Greetings to all readers of our blog. After reading this article, you will find out which phone has the best camera to date. We will present you the top 10 smartphones of different brands and models for 2015, 2016 and 2017. Go!
Top 10 smartphones with great cameras
It is worth noting that Xiaomi mi4C, Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Google Nexus 6, Samsung Galaxy S5, Sony Xperia Z2 and Nokia Lumia 1020 stood out among the excellent camera phones in 2015.
To date, their cost has noticeably decreased, but by purchasing the listed models, you will become the proud owner of an inexpensive mobile phone worth up to 20,000 rubles (which does not apply to iPhones) with a good camera and good technical characteristics.
However, if you want to buy something fresher and more powerful, then our TOP 10 is just what you need.
Let's start with this model. It is the sensors for cameras of this brand that many manufacturers use in their phones.
Sony Xperia Z5 Premium is equipped with a 5.5-inch screen with a resolution of 3840 × 2160 and a dot density of 806 ppi! And that means only one thing: this phone has a 4K display.
In addition to this, among the technical specifications you will also find a 5 megapixel front camera and a whopping 23 megapixel main camera with amazing autofocus speed. All this is supported by a 3430 mAh non-removable battery.
One of the most desirable smartphones of our time, not only because of the bitten apple, but primarily because of its power, hardware and stable operating system.
The display of the phone of this model reaches 5.5 inches, and its resolution is Full HD. As for the camera, the company has again brought something new to its offspring.
The main camera is a dual camera, each module of which has 12 megapixels, and the front one has been increased to 7 megapixels, which is perfect for both selfies and for shooting the whole company.
Improved light transmission, excellent image detail and not inferior to the quality of photos in poor lighting.
This model was released in early 2017 and does not differ much from its predecessor S6 Edge. However, a number of technical improvements were carried out in it, which made the smartphone the best-selling in Europe.
A beautiful 5.5-inch screen with a resolution of 2560 × 1440 pixels, and most importantly, an impeccable camera that brought the smartphone to the same level as the iPhone 7 Plus.
Samsung has endowed the main sensor with 12 megapixels, and the front one with 5 megapixels. At the same time, light transmission was improved due to the lens of a larger aperture of F1.7 and detail due to increased pixels.
It is rightfully considered one of the best camera phones and generally powerful mobile devices. The new smartphone from Google came out in 2016. In the kit you are provided with a complete set of necessary cables, adapters and even headphones, which budget (and not so) models from other manufacturers cannot boast of.
Even if you leave out this detail, as well as the installed pure Android 7.1, the main advantage is a 12 MP F2.0 aperture camera with the ability to improve images due to HDR + mode, which is considered the best among all phones released in 2016.
The front camera is also not far behind: 8 megapixels with f2.4 aperture.
LG G5
The flagship of a well-known manufacturer in South Korea, released in 2016. This elegant phone has a 5.3-inch display with a resolution of 2560×1440 pixels and excellent color reproduction. It is also worth noting that this is the first smartphone in the world with a modular principle of operation.
You can quickly turn your mobile phone into a stunning camera or a cool audio player. As for the cameras, the front sensor is 8 megapixels, the main one is 16 megapixels, and plus a wide-angle camera with a viewing angle of 135 degrees by 8 megapixels.
What models we have not mentioned yet are models of Chinese smartphones. This flagship is not inferior to the previous models in terms of technical characteristics, but the cameras are good in their own way.
The main sensor is 12 MP, the front sensor is 5 MP. However, HTC uses optical image stabilization on two cameras at once, as well as new UltraPixel technology.
At the same time, both cameras are endowed with F1.8 aperture! This allows you to take gorgeous photos with both sensors, even in low light conditions. Last but not least, there is 4K footage.
The current smartphone is the flagship of 2016, although its price is much lower than the other 9. And if you buy Mi5S Plus on AliExpress and save a few thousand more.
This model has two main cameras, each of which is 13 megapixels. Due to this, as well as F2.0 and fast autofocus, color reproduction is as close to reality as possible. 4MP front lens with 80 degree angle and enlarged pixels.
Huawei has set itself the goal of bypassing all existing devices on the market and has partnered with major camera and video companies GoPro and Leica.
That's why P10 uses two lenses with F2.2 apertures. The first camera is monochrome at 20 megapixels, and the second is color at 12 megapixels. Front sensor 8 MP.
One of the most durable devices is endowed with a 16 megapixel main camera with an aperture of F2.0, larger pixels, excellent autofocus and optical stabilization. And most importantly, the internal camera is also 16 MP! We recommend to buy this smartphone on Aliexpress website at a reduced price.
