Today we’ll show you the smartphones with the best camera you can buy in 2021. You want a good phone, but you also want it to have the best camera possible.
The smartphones with the best camera (2021)
We have compiled for you the most ambitious models at the photographic level so that, whatever you choose, you get a real beast in camera. Currently, there are multiple possibilities with a high-level photographic section, so you have plenty to choose from.
Almost all the models in our selection are high-end proposals, but we have found some with a great value for money, so you will find options for all budgets.
Google Pixel 5
The Google Pixel 5 is not the most versatile phone, but in image processing, few match it. Once again the Pixel camera is superlative, with detail, controllable dynamic range (with blocking highlights and lifting shadows), and spectacular white balance. With just two cameras it stands up to the rest of the high-end rivals.
The Google Pixel 5 has a high price, but its camera is up to par (and even exceeds in some aspects) to phones costing more than $1,000.
It is a relatively inexpensive phone and certainly costs less money than the high-end of the moment. Although at the power level it is not at its height, the photographic experience of the Pixel is still very good, and that has a price. Never 12MP gave so much of itself.
Google Pixel 4a
If we want this same camera but for less money, we can bet on the Google Pixel 4a. In this case, we lose the ultra-wide-angle and we only have a wide-angle sensor, but the results are just as good as in the Google Pixel 5. Images with a spectacular white balance, detail, and surprisingly good video capabilities.
A very small mobile, pocket and with a camera that has been characterizing the Pixel for generations.
In this case, we have a mid-range with the Snapdragon 730 and, something quite important: A very small size, something that is no longer seen in the phones of 2021. The Pixel 4a fits in any pocket and has very lightweight.
iPhone 12
Any of the members of the iPhone 12 family is a strong candidate for the photographic podium. They are not the kings in the zoom, but the processing is among the best. The iPhone is still one of the best exponents in color rendering, dynamic range (although it is not the best at lifting shadows), and above all, video.
The iPhone shines in photography but, above all, it continues to excel mainly in video, where it is difficult to catch up.
If you need a good video camera, the iPhone 12s are still unrivaled. They record in Dolby Vision HDR, 4K 60FPS and their compatibility with social networks is greater when it comes to uploading content. If we want telephoto, better bet on the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max models, which are the most complete alternative. Also, these have a LiDAR that helps, among others, in night portraits.
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Samsung Galaxy S21
The best Samsung mobile to date. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a great evolution in-camera over the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra. This generation we have more detail, a much better dynamic range, good white balance, and better focus.
If we want a zoom champion, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a great choice: It goes up to 100x magnification and performs at a high level, supporting detail at 10x and 30x magnification.
It is also one of the kings in the zoom, holding 10X and 30X with great dignity, and being able to go up to 100x. The night section is still resisting, but we are undoubtedly facing one of the best phones on the Android market.
Compared to its younger siblings, the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21+, this generation is a step behind in-camera, although the difference is not abysmal. They shine especially in detail and are very complete proposals.
OPPO Find X3 Pro
The newcomer bets like never before on the camera and OPPO dedicated no less than 30 minutes in its presentation to talk only about color. The OPPO Find X3 Pro has a main sensor, ultra-wide-angle, telephoto lens, and a microscopic sensor, the latter being different from the macro we usually see.
This mobile is capable of 60x photography with good sharpness, allowing for microscopic photography. If you want a different mobile, but with a spectacular camera, this is one of the options to consider.
Xiaomi Mi 11
The Xiaomi Mi 11 is another of the best exponents in camera and, also, it is cheaper than most of its rivals. Its camera is quite balanced, with a good level of detail and dynamic range. It is not the most versatile, as it does not have a telephoto lens, but it more than fulfills what is required in the high end.
In addition to shining in the camera, it comes with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888. Plenty of power to compete with the best of the best. It also has a 2K screen, AMOLED, and 120Hz refresh rate. What more could you ask for?
Huawei Mate 40 Pro
Although it does not have Google services, the Huawei Mate 40 Pro is a real beast. Photographically, it is one of the best phones in terms of detail, thanks in large part to its huge 50MP sensor. This phone is a big leap in processing compared to previous generations and, despite its big handicap, it is an excellent choice at the photographic level.
