Which smartphone has the best camera today? Rating of TOP-14 models of 2021 from inexpensive to premium

A phone with a good camera - what parameters to pay attention to first of all. Review and rating of the best smartphones with an excellent camera.

The quality of modern cameras smartphones swiftly approaching the capabilities of professional digital cameras.

We analyze what to look for when choosing a camera phone, the main characteristics, pros and cons of the best models on the market in different price segments.

Rating of the TOP 14 best smartphones with a good camera

Place	Model	Price
Review of inexpensive models up to 10,000 rubles.
#1	Samsung Galaxy A10
#2	HONOR 9A
#3	Xiaomi Redmi 9A
#4	Xiaomi Redmi 9C 3/64GB (NFC)
The best models in terms of price-quality ratio up to 20,000 rubles.
#1	Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 6/128GB
#2	Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro 6/64GB
#3	Samsung Galaxy A51 64GB
#4	Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T 4/64GB
#5	HONOR 30i
Premium models
#1	Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max 64GB
#2	Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite 6/128GB
#3	HUAWEI P40 Pro
#4	HONOR 30 Pro+ 8/256GB
#5	amsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 12/128GB

What characteristics should a smartphone with a great camera have?

Note! The statement that the more megapixels, the better, is not always true. Other characteristics also matter here:

Pixel size.
If the camera matrix has a high number of pixels, but a small size, the photo quality will not be up to par.
A large sensor (large pixels) is the key to high-quality, noisy photos.
Smartphones with 12-16 MP cameras can shoot just as well, and sometimes even better than devices with 32-64 MP.
Diaphragm.
Adjusts the amount of light that enters the sensor through the lens.
The smaller the number F, the more capabilities the device has.
Designations F/2, F/2.2 indicate the low quality of the camera, in top models this figure is F/1.8, F/1.7.
Additional features.
The wide-angle module, macro, bokeh, autofocus, flash and other hardware and software components significantly increase the phone's shooting capabilities.
In addition, all smartphones can shoot video in maximum quality from HD to 4K, depending on the model.

Review of inexpensive models up to 10,000 rubles.

Today, even inexpensive phones can be equipped with 2-4 modular cameras.

Keep in mind! Often the quality and resolution of such sensors leaves much to be desired.

Nevertheless, in the budget segment there are good smartphones in terms of shooting.

TOP-4 rating of budget models worth up to 10,000 rubles according to customer reviews and ratings.

Samsung Galaxy A10

With the help of the Samsung Galaxy A10 device, users at any time of the day or night will be able to capture memorable moments by taking high-quality photos and shooting videos.

Photos and videos are easy to get at the touch of a button.

The main module has autofocus and flash.

Finished shots can be decorated with stickers, filters, stamps and then viewed on a large frameless display with a clear, detailed image.

The phone is equipped with a powerful battery, powerful processor and enough built-in memory.

Specifications:

display - TFT, 6.2?, 1520? 720;
main camera - 13 MP F / 1.90;
frontal - 5 MP;
processor (CPU) - Exynos 7884B;
built-in memory (ROM) - 32 GB;
operational (RAM) - 2 GB;
battery - 3400 mAh.

Advantages

big screen;
decent camera;
good autonomy;
affordable cost.

Flaws

little RAM;
average screen quality;
no NFC and no fingerprint scanner.

HONOR 9A

The main camera of the HONOR 9A will help you capture important moments of life, beautiful landscapes and take portraits, while the front camera can take amazing selfies.

Autofocus and bokeh effect will help to improve the quality of pictures.

64 GB of internal and 3 GB of RAM are responsible for fast processing.

If there is not enough space for pictures, you can always expand the storage using a microSD card.

This smartphone will perfectly cope with other daily tasks and entertainment.

A large frameless screen, a powerful eight-core processor, a fingerprint scanner, a face recognition option, and NFC support will help to do this comfortably.

Specifications:

display - IPS, 6.3?, 1600? 720;
main cameras - 13 MP F/1.80, 5 MP F/2.20, 2 MP F/2.40;
frontal - 8 MP;
CPU - Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762V);
graphics processing unit (GPU) - PowerVR GE8320;
ROM - 64 GB;
RAM - 3 GB;
battery - 5000 mAh.

Advantages

stylish appearance;
great camera for its price range;
holds a charge for a long time;
high build quality;
slot 3 in 1 for 2 sim + memory card.

Flaws

not the most powerful processor;
in tethering mode, the Wi-Fi hotspot disconnects from the network by itself.

Xiaomi Redmi 9A

A bunch of cameras in the Xiaomi Redmi 9A phone makes it easy to take photos of a decent amateur level, shoot videos in high resolution.