Nubia Z11 Mini is a favorite of many users because of the commensurability of quality with price. An impeccable 23 MP main camera with realistic color reproduction and rich colors, and a 13 MP front camera will not leave indifferent photography enthusiasts.
On this list came to an end. We recommend that you buy Chinese smartphones at AliExpress, as there the price is indicated without cheating. Subscribe to blog and YouTube channel, and also join groups on VK, Facebook and Twitter.
Every flagship smartphone maker is trying to convince them that their device has the best camera among mobile devices. To achieve high image quality, developers install oversized matrices, equip lenses with high-aperture optics, and use laser and phase autofocus. However, it does not always turn out that the next top camera shoots better than the “old man” released a few years ago.
Our material focuses on smartphones in 2016, which have the best camera in its class or in general on the market. The list includes only models that were released this year. For this reason, there are no successful models in the selection, like the iPhone 6s, presented at the end of 2015. The list of devices is compiled taking into account the technical characteristics of their matrices, the real quality of the images. The opinion of expert photographers from the DXOMark resource was also taken into account.
Launched in February 2016, the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge were notable for being the first smartphones to feature Dual Pixel technology. There is nothing supernatural in it (it's just a phase autofocus mechanism brought to perfection), but previously this solution was used only in DSLRs.
The devices received 12 MP Sony IMX260 or Samsung S5K2L1 matrices, 1 / 2.5 "size, with 1.4 micron pixels. Lens aperture is f / 1.7, optical image stabilization is present. Experts rated the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge cameras at 88 points (out of 100), this is the maximum score for a smartphone at present.Front camera - 5 MP, with f / 1.7 aperture.
Smartphones differ in size and shape of displays. In the S7, it has a diagonal of 5.1", as well as a flat shape. In the S7 Edge, the diagonal has grown to 5.5", and the edges have become curved. The resolution of both matrices is 2560x1440 pixels. The devices are powered by a quad-core Snapdragon 820 processor or an eight-core Exynos Octa 8890. 4 GB RAM, built-in 32 or 64 GB, there is a MicroSD slot. Smartphones based on Android 6 OS work, an update is expected by the end of the year. The S7 is powered by a 3000 mAh battery, while the S7 Edge has a 3600 mAh battery. The device is good enough for any tasks. It is not for nothing that many other manufacturers are equal to the flagships of Samsung.
Examples of shots on the camera of the smartphone Galaxy S7
HTC 10 - familiar functionality, but on a new level
In April 2016, sales of the metal flagship HTC 10 started. It became a worthy successor to the idea of "ultrapixels" used since the M7 model. The HTC 10 camera is based on a 1/2.3" Sony IMX377 sensor, which allowed to increase the pixel size up to 1.55 microns. The total number of megapixels is 12. The optics has an aperture of f/1.8.
HTC 10 received a laser autofocus mechanism, characterized by high speed. There is also optical image stabilization. Due to the combination of these features, the device also scored a maximum of 88 points in the DXOMark assessment. The front camera is not far behind either. It has a resolution of 5 MP, equipped with a matrix with 1.34 micron pixels and a lens with an aperture of f / 1.8.
HTC 10 is equipped with a 5.2" SUPER LCD (variation on the IPS theme) display with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, which makes the smartphone convenient for VR. Snapdragon 820 with Adreno 530 graphics is installed as a chipset. RAM in the device is 4 GB, and built-in - 32 or 64 GB.I am glad that the memory card slot is present.
Android 6 is installed as an operating system on board the HTC 10. The smartphone's battery has a capacity of 3000 mAh. We can safely say that HTC 10 brought the functionality implemented in its predecessors to a new level. Especially in terms of the camera, which now not only excels in light sensitivity, but also provides decent detail (which the M7 or M8 did not have). 
Sample shots on HTC 10
Sony Xperia X Performance - give more pixels?!
Another smartphone that has a good camera among the flagships is the Sony Xperia X Performance, released in February 2016. Sony is a "photographic" company even more than a "musical" one, so the photomatrices of its smartphones are pleasantly distinguished by the quality of shooting. Engineers don't take the risk of "chopping off the shoulder" and using 30-40 MP (similar to Nokia). But they do not neglect the opportunity to increase the number of megapixels without sacrificing quality.
The Sony Xperia X Performance has a 25-megapixel IMX300 on a 1/2.3" sensor (23 million effective pixels in 3:4 size). It supports phase detection autofocus and is equipped with fast f/2 aperture optics. According to experts, the device received 88 points, closing the top 3. The front camera is IMX 214 at 13 MP, previously used as the main one on Xiaomi Mi4c and HTC One A9.
The Sony Xperia X Performance screen is based on an IPS matrix with a diagonal of 5 ". Its resolution is 1920x1080 pixels. Snapdragon 820 is installed as a processor, Adreno 530 is responsible for graphics processing. The smartphone has 3 GB of RAM, about 25 out of 32 are allocated for user data GB The smartphone also has a MicroSD slot.
