Smartphones keep improving every year, and the camera is now one of the main features people care about. The best camera phones use strong hardware and smart AI to take clear photos and smooth videos. They work well in low light, wide landscapes, and even for cinematic video. Let’s look at the top 10 camera phones in Australia and what makes them stand out.
What Makes a Phone a Good Camera Phone?
A phone with a good camera must have more than just megapixels. Factors such as sensor size, aperture, zoom capabilities, and image processing software play a vital role. Key elements include:
-
Lenses: Wide, ultra-wide, telephoto, and macro lenses for versatile photography
-
Sensors: Larger sensor sizes for better low-light performance
-
Image Stabilization: Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)
- Software: Computational photography, AI image processing, and modes like Night Sight or ProRAW
For example, Apple’s Deep Fusion and Google’s HDR+ dramatically enhance detail and contrast, making them leaders in mobile photography phones.
Top 10 Best Camera Phones in Australia
Here are the best camera phones in Australia 2025, carefully analyzed against competitors like CNET, PCMag, and DXOMark rankings.
1) Apple iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro models are the most balanced phones for photography and video. They include a new 5x telephoto zoom, an upgraded 48MP ultrawide camera, and advanced ProRAW and ProRes video recording. The Camera Control button and Action Button make it easy to adjust settings quickly. The iPhone 16 Pro series delivers natural colors and reliable results, which makes them the best all-around option.
2) Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best phone for zoom photography. It offers 5x optical zoom, 100x hybrid zoom, and a 200MP main sensor for detailed images. The dual telephoto lenses cover different distances, and the AI features allow creative editing. It also supports 8K video and pro-level controls. This phone is the most advanced option for people who want every possible camera feature.
3) Google Pixel 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL
The Pixel 9 Pro models are leaders in computational photography. They have three cameras that take sharp portraits, clear daylight shots, and strong night images. AI tools such as Magic Eraser, Best Take, and Face Unblur improve photos automatically. The Pro XL has a large 6.8-inch display that is great for creators. These phones are the best for people who want simple software and excellent photos.
4) Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 shows that foldable phones can also be excellent camera devices. It has a 200MP main camera that is very similar to the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The 8-inch inside display makes editing and viewing photos easy. Its slim and light design makes it practical for daily use. This phone is the best choice for people who want a modern foldable with high-quality cameras.
5) Apple iPhone 16 (Standard Model)
The iPhone 16 is the best option for people who want great cameras without the high cost of the Pro models. It comes with a 48MP wide camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera. The Camera Control and Action Button make shooting photos faster. The images are sharp and the video performance is strong. It also supports Apple Intelligence tools, which makes it a great iPhone for most people.
6) Google Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 is a more affordable version of the Pixel 9 Pro. It has two cameras, a wide and an ultrawide, that still produce excellent results. AI features like Magic Eraser and Real Tone improve photos with little effort. It also comes with seven years of software updates and a clean Android experience. This phone is the best for people who want reliability and a simple design.
7) Google Pixel 9a
The Pixel 9a is the best midrange phone for photography in 2025. It has a 48MP main camera, the Tensor G4 processor, and the same AI tools as the Pro models. It also receives seven years of updates, making it a safe choice for the future. The phone is durable and performs well in daily use. It is the best option for people who want great cameras at a lower price.
8) Samsung Galaxy S25
The Galaxy S25 is a small but powerful camera phone. It has a triple-lens setup that includes wide, ultrawide, and 3x telephoto cameras. The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor makes it fast and smooth. Its size allows easy one-handed photography. This phone is best for people who want a compact device without losing camera quality.
9) Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the most advanced iPhone for photography and video. It has a large 6.9-inch display, a long-lasting battery, and the same excellent cameras as the iPhone 16 Pro. The 5x telephoto zoom adds extra reach for distant shots. Its video features are very strong, which makes it popular with filmmakers and vloggers. It is the best choice for people who want the largest and most powerful iPhone.
10) Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus
The Galaxy S25 Plus sits between the regular S25 and the S25 Ultra. It has a 50MP main camera, a telephoto lens, and AI features for better images. The larger screen and battery make it more versatile than the smaller S25. It is a great choice for people who want a balanced phone with strong cameras but do not want to pay the high price of the Ultra.
Best Camera Phones by Category
Different buyers have different needs, so here are some recommendations:
- Best budget camera phone is the Google Pixel 9a
- Best mid-range camera phones are Google Pixel 9 and Apple iPhone 16
- Best flagship camera phones are Apple iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google Pixel 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL
- Best foldable camera phone is Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
- Best selfie camera phones are Google Pixel 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL and Apple iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max
Expert Tips for Mobile Photography in Australia
If you want to get the best results from your smartphone camera, keep these easy tips in mind for everyday photography:
-
Always try to use natural light whenever it is available.
-
Experiment with different modes such as portrait and night mode to explore new styles.
-
Use helpful accessories like tripods or attachable lenses for more stability and variety.
-
Capture photos in RAW format if possible, as it gives you more flexibility during editing.
-
Regularly clean your camera lenses to make sure your shots remain clear and sharp.
Conclusion
Choosing the best camera phone on the market in 2025 comes down to personal needs. The iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stand out for professional video and photography. The Google Pixel 8 Pro leads in computational photography, while brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo give creative options at lower prices. No matter your priority, from zoom and night mode to high-quality video, there is a reliable smart camera phone in Australia that matches your lifestyle.
FAQs
What is the best camera phone in Australia right now?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are considered the best camera phones in Australia, offering advanced lenses and video capabilities.
Which phone has the best selfie camera?
The Vivo V27 Pro and Oppo Reno series are popular choices for best selfie camera phones, delivering excellent front camera quality.
Are budget camera phones good enough for photography?
Yes, budget options like the Google Pixel 7a and Samsung Galaxy A54 provide good camera phones with reliable performance for everyday use.
Which phone is best for night photography?
The Google Pixel 8 Pro and Vivo X100 Pro+ are among the best camera phones for night photography with enhanced AI processing.
Is a DSLR still better than the best phone camera?
While DSLR cameras excel in professional use, the best mobile phone cameras in Australia now rival them in convenience and quality for most users.