The budget smartphone is equipped with the most modern hardware and software components.

In addition to cameras, this is a fairly capacious battery, a large frameless display with high resolution, convenient and safe instant face unlock technology.

The proper level of performance is supported by a modern operating system with a proprietary shell from Xiaomi, a processor / video chip bundle.

Specifications:

display - IPS, 6.53?, 1600? 720;
main camera - 13 MP;
frontal - 5 MP;
CPU - MediaTek Helio G25;
GPU - PowerVR GE8320;
ROM - 32 GB;
RAM - 2 GB;
battery - 5000 mAh.

Advantages

large and high-quality screen;
The camera does an excellent job with daytime shooting;
powerful battery;
attractive price.

Flaws

a small amount of RAM;
big weight;
no USB-C.

Xiaomi Redmi 9C 3/64GB (NFC)

The cameras of the Xiaomi Redmi 9C phone will allow you to capture very good quality pictures with the click of a button, and unique AI algorithms will make the process even easier.

The high-capacity rechargeable battery enables 32 hours of phone calls or 21 hours of video playback.

The display occupies almost the entire front surface, it reproduces a bright, detailed picture with a realistic color component.

An energy-efficient octa-core processor and ample RAM keep your system and applications running fast.

Specifications:

display - IPS, 6.53?, 1600? 720;
main cameras - 13 MP F / 2.20, 2 MP F / 2.40;
frontal - 5 MP;
CPU - MediaTek Helio G35;
GPU - PowerVR GE8320;
ROM - 64 GB;
RAM - 3 GB;
battery - 5000 mAh.

Advantages

high overall performance;
Beautiful design;
good quality of shooting from the main cameras;
capacious battery;
large amount of internal memory;
availability of contactless payment.

Flaws

front camera of average quality;
no notification indicator;
decent weight.

The best models in terms of price-quality ratio up to 20,000 rubles.

Note! This category is represented by much more powerful models.

These smartphones have the best value for money, but still do not reach the flagship level.

A selection of the most phones with a good camera in terms of price and quality, as well as costing up to 20,000 rubles.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 6/128GB

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro model has a lot of shooting possibilities.

With the help of its main quad camera and front camera, users will be able to replenish their photos, video archives with unique pictures and videos.

Ordinary photos, wide-angle panoramas, selfies, portraits with bokeh effect will help to correct and bring the built-in artificial intelligence as close as possible to the ideal.

Note 9 Pro is a stylish and productive smartphone with a large screen, a modern processor and an impressive amount of RAM.

Users will be able to multitask without any problems, running several resource-intensive applications at the same time.

Specifications:

display - IPS, 6.67?, 2400? 1080;
main cameras - 64 MP F/1.89, 8 MP F/2.20, 5 MP F/2.40, 2 MP F/2.40;
frontal - 16 MP;
CPU - Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G;
GPU - Adreno 618;
ROM - 128 GB;
RAM - 6 GB;
battery - 5020 mAh.

Advantages

excellent autonomy, high speed charging;
cameras on a solid four;
a large amount of internal and RAM;
huge screen.

Flaws

insufficient maximum screen brightness;
weak sound in headphones.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro 6/64GB

The main camera of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro smartphone, consisting of four modules, will allow you to take ultra-clear pictures and record videos in 4K, and the front camera will allow you to get excellent self-portraits.

Special filters will help turn every frame into a masterpiece.

The works can be seen on a large frameless screen, which occupies 91.4% of the entire frontal surface.

An octa-core processor and 6 GB of RAM are ready for the main tasks, an efficient liquid cooling system will avoid overheating of components.

Additionally, the phone is equipped with an NFC module and a fingerprint sensor.

Specifications:

display - IPS, 6.53?, 2340? 1080;
main cameras - 64 MP F / 1.89, 8 MP F / 2.20, 2 MP, 2 MP;
frontal - 20 MP;
CPU - MediaTek Helio G90T;
GPU - Mali-G76 MC4;
ROM - 64 GB;
RAM - 6 GB;
battery - 4500 mAh.

Advantages

excellent screen color reproduction;
powerful and fast processor;
semi-professional camera;
democratic price;
case quality.

Flaws

poorly optimized MIUI 12;
lame night shooting;
loud speaker sound.

Samsung Galaxy A51 64GB

With a quad rear camera and a single front camera, Samsung Galaxy A51 owners can take great pictures in any situation.

The solutions implemented in the smartphone optimize lenses for macro, landscape and portrait shooting as much as possible.

This phone not only looks stylish, but also provides ample opportunities for entertainment, communication and work.