Works Sony Xperia X Performance running Android 6, upgrade to version 7 is planned before the end of the year. The battery of the device is 2700 mAh. You should not expect a record autonomy from it, but the battery provides an average operating time.
Sample photos on Sony Xperia X Performance
Moto Z Droid Force is a revolutionary camera phone
Announced in June 2016, Moto Z Droid Force is not expected until September 2016. But experts have already been able to evaluate his camera, and gave her a high score. The smartphone is equipped with a 21-megapixel Sony IMX230 matrix. It has a size of 1/2.4", the pixel size is 1.12 microns.
High-quality photos are provided by fast optics with an aperture of f/1.8, an optical image stabilizer and hybrid (phase-laser) autofocus. They deserved the final quality rating of 87 points. The front camera of the Moto Z Droid Force looks simpler, but it is also of high quality. The 5 MP matrix has a pixel size of 1.4 microns and is equipped with a flash.
The Moto Z DroidForce display has a diagonal of 5.5", with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels. An AMOLED matrix with a shock-resistant glass sensor is used. The processor on board is Snapdragon 820, which is now installed in 90% of flagships. The amount of RAM is 4 GB, internal memory 32 or 64 GB There is a slot for a memory card on board.
The OS of the new Moto Z Droid Force is Android 6, no updates yet. For autonomy, the battery is responsible for an impressive 3500 mAh. A feature of the device should be modularity. It is planned to connect accessories that expand functionality to the magnetic connector on the rear panel.
Sample photos on Moto Z Droid Force
LG G5 is a modular dual camera flagship
In February 2016, the LG G5 saw the light of day, which was supposed to be a fundamentally new product. Despite the fact that the modular concept interested less buyers than expected, this does not remove the advantages. The camera of a smartphone (more precisely, as many as two) puts it in the list of the best. The LG G5 uses a 16MP main sensor based on the Sony IMX234 sensor (1/2.6", 1.12µm pixels). It is equipped with an f/1.8 aperture lens, laser autofocus and optical stabilization system.
To help the main camera in the smartphone, an 8 MP matrix with wide-angle (135 degrees) optics is installed. It is used when shooting landscapes and panoramas, to expand the viewing angle. Such a system of two modules received a score of 86 points. The front camera is 8 MP with f/2 aperture.
The screen of the modular flagship is 5.3", with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, IPS. Like other flagships in the selection, the LG G5 runs on a Snapdragon 820 processor. The amount of RAM is 4 GB, the internal memory is 32 GB. There is a MicroSD card slot .
Operating system LG G5 - Android 6, with a proprietary shell Vibe UX 5. The battery of the smartphone is removable, with a capacity of 2800 mAh. Modules allow you to install an additional battery. Also, a special module makes the device more suitable for photography by adding hardware camera control keys.
Example shots on the LG G5 camera
Moto G4 Plus is the owner of the best camera in the middle class
All of the listed smartphones with a good camera belong to the class of flagships and cost more than $500. Not everyone is ready to shell out that kind of money for a mobile device, and for budget-minded users, the Moto G4 Plus, released in May 2016 (about $ 250-300), will be a good alternative. The gadget, equipped with a 16-megapixel OmniVision OV16860 sensor, is rated (84 points) on a par with the iPhone 6s Plus. As for the matrix of a Chinese manufacturer, the result is chic.
The characteristics of the camera are as follows: matrix diagonal - 1/3", pixel size - 1.3 microns, lens aperture - f / 2. There is a hybrid laser-phase focusing. The matrix itself is created using PureCell technology, which reduces the amount of noise and artifacts from the interaction of neighboring pixels The front module of the Moto G4 Plus is an unremarkable 5 MP OV5693 matrix, the same as dozens of competitors.
Display Moto G4 Plus has a diagonal of 5.5 inches, a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, and is created using IPS technology. The smartphone is powered by a mid-range Snapdragon 617 processor. The device has 2, 3 or 4 GB of RAM, and 16, 32 or 64 GB of ROM, respectively. There is a dedicated microSD card slot.
The Moto G4 Plus operating system is Android 6. The battery capacity is 3000 mAh. In general, the smartphone looks like a very attractive competitor to Xiaomi and Meizu phablets. Although it costs more, it offers a good camera that they don't have. 
Sample photos on Moto G4 Plus
Google Pixel - the reference "Google phone"
In 2016, Google decided to stop collaborating with various manufacturers to release the Nexus series of smartphones. It was replaced by the Pixel line, created in close collaboration with HTC. The first devices were Google Pixel and Pixel XL, which differ in screen sizes. Google Pixel received a new Sony IMX378 matrix with a resolution of 12 MP. The front of the smartphone has an 8-megapixel 1/3.2" sensor.
