The year 2024 redefined what we expect from mobile photography. Smartphones are no longer just handy devices with decent cameras — they’ve become powerful photo and video tools that can rival traditional cameras in many everyday situations. With innovations like 1-inch sensors, periscope zoom lenses, advanced night photography, and AI-powered editing, the competition among brands reached an entirely new level.
At Lumolog, we set out to test and compare the best camera phones of 2024 Lumolog could get hands-on with. Our goal is simple: to help you choose the right phone that balances hardware quality, software intelligence, and real-world usability. From Xiaomi’s Leica partnership to Samsung’s 200MP powerhouse, from Apple’s balanced video ecosystem to Huawei’s zoom mastery — every brand tried to push limits this year.
This guide will walk you through our top choices, detailed comparisons, real-world tests, and tips on how to pick the perfect camera phone for your needs.
How Lumolog Tested the Best Camera Phones of 2024
Testing camera phones is more than just looking at megapixels. We used a practical, real-world approach to see how these devices performed in everyday scenarios. Our process included:
- Daylight photography: Capturing landscapes and portraits under bright conditions.
- Low-light and night mode: Testing how well phones handle shadows, artificial lighting, and night cityscapes.
- Zoom performance: Evaluating clarity and detail from 3x to 10x zoom using periscope or telephoto lenses.
- Ultra-wide angles: Checking distortion, edge sharpness, and color consistency.
- Video recording: Comparing stabilization, audio quality, and 4K/8K recording.
- Software and AI tools: Looking at how each phone processes photos with HDR, portrait blur, and editing features.
We also compared automatic shooting (point-and-shoot style) with Pro or RAW modes to see how flexible these devices really are for both casual users and serious photographers.
The Best Camera Phones of 2024 Lumolog Ranking
After weeks of testing, reviewing, and analyzing results, here are our top camera phones of 2024.
1. Xiaomi 14 Ultra — The All-Round Champion
Xiaomi made headlines in 2024 with its 14 Ultra, co-engineered with Leica. This phone comes equipped with a massive 1-inch sensor and a variable aperture lens, making it one of the closest experiences to carrying a professional camera in your pocket.
- Main camera: 50MP with variable aperture (f/1.6–f/4.0)
- Ultra-wide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP floating telephoto lens + 5x periscope telephoto
- Special feature: Leica Photography Kit for DSLR-like handling
What makes the Xiaomi 14 Ultra special is its ability to shoot in almost any condition. Low-light images come out sharp and vibrant, while its portrait mode produces natural background blur. For serious photographers, the optional Photography Kit adds a shutter button and grip, turning the phone into a mini DSLR.
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra — The Zoom Master
Samsung has long dominated smartphone photography, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra continued that legacy in 2024. Its 200MP main sensor is one of the highest in the market, and the camera system includes both a 3x and a 5x telephoto lens, giving you unmatched flexibility.
- Main camera: 200MP, f/1.7, OIS
- Telephoto: 50MP 5x + 10MP 3x zoom
- Ultra-wide: 12MP
- Video: 8K support with excellent stabilization
The S24 Ultra is especially strong for zoom photography. Whether you’re capturing wildlife at a distance or cityscapes from rooftops, the detail remains crisp. Its night mode also balances exposure beautifully. While it is a little bulky, its combination of performance, zoom, and software tools makes it one of the best camera phones of 2024 Lumolog reviewed.
3. OnePlus 12 — Best Value Performer
The OnePlus 12 proved that you don’t always need to spend a fortune to get excellent camera performance. In collaboration with Hasselblad, OnePlus focused on color accuracy and versatile shooting modes.
- Main camera: 50MP wide
- Ultra-wide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 64MP periscope (3x optical zoom)
- Strengths: Balanced performance, affordable compared to rivals
For those who want professional-grade photos without the premium price tag, the OnePlus 12 is an excellent choice. It produces natural-looking skin tones, accurate colors, and reliable zoom shots. It may not outperform the Xiaomi or Samsung in every aspect, but it delivers superb value for its cost.
4. iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max — The Video King
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro series impressed us with its consistency. While it doesn’t pack the extreme specs of its Android competitors, it excels in balanced photo quality and, most importantly, video recording.
- Main camera: 48MP wide
- Ultra-wide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 12MP (5x optical zoom on Pro Max)
- Special feature: Camera Control button for custom settings
The iPhone 16 Pro is the top pick for creators, vloggers, and anyone who prioritizes video. Apple’s software ecosystem ensures smooth editing, reliable color grading, and professional-grade stabilization. For anyone invested in the Apple ecosystem, this is the most well-rounded choice.
5. Huawei Pura 70 Ultra — Benchmark Winner
Huawei’s Pura 70 Ultra may not be widely available in every market, but according to DxOMark and real-world users, it set a new standard in camera quality during 2024.
- Main camera: 50MP sensor with retractable lens
- Ultra-wide: 40MP
- Telephoto: 48MP periscope lens (3.5x zoom)
- Standout feature: DxOMark’s highest ranking for still photography in 2024
The Pura 70 Ultra shines in portrait and low-light shots, producing detailed results that surpass many competitors. Its retractable main lens design is unique, allowing more light to enter and resulting in sharp, vibrant photos.
Comparison Table: Best Camera Phones of 2024 Lumolog
| Phone | Main Camera | Zoom Options | Ultra-Wide | Key Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | 50MP 1-inch | Floating + 5x | 50MP | Leica optics, DSLR-like handling | Pro-level photography |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | 200MP | 3x + 5x | 12MP | Zoom mastery, detail, versatility | Zoom enthusiasts |
| OnePlus 12 | 50MP | 3x periscope (64MP) | 48MP | Affordable, balanced, Hasselblad | Value buyers |
| iPhone 16 Pro / Max | 48MP | 5x on Pro Max | 48MP | Smooth video, color accuracy | Creators & vloggers |
| Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | 50MP | 3.5x periscope | 40MP | DxOMark leader, retractable lens | Low-light shooters |
How to Choose the Best Camera Phone for You
Choosing the best camera phone of 2024 Lumolog depends on your needs. If you want DSLR-like still photography, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is unbeatable. If zoom is your top priority, Samsung’s S24 Ultra is the safe choice. Creators and vloggers should go for the iPhone 16 Pro, while those seeking the best low-light results can rely on Huawei’s Pura 70 Ultra. And if you’re budget-conscious but still want a premium experience, the OnePlus 12 offers excellent value.
Conclusion
2024 was the year smartphones blurred the line between mobile and professional photography. With brands introducing bigger sensors, smarter AI tools, and creative new features, users had more choice than ever. Based on Lumolog’s hands-on testing, the best camera phones of 2024 Lumolog recommends are the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, OnePlus 12, iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max, and Huawei Pura 70 Ultra.
Each of these devices shines in different ways, meaning the best option comes down to what you value most — whether it’s zoom, video, low-light, or price. No matter your choice, 2024 delivered some of the strongest smartphone cameras to date.
FAQs
Q1: What is the best overall camera phone of 2024?
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is considered the best all-rounder thanks to its Leica partnership, large sensor, and versatile lens system.
Q2: Which 2024 phone is best for zoom photography?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is unmatched when it comes to zoom clarity and flexibility.
Q3: Is the iPhone 16 Pro good for photography?
Yes. While not as spec-heavy as Android rivals, it delivers excellent consistency, great portraits, and industry-leading video.
Q4: Which is the best budget-friendly camera phone of 2024?
The OnePlus 12 offers strong performance and Hasselblad tuning at a more affordable price than most flagships.
Q5: What phone topped DxOMark in 2024?
The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra received the highest benchmark scores for photography in 2024.
