10 Next-Level Camera Phones Available in North America

Smartphones have become our pocket-sized production studios, ready at a moment’s notice to capture breathtaking sunsets, spontaneous group shots, or full-fledged travel vlogs. In 2025, the best camera phone in North America isn’t just about big megapixels or multiple lenses; it’s about how seamlessly hardware and AI-driven software unite to deliver crisp photos and cinematic video wherever we go. Below, we’ve gathered the best camera phone contenders that raise the bar, from powerhouse flagships to wallet-friendly champs, all tailored to help you shoot like a pro in every scenario. Let’s see which device will transform your everyday snapshots into works of art.

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iPhone 16 Pro Max (2024)

• Price Range: Approximately $1,199+ (premium flagship tier)
• Camera Setup: Triple camera system – 48 MP main, 48 MP ultra-wide, 12 MP 5× telephoto
• Video Capabilities: Up to 4K 120 fps in Dolby Vision HDR, ProRes video, enhanced stabilization
• Special Features: Camera Control button, advanced computational photography (Smart HDR 5, Night Mode), Spatial Video capture

The iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers Apple’s top-tier camera performance, offering crisp and realistic photos with excellent color balance. Its 4K 120 fps Dolby Vision video is cinematic, and Apple’s Photonic Engine enables fantastic low-light results. If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem and want the best camera phone for consistent, color-accurate photography and pro-level video, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is hard to beat.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (2025)

• Price Range: $1,199 – $1,399 (premium flagship)
• Camera Setup: Quad array – 200 MP main, 50 MP ultra-wide, 10 MP 3×, 50 MP 5× periscope
• Video Capabilities: 8K @ 30 fps, 4K @ 120 fps, HDR10+ video, AI stabilization
• Special Features: Night Mode with ProVisual Engine, Expert RAW mode, 100× “Space Zoom,” S-Pen remote shutter

With its massive 200 MP sensor and dual telephoto lenses, the S25 Ultra is a versatile powerhouse. Photos are vibrant, detailed, and perfect for social sharing, while 8K or 4K120 video meets the highest content-creation standards. The S-Pen remote shutter is great for group shots. For Android users who crave the best camera phone in a big, feature-packed design, the S25 Ultra is a top choice.

Google Pixel 9 Pro (2024)

• Price Range: Around $999 (high-end flagship)
• Camera Setup: 50 MP main, 48 MP ultra-wide, 48 MP 5× telephoto
• Video Capabilities: 4K @ 60 fps on all lenses, AI-based Video Boost, 1080p @ 240 fps slow-mo
• Special Features: Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Night Sight, Real Tone color, robust computational photography

The Pixel 9 Pro marries solid camera hardware with Google’s unmatched AI software, yielding sharp, well-exposed images in most conditions. Night Sight and Magic Eraser simplify challenging shots or edits. For photographers wanting instant “wow” results with minimal fiddling, the Pixel 9 Pro is arguably the best camera phone in North America for pure ease of use and powerful computational tricks.

OnePlus 13 (2025)

• Price Range: $849 – $899 (upper-mid flagship)
• Camera Setup: Triple 50 MP (main, 3× telephoto, ultra-wide) co-engineered with Hasselblad
• Video Capabilities: 8K UHD, 4K @ 120 fps, 3D audio capture, advanced Action mode
• Special Features: Hasselblad Master Style portraits, AI Photo Suite with unblur/eraser, ultra-fast action focus

The OnePlus 13’s Hasselblad partnership elevates color science and dynamic range, creating images that look refined and vibrant. Its Action mode is ideal for sports or kids, and the phone’s streamlined camera app excels in speed. If you want a balanced flagship camera phone with sharp Hasselblad-tuned images, the OnePlus 13 is a compelling alternative at a lower price than some premium rivals.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (2024)

• Price Range: $1,799 (ultra-premium foldable)
• Camera Setup: Triple 50 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide, 10 MP 3× telephoto
• Video Capabilities: 8K @ 30 fps, 4K @ 60 fps, large inner display as a flexible viewfinder
• Special Features: Foldable tablet-like screen, Flex Mode for tripod-free shooting, cover screen selfie preview

With camera hardware akin to a Galaxy S-series, the Z Fold 6 transforms how you shoot. The big display is a photographer’s dream for composition and editing, and Flex Mode lets you prop the phone at various angles. If you crave a foldable form factor for content creation and still want a solid camera experience, it’s among the best camera phone options for creative professionals.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (2024)

• Price Range: $999 (premium mid-range foldable)
• Camera Setup: Dual – 50 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide
• Video Capabilities: 4K @ 60 fps, improved sensor for better low-light, hands-free recording with FlexCam
• Special Features: Clamshell foldable, compact form, cover screen camera preview, fun angles for selfies

The Z Flip 6 brings a 50 MP camera upgrade to the stylish foldable form. Although it lacks a dedicated telephoto, its high-res main sensor offers quality 2× zoom via cropping. For social content creation, the self-standing design and cover screen preview are brilliant. This phone redefines portability and spontaneity for everyday shooting, making it a playful best camera phone alternative.