The physical size of the main camera is 1 / 2.3 ", which is one of the largest sizes for smartphones. The pixels are enlarged to 1.55 microns in size, which has doubled the effective photosensitive area (compared to 1.12 microns). The matrix is equipped with its own gyroscope used for electronic image stabilization.Optical aperture - F / 2.
The smartphone is equipped with a 5-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The chipset inside is the top-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 at the time of the release. The capacity of RAM is 4 GB, the built-in memory is 32 or 128 GB. MicroSD slots, they offer to compensate for it with an unlimited GoogleDrive cloud.
Android 7.1 is installed on board the smartphone, it is understood that in the future it will be the first to receive updates to the next OS versions. Autonomous operation is provided by a 2770 mAh battery, which turned out to be quite tenacious. 
Sample photos on Google Pixel
Apple iPhone 7 Plus - the flagship with optical zoom
The older version of the apple smartphone Apple iPhone 7 Plus differs from the younger version by the presence of a dual camera. The mechanism of their interaction has become an interesting novelty that has not been used in smartphones before. To provide a true optical zoom, the device was equipped with identical 12 MP matrices, but they were equipped with different lenses. The main one is wide-angle, with an equivalent focal length of 28 mm, the second one is a telephoto lens of 56 mm. When switching between cameras, you can use the optical zoom.
In addition to the unusual optics configuration, the main cameras have OIS. The main camera can record video in 4K at 30FPS. She also writes Slow-Mo at 240 FPS in HD resolution. Supports slow motion and 7 MP front camera. It is equipped with optics with f / 2.2 aperture.
The smartphone is equipped with a 5.5-inch FullHD touch sensitive display. The chipset is the as yet unsurpassed Apple A10 Fusion with 4 cores. The amount of RAM was increased to 3 GB, storage - 32, 128 or 256 GB. There is no slot for a flash drive, of course.
The iPhone 7 Plus is running iOS 10. The built-in battery has a capacity of 2900 mAh, and as for a 5.5-inch phablet, it provides quite good autonomy.
Sample shots on the iPhone 7 Plus camera
Red smartphones of 2016: a selection for May 1 Best smartphones for the Internet: where is better LTE, Wi-Fi and autonomy 
Smartphones 2016 - early 2017 with optical camera stabilization
Modern users are actively “hunting” for smartphones with good cameras in order to get high-quality photos and videos. At the same time, manufacturers are competing with each other to build more cameras into current gadgets and provide better image clarity. There are many similar phones on sale, but the real leaders are in our TOP
Rating of the best camera phones of 2019
The smartphone is equipped with three cameras that take amazing pictures even in low light.
In addition, when recording video, the sound is not distorted, which also pleasantly surprises buyers. In sum, the resolution of all three rear cameras is 68 megapixels. At the same time, the front camera reaches 24 megapixels.
The model is considered ideal for creating selfie.
This is explained by the presence of a front camera with a resolution of 7 megapixels, its f / 2.2 aperture, as well as an infrared camera. Additionally, the manufacturer has provided here a portrait shooting mode.
As for the rear camera, users are most pleased with the flash, which changes the color of artificial lighting, taking into account working conditions.
The device is sold for 46 thousand rubles and belongs to the category of flagships. It has a dual main camera with a resolution of 12 megapixels and 16 megapixels.
It can take great photos and record really high-quality videos.
This model is especially good for shooting nature.
A wonderful smartphone for an adequate price of 45 thousand rubles has many advantages, especially in terms of the camera.
Here, users are pleased with both the rear camera and the front. They both work great in low light and give the wearer the ability to record amazing slow motion and super slow motion videos.
One of the smartphones of the middle price category costs customers 18 thousand rubles on average.
It is designed to create color and black and white photos.
Users are especially pleased with the binning technology.
The only drawback of the model is only its body - the owners consider it slippery and easily soiled.
Follower of the previous model. It has a chic screen and front and rear cameras, the quality of which is quite consistent with the cost of the device.
The main camera receives the most positive feedback, as it is dual and has a resolution 16 MP and 24 MP.
The option for 30 thousand rubles acts as one of the best camera phones in the middle price segment.
It has two rear cameras of 16 MP and 20 MP, as well as a front camera with a resolution of 16 MP.
Although users confirm that the capabilities of the device correspond to its cost, there is still a drawback here - problems with the zoom.
The device for 30 thousand rubles is famous for its magnificent dual camera on the back, the resolution of which reaches 12 megapixels and 8 megapixels. Also, owners are pleased with autofocus, which works instantly.
