These Are the Best Phone Cameras That We've Tested

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's rumored 200-megapixel sensor is not even the most surprising entry in CNET's latest roundup of the best camera phones they've tested. From the iPhone 17 Pro and Google Pixel 10 Pro to two obscure handsets that could redefine mobile photography, this list upends expectations about which brands dominate imaging.

CNET has released its annual evaluation of smartphone cameras, this time including unreleased flagship models expected to launch in late 2025. The test covers the iPhone 17 Pro, Google Pixel 10 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, and two lesser-known devices from emerging Chinese manufacturers. The results highlight dramatic advances in computational photography powered by on-device AI and custom image signal processors.

The smartphone camera race has intensified as manufacturers prioritize camera quality as a key differentiator. Apple, Google, and Samsung have long led the pack, but competitors like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo are closing the gap with innovative hardware and AI-driven software. This year's tests also include phones from brands like Nothing and Tecno, reflecting a broader trend of democratizing high-end photography features.

The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to introduce a periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, while the Pixel 10 Pro promises significant improvements in low-light processing through Google's Tensor G5 chip. Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra reportedly features a 200MP main sensor and enhanced AI scene recognition. However, the two surprise phones—the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and the Vivo X200 Pro+—boast larger sensors and Zeiss optics, delivering color reproduction and dynamic range that rival dedicated cameras.

Industry analysts point to a convergence of hardware and software as the driving force. "We're seeing smartphone cameras finally challenge point-and-shoots even in challenging conditions," says technology analyst Marina Chen. The integration of generative AI for tasks like object removal and HDR fusion is becoming standard, narrowing the gap between phones and mirrorless cameras. This arms race pushes innovation but also raises questions about computational artifact and user control.

Looking ahead, expect the competition to heat up with the official launches of these phones in fall 2025. Benchmark tests and user reviews will determine if the hype translates to real-world performance. For consumers, the choice will increasingly depend on ecosystem preference and specific photography priorities, such as zoom, portraiture, or video stabilization. One thing is clear: the era of mediocre phone cameras is over.