The best camera phones in December 2024 are those that offer the most advanced camera setups in a smartphone. In 2024, most smartphones strike a solid balance between hardware and software. However, the standout camera phones are those that have perfected the integration of top-tier camera hardware with advanced software and computational post-processing algorithms. Not to be overlooked, video capabilities are just as crucial today, so video quality and stabilization features play a significant role in defining the best camera phones. So, here’s a list of the best camera phones in India that you can buy without any second thoughts.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is Apple’s latest flagship that refines hardware and software with a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, A18 Pro chip, and upgraded camera system. It offers top-tier performance, with remarkable battery life and fast charging, though some features like Apple Intelligence are not yet available in India. The design is sleek with a lightweight titanium frame, but the phone remains large and bulky, and the camera control button has quite a bit of a learning curve. The improved 48MP camera system excels in ideal conditions, but struggles in low-light environments.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is ideal for users seeking cutting-edge performance, superior display quality, and an enhanced camera system, especially those upgrading from older iPhone models like the iPhone 13 Pro Max. However, those already using the iPhone 14 Pro Max or 15 Pro Max may find the upgrades too incremental to warrant an immediate upgrade.
The Vivo X100 Pro pushes the boundaries of smartphone photography and performance. Featuring a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset, a stunning 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a host of other high-end specs, it offers an impressive experience. The camera, developed in collaboration with Zeiss, is the standout feature, with a versatile multifocal system, 10X optical zoom, and exceptional detail retention, making it one of the best camera setups available in an Android smartphone. The device is also equipped with a large 5,400mAh battery with 100W charging, ensuring longevity and fast recharging.
The Vivo X100 Pro is perfect for photography enthusiasts looking for a smartphone that offers unmatched camera capabilities. It also suits power users who demand excellent performance, fast multitasking, and smooth gaming.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL represents a major leap forward for the brand, delivering a sleek, flat-sided design and cutting-edge AI features powered by Google’s custom Tensor G4 chip. The 6.8-inch OLED display is exceptional, offering vibrant colors and smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The performance is snappy, with AI capabilities like real-time translation and advanced photo processing standing out, though the Tensor G4 chip lags behind Qualcomm’s and Apple’s offerings in raw benchmarks. The 5,060mAh battery offers all-day life, with improvements in both battery efficiency and charging speed. The camera system, while not radically different from previous models, provides top-tier computational photography, including a powerful 50MP main sensor and impressive AI-driven editing tools like Magic Editor and Add Me. Despite being slightly behind in raw specs, the Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in user experience, especially for those embedded in the Google ecosystem.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is ideal for users who are deeply invested in Google’s ecosystem and want cutting-edge AI features, long-term software support, and a polished smartphone experience. If you’re a photography enthusiast or a fan of seamless AI-powered tools, this device is a top contender.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a high-performance flagship with a robust titanium build, a 200MP camera system, and powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. The stunning display offers vivid visuals and peak brightness of 2600 nits, while its performance is geared towards heavy multitasking and gaming. Software features like Galaxy AI and live call translation improve usability, making it a versatile device for both business and entertainment. The camera system ensures exceptional photography, including impressive night shots and is backed with AI processing. With advanced cooling and impressive graphical capabilities, the Galaxy S24 Ultra caters to power users without compromising battery life.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is perfect for users seeking top-tier performance, especially those interested in mobile photography, gaming, or multitasking.