It is quite convenient to use such a phone, since the camera itself is located in the upper corner and you can take pictures with one hand without fear of dropping the device.
The popular device has two rear lenses of 12 megapixels each. Due to optical stabilization, this device takes good pictures even at night.
The front camera is also very good - it has a resolution of 7 megapixels, an infrared emitter and a camera.
The model pleasantly surprises buyers with a dual rear camera of 12 megapixels and 12 megapixels, as well as a 5 megapixel front camera.
The smartphone is ideal for both selfies and ordinary photos.
In addition, the camera automatically improves the appearance of a person's face, slightly removing mimic wrinkles and other minor defects.
Of the minuses, users highlight only the large weight of the structure itself, which is why it is not so easy to hold the phone in your hand for a long time.
A device from a well-known brand. It is liked by most users for the dual camera located on the back. It has a resolution of 12 megapixels and 12 megapixels, as well as autofocus.
The owners claim that such a camera produces excellent photos with rich colors, as they are transmitted accurately.
The model has practically no negative points.
People like it for its 20 MP and 2 MP dual rear cameras, which can take great photos and videos. Also pleased with the LED flash. But the fact that it is only on the rear camera is considered a small minus.
Primary: 12 MP, BSI
Front: 5 MP (1.34 µm)
Smartphone HTC 10 considered the best budget Chinese smartphone with the best camera in 2016 - which has a good camera compared to many modern smartphones. HTC was the first company in the world to introduce an optical stabilization system. The device also has a BSI sensor and UltraPixel 2 technology. The size of one dot in the lens = 1.56 microns, which makes the pictures clearer.
If pictures are taken at night, the lens captures more light than conventional cameras. Thanks to this, the photos are brighter and you can see the smallest details of the photo..
The front camera of HTC 10 is no worse than the main one, does it also have an optical stabilization system like the main one? The size where the sensitive elements are located is increased, the display is used as a flash. Thanks to this, your memories will be impressive. The front camera of the device will perfectly and clearly capture the company of your friends and you on a selfie. You will get perfect selfies!
HTC 10 takes photos instantly - in just 0.6 seconds. And the laser focus function works even faster.
The video is recorded in 4K format. The sound is recorded in Hi-Res format, and more subtle areas of sound and frequency range are heard.
22. Huawei P9
Primary: two modules of 12 MP, f / 2.2, - 1.25 µmI
Front: 8 MP
Huawei P9 - an inexpensive smartphone with a good camera in 2016, the Chinese placed two main cameras in it, thanks to which the photos are more detailed, a focus after shooting function and an imitation of a wide aperture appeared.
The main camera has two modules, on which 2 Sony IMX286 sensors are installed. The size is 1.25 microns, the maximum aperture is f / 2.2. The new Kirin 955 is equipped with a processor that, with the help of special ImageSmart 5.0 technology, reduces the noise and is responsible for light transmission. It has a laser rangefinder and LED flash. Autofocus is fast and accurate. Without mistakes.
The control menu has a lot of additional modes, including special ones, such as night light photo mode. The smartphone has a separate black and white camera. The menu is simple.
Mobile phone shoots video with max. resolution up to 1920×1080. True, there is no shooting mode in 4K here.
In a word, the phone shoots well. Both during the day and in the dark. Especially when set to black and white.
23. LG G5
Primary: 16 MP
Front: 8 MP
Smartphone LG G5 has two main cameras, each of which is equipped with its own sensor and lens. autocameras are equipped with laser autofocus, color spectrum sensor, single flash (LED). The cameras also have an optical stabilization system.
With good lighting, both the main and secondary cameras show their best side. In such conditions, excellent pictures are obtained. The lens of the main camera, due to the high aperture, gives photos with a shallow depth of field, which makes them spectacular.
The LG G5 has a single flash and a color spectrum sensor. Together they give high-quality images when you need to illuminate the subject.
In the dark, the quality of the shooting is lost.
When shooting video, it is possible to record in extensions: HD, Full HD and 4K. The video quality is quite high.
Pros of the phone: accurate autofocus, two photo cameras and excellent stabilization;
24. Xiaomi Mi 5
Primary: 16 MP
Front: 4 MP
The Xiaomi Mi5 houses a 16-megapixel main camera (with a Sony IMX298 sensor) with optical image stabilization and basic autofocus. The front has 4 megapixels. Autofocus is very fast, does not make mistakes. Double flash is brighter than normal level.
The camcorder can shoot at resolutions up to 3840×2160 (4K). Video plays on LG and Samsung phones. The video sound quality is average.
The photos are amazing, to say the least. Immediately noticeable is the good work on the details. Sharping is practically not noticeable.
