In recent years, some of the best camera phones on the market have proven powerful enough to rival professional mirrorless or DSLR cameras. However, finding the best iPhone for photography isn’t as simple as choosing the newest or most expensive one, such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Every year, Apple upgrades its iPhone camera features, but despite the temptation to own the latest model, it might not always be necessary. Other budget-friendly camera phone options are available as well.
Apple’s consistency in photography technology means minimal differences between iPhone generations, providing plenty of choices without the need for the newest model. As a photographer, I prefer the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra over the iPhone 15 Pro Max. But personal preferences aside, it’s essential to find the best camera phone that suits your lifestyle and budget.
Top Picks for Best iPhone Camera
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Best for Photography
While it might seem contradictory, the iPhone 15 Pro Max tops our list despite previous statements about newer iPhones not always being the best. On paper, the iPhone 15 Pro Max stands out with minor but significant camera upgrades from last year’s model.
It features the same main camera as the iPhone 14 Pro Max but with an upgraded sensor using pixel-binning, producing 24MP images from a 48MP sensor. The telephoto lens offers 5x optical zoom, using periscope-like methods for zoomed-in images. It can shoot 48MP HEIF and Apple Raw, with higher resolution in multiple focal lengths.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2796 x 1290) |
| CPU | A17 Pro chip |
| Camera | 48MP main (24mm, ƒ/1.78), 12MP Ultra Wide (13mm, ƒ/2.2), 12MP 2x Telephoto (48mm, ƒ/1.78), 2MP 5x Telephoto (120mm, ƒ/2.8) |
| Front Camera | TrueDepth 12MP (ƒ/1.9) |
| Storage | 256GB – 1TB |
| Dimensions | 159.9 mm x 76.7 mm x 8.25 mm |
| Weight | 221 grams (7.81 ounces) |
| Battery | Up to 29 hours of video playback |
iPhone 13 Pro: Affordable & Effective
The iPhone 13 Pro has become more affordable following the iPhone 15 series launch. It features a 12MP main sensor, a step down from the 48MP sensor in the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, it remains a strong contender for photography.
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The iPhone 13 Pro saw significant improvements over the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max, with better apertures and increased optical zoom.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Cameras | Ultra wide, wide, telephoto |
| Lens apertures | f/1.8 (ultra wide), f/1.5 (wide), f/2.8 (telephoto) |
| Zoom | 3x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out, 15x digital zoom in |
| Screen size | 6.1-inch display |
iPhone 14 Pro Max: Reliable and Robust
Launched in September 2022, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is known for its reliability. Sharing the same 48MP main sensor as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it offers detailed 48MP RAW files and excels in low-light conditions. Despite being replaced, the iPhone 14 Pro Max remains a strong choice for photography.
Here’s the transformed table for the third set of specifications:
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Cameras | Ultra wide, wide, telephoto |
| Lens apertures | f/2.2 (ultra wide), f/1.8 (wide), f/2.8 (telephoto) |
| Zoom | 3x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out, 15x digital zoom in |
| Screen size | 6.7-inch display |
Other noteworthy iPhones for photography
iPhone SE (2022): Affordable iPhone
The 2022 iPhone SE features the same lens as the 2020 model: a 12MP rear camera with an f/1.8 wide-angle lens and a 7MP front camera with an f/2.2 wide-angle lens. It lacks the ultra wide or telephoto lenses but offers solid performance for a budget option.
iPhone 12 Pro Max: Veteran iPhone
The iPhone 12 Pro Max, released in 2020, boasts a wide lens with a larger sensor than the 12 Pro, making night mode functions more powerful. It also offers a longer telephoto lens with better optical and digital zoom.
iPhone 12 Pro: Mediocre iPhone
For those who prefer a smaller device, the iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch display and a slightly lower zoom range than the Pro Max. It offers a great photography setup, including night-mode portraits enhanced by a LiDAR scanner.
iPhone 13 Mini: Mini iPhone
The iPhone 13 mini, although discontinued, remains a great option with a dual-lens 12MP camera and compact size. It’s now available at significantly lower prices, especially for refurbished models.
Choosing best iPhone
When choosing the best iPhone for photography, consider your budget and the features that matter most to you. Remember, it’s not always about megapixels. If you shoot a lot of video, opt for an iPhone with 4K capability. For USB-C charging, look at the iPhone 15 series.
