The Best Camera Smartphones of 2022

Although high-end smartphones, as a whole, haven't impressed with overall technological improvements, their camera sub-systems have fared relatively better. This year saw the introduction of sensors with incredibly high pixel counts that rely more on pixel binning and ISP/software optimization to deliver a definite improvement in low-light photography.

Our best camera smartphone contenders range from devices sporting 200MP sensors, to those with compelling secondary and tertiary lenses to spice up your photos. Although, there can only be one winner, these nominees have tailored their cameras well for a wide gamut of smartphone photography needs.

And Here Are the Winners...

Gold Award: Google Pixel 7 Pro

Google Pixel smartphones are hailed for their imaging prowess and the Pixel 7 Pro lives up to the expectations. It is equipped with a flawless triple rear camera set-up comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide shooter and the brilliant 48MP telephoto lens. The telephoto camera offers up to 10x zoom through image processing. That's not all, its new Tensor G2 SoC and advanced software processing offer laser-sharp clarity in low light conditions. The Pixel 7 Pro wins the gold award primarily due its excellent camera optimization.

Silver Award: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra's cameras are the most versatile of the lot. Be it harsh daylight or dimly-lit conditions, the S22 Ultra delivers outstanding image quality without breaking a sweat. The smartphone packs in Samsung's homegrown 108MP ISOCELL HM3 sensor for the primary camera, two 10MP telephoto shooters, a 12MP wide angle lens, and a stunning 40MP front camera. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is a camera marvel and deserves the silver award.

Bronze Award: Vivo X80 Pro

The Vivo X80 Pro brings the goodness of Zeiss optics in a smartphone. It sets itself apart from other smartphones with its quad camera setup comprising a 50MP Samsung GNV primary sensor, a 12MP portrait sensor, an 8MP periscope lens, and lastly a 48MP trusty Sony IMX598 ultrawide sensor. This allows you to shoot from different perspectives and achieve almost DSLR-like images. The Vivo X80 Pro's versatile camera setup helps it clinch the third spot.

Meet Our Nominees

Google Pixel 7 Pro

Google Pixel! The name itself screams camera, and the Pixel 7 Pro lives up to it by providing the user with a flawless triple camera set-up housing a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide shooter and the brilliant 48MP telephoto lens which renders up to 10x zoom through image processing. The Pixel 7 Pro's impressive imaging capabilities offer laser-sharp clarity in low light conditions.

OnePlus 10 Pro

The OnePlus 10 Pro gears up the camera game of the flagship segment with its powerful 48MP Sony IMX789 main sensor. It is accompanied by a 50MP Samsung JN1 ultrawide shooter and an 8MP lens, giving it a striking range and details that are clear as water.

Vivo X80 Pro

The flagbearer of the Zeiss optics in the premium range, the Vivo X80 Pro sets itself apart from other smartphones with its quad camera setup consisting of a 50MP Samsung GNV primary sensor, a 12MP portrait sensor, an 8MP periscope lens, and last but not the least - a 48MP trusty Sony IMX598 ultrawide sensor. Club them all together and you might just get DSLR-like pictures during daytime.

Motorola Edge 30 Ultra

With its record-breaking megapixels count on a sensor, the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra ups the ante with its 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HP1 primary sensor. Not just that, it is accompanied by a 50MP Samsung GN5 ultra-wide shooter and a 12MP Sony depth sensor. Combining them all together, it becomes a perfect day light picture companion.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Be it harsh daylight or dimly-lit nights, nothing is a challenge for the S22 Ultra when it comes to clicking pictures. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra builds up on its predecessors by enhancing their cameras further with Samsung's homegrown ISOCELL HM3 sensor comprising a 108MP main sensor, two 10MP Telephoto shooters, a 12MP wide angle lens, and a stunning 40MP front camera.