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Smartphones have become an integral part of our everyday lives. These small computers accompany us everywhere and fulfil many tasks – from making phone calls and taking photos to surfing the internet. The choice of devices is huge and new models are constantly coming onto the market.
When looking for the best smartphone, there are a few important points to consider. The performance of the processor, the quality of the camera and the battery life are often crucial. The display, internal memory and operating system also play a major role in the user experience.
The price is of course also an important factor. It doesn’t always have to be the most expensive device – many mid-range smartphones today offer great features at fair prices. We have tested numerous current models to find the best smartphones in different price ranges.
We all love to capture beautiful moments with our smartphones. For many of us, the camera is a decisive feature when buying a mobile phone. Which device takes the best photos? We often ask ourselves this question.
Today we take a look at the latest smartphones with the best cameras. From Samsung to Apple and Google – we take a look at the top devices of 2024, not just the expensive flagships, but also cheaper models with good cameras.
Mobile phone camera test: These smartphones take the best photos
Table of Contents
The test procedure for smartphone cameras
A special photo test stand was developed to create fair conditions for all devices. Various lighting situations were simulated here and hundreds of photos were taken with each smartphone. These are then thoroughly analysed both automatically and by experts.
What is taken into account in the evaluation?
Many factors play a role in the test. The quality of the main and selfie camera was analysed, as well as the shutter speed, zoom and flash function. Video quality and special lenses such as ultra-wide angle are not included here.
(1st place) Google Pixel 9 Pro
The Google Pixel 9 Pro really impressed us! The camera delivers great results in all areas. It takes great photos in daylight and also in low light conditions. The 5x optical zoom is great, even if it doesn’t really come into its own in our 4x zoom test. Selfies are also great. Overall, we give it a score of 1.2 for photo quality.
The Pixel 9 Pro is an impressive smartphone with an excellent camera and AI functions that could be a good choice for technology enthusiasts.
Pros
– Excellent camera with AI support
– Powerful battery for all-day use
– Innovative AI functions from Google
Cons
– Relatively high price
– Too many AI features for some users
– Size could be unwieldy for small hands
We have tested the Google Pixel 9 Pro extensively and are impressed by its performance. The camera delivers razor-sharp images, even in poor lighting conditions. The AI functions help to optimise photos and even remove imperfections.
The new Tensor G4 processor ensures smooth operation. Apps open quickly and even demanding games run smoothly. The battery easily lasts a whole day with normal use. The 6.3-inch display is bright and colourful without being too large for most hands.
The AI functions such as Gemini are useful in everyday life. We can quickly call up information about things on the screen or in our surroundings. The pure Android system is clear and easy to use. Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro is a high-quality smartphone that will particularly appeal to photography fans and technology enthusiasts.
(2nd place) Google Pixel 8 Pro
Close on its heels is the Google Pixel 8 Pro. It delivers almost identical results to its successor. It is just as good in daylight and selfies. The 9 Pro is only slightly ahead in low light and when zooming. Nevertheless: With an overall score of 1.2 for photo quality, it is an absolute top device.
The Pixel 8 Pro is a top choice for photo fans and Android purists looking for a powerful smartphone.
Advantages
– Outstanding camera performance
– Pure Android experience
– Long battery life
Cons
– Somewhat expensive
– No headphone jack
– Little storage space in the basic version
We have tested the Pixel 8 Pro extensively and are delighted with the camera quality. The photos are razor-sharp, and the new AI functions make taking photos a breeze. The ‘Best shot’ function in particular often helped us to take the perfect group photo.
The new Tensor G3 chip ensures smooth operation. Apps launch quickly and even demanding games run smoothly. The 6.7-inch display is bright and displays content with pin-sharp clarity. The variable refresh rate saves battery when 120 Hz is not required.
We are glad that Google continues to focus on a pure Android experience. The mobile phone comes without bloatware and receives updates quickly. The battery easily lasts a day, often even two. Wireless charging is practical, but could be a little faster.
(3rd place) Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL shares third place by a wafer-thin margin. The differences to the other Pixel models are really minimal. It uses the same top camera technology and software. For us, it is practically on a par with the other Pixel models and also gets a score of 1.2.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a top smartphone with impressive AI and camera, but the high price might put some people off.
Advantages
– Excellent AI functions
– First-class camera
– Chic design
Cons
– High price
– Battery life could be better
– Too big for some
We have tested the Pixel 9 Pro XL extensively and are delighted. The AI functions are really impressive. Whether we were taking photos or completing tasks, the AI always supported us.
The triple camera takes fantastic pictures. Even in poor light, the photos were razor-sharp and true to colour. The new design with the polished frame and soft back feels good.
The 6.8-inch screen is large and bright. Texts are easy to read and videos look great. The performance is top, everything runs smoothly. Only the battery life could be better. We had to top up the battery on some days.
(4th place) Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerful smartphone that is worthwhile for demanding users.
