Smartphone cameras are getting better every year, and 2025 is no exception. From super-resolution sensors to AI-powered image processing, the latest phones offer great photography experiences. If you’re all about taking great pictures and videos, these are the best camera phones to buy this year.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Camera Powerhouse
Samsung’s always been a leader in smartphone cameras, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is no exception. The main sensor is upgraded to 200MP and captures incredible detail, while the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses are improved so you can get clear shots even when you’re far away.
But the real star is night-time photography, which has been tweaked to make dark shots look brighter and more detailed. AI-powered software makes sure the settings are adjusted automatically, so every photo looks its best. And with 8K video recording and better stabilization, this phone is perfect for content creators who want to produce pro-quality videos.
The selfie camera can do the same, so you can take high resolution selfies with natural skin tones and better depth. Whether you’re into portraits, landscapes, or night shots, the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers great results.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Apple’s Best Camera Yet
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max camera keeps getting better Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max camera keeps getting better With a new triple-camera system, it captures more light, so photos look brighter and more detailed. And with advanced AI processing, every shot looks perfectly balanced, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Another new feature is the periscope zoom lens which allows you to zoom in without losing quality, perfect for capturing those far away subjects The new ProRAW mode gives more control over your images and better flexibility when editing
Cinematic mode also gets an update with smoother video transitions and enhanced subject tracking, so whether you’re filming a casual video or capturing high-quality content you can rely on the iPhone 16 Pro Max to get the job done.
Google Pixel 9 Pro: The AI Photography King
Google has perfected computational photography and the Pixel 9 Pro does it even better. The AI-powered camera system improves details, colors, and sharpness so your photos look like they were taken by a pro.
New 64MP main sensor is sharp, and Night Sight mode does low-light without noise. Google’s AI gets even better at portraits, with natural background blur and sharp subject focus.
Magic Eraser lets you get rid of unwanted stuff in pics with a tap, and new Super Res Zoom gets you close to faraway stuff without loss of quality.
But if you’re more into video, the Pixel 9 Pro also adds new stabilization features so you can get smoother footage. It’s the perfect phone for anyone who wants smart, AI-enhanced photos and video without having to be a pro.
Which One is Right for You?
But all three of these phones are better in different ways. So, if you’re a photography enthusiast, you can pick the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you like high resolution photos and advanced zoom options. You can pick the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you like photos that look natural and want powerful video recording options. And you can pick the Google Pixel 9 Pro if you like AI-powered photography and smart editing features.