Its screen gives the effect of complete immersion in the content, the processor instantly copes with resource-intensive programs.

Gamers will love the Game Booster utility for the smoothest gaming experience.

Specifications:

display - AMOLED, 6.5?, 2400? 1080;
main cameras - 48 MP F / 2, 12 MP F / 2.20, 5 MP F / 2.40, 5 MP F / 2.20;
frontal - 32 MP;
CPU - Samsung Exynos 9611;
GPU - Mali-G72 MP3;
ROM - 64 GB;
RAM - 4 GB;
battery - 4000 mAh.

Advantages

high build quality and materials;
modern design;
powerful modular camera;
bright screen with rich colors.

Flaws

the fingerprint sensor does not always work clearly;
average battery capacity.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T 4/64GB

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T model allows you to get not only high-quality daytime, but excellent night shots.

In low light, the system will combine four pixels into one, increasing contrast and reducing noise.

Advanced cameras offer spectacular wide-angle panoramas, portraits with blurry backgrounds, and crisp macro shots.

The result can be enjoyed on a large high resolution screen.

The powerful hardware of the smartphone will allow you to run several applications at the same time, work in multitasking mode and play with decent FPS, and the built-in infrared port will control smart household appliances.

Specifications:

display - IPS, 6.3?, 2340? 1080;
main cameras - 48 MP F / 1.75, 8 MP F / 2.20, 2 MP F / 2.40, 2 MP F / 2.40;
frontal - 13 MP;
CPU - Qualcomm Snapdragon 665;
GPU - Adreno 610;
ROM - 64 GB;
RAM - 4 GB;
battery - 4000 mAh.

Advantages

Ease of use;
high-quality IPS-matrix;
50 GB of free space for the needs of the user;
excellent camera;
the presence of an NFC module.

Flaws

the complete case is very easily soiled;
advertising from Xiaomi in the MIUI shell;
decent weight.

HONOR 30i

The HONOR 30i mobile device will appeal to users looking for a stylish and high-tech device with a set of cameras for all occasions.

The phone is made in a case made of glass and plastic, the model has a classic color.

The hardware platform is represented by an energy-efficient processor, a powerful video chip and 4 GB of RAM.

The high-resolution OLED matrix is responsible for a realistic and clear picture.

Implemented support for the most popular interfaces for communication, the Internet and connecting peripherals.

Specifications:

display - OLED, 6.3?, 2400? 1080;
main cameras - 48 MP F / 1.80, 8 MP F / 2.40, 2 MP F / 2.40;
frontal - 16 MP;
CPU - HiSilicon Kirin 710F;
GPU - Mali-G51 MP4;
ROM - 128 GB;
RAM - 4 GB;
battery - 4000 mAh.

Advantages

good price;
juicy and bright OLED-matrix;
eye protection, auto-backlight and other useful little things;
quality camera;
good autonomy.

Flaws

too loud speaker;
no notification indicator.

Premium models

Stay up to date! Premium camera phones are far ahead of simpler competitors in all respects.

The top devices review below is based on the DxOMark Smartphone Camera Rankings, an independent testing and evaluation of smartphones, lenses and cameras.

Rating of the best models for photography in the premium segment.

Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max 64GB

The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max comes with an advanced triple rear camera and an impressive front camera for guaranteed clear and rich photos and videos.

The display provides content playback up to a resolution of 2688×1242 pixels.

Responsible for autonomy is a high-capacity battery. Protection is represented by a built-in face scanner.

The heart of the hardware is a powerful 6-core CPU.

Additional cover of the case serves as protection against dust and pollution.

Specifications:

display - OLED, 6.5?, 2688? 1242;
main cameras - 12 MP 2x F / 2.40, 12 MP F / 1.80, 12 MP F / 2;
frontal - 12 MP;
CPU - Apple A13 Bionic;
ROM - 64 GB;
battery - 4000 mAh.

Advantages

the matrix is one of the best on the market;
great camera with night mode;
capacious battery;
high overall performance;
frosted glass back.

Flaws

unstable protective coating of the screen;
easily scratched metal side frame;
high price.

Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite 6/128GB

The technologically advanced camera system of the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite smartphone provides a wide range of shooting scenarios in any light and instantly responds to changing conditions in any situation.

Despite the hugeness of the screen, the latter occupies only 91.4% of the front surface of the device.

AMOLED technology and high-resolution display guarantee a bright, rich, true-to-life picture. The matrix is protected by Corning GorillaGlass 5 3D glass.

The basis of the hardware is a bunch of eight-core processor / 6 GB of RAM / game graphics module.

