Which iPhone has the best camera? The top 3 best picks

Top contenders: iphone models with outstanding cameras

1. iPhone 14 series: best overall for photography

The iPhone 14 gets our best overall pick because of the notable software and hardware changes introduced in this lineup. Larger sensors, better low-light performance and high-contrast shots, and improved bokeh mode (that “Portrait” effect with a blurred background) are all noticeable. These changes are especially noteworthy for iPhone users who prioritize photography as a main feature.

2. iPhone 15 series: best for professional content creators

The changes made to the camera on the iPhone 15 series, and particularly the Pro and Pro Max series, are tweaks that are generally not so noticeable to the average person. But for avid photographers and content creators who mean business with their iPhone photography, the changes may be worth looking into.

The iPhone 15, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max have a 48MP main camera and true zoom. This captures photos in additional breathtaking detail. Portrait mode automatically detects that you’re centering on a person (or your dog, let’s be real). The 15 Pro Max also introduces an auto-focus feature on the front camera, making for crystal-clear OOTD selfies and FaceTime calls.

For videos, the iPhone 15 series lets you record in 4K HDR and choose between Action mode or Cinematic mode to capture the moment just right. Action mode will make the clip steady and smooth, while Cinematic mode can shift the camera’s focus to your main subject in the scene. And for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users, you can capture spatial videos for playback on the Apple Vision Pro.

3. iPhones 11, 12, and 13: best for capturing everyday life

For the vast majority of us who aren’t submitting our pictures to National Geographic, there’s good news that’ll save you some cash. The camera in many older iPhone models captures frame-worthy and share-worthy quality without needing to spring for a brand-new upgrade.

Most of these models have dual 12MP wide and ultra-wide cameras, plenty of power to capture your everyday outings. The cameras have digital zoom and optical zoom for close-up shots, Portrait Mode with the bokeh blurred background for dramatic effect, and the same portrait lighting effects as the newest iPhone models. That’s great quality for everyday use, and especially for the value when buying older, refurbished iPhone models. 

Understanding iPhone camera technology: how do they work?

Apple iPhones capture the world around us through a combination of advanced lenses, sensors, and computational photography. 

All models come with a standard wide lens. Starting with the iPhone 11 series, Apple introduced ultra-wide (or 0.5x) lenses for capturing an expansive, 120-degree view of that sunset at the shore. The camera sensors make for improved low-lighting photos and videos. The sensors provide auto exposure no matter the lighting scenario to tailor the camera to your needs.

Beyond hardware, Apple's advancements in computational photography play a key role in camera performance. Camera modes use advanced algorithms to optimize your images, adjust your focus, and more for the best possible images.

User experiences: real-world performance of iphone cameras

Users worldwide love iPhone cameras’ versatility and reliability. Travel photographers are fond of the phone’s ability to capture images akin to DSLRs without all the equipment. They also appreciate the ultra-wide lens for capturing vast landscapes and the ease of use of each setting. Content creators have similarly lauded several iPhone models for their cameras. In short, folks who rely on photography to make a living gravitate to iPhones to capture the quality they need to succeed.

iPhone 15 pro max cameras vs. Samsung galaxy s24 ultra cameras

Samsung Galaxy phone cameras are notable for their quality, just like iPhone’s. The cameras work similarly, combining multiple pixels to create the most vibrant photos possible. Samsung offers a floating shutter button so you can capture your pictures from anywhere on the screen, while iPhone’s is permanently affixed. The S24 Ultra also introduces some AI-enhanced features, including nighttime photography. iPhone has not introduced AI-enhanced camera features yet. One major downside, though, is the price: both models carry a four-figure price tag.

iPhone 15 pro max cameras vs. Google Pixel 8 cameras

The Google Pixel camera has caught up with iPhone’s camera capabilities. Many of the features introduced with the Google Pixel 8 are AI-driven, supporting improved skin tone nuance, photo correcting, and more. Like the iPhone 15 series, Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 7 offer a 48MP camera and 4K video capture. The iPhone 15 Pro and the Google Pixel 8 Pro, the two most recent phone releases from both companies as of June 2024, have a similar price tag of just north of $1,000.

Making your choice: selecting the best iphone camera

Most of us with iPhones aren’t professional photographers, but still want a quality camera to capture sweet memories. To that end, models starting with the iPhone 11 can fit the bill. 

For those of us who are professional photographers or content creators, it’s worth looking into the iPhone 14 or 15 series. An iPhone 14 Pro Max or 15 Pro Max is your best bet, offering triple lenses and enough tiny tweaks that will make a difference to the pros, but most of us won’t pick up on.

Enhancing Your iPhone photography

Accessories and apps

Tripods, external lenses, and lighting kits are investments in iPhone photography. Apps like Halide, for advanced manual controls, or VSCO, for powerful editing tools, can also elevate your photography game.

Photography tips and tricks

Get to know some photography basics to get the most out of your camera.

• Use natural light whenever possible — and preferably during “golden hour.”

• Apply the rule of thirds for better image composition.

• Take advantage of the built-in editing tools in the Photos app to fine-tune your shots.

• Experiment with different angles to capture your unique perspective on the world.

• Learn the art of negative space and minimalism to make your subject pop.

• Play around with your subject’s shadows and silhouettes to add drama to your photos.

• Test photography techniques like long exposure and motion blur.

Shopping for iphone by camera quality

The latest iPhones — and Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones, too — certainly deliver impressive specs and cutting-edge features. But at the end of the day, those intricate details are best left to the professionals. Most of us won’t notice the difference in our everyday lives, and certainly won’t miss them for the four-figure price tag these recent models command.

For a phone with the best camera at the best possible price, turn to Back Market. Our selection of refurbished iPhones means you can access some of the latest models for a fraction of the price. Get all the benefits of a high-quality iPhone camera without spending thousands on a new model or chasing after the newest release.