Main - 12 megapixels, aperture f / 1.7
Front - 5-megapixel with f / 1.7 aperture
The main camera of the smartphone has an optical image stabilization system. The phone has a Dual Pixel autofocus system.
Smartphone functionality is excellent. There is continuous shooting, HDR, panorama, focus selection mode and other convenient functions. It is possible, using applications, to create panoramas of areas.
There is a function of shooting in RAW format.
The front camera has a number of effects aimed at improving the photo taken during a selfie, namely whitening the complexion, removing skin defects, changing the figure. There is no flash on the front camera.
Primary: 12MP
Front: 7 Mpc
iPhone 7 Plus has optical image stabilizers, f/1.8 aperture, a new sensor, 6 lenses and a cool image processing chip that makes them wider and brighter. There is also a flash with four LEDs.
iPhone 7 Plus has a dual camera: 12 + 12 MP, (wide-angle and telephoto). This made it possible to use a 2x optical zoom with improved quality. Thanks to the Sneak Peak function, the smartphone's photo and video camera is well able to analyze the surrounding objects, and can add background blur to them. The flagship mobile phone has a machine learning system that will save you the headache of adjusting the auto focus on your own.
The 7MP front camera has improved colors and better digital stabilization.
The True Tone Quad-LED flash adjusts to the ambient temperature for clearer, brighter shots.
On iPhone, you can save 4K video, shoot slow-motion and frame-by-frame HD video.
It should be noted that Sony has been optimizing smartphones for MediaTek chipsets, so the Xperia M5 has long annoyed customers with a variety of “glitches”, by today's standards, the Helio X10 processor is slow, and it works in the M5 not at the limit. The case heats up with or without, autonomy leaves much to be desired. But the proprietary shell is comfortable, the cameras are of high quality, the display is bright and clear, and the prestige of such a smartphone in “glamorous” circles is much higher than that of any Huawei or Xiaomi. Official distributors have gone crazy and are asking for a completely ridiculous 25 thousand rubles for the old Sony, but the "gray" sellers of the Xperia M5 Dual are estimated at 15-16 thousand - quite a fair price for such a model.
ZTE Nubia Z11 mini S
ZTE has the Nubia luxury division, and ZTE has the flagship Z11 series, which has a simplified version of the Z11 mini, which recently went through an update in the house that Jack built. We should pay tribute to the Chinese - Z11 mini S differs radically from Z11 mini and only for the better.
A very nimble smartphone with a brutal body with red accents. You can’t really find fault with the characteristics: a fast Snapdragon 625, 4 GB of RAM, 64 or 128 GB on the internal drive. And it’s also nice that ZTE (whose “hands are sharpened” more for setting up the sound path than for camera algorithms) made a grand gesture and equipped the Z11 mini S with a 22-megapixel rear camera based on the Sony IMX318 sensor. The much more expensive ASUS ZenFone 3 Deluxe and Xiaomi Mi Note 2 are equipped with the same sensor, if you are not in the know.
2016 is already coming to an end, which means that most of the flagship presentations of various IT companies have already died down. Apple introduced the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, Samsung presented the long-suffering Galaxy Note 7, LG showed the V20, Meizu presented the Pro 6.
And if new flagships that can excite the minds of the public and specialized publications no longer appear, then we can single out leaders in different categories among all the new products of 2016. For example, in cameras. Over the past two years, imaging modules have made significant strides forward in color reproduction, image quality, and image smoothness. Therefore, you can try to answer the question: "What is the best camera on a smartphone in 2016?"
TOP 10 best camera phones 2016
In the following sections, ten smartphones of this and last year, which can rightly be called flagship camera phones, will be considered, their main features and advantages over competitors will be highlighted. The opinion may not coincide with the generally accepted, because people evaluate the quality of photos and videos. And how many people, so many opinions. So, we present to your attention the top 10 smartphones with the best camera in 2016.
Tenth place
Sony Xperia Z5. Even though Sony's Z line of flagship smartphones has ceased to exist, last year's Z5 flagship still performs well in photo and video shooting, producing picture quality that is not much inferior to what 2016 flagships can offer. This can be confirmed by the high scores of the DXOMark profile publication. The numbers speak for themselves: the auto focus time is 0.03 seconds, and this is on a 23-megapixel sensor! We can say that the Xperia Z5 is a smartphone with the best camera, however, in 2015.
ninth place
Meizu MX5. The MX line, once considered the flagship, lost this title to the Pro-series, and, accordingly, the technical equipment became somewhat worse. Nevertheless, Meizu MX6 with its Sony IMX386 camera module with excellent software optimization is still able to produce excellent photo and video quality in any conditions.
