Fancy the power of a professional camera, always there in your pocket? Well, today’s smartphones are getting remarkably close to that, allowing you to take flawless pictures on the go, wherever opportunities arise. Because let’s be honest: you never know when the subject for your next photographic masterpiece (or viral video) will appear before your eyes.
But, with new technological advances piling up every year, which device is posed to dominate the landscape in 2022? And which one will best match your own idiosyncratic needs?
In no particular order, the following article will examine our top 4 picks for this year. Dive in to begin your journey!
Best Android: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (Tie)
Better to say it clearly from the start: so far, we haven’t identified a single, undisputed winner. Instead, we considered the best options across 3 essential categories and explained our choice as simply as possible.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra tops our selection for overall quality among Android phones (tied with the new Google Pixel 6 Pro).
What is really distinctive about this device is its ruthless display of hardware improvements. Indeed, this stunning phone flaunts four rear cameras:
- a 108MP f/1.8 main camera
- a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera
- and two 10MP telephoto cameras (one with an f/2.4 aperture and 3x optical zoom, and one with an f/4.9 aperture plus an impressive 10x optical zoom)
True, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is quite large and might not appeal to creators with smaller hands (featuring a 6.8″ screen size), but the outstanding quality of its shots is alone worth the price. In particular, this model is known for the remarkable definition of its telephotos and the unrivaled power of its Super Zoom.
If you want the cream of the crop, this one might be your pick…
Best Android: Google Pixel 6 Pro (Tie)
Except that Google’s flagship model is just as impressive—so, ultimately, your choice for the best overall Android camera will have to be a matter of taste.
Google had already got us used to fantastic photographic experiences with previous devices, thanks to a best-in-class software that maximizes the phones’ capabilities. But what’s special about the Google Pixel 6 Pro is a well-deserved (and long-awaited) upgrade of hardware components to match the glorious results of the software.
The smartphone’s rear-facing camera system comprises three elements:
- The main camera (26 mm wide-angle), featuring a 50MP 1/1.31 sensor with 1.2-micron pixels, omnidirectional phase-detection autofocus, laser autofocus, and OIS
- The ultrawide camera module for a panoramic perspective, with a 12MP 17 mm lens
- And a new periscope camera boasting a 48MP sensor with an f/3.5 aperture, 104 mm lens, and a 4x zoom
Not sure if it compares with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra? Remember that the Pixel 6 Pro can also benefit from a software that allows unique features such as a Magic Eraser, Motion mode for long exposure shots, and Real Tone. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
Best iOS: iPhone 13 Pro Max
Ok, this one was probably not hard to guess. With smart and carefully-thought upgrades from last year’s Apple models, the iPhone 13 Pro Max wins the gold medal for best iOS camera phone, hands down.
You will find a useful new macro mode, along with major improvements to low light shooting with the ultrawide camera that impressed many hardcore reviewers. Also, novel photo styles like the Cinematic video mode are worth experimenting with and add useful tools to your ultimate movie-maker arsenal.
When it comes to hardware, Apple has opted for a triple lens set up on the iPhone 13 Pro:
- A standard lens with a 12MP f/1.5 main sensor and big 1.9 µm pixels
- An ultrawide 12MP f/1.8 lens
- And a 12MP f/2.8 telephoto with 3x optical zoom lens (improving the iPhone 12 Pro’s 2x lens)
If these specs don’t sound as exclusive as some described above, don’t fret. It’s not any single component making the iPhone 13 Pro a dream for content creators, but rather the sum of all its improved features—including its long-lasting battery life and terrific software performance.
So, if you can’t go without Apple, this device will be an absolute must.
The Budget Choice: Google Pixel 5a with 5G
Sure, the options presented thus far are undisputable powerhouses. However, that’s a given when you are spending over $1000 on a single mobile device.
What if you are not a professional content creator (but maybe just a money-conscious person like me) and don’t want to pay a fortune for the latest, top-of-the-line smartphone?
No worries, Google has got you covered with the Pixel 5a with 5G.
Sold at the relatively modest retail price of $449, this model gets the job done while flaunting an extraordinary photographic performance—so much that Tomsguide.com calls it “the best camera experience under $500” and for good reason.
The Pixel 5a features the same outstanding camera module as the more expensive Pixel 5, including:
- A 12.2MP f/1.7 primary sensor with dual phase detection, plus optical and electronic image stabilization (OIS/EIS)
- A 16MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens with a 107-degree field of view, but no OIS or EIS
- A front-facing camera with 8MP and an f/2.0 aperture
In daylight, the Pixel 5a captures crisp images with excellent depth of field, rich texture, and spotless color accuracy. And its low light performance is also an absolute joy.
A close equivalent for Apple lovers would be the iPhone 13 mini (exceptional camera quality at a lower cost)—if you can label as “budget-friendly” a phone priced at $699.99.
Found this list useful? Stay tuned for more articles on the latest, hottest mobile trends!
