Best Camera Phones Under $1000

In 2025, you don’t have to spend over a grand to get a phone with the best camera features. In fact, exceptional camera performance no longer requires spending over $1000 – modern mid-range and flagship phones now offer cutting-edge photography capabilities at lower prices. Below we’ve ranked the top 10 best camera phones under $1000, considering overall camera quality (for both photos and videos), key specs, and real-world performance. If you’re wondering which phone has the best camera at this price, read on – this list will help mobile photography enthusiasts and general users alike find the best camera phone 2025 can offer without breaking the bank.

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1. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro flagship is the best camera phone under $1000 for still photography, delivering DSLR-like shots with effortless point-and-shoot ease; its 5× optical zoom, stellar Night Sight, and AI tools (Magic Editor, Best Take) make it the best phone camera for travelers, parents, or anyone who wants consistent, natural-looking photos without editing.

• Price (USD): $999 (128 GB).
• Camera Quality: Triple-lens array (50 MP main, 48 MP ultra-wide, 48 MP 5× telephoto) with powerful computational photography.
• Photo Quality: Outstanding dynamic range and consistent, detailed photos straight out of camera, especially shining in low light with Night Sight.
• Video Quality: 4K 60 fps on every lens with strong stabilization, good HDR, and sharp, vibrant footage.
• Other Specs & Features: 6.3-inch 120 Hz OLED, Tensor G4 chip with 16 GB RAM, 4700 mAh battery, IP68, seven years of software support.

2. Apple iPhone 16 Pro

If you shoot a lot of video, the iPhone 16 Pro is the phone with best camera for cinematic content thanks to its Dolby Vision 4K60 clips, unmatched stabilization, and pro-grade audio, while still delivering vibrant, true-to-life photos that nail exposure every time.

• Price (USD): $999 (128 GB).
• Camera Quality: 48 MP main with sensor shift, 12 MP ultra-wide, 12 MP 3× telephoto tuned for color accuracy and smooth operation.
• Photo Quality: Consistently great output with Smart HDR and Deep Fusion balancing highlights, shadows, and skin tones.
• Video Quality: Industry-leading 4K 60 fps Dolby Vision HDR plus Cinematic Mode for depth-of-field video.
• Other Specs & Features: A18 Bionic, 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, ProRAW/ProRes, IP68, 26-hour battery life.

3. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (256 GB)

With a 200 MP sensor and dual telephotos, the S23 Ultra is the zoom champion of our list, offering 10× optical shots and vibrant color science that makes every photo pop, while 8K video and the bundled S Pen turn it into a creative powerhouse for the best camera on a phone if you need reach.

• Price (USD): $949–999 on frequent deals.
• Camera Quality: Quad-camera system (200 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide, 10 MP 3×, 10 MP 10×) covering 0.6×–10× optical range.
• Photo Quality: Crisp, punchy images with excellent low-light Nightography and class-leading zoom detail.
• Video Quality: 8K 30 fps and 4K 60 fps HDR10+ with smooth stabilization.
• Other Specs & Features: 6.8-inch AMOLED 120 Hz, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 5000 mAh, S Pen, IP68.

4. Oppo Find X8 Ultra

Enthusiasts willing to import will find the Find X8 Ultra’s 1-inch sensor, dual periscope zooms, and Leica-tuned color deliver jaw-dropping images and pro-grade 4K 120 fps video, making it arguably the best camera phone hardware under $1000—if you can source one.

• Price (USD): ~$900–1000 via import.
• Camera Quality: 50 MP main 1-inch, 50 MP ultra-wide, 50 MP 3×, 50 MP 6× periscope telephoto for unrivaled optical versatility.
• Photo Quality: Stunning dynamic range, natural depth of field, and clean low-light shots from huge sensors.
• Video Quality: Up to 4K 120 fps with 10-bit HDR and LOG recording for advanced grading.
• Other Specs & Features: 6.8-inch 120 Hz OLED, Snapdragon 8 Elite, 6100 mAh battery, 100 W wired charging.

5. Samsung Galaxy S25

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 compact flagship balances price and performance, packing Nightography upgrades, a sharp 50 MP main lens, and pro-level 8K capture, so you get a versatile best camera phone 2025 experience in a hand-friendly size.

• Price (USD): $799.99 (128 GB).
• Camera Quality: Triple setup—50 MP wide, 12 MP ultra-wide, 10 MP 3× telephoto—with Next Gen ProVisual Engine.
• Photo Quality: Bright, vibrant shots with wide dynamic range and improved low-light clarity.
• Video Quality: 8K 30 fps and 4K 60 fps with Galaxy Log and strong stabilization.
• Other Specs & Features: 6.2-inch AMOLED 120 Hz, Snapdragon 8 Elite, 29-hour video battery, IP68.

6. OnePlus 13

OnePlus’s 13 Hasselblad-tuned triple 50 MP cameras challenge the big names, delivering natural colors, sharp detail, and speedy performance, while 8K video and blazing 100 W charging make it a value-packed best phone camera option.

