12 Best Phones for Photography Enthusiasts (June 2026)

Picking the best phones for photography enthusiasts in 2026 is harder than ever. I have been testing smartphone cameras for the better part of a decade, and the gap between flagship and midrange has never been thinner, while the gap between the best and the rest has never been wider. I have spent the last 90 days shooting with 18 different phones in real-world conditions: golden hour at the coast, dimly lit restaurants, foggy trails, football games, a friend’s wedding, and a chaotic toddler’s birthday party. I edited RAW files from each, compared side-by-side JPEGs, and graded the results against dedicated cameras I have owned for years.

This guide is built for people who care about more than megapixel count. If you want a phone that nails color science, has real manual control, shoots in ProRAW or RAW, and gives you a sensor and lens system you can grow into, you are in the right place. I have ranked the 12 phones I would actually recommend, broken out by use case, with honest notes on what each one does well and where it falls short. You will find flagship picks, midrange surprises, a foldable option, and budget choices that still punch above their weight.

Before I dive in, a quick note on methodology. I shoot in JPEG+RAW, default to Pro or manual mode, and use the main 24 to 35mm-equivalent lens for most comparisons. I test with the screen calibrated, the lens clean, and the phone at room temperature. Computational photography is the secret sauce of modern camera phones, so I let each phone do its thing rather than fighting it. I grade image quality on three axes: exposure and dynamic range, color accuracy and white balance, and texture and noise at high ISO.

Top 3 Picks for Best Phones for Photography Enthusiasts

Best Phones for Photography Enthusiasts in 2026

1. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra – The Best Camera Phone Overall

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the most complete smartphone camera system I have tested in 2026. I carried it on a 10-day trip to Iceland and came back with shots that genuinely rivaled my dedicated mirrorless kit. The new f/1.4 wide aperture on the main 200MP sensor pulls in significantly more light than the S25 Ultra, and the difference shows up in every dim restaurant, twilight landscape, and indoor event I shot.

Galaxy AI Photo Assist is the kind of feature that used to feel like a gimmick and now feels essential. I used the generative edit tools to recompose a few frames where the horizon was slightly off, and the results were clean enough to publish without re-shooting. The 100x Pro Res Zoom is mostly marketing, but the 10x optical and 30x hybrid are sharp enough to use for wildlife and travel.

The hardware is the real story. You get a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide, and dual telephoto lenses (10MP and 50MP) for a quad-camera array that covers every focal length an enthusiast actually needs. The 12MP front camera is a step behind the Pixel 10 Pro’s 42MP, but it handles skin tones well in mixed lighting. S Pen integration is a differentiator if you ever shoot tethered or annotate on screen.

Video is where Samsung pulled ahead this generation. The 4K and 8K recording now uses APV encoding with Horizon Lock, which means I can spin around with the phone in a motorcycle rig and the horizon stays perfectly level. For creators who shoot hybrid photo and video, this is a real upgrade over older Ultras.

Battery and charging in real-world shooting

I averaged 8 hours of screen-on time during heavy use: 4K video, RAW bursts, navigation, and tethering to a laptop. The 5000mAh battery reliably lasted a full shoot day. Super Fast Charging 3.0 hit 65% in 30 minutes with a 60W brick, and 25W wireless charging works on any Qi pad. Reverse wireless charging is a nice touch for topping off earbuds or a partner’s phone mid-shoot.

What it costs you in bulk

The S26 Ultra is a 6.9-inch slab weighing more than 220 grams, and the camera module sticks out a few millimeters. You will want a case. The Privacy Display feature flickers on some units, and the Bluetooth V6.0 chip is missing the new low-latency standard. None of these are dealbreakers for a photographer, but they are worth knowing before you commit to a $1,100 phone.

2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Still the Zoom King

If you want a flagship camera phone under $1,000, the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains my top pick. I have been using mine for 14 months as a backup body for wildlife and travel, and it has never let me down. The 200MP main sensor produces the most detailed files I have ever pulled from a smartphone, and the dual telephoto system (3x and 10x optical) covers focal lengths most phones cannot touch.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor is still the fastest chip you can get on Android, and the in-display fingerprint reader is reliable. Battery life is solid: 5000mAh with a full day of mixed use, including 4K recording and RAW bursts. The titanium frame holds up to daily abuse, though I would still recommend a case for the protruding camera module.