Sony Xperia 1 VI (2024)

• Price Range: $1,299 – $1,399 (enthusiast flagship)
• Camera Setup: Triple developed with Alpha team – 48 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide, 12 MP continuous zoom (3.5×–7.1×)
• Video Capabilities: 4K up to 120 fps on all lenses, Cinema Pro app with manual controls, external monitor mode
• Special Features: Photography Pro with full PASM, Eye-AF, 20 fps burst, advanced RAW options, Zeiss optics

Sony’s Xperia 1 VI caters to true camera enthusiasts, offering manual controls and a unique continuous optical zoom lens. The phone’s photography approach is minimal software processing, yielding a “real camera” feel. If you relish tinkering with settings and want a phone that shoots like an Alpha camera, this is a standout pick for your best camera phone in North America short list.

Samsung Galaxy S24 (2024)

• Price Range: $799 (premium flagship, base model)
• Camera Setup: Triple – 50 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide, 10 MP 3× telephoto
• Video Capabilities: 8K @ 30 fps, 4K @ 60 fps, stabilized 1080p Super Steady
• Special Features: “Nightography” low-light suite, Single Take mode, bright 6.2″ display, comfortable one-hand size

For a more compact flagship, the S24 retains Samsung’s excellent camera system without the Ultra’s price or bulk. You get vibrant color output, easy-to-use features, and reliable low-light performance. Anyone wanting the best camera phone for everyday photography in a smaller Samsung device will find the S24 perfectly balanced in cost and capability.

iPhone 16 (2024)

• Price Range: $799 (high-end mainstream)
• Camera Setup: Dual – 48 MP main (pixel binning for 12 MP), 12 MP ultra-wide
• Video Capabilities: 4K up to 60 fps Dolby Vision, Cinematic Mode in 4K, stable 1080p slow-motion
• Special Features: Photonic Engine for improved detail, 2× lossless zoom via sensor crop, easy Apple ecosystem integration

The standard iPhone 16 inherits the 48 MP main sensor, enabling more detailed photos and a 2× zoom crop. It’s a pocket-friendly alternative to the Pro Max, yet retains Apple’s signature photo style and industry-leading video. If you want a best camera phone with minimal fuss, top-notch reliability, and crisp results, the iPhone 16 stands as the go-to everyday shooter for Apple fans.

Google Pixel 9a (2025)

• Price Range: $499 (upper budget range)
• Camera Setup: Dual – 48 MP main, 13 MP ultra-wide
• Video Capabilities: 4K @ 30 fps, 1080p @ 60 (front camera), AI-driven Video Boost in post
• Special Features: Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Night Sight, Pixel-level AI pipeline for stellar images

Google’s Pixel 9a proves you don’t need to break the bank for photo excellence. Its 48 MP main camera and Google’s AI wizardry produce images rivaling pricier phones. Night Sight, Magic Eraser, and Photo Unblur all appear in this affordable package, making it arguably the best budget best camera phone option for those seeking high-quality photography without a flagship price tag.

Which One Do You Have Your Eyes On?

Whether you’re after Apple’s cinematic Dolby Vision, Samsung’s multi-lens versatility, Google’s AI-driven simplicity, or a Sony-style pro experience, these ten devices showcase the best camera phone choices in North America for 2025. From ultra-premium to budget-friendly, there’s a camera phone here that delivers the right balance of hardware and software for your photography or video needs. Enjoy capturing your world with stunning clarity.

FAQ

What should I look for when choosing the best camera phone in North America?

Focus on sensor size, lens quality, software processing, and features like optical zoom or night mode. Check out real-world samples to ensure the phone matches your photography style.

Is a high megapixel count always better for phone cameras?

Not necessarily. Megapixels matter, but sensor size, image processing, and lens quality often have a bigger impact on picture clarity and low-light performance.

Which smartphone brand leads in video quality?

Apple’s iPhones are known for industry-leading video with Dolby Vision, while Samsung offers high-resolution 8K and strong stabilization. Both excel, but user preference can vary.

Are budget-friendly phones capable of pro-level photos?

Some mid-range devices, like Google’s Pixel A-series, deliver near-flagship camera performance thanks to powerful AI software. While they might lack certain hardware extras, they still produce stunning shots for everyday use.

Should I buy a phone with multiple rear lenses?

Multiple lenses (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) expand your creative range. You’ll capture varied perspectives—from sweeping landscapes to tight zoom shots—without sacrificing quality.