Eighth place
LG G5. An excellent camera has always been a hallmark of LG's flagships. This happened with the G5, with the only exception being that the smartphone was presented a long time ago, and its technical equipment has become outdated. But this does not mean at all that the quality of the shooting has deteriorated. Not at all. In fact, now the LG G5 takes pictures and shoots videos that are comparable in quality to the work of budget DSLRs. However, we emphasize that many amateur photographers note that the G5 has the best camera on a smartphone. Well, that's their opinion.
Seventh place
6S/6S Plus. Even though the Cupertino company has updated its line of flagship smartphones, the previous generation devices, thanks to excellent optimization and the right software, shoot at the level of some of the flagships of 2016. Both the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus are a clear confirmation of this. Branded iSight cameras always remain relevant for quite a long time, even after the release of a new generation of devices.
Sixth place
Samsung Galaxy Note 5. The flagship of the South Korean company's phablet line was released a little later than the super-successful Galaxy S6, which means it received more modern equipment. Thanks to the main camera of 16 megapixels, the device is capable of recording video in 4K format. It is also worth considering that the camera software allows the user to customize it to suit their needs and requirements. For many, to this day, the Galaxy Note 5 is the smartphone with the best camera ever.
Fifth place
Huawei Nexus 6P. The latest generation of Nexus smartphones from Google, which were replaced by devices from the Pixel line, greatly pleased users with their characteristics, design, and overall quality. Especially Huawei Nexus 6P. The Chinese have equipped the smartphone with a camera with high light sensitivity and a high-quality 12.3 megapixel matrix. But megapixels aren't everything. Of decisive importance is the optimization and software of the camera module. And with all this, the Nexus 6P is flawless. Many netizens even now do not ask the question: “Which smartphone has the best camera?” unequivocally answer: "Nexus 6P".
Fourth place
Samsung The latest generation of smartphones from the South Korean company shows the quality of the shooting level, comparable to semi-professional cameras. Why only fourth place, because many people say that this is a smartphone with the best camera? The answer to this question will be given a little later. Suffice it to say that buying just because of the excellent camera will be more than justified. This device combines the qualities of not only an excellent working device, but also a first-class "SLR".
Among other things, selfie lovers say that the S7 / S7 edge is the smartphone with the best. smartphones.
Third place
Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Despite all the failures that haunt the seventh Note, the smartphone is one of the best representatives of the segment in terms of its characteristics. You can verify this by looking at just a couple of photos or videos taken with the help of this device. Their quality, detail and stabilization (for video) will speak for themselves. Although in fact the camera module installed in Note 7 is not much different from the one that is equipped with S7 and S7 edge.
Second place
Apple iPhone 7. Predictable? Still would! Almost every specialized publication considers it their duty to highlight the revolutionary camera of the iPhone 7. And the most interesting thing is that this is quite true. Tests have shown that the camera of the new iPhone 7 is indeed an order of magnitude higher than all its predecessors: the iPhone 6S, and even more so the iPhone SE. But is the quality of pictures and videos on the new generation iPhone so different from Samsung's flagships?
"First place": Apple iPhone 7 Plus
For a whole year, there have been rumors that the Cupertino-based company will introduce a new flagship with a camera that has never been in smartphones before. The rumors turned out to be true. The best camera on a smartphone is probably installed in the new iPhone. The plus version of the seventh model takes amazingly realistic shots, the quality level of which is not much lower than on professional DSLRs.
The most interesting thing is that the last four positions cannot be called stable. For example, the Galaxy Note 7 could well have taken the first place. This smartphone deserves it just like the Galaxy S7. The eternal struggle between Samsung and Apple in the smartphone segment has made itself felt here.
This does not mean at all that the seventh generation iPhones are bad. No. They are in no way inferior to the seventh generation of flagships from Samsung, just like the Galaxy line, in turn, is no worse than the new iPhones. This means that there is no fundamental difference between the flagships of the Cupertino and Ezhnokoreans. They can all claim the first place. And which one to choose is only a matter of taste, because the technical characteristics of all four devices are at the highest level.
It turns out that there is an unambiguous answer to the question: “Which smartphone has the best camera (2016)?” no.
One Plus 3
But this one is a much more suitable candidate for the fourth position: the third model of flagship killers - OnePlus 3. Good “hardware and A-class camera modules from famous manufacturers allow the Chinese “monster” to create masterpieces that are not only embarrassing to show to friends or acquaintances, and it is quite acceptable to print, frame and hang on the wall.
Huawei P9
What to say about the flagship of 2016 from the largest Chinese smartphone manufacturer? Chinese specialists, together with engineers from the well-known German company Leica, were able to develop such a dual camera that, with the proper skills and knowledge in the field of photo and video, can take shots of the level of the new iPhone and Galaxy Note 7. So the third position in the top smartphones with the best cameras can rightly get Huawei P9. We can say that P9 is a Chinese smartphone with the best camera.