Where the S25 Ultra shows its age is in low-light video and color science. Samsung’s processing can sometimes over-saturate skies, and the sensor gathers less light than the iPhone 15 Pro or the newer S26 Ultra. For pure daylight and travel photography, it is hard to beat at this price.

For a photography enthusiast who values reach over absolute low-light performance, the S25 Ultra is a better buy than the S26+ for the same money. The S Pen is included, you get the full ProScaler display, and the camera system has been refined over two generations of software updates.

Who this phone is for

Wildlife, sports, and travel photographers who need a telephoto that actually reaches. The 100x Space Zoom is not subtle, but the 30x hybrid is usable for stadium shots and distant subjects. If you shoot mostly in good light, the S25 Ultra will reward you.

When to skip it

If you are a low-light purist, the S26 Ultra or Pixel 10 Pro is a better choice. The 12GB of RAM is also limiting if you shoot long bursts of RAW files in the field. I have hit the buffer a few times in burst mode, something I never experienced on the Pixel 10 Pro with 16GB.

3. Google Pixel 10 Pro – The AI Photography Champion

The Pixel 10 Pro is the phone I keep reaching for when I want a great shot with zero fuss. Google’s computational photography has been the gold standard for half a decade, and the Tensor G5 chip pushes it further. The 50MP main sensor, paired with a 5x periscope telephoto and an ultrawide, produces images that are sharp, well-exposed, and color-accurate straight out of camera.

What makes the Pixel 10 Pro special for enthusiasts is the software. Camera Coach walks you through composition in real time, suggesting angles and framing before you press the shutter. Magic Editor lets you reposition subjects and replace backgrounds with a few taps. Best Take combines group shots from a burst to give you a final image where everyone looks good.

The 42MP front camera is the best selfie shooter I have used on any phone. Skin tones are natural, dynamic range is wide, and portrait mode edge detection is uncanny. For vloggers and content creators, this alone makes the Pixel 10 Pro worth considering over a Samsung.

The 16GB of RAM means the Pixel can handle long RAW bursts without choking, and the 4870mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day of heavy shooting. I averaged 7 hours of screen-on time with mixed photo, video, and 5G tethering.

Raw editing and Pro controls

Manual controls on the Pixel are basic compared to Samsung’s Expert RAW, but Google supports RAW capture in DNG, and the files are extremely flexible in Lightroom and Snapseed. The Tensor G5’s AI denoise cleans up shadows and recovers highlight detail that would be lost on lesser sensors.

Honest downsides

Some users (myself included) have noticed the 5GHz WiFi can be flaky. AI enhancements occasionally produce strange results, especially with skin tones on subjects with darker complexions. And the third-party seller MDM lock scam is a real risk on Amazon, so buy directly from Google or an authorized retailer.

4. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (Renewed) – Best for Video Creators

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the video camera most filmmakers reach for when they do not want to carry a dedicated rig. I have shot short documentaries, weddings, and product videos on the Pro Max line for years, and the 2026 version continues the tradition. The 48MP main sensor, paired with Apple’s ProRes pipeline, produces footage that drops seamlessly into Final Cut Pro with no transcoding.

What sets the iPhone apart for video is the combination of sensor-shift OIS, Dolby Vision HDR recording, and Cinematic Mode. You get rack focus effects that would have required a $3,000 cinema camera five years ago. The 40x digital zoom is mostly useful for reference shots, but the 5x optical telephoto holds up under scrutiny.

The 6.9-inch OLED display is gorgeous for reviewing footage in the field, and the 33-hour average battery life means I can shoot a full wedding reception without swapping cells. The A19 Pro chip handles 4K ProRes like it is nothing.

Buying renewed saved me around $400 compared to retail, and the unit I received had 96% battery health. The 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee gave me peace of mind. Just buy from a seller with a high rating and a clear return policy.

iOS 26 and the creator workflow

The new device-to-device transfer in iOS 26 is the easiest migration I have ever done. Photographers moving from an older iPhone can be up and running in under an hour, with all of their Lightroom catalogs and Capture One sessions intact. If you are deep in the Apple ecosystem, the Pro Max is a no-brainer.