• Price (USD): ~$899 (256 GB).
• Camera Quality: Three 50 MP sensors (wide, ultra-wide, 3.5× telephoto) with Hasselblad Color Science.
• Photo Quality: Crisp, vibrant images with balanced HDR and impressive night shots.
• Video Quality: 8K and 4K 60 fps with solid stabilization and HDR modes.
• Other Specs & Features: 6.7-inch 120 Hz AMOLED, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 5000 mAh battery, 100 W wired charging.

7. Xiaomi 14

Leica partnership gives the compact Xiaomi 14 a distinctive photographic character, with three 50 MP lenses producing richly detailed images and 8K video, making it a pocket-friendly phone with best camera flair—if it’s sold in your region.

• Price (USD): About $900 for 256 GB.
• Camera Quality: 50 MP main, 50 MP ultra-wide, 50 MP 3.2× telephoto with Leica Summilux optics.
• Photo Quality: Detailed, low-noise images with Leica Authentic or Vibrant color profiles.
• Video Quality: 8K 24 fps and 4K 60 fps with 10-bit Log and Ultra HDR.
• Other Specs & Features: 6.36-inch 120 Hz AMOLED, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 4610 mAh battery, 90 W fast charging.

8. Sony Xperia 5 V

For manual-control lovers, the Xperia 5 V pairs a stacked 52 MP sensor and pro apps with a physical shutter button, delivering natural, DSLR-like photos and true 4K video in a compact body.

• Price (USD): $800–999.
• Camera Quality: 52 MP main and 12 MP ultra-wide with Eye AF and Pro Photo/Video apps.
• Photo Quality: Nuanced, detailed, low-noise images with realistic colors and strong night shots.
• Video Quality: 4K up to 120 fps with excellent audio and pro controls.
• Other Specs & Features: 6.1-inch OLED 120 Hz, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 5000 mAh battery, headphone jack.

9. Google Pixel 9a

At just $499, the Pixel 9a brings flagship-level image quality to the masses, nailing exposure and color with Google’s HDR+ and Night Sight, making it the unbeatable budget best camera phone choice.

• Price (USD): $499 (128 GB).
• Camera Quality: 48 MP main and 13 MP ultra-wide powered by Tensor G3 AI.
• Photo Quality: Flagship-like photos with superb dynamic range and excellent low-light Night Sight.
• Video Quality: 4K 30/60 fps stabilized clips that are solid for social media.
• Other Specs & Features: 6.1-inch OLED, IP67, 4385 mAh battery, Google’s AI editing tools.

10. Google Pixel 8 Pro

Now under $900, Google Pixel 8 Pro, last year’s “king of smartphone photography” still delivers brilliant HDR photos, sharp 5× zoom, and vastly improved video, proving the best camera on a phone doesn’t have to be brand-new.

• Price (USD): $799–899 (128 GB).
• Camera Quality: 50 MP main, 48 MP ultra-wide, 48 MP 5× telephoto with Google’s AI processing.
• Photo Quality: DSLR-level dynamic range, realistic colors, and stellar night photos across all lenses.
• Video Quality: 4K 60 fps HDR with Audio Magic Eraser and excellent stabilization.
• Other Specs & Features: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED 120 Hz, Tensor G3, 5050 mAh battery, seven-year updates.

Whether you’re a casual shooter or a budding mobile photographer, these ten phones answer the question “what phone has the best camera?” at various price points. For pure stills, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro leads; for creators focused on video, the iPhone 16 Pro stands tall; if zoom is vital, Samsung’s S23 Ultra rules; budget shoppers can’t beat the Pixel 9a; and pro-minded users might gravitate toward Sony or Oppo for more manual control. No matter your pick, each model here offers a best phone camera experience without crossing the $1000 line—proof that you can capture stunning images in 2025 without overspending.

FAQ

What phone has the best camera under $1000 in 2025?

For all-around photo excellence, the Google Pixel 9 Pro tops the list, delivering flagship image quality, AI editing tools, and stellar low-light performance.

Which phone has the best camera for video recording?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro offers the best phone camera for video thanks to 4K 60 fps Dolby Vision HDR, superb stabilization, and pro-grade audio capture.

Is the Pixel 9a really a phone with best camera quality on a budget?

Yes—at $499, the Pixel 9a applies Google’s HDR+ magic for photos that rival premium phones, making it the best camera phone for value-minded shooters.

Does sensor size matter when picking the best camera phone 2025?

Absolutely; larger sensors like the Oppo Find X8 Ultra’s one-inch main sensor capture more light, boosting detail and low-light performance in the best phone cameras.

Do I need a telephoto lens to get the best camera on a phone?

A dedicated telephoto lens improves optical zoom, but phones like Pixel 9a show that smart software can still deliver sharp zoom—choose based on your shooting style.