The most used method for taking photos today is definitely the smartphone, also thanks to the simplicity of use, the ease with which it is possible to share the photos taken on social networks and the numerous filters and effects available to make each shot unique in its kind . But taking photos with any smartphone on the market is very different from taking photos with a smartphone equipped with a good sensor and quality optics: we will be able to immediately perceive the quality of the shot and our shares will be even more successful, precisely because the photos will be perfect and without artifacts even in the absence of filters.
In this guide we want to show you the smartphones with the best camera currently available on the market, so as to combine your ability to capture every moment of your life with a high quality lens.
READ ALSO: Which cell phone takes better pictures
Smartphone camera features
Smartphones that have excellent photographic abilities must possess most of the features listed below; they do not necessarily have to possess them all, but at least the first 5 must absolutely be present in order to distinguish themselves from ordinary smartphones with an inexpensive photographic sensor.
- Image stabilizer : to prevent photos from being moved, the optical image stabilizer (OIS) must be present, in order to fully compensate for any hand movement.
- Multi camera : more and more models on the market improve the quality of the shot by using more rear cameras (3, 4 or even more). In order to be able to process a high-quality shot, each camera captures the same subject in various ways: for example, one camera captures the image in color, another in black and white, others still combining HDR and various improvements. The smartphone brings together all the shots automatically, creating (in a few fractions of a second) photos with brighter colors and truly exceptional contrasts.
- Optical zoom : more and more smartphones offer an optical zoom, which differs from the digital one because it is generated by the movement of the optics (which approaches and moves away according to our command). It is higher than the digital zoom, because it does not ruin the image quality (even if the optical zooms on smartphones hardly have more than 3X magnification).
- Photo sensor : the quality of the final shot also passes by the type of sensor used. We choose if possible models with a sensor of 12 MP or higher to always get shots full of details.
- Artificial intelligence : thanks to special chips mounted on the phone, the camera is able to recognize the scenario in which we shoot, automatically changing the parameters to always get a perfect photo. Really essential to be able to fill any gaps during shooting.
- Shutter speed : another very important parameter is the shutter speed, that is the moment that passes from pressing the button on the screen to the actual creation of the photo. Times of less than a second are always a strong point.
- Camera app : Even the default app used for shots can make the difference between two identical sensors in all. We try to focus on models that offer all the basic settings that are adjustable but which, if necessary, can also show the most advanced settings such as white balance, saturation, ISO and exposure.
- Dual Pixel : this technology is used on rear cameras to double the number of pixels captured and thus obtain high resolutions with a significantly smaller sensor. With the arrival of multi sensors, this technology quickly fell into disuse.
- Autofocus : the latest finding in this regard is laser autofocus, which allows you to focus the image using laser technology for aiming.
- Color spectrum sensor (HDR) : if the image is too bright or too dark, the color spectrum sensor will make the colors of all photos realistic, so as to always obtain perfect shots in all light conditions.
Smartphone with better camera
After having seen together the features that a smartphone dedicated to photographs must have, let's see together the best models that we can examine, so as to direct our choice towards the smartphone that best suits our needs (including economic ones).Samsung Galaxy S10e
The most "economical" photographic smartphone that we can consider is the Samsung Galaxy S10e, which has a 5.8 "display, 128 GB expandable internal memory, Dual SIM slot, dual rear camera 12 MP + 16 MP, optical stabilization and optical zoom 0.5X.
We can view the product from here -> Samsung Galaxy S10e (499 €).
Huawei Mate 20 Pro
Another very valid product from a photographic point of view is the Huawei Mate 20 Pro, which has a 128 GB internal memory, 6.39 "QHD + OLED display, Kirin 980 Octa Core processor, artificial intelligence system for taking photographs, triple rear camera 40 MP +20 MP +8 MP, Leica optics, autofocus system and optical stabilization.
We can view the product from here -> Huawei Mate 20 Pro (€ 599).
Samsung Galaxy S9 +
Although belonging to the last generation of Samsung, the Galaxu S9 + remains one of the best photographic smartphones, thanks to the 6.2 "display, 64 GB expandable internal memory, Dual SIM slot, dual rear 12 MP Dual Pixel camera and dual LED flash.
We can view the product from here -> Samsung Galaxy S9 + (€ 612).
Nokia 9 PureView
The smartphone with the largest number of rear cameras is certainly the Nokia 9 PureView, which has a QHD display and POLED screen, 128 GB of internal memory, 6 GB of RAM, 5 12 MP rear cameras, Zeiss optics, laser autofocus and flash LED.
We can view the product from here -> Nokia 9 PureView (674 €).
Samsung Galaxy Note 9
The most beautiful Samsung smartphone to buy is definitely the Note 9, which has a 6.3 "Super AMOLED screen. Infinity Display, 2, 960 x 1, 440 pixel resolution (WQHD +), Exynos 9810, 12 megapixel dual rear camera with variable aperture (f / 1.5 of / 2.4) + 12 megapixels with zoom, f / 1.7 and autofocus.
We can view the product from here -> Samsung Galaxy Note 9 (€ 680).
Huawei P30 Pro
If we are looking for the top of the range in the photographic sector, we will probably have to focus with our eyes closed on the Huawei P30 Pro, which boasts an 8 GB RAM memory, an 128 GB internal memory, a triple rear camera of 40 MP + 20 MP + 8 MP, optical stabilization, autofocus, touch focus, Leica optics, Dual LED optical flash and artificial intelligence system to achieve perfect shots every time.
We can view the product from here -> Huawei P30 Pro (729 €).
Apple iPhone XS Max
An iPhone could not be missing among high-end photographic smartphones, thanks to the combination of powerful hardware and one of the best camera apps available on the market. The iPhone XS Max features 12MP + 12MP dual rear cameras, F 1.8 + F 2.4 aperture, optical stabilization, 2X optical zoom, Quad LED flash and HDR.
We can view the product from here -> Apple iPhone XS Max (1199 €).
Conclusions
As we have observed in this guide, to be able to take high quality photos we will have to spend at least € 500 for the cheapest smartphone in the category, given that you pay for the quality from the photographic point of view (and not only).
If you want to change the camera app included in your smartphone with a higher quality one, we recommend you read our guide to the best camera apps for Android to take photos with your mobile phone . If instead we wanted to save something on the purchase of a smartphone, we can always examine the products recommended in our article on The best Smartphones for 200 Euros .