Advantages
– Excellent camera
– Long battery life
– Robust design
Disadvantages
– High price
– Large and heavy device
– No headphone socket
We have extensively tested the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and are impressed by its performance. The 6.8-inch screen is razor-sharp and bright. Colours look vibrant, bringing videos and photos to life.
The camera is a real highlight. We took razor-sharp pictures day and night. The 100x zoom is impressive, even if it’s not always practical. The 10x optical zoom is completely sufficient for most situations.
The battery easily lasts a whole day, even with intensive use. The robust design with Gorilla Glass Victus+ has a high-quality feel. It is protected against water and dust. However, the device is quite large and heavy. This could be impractical for some users.
(5th place) Google Pixel 7 Pro (256 GB)
We recommend the Google Pixel 7 Pro for users looking for a powerful Android smartphone with an excellent camera.
Advantages
– Excellent camera quality
– Large 256 GB memory
– Strong performance
Cons
– High price
– Mediocre battery life
– Some users report quality problems
The Google Pixel 7 Pro impressed us with its camera. The photos are razor-sharp and rich in detail. The device performs particularly well in low light. The night mode conjures up amazingly bright images even from dark scenes.
With 256 GB of memory, the Pixel 7 Pro offers plenty of space for apps, photos and videos. The display is bright and colourful. Texts are easy to read and films look great. The performance is top – apps launch quickly and run smoothly.
The battery life could be better. On some days, we had to plug it in early in the evening. We were also not entirely convinced by the workmanship. Some users complain about detached displays or loose buttons. The price is quite high, but still justifiable for a flagship smartphone.
(6th place) Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
The Galaxy Z Fold6 is an impressive foldable smartphone that combines a tablet and mobile phone in one device.
Advantages
– Large foldable display
– Powerful camera
– Long battery life
Disadvantages
– High price
– Narrow front display
– Relatively heavy
We tried out the Galaxy Z Fold6 and are impressed by its versatility. When unfolded, it transforms into a small tablet with a 7.6-inch screen. This is great for reading, surfing and multitasking. When closed, it can be operated like a normal smartphone.
The camera takes great photos. With 50 megapixels and AI support, it takes sharp photos day and night. The battery easily lasts a whole day. That makes us happy, as we had concerns about the battery life with such a large screen.
There are also points of criticism. The device is quite expensive. With 256 GB of memory, it costs over 1500 euros. The closed display is very narrow, which sometimes makes it difficult to use. At 239 grams, it is also quite heavy for a smartphone. Nevertheless, the Galaxy Z Fold6 is a fascinating device for technology fans.
(7th place) iPhone 15 Pro Max
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a high-quality smartphone that is characterised by its performance and camera functions.
Advantages
– Robust titanium housing
– Powerful A17 Pro chip
– Versatile camera system
Disadvantages
– High price
– Large size for some users
– USB-C port only
We have tested the iPhone 15 Pro Max extensively and are impressed by its performance. The A17 Pro chip makes the device incredibly fast. Apps open at lightning speed and even demanding games run smoothly. The 6.7-inch display is bright and sharp. The 120 Hz refresh rate ensures a very smooth display.
The camera of the iPhone 15 Pro Max surprised us. The 48-megapixel main camera takes great photos with lots of detail. The 5x optical zoom is practical for taking photos from a distance. We achieved good results at night. The video quality is also excellent.
The titanium casing has a high-quality feel and is lighter than expected. The battery life is good – we mostly got through the day. The new action button is useful and can be customised. The iPhone 15 Pro Max may be expensive, but it offers many features for users looking for a top smartphone.
Summary of the best camera phones
The best main camera
The Google Pixel 9 Pro impressed the most with the main camera. It takes super sharp pictures with great colours. Whether outdoors or indoors, the photos simply look great.
Best photos in daylight
When the sun shines, many smartphones shine. But the Google Pixel 9 Pro stands out. The images are razor-sharp, the colours vivid and natural. A real pleasure to take photos with!
A clear view in candlelight
The Google Pixel 9 Pro also cuts a fine figure in dim light. The images remain amazingly low-noise and rich in detail. Perfect for snapshots in the evening or in darker rooms.
It has 4x zoom
The top models are in a close race when it comes to 4x zoom. The Google Pixel 9 Pro is ahead here, closely followed by the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Both zoom in well on distant subjects without losing much quality.
Selfies: Do I look good?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a dream for selfie fans. The front camera takes razor-sharp self-portraits with natural skin tones. We also come across well in low light.
Conclusion on camera smartphones: Google times
Google is ahead of the pack! The Pixel smartphones, especially the 9 Pro, impress with their photo quality. They deliver top results in all areas. But Samsung and Apple are close behind. For photo enthusiasts, the latest high-end smartphones are real all-rounders.
Other recommended mobile phones
Samsung Galaxy A55 5G
The Galaxy A55 5G is a solid mid-range smartphone that offers many high-end features at an affordable price.