Proper autonomy is supported by a super-capacity battery.

Specifications:

display - AMOLED, 6.47?, 2340? 1080;
main cameras - 64 MP F / 1.89, 9 MP F / 2.20, 5 MP F / 2.40, 2 MP F / 2.40;
frontal - 16 MP;
CPU - Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G;
GPU - Adreno 618;
ROM - 128 GB;
RAM - 6 GB;
battery - 5260 mAh.

Advantages

very powerful battery;
the screen is large and bright;
high quality photos;
large amount of RAM and internal memory.

Flaws

sometimes the proximity sensor does not work correctly;
advertising in built-in applications;
high price.

HUAWEI P40 Pro

The four-module ultra-camera in the HUAWEI P40 Pro was created by specialists from the famous Leica brand, which already implies excellent image and video quality.

This is an improved version of the flagship of the famous manufacturer.

Its OLED screen extends to all sides and ends of the case, high resolution and a refresh rate of 90 Hz provide impeccable realism of the image.

The phone is equipped with a proprietary eight-core processor, a huge (for smartphones) amount of RAM, a cooling system using 3D graphene film and an ultra-thin evaporative box.

Specifications:

display - OLED, 6.58?, 2640? 1200;
main cameras - 50 MP F/1.90, 40 MP F/1.80, 12 MP F/3.40;
frontal - 32 MP;
CPU - HiSilicon Kirin 990 5G;
GPU - Mali-G76 MP16;
ROM - 256 GB;
RAM - 8 GB;
battery - 4200 mAh.

Advantages

the ability to shoot at the level of professional digital devices;
frameless display;
availability of wireless charging;
infrared sensor to control home appliances;
charger, headphones, case included.

Flaws

inconvenience with installing applications;
the phone only supports memory cards of its own format;
the virtual assistant is unimportantly implemented.

HONOR 30 Pro+ 8/256GB

The HONOR 30 Pro+'s professional-grade camera suite captures the finest details in your shots, even in the evening or on cloudy days.

For photos of excellent quality, a telephoto lens with a periscope system and a 5x optical zoom is responsible here.

The wide-angle module will allow you to take spectacular panoramic shots, and the front camera will fill the archive with self-portraits.

Otherwise, it is also definitely a top device with a waterfall screen, an excellent display, a fingerprint sensor, a powerful processor and a liquid cooling system.

Specifications:

display - OLED, 6.57?, 2340? 1080;
main cameras - 50 MP F/1.90, 8 MP F/3.40, 16 MP F/2.20;
frontal - 32 MP;
CPU - HiSilicon Kirin 990 5G;
GPU - Mali-G76 MP16;
ROM - 256 GB;
RAM - 8 GB;
battery - 4000 mAh.

Advantages

nice frosted glass on the back;
screen with a frequency of 90 Hz;
powerful and loud speaker sound;
great camera with easy controls.

Flaws

no Google services;
high price;
not the most powerful battery.

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 12/128GB

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra camera phone is equipped with an ultra-powerful quad camera with a main module that includes a 108-megapixel matrix, 10x hybrid optical and 100x digital zoom.

The rest of the sensors make it possible to take photos with a blurry background, shoot panoramic shots, create masterpieces in low light.

The camera block is equipped with optical stabilization, the ability to record video in 8K, a huge number of creative modes. Selfie lovers will love the "pumped" front camera.

Along with the cameras, the smartphone gets to the top due to the elegance of design, ultra-reliability and the presence of cutting-edge technologies.

He can handle the heaviest programs, multitasking, long battery life and even immersion in water.

Specifications:

display - AMOLED, 6.9?, 3200? 1440;
main cameras - 108 MP F/1.80, 48 MP F/3.50, 12 MP F/2.20;
frontal - 40 MP;
CPU - Samsung Exynos 990;
GPU - Mali-G77 MP11;
ROM - 128 GB;
RAM - 12 GB;
battery - 5000 mAh.

Advantages

clear and loud speaker sound;
screen with a frequency of 120 Hz;
108 megapixel camera, powerful optical zoom;
good capacious battery;
fast fingerprint scanner;
fast charging.

Flaws

the zoom camera is noisy in low light (fixed by software);
hole in the screen for the front camera;
a huge block of cameras;
poor equipment.

Reviews

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conclusions

All of the devices discussed above allow you to create decent pictures.

But the best cameras (in their categories) yet have the following models:

budget sector - HONOR 9A;
price-quality - Samsung Galaxy A51;
premium segment - Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra.

Useful video

This video provides an overview of 5 smartphones with the best camera:

Reviews Ratings