When searching for a smartphone, camera quality is often a top priority for consumers. Samsung’s Galaxy series competes fiercely in this space, with the newer models consistently setting high standards for mobile photography. The Galaxy S23 Ultra and Z Fold5 are noted for their camera capabilities, boasting features that enhance both still photography and video. Each model aims to cater to a different set of needs, with the S23 Ultra priding itself on high-resolution sensors and advanced video modes.
The evolution of Samsung’s phone cameras represents a significant shift in how we capture and share our experiences. Older models like the Galaxy S22 Ultra still remain popular due to their robust camera systems featuring wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. These devices offer consumers the capacity to record moments with professional-grade clarity and detail.
With continuous improvements over the years, Samsung smartphones have pushed the boundaries of traditional phone cameras. They serve as a testament to Samsung’s commitment to innovation in the field of mobile photography. Users enjoy creative freedom with features that were previously exclusive to high-end cameras.
Best Galaxy Phone Camera (2026 Buyer’s Guide)
Samsung continues to dominate smartphone photography, and in 2026, the Galaxy S25 series clearly leads the pack. With major upgrades to sensors, AI image processing, and low‑light performance, Samsung’s latest flagships offer the best Galaxy phone cameras available today.
This guide ranks the best Samsung Galaxy phones for camera quality in 2026, explains what makes the S25 series stand out, and helps you choose the right model for your photography needs.
Best Galaxy Phone Cameras – 2026 Ranking
| Rank | Galaxy Phone | Camera Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Galaxy S25 Ultra ⭐ | 200MP main sensor, periscope zoom, best Nightography, AI image processing | Pro photography, zoom, low light |
| #2 | Galaxy S25+ | Flagship main sensor, improved HDR, excellent portrait mode | Premium photos without Ultra size |
| #3 | Galaxy S25 | Same main sensor as S25+, compact flagship quality | Everyday photography |
| #4 | Galaxy S24 Ultra | Excellent zoom and detail | Value flagship buyers |
| #5 | Galaxy Z Fold 6 | Versatile shooting angles | Content creators |
| #6 | Galaxy A75 | Best mid-range camera | Budget photography |
✅ Top Recommendation: Galaxy S25 Ultra
✅ Best Overall Value Camera: Galaxy S25
Why the Galaxy S25 Series Is the Best in 2026
Samsung focused heavily on camera upgrades with the Galaxy S25 lineup, making it the clear choice for photography enthusiasts.
Key Camera Improvements in the S25 Series
- 📸 Next‑gen 200MP main sensor (Ultra)
- 🤖 AI‑powered image processing (Galaxy AI Camera)
- 🌙 Improved Nightography with reduced noise
- 🎥 Enhanced video stabilization
- 🎨 More accurate color science
- 🔍 Smarter zoom processing with less digital blur
These upgrades apply across the entire S25 lineup, not just the Ultra.
#1 Galaxy S25 Ultra – Best Galaxy Camera Overall
Why it wins:
- 200MP main sensor with advanced pixel binning
- Improved periscope zoom (clean long-range shots)
- Best low-light performance Samsung has ever produced
- Pro video features and manual controls
Camera Setup (Highlights):
- Main: 200MP
- Ultra-wide: High-resolution sensor
- Telephoto: Advanced periscope zoom
- Video: Flagship 8K & cinematic modes
✅ Best for mobile photographers, creators, and power users
❌ Overkill for casual shooters
#2 Galaxy S25+ – Premium Camera Without the Bulk
The Galaxy S25+ delivers nearly flagship-level camera quality in a slimmer, lighter design.
Strengths:
- Same main sensor as the S25
- Excellent HDR and portrait mode
- Great low-light results
✅ Best for users who want premium photos without Ultra size
❌ Less zoom reach than S25 Ultra
#3 Galaxy S25 – Best Everyday Galaxy Camera
The standard Galaxy S25 proves you don’t need the Ultra to get amazing photos.
Why it’s a standout:
- Flagship-level main camera
- Excellent daytime and night shots
- Compact and easy to use
✅ Best Galaxy phone camera for most users in 2026
✅ Strong value compared to older flagships
How Older Galaxy Cameras Compare
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Still an excellent camera phone, but:
- Less advanced AI processing
- Slightly weaker low-light results
- Outperformed by S25 series in zoom clarity
Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Flexible shooting angles
- Great for video and content creation
- Camera quality slightly behind S25 phones
Galaxy A Series
- Good for the price
- Lacks flagship sensors and AI processing
- Not competitive with S25 lineup
Camera Feature Comparison (S25 Series)
| Feature | S25 | S25+ | S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | Flagship sensor | Flagship sensor | 200MP flagship |
| Night Mode | Excellent | Excellent | Best-in-class |
| Zoom | Digital | Digital | Advanced periscope |
| Video | 4K/8K | 4K/8K | Pro-grade 8K |
| AI Camera Tools | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (Enhanced) |
Best Galaxy Phone Camera by Use Case (2026)
- 📷 Best Overall Camera: Galaxy S25 Ultra
- 🎯 Best Value Camera: Galaxy S25
- 🧳 Best Premium Without Ultra Size: Galaxy S25+
- 🎥 Best for Content Creators: Galaxy S25 Ultra
- 💰 Best Budget Camera: Galaxy A75
Final Verdict: Which Galaxy Phone Has the Best Camera in 2026?
If camera quality is your top priority, the answer is clear:
🥇 Galaxy S25 Ultra – The best Galaxy camera phone ever
🥈 Galaxy S25+ – Premium performance with a balanced design
🥉 Galaxy S25 – The smartest choice for most users
The Galaxy S25 series dominates 2026 thanks to smarter AI, improved sensors, and superior low‑light performance. While older Galaxy phones still take great photos, Samsung’s latest lineup sets a new standard for mobile photography.
Bottom line:
👉 If you want the best Galaxy phone camera in 2026, choose the S25 series—especially the S25 Ultra.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung Galaxy phones offer competitive camera quality.
- Recent models include advanced features for photography and video.
- Older Galaxy phones maintain popularity due to strong camera systems.
Photographic Capabilities
The latest Galaxy smartphones pack impressive camera tech that is adept at taking stunning photos. From high-resolution sensors to advanced zoom features, these devices cater to a wide range of photography needs.
Resolution and Sensor Performance
Galaxy phones have made great strides with their camera’s resolution and sensor quality. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, for instance, boasts a 200MP resolution sensor, achieving remarkable clarity and detail in every shot. This high megapixel (MP) count means photos have more information, so they look sharp even when you zoom in.
Low Light and Night Mode Features
Good photos depend on good light but sometimes the moment doesn’t allow for ideal conditions. Samsung tackles this with advanced night mode features. Cameras in devices like the S23 Ultra use larger sensors and processing enhancements to capture clear images in low light. The company’s expertise in Image Signal Processing (ISP) allows the phone to take bright photos even when it’s dark.
Zoom Technologies
Zoom is crucial when you can’t get physically closer to your subject. Samsung equips its phones with telephoto cameras that bring distant scenes closer. For example, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 includes a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Some models, like the Galaxy S22 Ultra, feature a periscope lens that enables a Space Zoom up to 100x digital zoom.
Video Recording Proficiency
Galaxy phones are not just about still photos. They also excel in video recording, with some models capable of capturing 8K videos. That’s four times clearer than 4K. Even with motion, the Samsung Galaxy line offers smooth videos with features like Super Steady mode and HDR support. Combined with high frame rate options, such as slow motion, these smartphones are adept at producing professional-grade videos.
