Best camera smartphones: Google Pixel 10 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro and more

Photography has become a major battleground for today’s premium smartphones. But which model is the best in this segment? What makes each one distinctive? If you are thinking of treating yourself at Christmas, here is a quick guide to the products worth considering.

All high-end smartphones are good these days. Each one has a powerful processor, refined design and a superb display, yet they are far from identical. To stand apart, manufacturers are focusing on one particular area: photography.

With Christmas on the way, you may be looking to indulge in the best camera phone on the market. So which should you choose? We have picked out six handsets for this list. They are all excellent, although each has its own standout features. Here is our guide.

Google Pixel 10 Pro

This is the king of the Android world. Google has once again made a strong impression with its 2025 model, available in Pro and Pro XL versions, the latter featuring a larger screen. Its camera is exceptionally versatile, delivering detailed shots from afar or up close, in daylight and at night. It performs brilliantly in every situation. AI can also be used to edit your images as you wish. Is the weather looking gloomy in your photo? Add some sunshine. If you want the best Android camera phone in every scenario, this is the one to choose.

Our Google Pixel 10 Pro review

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 256 GB at the best price
Base price: €1,299

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Apple iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max

If Android is not for you, the iPhone is the obvious direction to take. And 2025 is a particularly strong year for Apple. The 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max represent the very best of the company’s expertise in photography. The smartphone now includes three 48-megapixel sensors, including a telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom. This upgrade is also reflected in a new design, as the camera module now spans the entire rear of the handset. For photography, iPhones remain a dependable choice.

Our iPhone 17 Pro Max review

iPhone 17 Pro Max at the best price
Base price: €1,479

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is Samsung’s flagship, designed to demonstrate everything the brand can do. And it is highly convincing. Its main strength is its 200-megapixel wide-angle sensor. In our view, the results are slightly below those of the Pixel 10 Pro, but it still sits firmly among the very best. It is, however, better when it comes to zoom, which may win over plenty of buyers. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is impressive for photography, while also excelling in everyday use thanks to its simply excellent large display, powerful processor, very successful titanium design and, above all, the included stylus. If you want the very best Android experience, it is an extremely sensible choice.

Our Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review

Galaxy S25 Ultra 512 GB at the best price
Base price: €1,589

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Oppo Find X9 Pro

This is the big surprise of the end of the year. The Oppo Find X9 Pro is quite simply one of the best smartphones released in 2025. It shines in every department, including photography. Its 200-megapixel telephoto lens is ideal for those who enjoy shooting subjects from a distance. Better still, its huge 7,500 mAh battery gives it excellent endurance. There is no need to take a power bank on a sightseeing trip. It is worth noting that the OnePlus 15 is similar in many respects, as the two smartphones were developed together.

Our Oppo Find X9 Pro review

Oppo Find X9 Pro at the best price
Base price: €1,299

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Honor Magic7 Pro

Honor has always been excellent at photography, and the Magic7 Pro is no exception. It relies on AI to capture the most attractive images possible, readily adjusting them to make them more pleasing to the eye. Its key selling point is the 100x superzoom, using its 200-megapixel telephoto lens and AI to produce a usable image.

However, there is one warning to bear in mind. The Magic7 Pro arrived at the beginning of the year, and the Magic8 should reach Europe very soon; it is already available in China. A little patience is therefore advisable if you want to buy Honor’s best smartphone.

Our Honor Magic7 Pro review

Honor Magic7 Pro at the best price
Base price: €1,299

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Xiaomi 15 Ultra

Xiaomi should not be overlooked in the race for the best smartphone. The 15 Ultra is simply an example for others to follow. Its design itself reflects the ambition to offer a complete camera phone, as it almost resembles a compact camera. Photo quality is dazzling, while what truly sets it apart from the competition is its Leica partnership, which has contributed to both the lens design and software. The result is photographs with that famous Leica signature, recognisable from a mile away. For those who want the full experience, Xiaomi even sells a photography kit that turns the handset into a genuine camera while adding extra battery life. What more could you ask for?

Our Xiaomi 15 Ultra review

Xiaomi 15 Ultra at the best price
Base price: €1,499

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