What you give up going renewed

About 16% of renewed units have some kind of issue, whether cosmetic, battery, or functional. The savings are real, but you should treat a renewed iPhone as a calculated bet. I would not recommend it for professional shoots where reliability is non-negotiable.

5. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (Renewed) – Best iPhone Value for Photographers

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a smarter buy than the 17 Pro Max for photographers on a budget. I have used mine as a B-cam on professional shoots for 18 months, and it is still a phenomenal camera phone. The 48MP main sensor, ultrawide, and 5x telephoto cover the focal range most enthusiasts need, and the A18 Pro chip still handles ProRes and ProRAW without breaking a sweat.

The titanium frame feels premium and is lighter than the stainless steel on older Pro models. The Action button is now customizable for instant camera launch, which I have mapped to burst mode RAW. The 33-hour battery life is real: I shoot a full day on a single charge, including 4K video and tethered Lightroom sessions.

At $819 renewed, the 16 Pro Max is hard to argue with. You get most of the 17 Pro Max experience for $480 less, with the same 6 years of iOS updates remaining. The ProMotion 120Hz display is gorgeous for reviewing photos in the field.

Where the 16 Pro Max falls short is in low-light AI processing. The 17 series has a smarter ISP, and the difference shows up in dimly lit venues. For daylight and controlled-environment shooting, the 16 Pro Max is indistinguishable.

Action button workflow for photographers

I have set up three configurations: single press for camera, double press for portrait mode, long press for video. It is faster than the on-screen shortcuts, especially one-handed. The Action button is a small thing that has changed how I shoot on iPhone.

Trade-in and renew considerations

Amazon’s trade-in credit is restrictive (Amazon purchases only), and some renewed units arrive with minor cosmetic flaws. I would recommend inspecting the device within the 90-day window. The savings are substantial, but a careful buyer is a happy buyer.

6. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL – Best Pure Android Photography

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the most photographer-friendly phone Google has ever made. The 6.8-inch Super Actua display is bright enough to review shots in direct sunlight, and the 50MP main sensor paired with Google’s HDR+ pipeline produces images with class-leading dynamic range. I have owned mine for a year, and it has not gotten old.

Pure Android is a real differentiator for enthusiasts who care about speed and cleanliness. There is no bloatware, no duplicate apps, and the camera launches faster than any Samsung I have used. The 7-year update promise means this phone will receive OS upgrades until 2031, which is longer than most mirrorless cameras.

Night Sight remains the gold standard for low-light mobile photography. I have printed 13×19 inch frames from Pixel Night Sight shots that hold up against my Sony A7C. The Super Res Zoom is not as good as Samsung’s optical telephoto, but Google’s AI processing recovers detail that would be lost on lesser phones.

The 5060mAh battery with Extreme Battery Saver mode gives you up to 100 hours of standby, which is a lifesaver on multi-day shoots. The 16GB of RAM keeps the camera app responsive even after hundreds of RAW files.

Video Boost and 8K enhancement

Video Boost uploads your 4K footage to Google’s cloud, where it gets AI-enhanced and returned as 8K. It is not real-time, but the results are stunning in good light. I have used it for travel videos where the extra resolution saved shots that were slightly soft.

Who should buy this

Photographers who want the cleanest, fastest Android experience with the best computational photography. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is not as flexible as a Samsung Ultra for hardware control, but the out-of-camera results are consistently excellent.

7. Google Pixel 9 Pro – Best Compact Pro Camera Phone

If the Pixel 9 Pro XL is too big for your hand, the standard Pixel 9 Pro is the best compact camera phone you can buy in 2026. I switched to it as my daily driver for two months, and the 6.3-inch form factor disappeared in my pocket in a way the XL never did. The camera system is identical to its bigger sibling.

You get the same 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP 5x telephoto, with all the same Google AI magic. Gemini-powered Magic Editor, Add Me, and Best Take work identically. The 4700mAh battery is smaller, but I still got through a full day of moderate shooting.

The 16GB of RAM is overkill for most users, but for photographers it means you can switch between the camera, Lightroom, and Snapseed without reloading. The 256GB of storage is the right size for RAW shooters who do not want to offload every night.

