In the world of smartphone photography, there are a plethora of opinions about which device has the best camera. In this article, we will show you the objectively best smartphone cameras of 2024, based on expert opinions and technical tests. But technology isn't everything - how people evaluate cameras can vary greatly. That's why we're also taking a look at the winners of YouTuber MKBHD's "Blind Smartphone Camera Test," which is based on users' subjective preferences. This gives you a comprehensive overview and allows you to decide for yourself which camera is best for you.
Lensively viewed: The best smartphone cameras of 2024
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max – The all-rounder camera
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max sets new standards in smartphone photography. With its outstanding image processing, support for ProRAW and ProRes, and strong video recording performance, it remains the undisputed leader. The improved night mode and the Photonic Engine ensure impressive photos even in low light conditions. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a versatile tool for professionals and amateur photographers alike.
Google Pixel 8 Pro – Best photos thanks to artificial intelligence
The Google Pixel 8 Pro scores with its outstanding software-supported image processing. The impressive dynamic range and natural colors make every photo a highlight. The Pixel 8 Pro is particularly impressive in poor lighting conditions with Night Sight, which delivers clear and detailed images even in the darkest surroundings. For anyone who values brilliant colors and an intuitive camera app, the Pixel 8 Pro is the ideal choice.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – The Zoom King
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra impresses with a versatile camera system that includes multiple lenses and a 200 MP main sensor. Particularly noteworthy are the excellent zoom capabilities with up to 10x optical zoom. Powerful software features such as Single Take and Director’s View offer additional creative possibilities. Anyone who would like to bring distant subjects up close will find a strong partner in the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Sony Xperia 1 V – For the professionals among you
The Sony Xperia 1 V is aimed at photography enthusiasts and professionals. With its pro-grade camera settings, excellent image quality thanks to the large sensor and advanced autofocus functions, it meets the highest demands. The 4K HDR video recording and Cinema Pro mode make it an ideal choice for filmmakers. If you value manual control and professional features, the Xperia 1 V is the perfect camera for you.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro – The Leica legend
The Huawei Mate 50 Pro impresses with its collaboration with Leica, which results in outstanding image quality. The advanced AI functions and variable aperture enable excellent control over depth of field. The Mate 50 Pro delivers impressive results, especially in poor lighting conditions. For anyone looking for a first-class camera with innovative features, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is an excellent choice.
These smartphones stand out for their advanced camera technologies and image processing software, and overall offer one of the best photography and video recording experiences in 2024.
Subjectively assessed: What do users think about the best smartphone cameras
What is the Blind Smartphone Camera Test?
The "Blind Smartphone Camera Test" by YouTuber MKBHD is a unique way to evaluate the best smartphone cameras. Here the photos from different smartphones are compared with each other in a scientific and objective process. The special thing about it: Users rate the photos without knowing which smartphone they come from. Here are the essential elements and results of the test.
Test procedure and voting process
MKBHD uses 20 smartphones for the blind test, all of which are updated and fully charged. Every smartphone is tested under identical conditions. Three different photos are taken: a daylight photo, a low-light photo, and a portrait photo. These photos are presented to users without labels or Exif data, so ratings are based solely on visual impressions. In an online voting, users vote which photos they like best.
Rules for the test
All photos are taken under the same conditions and from the same angle. The cameras are in standard automatic mode, with no manual adjustments or focus. The photos compete against each other in an online voting to receive a statistically significant rating. The results are then evaluated in an Elo rating system, similar to that of chess players.
The winners of MKBHD's blind test
Daylight photo
- Winner: Google Pixel 7A
- Second place: Google Pixel Fold
- Third place: OnePlus Open
- Last place: iPhone 15 Pro
Low light photo
- Winner: iPhone 15 Pro
- Second place: Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Third place: Google Pixel 7A
- Last place: Oppo Find X6 Pro
Portrait mode
- Winner: Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Second place: Samsung Z Fold 5
- Third place: iPhone 15 Pro
- Last place: Sony Xperia 1 V
Overall winners and surprises
The "People's Champ" and therefore the overall winner with the highest average Elo rating is the Google Pixel 7A. It also wins the "Bang for the Buck Award" for best value for money. The Nothing Phone 2 comes in second in this category. The Google Pixel smartphones dominate the overall ranking:
- Google Pixel 7A
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Google Pixel Fold
Why smartphones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max failed in the blind test
The iPhone 15 Pro Max came last in the daylight photos category in the blind test, although it is generally considered one of the best camera smartphones.Here are the main reasons why:
Brightness and exposure
Compared to the other smartphones, the iPhone 15 Pro Max produced the darkest photo in the “Daylight Photo” category. In a blind test, users tend to find brighter photos more pleasant and attractive. Therefore, the iPhone photo was often rated as less good in direct comparison.
Dynamic range and contrast
The iPhone 15 Pro Max may not have performed as well as the other smartphones in the test when it came to exposure and dynamic range. Although the camera is technically very advanced, the specific type of exposure in this test resulted in less preferred results.
What can we learn from the test?
The blind test clearly shows that subjective preferences can often differ from technical assessments. In this test, users preferred brighter images, which put the iPhone 15 Pro Max at a disadvantage in daylight photos. It performs excellently in other aspects such as color reproduction and detail. Interestingly, the iPhone 15 Pro Max won in the Low Light Photo category, highlighting its strength in this area.
These results make it clear that there is no universally best camera. Technical specifications are important, but ultimately what matters is how satisfied you are with the images the camera produces. Therefore, it is essential to test smartphone cameras yourself to make sure they match your personal preferences.
At the end of the day, technology and taste must match. The best way to find the right camera is to try it out for yourself and see if it produces the kind of images you love.
Conclusion – technology vs. taste: Choosing the best smartphone camera
The best smartphone cameras of 2024 impress with outstanding technical specifications. They have the best sensors, powerful zoom options and advanced AI for photo processing. Often people also like these photos because they are technically sound and offer high image quality. But the technically best cameras do not always correspond to the subjective preferences of the user.
This is where subjective testing comes into play. MKBHD's "Blind Smartphone Camera Test" shows which photos people actually prefer without them knowing which device is behind them. This can produce surprising results. The iPhone 15 Pro Max ended up in last place in daylight photos, even though it is technically considered one of the best. At the same time, however, it was able to win in the "Low Light Photo" category, which shows its strength in this area.
This test makes it clear that the end result is what is most important and not necessarily the technical specifications. So if you are looking for a smartphone with the best possible camera, you should consider various points:
- Test the camera yourself in the store: See if you like the results. Everyone has different preferences, and what is perfect for one person may not necessarily be right for you.
- It doesn't always have to be the most expensive smartphone: The test shows that cheaper models like the Google Pixel 7A can also deliver excellent results. It is worth considering different options and not just paying attention to the price.
At the end of the day, your choice should be based on a combination of specs and personal preference. A camera that you enjoy and whose results you are satisfied with is the best choice for you. Technology and taste must match to find the perfect smartphone camera.