Mid-budget campephorone
The smartphones presented above, although they have excellent characteristics and excellent cameras, are nevertheless not affordable for some users. And everyone wants to take good pictures and record high-quality videos. Just for such people there is a middle segment of smartphones.
Surprising as it may seem, but the most inexpensive smartphone with a good camera is also the brainchild of Samsung. The Galaxy A (2016) line of devices, while relatively cheap (compared to flagships), is equipped with excellent camera modules that shoot at a resolution sufficient for everyday use. A good example proving this fact is the Galaxy A3 (2016) smartphone.
By the way, not only Samsung makes excellent mid-range camera phones. Meizu and Xiaomi have also succeeded in this (these companies, in general, have succeeded in the entire smartphone market). Meizu M3 Note and MX4 Pro, as well as Xiaomi Mi4c and Mi4i are able to compete with smartphones from the South Korean manufacturer.
Low budget camera phone
However, for some, paying 15-18 thousand rubles for a smartphone that will shoot well is also an unacceptable waste of money. And for such people there is a budget segment of devices. Their maximum price is 11 thousand rubles.
And the cheapest smartphone with a good camera, according to many netizens, is the ASUS Zenfone 2 Laser ZE500KL. Now it is available for purchase for about ten thousand rubles. And for this money, the user gets devices with a 13-megapixel main camera with a 2.0 aperture, equipped with laser autofocus.
Although an excellent alternative to a smartphone from ASUS can be a Chinese competitor Meizu M3S. Thanks to an excellent 13-megapixel main camera with phase-detection autofocus and 2.2 aperture, the device produces good quality pictures and videos for a low-budget smartphone, which is enough for posting to Instagram or other everyday purposes.
Chinese camera phone
It is worth noting that smartphones are divided not only by price, but also by country of origin. This is due to the fact that each country has its own peculiarities of smartphone construction. In America, emphasis is placed on a strict corporate design and high performance devices due to software optimization, in China - on high technical equipment.
For example, the best camera on Chinese smartphones is installed in Meizu Pro 6, the current flagship of the company. Immediately after the release of the device, many specialized publications around the globe unanimously claimed that this is a smartphone with the best camera. Meizu devices traditionally have excellent shooting modules. What can we say about the flagship line. In terms of image quality, the Pro 6 is ahead of its closest competitor Xiaomi Mi5.
Although Xiaomi Mi5 can also claim this title. And all thanks to a 16-megapixel camera with excellent optical stabilization, comparable to the iPhone 6S. It allows users to capture all the moments of life in highly detailed frames and widescreen videos with excellent picture quality.
Moreover, Xiaomi Mi5 can be bought at a relatively low price for a flagship - about 25,000 rubles, while Meizu Pro 6 costs from 20,000 rubles. Such prices for flagship smartphones are very rare. Especially when you consider that both companies make quality devices.
The sub-brand of Huawei, Honor, by the way, flagship smartphones are also equipped with high-level camera modules. An example is Honor 7. For about the same 20-25 thousand, the user gets an excellent device with a 20 megapixel main camera that produces amazing photo and video quality, comparable to 2015 devices, such as the Sony Xperia Z5, for example, or last year's flagship killer OnePlus 2.
In fact, a huge number of smartphone models of all price categories with excellent cameras are created and produced in China. However, with "formally" excellent. For example, it's no secret that all UMi or Oppo flagships are equipped with the latest hardware available on the market. Very often, for example, you can see smartphones from Chinese B-class manufacturers with 6 gigabytes of memory and other "features". In fact, they perform worse than the iPhone 6, which has only 1 gigabyte of RAM. The same problem with cameras. Paradoxically, the modules are supplied by Sony, and as a result, the image quality is at an average level. So Xiaomi and Meizu are one of the few companies, so to speak, "rays of light" that produce a quality product, and not mediocrity. Both Lenovo and Huawei fall into the same category. But there is nothing surprising in this. This is business. A very large business through which huge financial flows pass. And in order to direct these flows into your “pocket”, you need to be different from your competitors in some way. And first of all - the quality of products or services.
Outcome
Thus, it turns out that in the past year of 2016, companies have launched a huge number of smartphones with amazing cameras that are able to create real masterpieces with just one click on the screen thanks to modern photo and video processing technologies. Naturally, the leading market players - Samsung, Apple and Huawei - succeeded in this. But smaller companies have not lagged behind and proved that they can also create real camera phones in the truest sense of the word. Who knows, maybe not far off the day when a small device in your pocket can completely replace people's cameras and cameras. And not only them, but also a personal computer and many other devices, without which it is now impossible to imagine modern human life.