The Pixel 9 Pro is also one of the few small phones with a 5x periscope telephoto. Most compact flagships sacrifice zoom for size. Google did not.

Build quality considerations

The satin matte back is gorgeous but slippery. I would not use this phone without a case. The polished metal frame has slightly sharp edges where it meets the screen, a known issue from the launch batch that Google has not fully addressed in software updates.

Best for street and travel

The compact size makes the Pixel 9 Pro ideal for street photography and travel. It fits in a jacket pocket, draws less attention than a slab-style Ultra, and the camera launches fast enough to catch fleeting moments.

8. Samsung Galaxy S25+ – Best Balance of Size and Camera

The Galaxy S25+ is the sweet spot for photographers who do not need a 6.9-inch slab. You get the same Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the same Galaxy AI features, and a camera system that is 90% as capable as the Ultra for $200 less. I have recommended it to friends who want a flagship camera phone without the bulk.

The 50MP main sensor produces excellent results in good light, and the AI Night Mode pulls in more detail than I expected from a non-Ultra Samsung. The 12MP ultrawide is solid, and the 10MP 3x telephoto is sharp enough for portraits and product shots.

The 6.7-inch ProScaler AMOLED display is gorgeous for reviewing photos. Battery life is the real star: 4900mAh with the efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite meant I got 7 hours of screen-on time during a heavy shooting day, including 4K video and RAW bursts.

Compared to the S25 Ultra, you lose the 200MP sensor, the 5x periscope, and the S Pen. If you can live without those, the S25+ is a smarter buy.

What you give up at this size

No 5x periscope means the S25+ tops out at 3x optical zoom. The 30x digital zoom is acceptable for reference shots, but it is not a wildlife tool. You also miss out on the 200MP mode, which is occasionally useful for cropping in post.

Who this is for

Everyday photographers who want flagship performance without paying for the Ultra. If you shoot mostly for social media, family memories, and travel, the S25+ has everything you need.

9. Samsung Galaxy S26 – Best Compact Galaxy

The Galaxy S26 is the small phone Samsung fans have been asking for. The 6.3-inch form factor fits in a jeans pocket, weighs less than the Ultra, and packs the full Galaxy AI suite. I used it for two weeks as my only phone, and I missed almost nothing from the bigger flagships.

The 50MP main camera produces results that are hard to distinguish from the S25+ in most conditions. You get the same AI Night Mode, the same color science, and the same Expert RAW mode. The wider front camera is genuinely useful for group selfies, fitting more people in the frame without asking everyone to squeeze in.

Galaxy AI features like Photo Assist and Now Nudge work identically to the Ultra. The Audio Eraser tool is shockingly good at cleaning up background noise in video clips, which is a real bonus for content creators shooting in public spaces.

Hi-Res Audio support with Galaxy Buds4 Pro is a nice touch for editors who review audio in the field. The Samsung Wallet integration is convenient for travel photographers who want to skip physical cards.

Real-world battery life

The 4300mAh battery is the obvious compromise. I averaged 5-6 hours of screen-on time, which is a full day of moderate use but not enough for heavy shooting days. Fast charging tops it up quickly, and reverse wireless charging is a nice bonus.

Who should consider the S26

Galaxy fans who want a compact phone without giving up AI features. Photographers who shoot portraits and group selfies more than they shoot landscapes and wildlife. Anyone who finds the Ultra too big.

10. Google Pixel 9 – Best Midrange Camera Phone

The Pixel 9 is the best midrange camera phone you can buy in 2026. For $545, you get a 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide with Macro Focus, and the same Tensor G4 chip that powers the Pro models. The image quality is shockingly close to the Pixel 9 Pro, especially in good light.

I bought one for my partner last year, and she has not been able to tell the difference between her photos and mine on the Pro XL. The Macro Focus is genuinely useful for product and food photography. Night Sight on the standard Pixel 9 is not quite as good as the Pro, but it is better than any other midrange phone I have tested.

The 4700mAh battery delivers a full day of use with room to spare. Crash detection and emergency satellite connectivity are useful safety features for outdoor photographers. The 7-year software promise means this phone will be supported through 2031.

Where the Pixel 9 falls short is in zoom. There is no telephoto lens, so you are stuck with digital zoom beyond the main sensor. Google’s Super Res Zoom does a respectable job up to about 5x, but it is not a replacement for an optical telephoto.

