoom and Versatility: When it comes to zoom and camera performance, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is unmatched. This makes it ideal for photographers who want to be creative with their photos.
  • Best for Professionals: The Xiaomi 14 Ultra stands out for its Leica collaboration, advanced manual controls, and excellent low-light performance, making it a top choice for serious photographers.
  • Best for Budget: The OnePlus 12 positions itself as an attractive option in the budget smartphone market, delivering impressive features without breaking the bank.
    
  • Best for Videographers: The Sony Xperia 1 VI is a videographer’s dream, with gimbal stabilization delivering smooth, shake-free video footage.

While the best Android camera phone for you will depend on your needs — such as zoom, low-light shooting, manual controls, or video performance — all of these smartphones are the best for mobile photography in 2024. Whatever you pick, you’ll get a powerful camera that can handle a lot of different shooting situations and be confident that your photos and videos are the best they can be.