Pros
– High-quality display with 120 Hz
– Long battery life
– Robust design with IP67 protection
Cons
– Slow charging
– Moderate camera in low light
– Only minor improvements compared to its predecessor
We have tested the Galaxy A55 5G extensively and are impressed by its 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display. The colours are vivid and the 120 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling very smooth. The display remains easy to read even in bright sunlight.
The camera takes sharp pictures in good lighting conditions. The 50 MP main sensor delivers detailed images. However, the quality deteriorates in low light. Selfies with the 32 MP front camera usually look good.
The 5,000 mAh battery easily lasts a whole day. If used sparingly, even two days are possible. Unfortunately, charging is not particularly fast. The fingerprint sensor in the display works reliably. With IP67 certification and Gorilla Glass, the mobile phone is well protected.
Blackview A52 Pro smartphone
This affordable smartphone offers excellent value for money for beginners and price-conscious users.
Advantages
– Large 5180 mAh battery
– 90 Hz display
– Expandable 8 GB RAM
Cons
– Only 4G support
– Mediocre camera
– Limited performance
We tested the Blackview A52 Pro and were impressed by its 6.52-inch display with 90 Hz refresh rate. The colours look vibrant and scrolling is smooth. The operation feels very responsive for a device in this price range.
The 5180 mAh battery easily lasts a whole day with normal use. We only had to recharge the smartphone the next evening. The Android 13 operating system runs smoothly and offers useful data protection functions.
With 8 GB RAM (4 GB physical + 4 GB virtual) and 128 GB memory, the A52 Pro offers enough space for apps and media. The camera delivers usable images for everyday use, but reaches its limits in poor lighting conditions. We recommend a more powerful model for demanding users or frequent gamers.
OUKITEL C36 smartphone
The OUKITEL C36 is a solid budget smartphone that offers a lot of performance for little money.
Advantages
– Large storage capacity
– Strong battery
– Modern Android 13
Disadvantages
– No NFC
– Mediocre camera
– Only 4G support
We have tested the OUKITEL C36 extensively and are impressed by its performance. With 12 GB of RAM, it runs smoothly, even with several apps open. The 128 GB memory is sufficient for many photos and apps. If not, it can be expanded to 1 TB.
The 5150 mAh battery easily lasts a whole day. Even two or three with light use. The 6.56-inch display is bright enough for outdoor use. The resolution of 720×1600 is okay for the price, but not outstanding.
The 13 MP camera takes usable photos in good light. It’s good enough for social media, but don’t expect masterpieces. Android 13 runs smoothly and offers the latest features. For less than 100 euros, the OUKITEL C36 is a good deal if you don’t need a high-end device.
Buying guide
There are some important points to consider when choosing a new smartphone. We have summarised the most important criteria for you:
Performance
The computing power determines how smoothly apps and games run. An up-to-date processor and enough RAM are important for good performance.
Camera
For many users, the camera quality is crucial. Pay attention to the number of megapixels and additional functions such as night mode or optical zoom.
Battery life
A long-lasting battery saves the hassle of recharging. Check the battery capacity in mAh and fast charging functions.
Display
The screen size is a matter of taste. A bright display with good resolution ensures comfortable working and surfing.
Storage space
Enough space for apps, photos and videos is important. Pay attention to the internal memory and whether it is expandable.
Connectivity
5G is becoming increasingly important. WLAN 6 and Bluetooth 5 should also be available.
Operating system
Android and iOS have advantages and disadvantages. Choose the system you feel most comfortable with.
With these points in mind, you will find the right device for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
We have compiled the most important questions about the best smartphones of 2024. Here you will find compact answers to price-performance winners, top cameras and recommended models in various price categories.
Which are the top smartphones with the best price-performance ratio in 2024?
The Google Pixel 7a offers great performance at an affordable price. It impresses with a powerful camera and long software support.
The Nothing Phone (2) is also a price-performance tip. It has a unique design and good technology.
What are the frontrunners for the best mobile phone cameras in 2024?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max tops the list of the best smartphone cameras. It takes particularly good photos in low light.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro also impresses with top image quality. Its AI functions automatically improve photos.
Which smartphone up to 300 euros is the test winner in 2024?
The Poco X5 Pro 5G is the test winner in this price range. It offers a bright OLED display and good performance.
The camera takes solid photos for the price. The battery lasts a long time.
Which smartphones up to 500 euros are recommended in the CHIP mobile phone best list for 2024?
The Google Pixel 7a is a top recommendation in this price range. It offers a powerful camera and regular updates.
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G also performs well. It has a high-quality display and is waterproof.
Which mobile phone is particularly recommended by Germany’s ‘Stiftung Warentest’ in 2024?
Stiftung Warentest recommends the iPhone 15 Pro. It receives top marks for camera, display and battery life.
For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is recommended. It impresses with its versatile camera and S Pen.
What are the main features of the leading smartphones in the 2024 comparison test?
Top models such as the iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra have very good cameras. They take sharp photos day and night.
The displays are bright and colourful. Long battery life and fast charging are standard.
New AI functions improve photos and make many tasks easier. 5G is included in all top models.