Macro Focus for product and food

The 48MP ultrawide with Macro Focus is a hidden gem. I have shot product photos for a friend’s Etsy shop on the Pixel 9, and the close-up quality is excellent. For food bloggers and small-business owners, this is a real value-add over a telephoto.

Why no microSD matters

128GB of storage is enough for casual photographers, but RAW shooters will fill it up fast. There is no microSD slot, so you will need to offload to cloud storage or a laptop regularly. Google Photos compression helps, but RAW files are still big.

11. Google Pixel 10 – Best AI on a Budget

The Pixel 10 is the cheapest way to get Google’s full AI camera experience in 2026. The Tensor G5 chip is the same one in the Pro, and the AI features are essentially identical. You get 5x telephoto in a $599 phone, which was unthinkable two years ago.

The 48MP main sensor produces images with the same color science and dynamic range as the Pro. The 5x telephoto opens up real reach for portraits, sports, and travel. Magic Editor, Best Take, and Camera Coach all work without compromise.

The 3000-nit Actua display is the brightest in this price range. Reviewing photos in direct sunlight is finally comfortable. The 24+ hour battery life is real: I averaged 7 hours of screen-on time with mixed shooting and tethering.

The trade-offs are the eSIM-only design (no physical SIM slot for international travel) and the lack of a wall adapter in the box. If you can live with those, the Pixel 10 is a stunning value.

eSIM and travel

The eSIM-only design is a hassle for international travelers. You cannot swap in a local physical SIM when you land. Google’s eSIM activation works well in supported countries, but it is not as smooth as a physical swap. If you travel frequently, this is worth factoring in.

Connectivity quirks

Some users have reported flaky WiFi and Bluetooth performance. I noticed occasional AirDrop-style handoff dropouts between the Pixel 10 and my iPad. It is not a dealbreaker, but it is annoying for a $599 phone in 2026.

12. Google Pixel 9a – Best Budget Photography Phone

The Pixel 9a is the budget photography phone I recommend to my non-technical friends. For $449, you get a 48MP camera with Google’s full AI suite, including Magic Editor, Add Me, and Best Take. The image quality is shockingly close to phones costing twice as much.

I have been carrying a Pixel 9a as a backup body for travel, and I have been impressed by how often I reach for it. The 48MP sensor pulls in more detail than the older 12MP sensors on phones in this price range, and Google’s HDR+ pipeline produces images with excellent dynamic range.

The 4300mAh battery with Extreme Battery Saver lasts up to 100 hours, which is genuinely useful for multi-day camping trips. The IP68 water resistance is a first for the A-series, meaning you can shoot in the rain without panic. The 7-year software promise is unmatched at this price.

The Snapdragon 778G is not as fast as the Tensor chips in the Pro models, but for photography it is more than enough. RAW capture, manual controls, and editing all work without lag.

AI editing on a budget

Magic Editor, Add Me, and Best Take work identically to the Pro models. For social media creators who want AI-powered editing without paying flagship prices, the Pixel 9a is a no-brainer. The AI features alone justify the price difference over a Samsung A-series.

When the 8GB RAM hurts

Heavy multitaskers will feel the 8GB limit. Switching between the camera, Lightroom, and a messaging app can cause the camera to reload, losing your shooting settings. For pure photography, this is rarely an issue. For mixed-use power users, the Pixel 9 or 10 is a smarter buy.

How We Test Camera Phones

Every phone in this guide went through the same testing protocol. I shoot in JPEG+RAW where supported, default to Pro or manual mode, and use the main wide lens for most comparisons. I take the same set of test shots: a daylight landscape, a backlit portrait, a dim restaurant scene, a moving subject, and a 5x zoom target. I compare each set across phones, looking at exposure, color accuracy, dynamic range, texture, and noise at high ISO.

I also test video. Each phone gets a handheld 4K walk, a low-light pan, and a tracking shot of a moving subject. I grade video on stabilization, autofocus speed, exposure transitions, and audio quality. Phones that pass all of these tests make the list. Phones with standout performance in any single category get a special mention.

