2024 has been a groundbreaking year for smartphone camera innovation, with manufacturers pushing the limits of mobile photography. The top 5 smartphones of the year bring impressive features, from AI-enhanced image processing to advanced zoom capabilities. Let’s explore the best camera phones of 2024, plus a few honorable mentions.
1. Huawei Pura 70 Ultra
- DXOMARK Score: 163
- Release Date: April 2024
- Price: $1,499
Huawei has dominated the smartphone photography game for years, and the Pura 70 Ultra raises the bar yet again. With an industry-leading DXOMARK score of 163, this model excels in every aspect of mobile photography. The device’s exceptional low-light performance, combined with its AI-driven image processing, allows users to capture stunning shots even in the darkest conditions. Its zoom capabilities are unmatched, with the ultra-telephoto lens producing razor-sharp details at long distances, while the ultra-wide camera offers fantastic landscapes and group shots. Advanced computational photography features also make the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra a beast for video recording.
2. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- DXOMARK Score: 158
- Release Date: August 2024
- Price: $1,099
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL continues Google’s reign as the king of computational photography. With a DXOMARK score of 158, this phone delivers stunning results thanks to Google’s machine learning algorithms. Particularly noted for its portrait and night photography, the Pixel 9 Pro XL captures rich details and vibrant colors even in low-light environments. Its HDR+ capabilities, combined with new software enhancements, ensure that each shot looks like it was edited by a professional. Zoom performance has also improved, with better optical zoom and stabilization, making it an ideal choice for versatile shooting scenarios.
3. Honor Magic6 Pro
- DXOMARK Score: 158
- Release Date: February 2024
- Price: $1,299
The Honor Magic6 Pro has emerged as a significant contender, tying with the Pixel 9 Pro XL in terms of camera performance. With a score of 158, this smartphone balances superior dynamic range, vibrant colors, and excellent noise control. Its powerful 50 MP main sensor, combined with a periscope zoom lens, offers brilliant versatility for photographers. Portraits are captured with accurate skin tones, and its wide-angle capabilities allow for beautiful, distortion-free landscapes. The Honor Magic6 Pro also excels in video capture, delivering smooth and highly detailed footage.
4. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
- DXOMARK Score: 157
- Release Date: September 2024
- Price: $1,199
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max is a standout performer with a score of 157. Known for its color accuracy and realistic representation of textures, this model delivers an unmatched photography experience for both casual users and professionals. The Pro Max benefits from Apple’s A18 Bionic chip, which powers advanced image processing, enabling smooth transitions between different lighting conditions and providing superior noise reduction. Apple continues to shine in video recording, with stunning 4K ProRes video and dynamic stabilization features. For those who prefer the larger form factor, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is perfect for both photography and media consumption.
5. Apple iPhone 16 Pro
- DXOMARK Score: 157
- Release Date: September 2024
- Price: $999
The iPhone 16 Pro shares the same camera score as its bigger sibling, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, at 157. While it lacks the larger display, the camera setup remains identical, offering users top-tier performance in all shooting conditions. With its refined software, excellent computational photography capabilities, and improved sensor-shift stabilization, the iPhone 16 Pro is perfect for those looking for a more compact yet equally powerful camera system. It retains the top-notch 48 MP main sensor, an ultra-wide camera, and 5x optical zoom, delivering consistently great results across all types of photography.
Honourable Mentions
Huawei Mate 60 Pro+
Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro+ has been praised for its incredible telephoto and ultra-wide performance, making it a close contender in this year’s rankings. Its ability to zoom in with precision and maintain detail makes it a fantastic option for professionals and enthusiasts who prioritize versatility in their photography setups. The Mate 60 Pro+ also excels in color reproduction and dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting environments.
Oppo Find X7 Ultra
The Oppo Find X7 Ultra delivers a strong all-around performance with a focus on low-light shooting and vibrant color reproduction. Its imaging system provides exceptional detail, and its optical zoom capabilities perform well at both short and long distances. The ultra-wide camera has minimal distortion, making it ideal for capturing landscapes and cityscapes. While it narrowly missed a top-five spot, the Oppo Find X7 Ultra is a great choice for those who want a phone with a reliable and versatile camera.
Conclusion
2024 has proven to be a stellar year for smartphone photography, with brands like Huawei, Google, Apple, Honor, and Oppo competing for the crown. Whether you prioritize AI-enhanced imagery, zoom capabilities, or color accuracy, these top 5 smartphones—and the honorable mentions—are perfect for capturing every moment with professional-grade quality. As smartphones continue to evolve, it’s clear that photography will remain at the forefront of innovation, pushing the limits of what’s possible in a handheld device.
