The Pixel 8 may have the most powerful camera hardware on a smartphone right now, but it’s the software that’s really making this device stand out. Google’s Tensor G2 chip and a suite of new AI tricks make its phone one of the best for low-light photography, and its Night Sight feature can produce some truly stunning images.
Samsung has been a leader in the field of under-display fingerprint scanners, and its Galaxy S23 Ultra is one of the most reliable phones out there for this kind of security. The sensor uses Qualcomm’s 3D Sonic Sensor Gen 2, which means you can unlock the phone even when it is in deep sleep mode. And the fingerprint sensor can even recognize different fingers, so you can set up multiple different unlock patterns for different people.
Its camera system is also a big strength, with a pair of 12MP ultrawide cameras and a periscope telephoto lens for zooming. You can use the telephoto camera for up to 10x optical zoom, which beats the typical hybrid or digital zoom on other phones in terms of quality. And it can also take up to 4K video at 30fps, which is great if you want to shoot some high-resolution movies or content.
If you’re looking for a top Android phone with a great camera, there are plenty of options out there. Most of them have the kinds of features you’d expect from a flagship, like a high-resolution display and fast charging. But the Pixel has a clean and minimalist software experience, and several Google-exclusive perks, including Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur, that make it stand out from the competition.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is another strong option, with a powerful dual-camera setup that includes a 48MP primary sensor and two 12MP backups. It can do some pretty impressive things with its image processing, from capturing HDR photos to reenacting historic events and scenes. And it can even record an eSIM video call, which lets you chat with family and friends over FaceTime without a physical SIM card.