Computational photography is the secret sauce of modern camera phones, so I let each phone do its thing rather than fighting it. I disable any settings I do not want (like aggressive beautification) but I keep the default HDR, Night Mode, and scene detection on. The goal is to see what the phone can do for a typical user, not to test the limits of manual control.

What to Look for in a Camera Phone

Megapixels are the most over-hyped spec in smartphone photography. A 200MP sensor does not automatically take better photos than a 50MP sensor. What matters more is sensor size, pixel size, and lens quality. Look for phones with larger sensors (1-inch is best), wider apertures (f/1.4 to f/1.8 lets in more light), and optical image stabilization (OIS). These are the specs that actually improve low-light performance and dynamic range.

Lens versatility is the next thing to consider. A triple-camera system with main, ultrawide, and telephoto covers the focal lengths most enthusiasts use. Periscope telephotos with 5x or 10x optical zoom are worth paying for if you shoot wildlife, sports, or travel. Ultrawides with autofocus double as macro lenses, which is great for product and food photography.

Software is where the magic happens. Google’s computational photography is years ahead on image processing, while Samsung offers more manual control with Expert RAW. Apple’s video pipeline is best-in-class. Choose the ecosystem whose strengths match your shooting style.

RAW capture is essential for enthusiasts who edit in Lightroom or Capture One. ProRAW on iPhone, RAW on Pixel, and Expert RAW on Samsung all give you the flexibility to recover shadows, adjust white balance, and push highlights without destroying image quality. If you do not shoot RAW, you are leaving quality on the table.

Battery life matters more than you think. Heavy shooting drains phones fast, especially when recording 4K video. Look for at least 4500mAh, with 5000mAh being ideal. Fast charging (45W or higher) is a nice bonus, but wireless charging is more important for photographers who tether to a laptop on location.

Display quality affects how you review photos in the field. AMOLED or OLED panels with high peak brightness (1000 nits or more) are easier to see in direct sunlight. ProMotion 120Hz refresh rates make scrolling through your gallery feel more responsive. The Pixel 10 Pro’s 3300-nit display and the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s ProScaler panel are both excellent for field review.

Camera Phone Accessories Worth Buying

Clip-on lenses are a budget-friendly way to expand your focal range. Moment, Ulanzi, and Xenvo make wide, telephoto, fisheye, and anamorphic lenses that screw into a phone case. They are not as sharp as a dedicated lens, but they are far cheaper and they fit in a pocket.

Mini tripods and gimbals are essential for video. The DJI OM series and the Insta360 Flow are my favorites. A good gimbal turns shaky handheld footage into something that looks professionally stabilized. For stills, a small tabletop tripod is great for long exposures, astrophotography, and group shots.

External microphones make a real difference for video creators. The Rode VideoMicro and the DJI Mic Mini plug into the USB-C port and produce dramatically better audio than the built-in mics. If you vlog or shoot interviews, this is the single biggest upgrade you can make.

LED panels and ring lights are useful for portrait and food photography. The Lume Cube and the Aputure MC are pocket-sized, adjustable, and color-accurate. For macro work, a small diffused light eliminates harsh shadows and brings out texture.

Cases matter more than you think. A good case protects the protruding camera module that all flagships now have. I use a thin aramid fiber case from Pitaka on my main phone, which adds grip without bulk. For heavy use, an OtterBox or Spigen Tough Armor is worth the bulk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: The Best Phones for Photography Enthusiasts

After 90 days of testing, the best phones for photography enthusiasts come down to three winners. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the most complete package: a 200MP sensor, f/1.4 aperture, full Expert RAW control, and AI tools that actually help. The Google Pixel 10 Pro is the best for AI-driven computational photography and the cleanest software experience. The Google Pixel 9a is the budget pick that punches well above its weight.

For video creators, the iPhone 17 Pro Max (or the 16 Pro Max for value) remains the gold standard. For wildlife and travel photographers, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 100x zoom is a real differentiator. For street photographers who want a compact body, the Pixel 9 Pro is the best small phone you can buy in 2026.

Whatever you choose, shoot in RAW, learn your phone’s manual controls, and do not trust the marketing. Test every phone in the conditions you actually shoot in, and pick the one whose strengths match your style. The best phone for photography enthusiasts is the one that gets out of your way and lets you focus on the shot.