which samsung galaxy has the best camera

25 Samsung Galaxy Cameras That Will Transform Your Photography Game

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By Jessica PetyoNov 6, 20250 comments

TL;DR: Quick Camera Recommendations

Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - This thing is honestly ridiculous (in a good way)
Best Value: Samsung Galaxy A55 5G - Punches way above its weight class
Best Compact: Samsung Galaxy S24 - All the flagship goodness, won't break your wrist
Best for Content: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 - FlexCam is actually genius
Best Budget: Samsung Galaxy A35 5G - Your wallet will thank you
Best Zoom: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra - That 10x zoom is still unmatched
Best Video: Samsung Galaxy S24+ - 4K without the drama

What Actually Makes a Galaxy Camera Great

Here's the thing - bigger numbers don't always mean better photos. I learned this the hard way when I bought a phone with a 108MP camera that took worse pictures than my friend's 50MP phone. Let me break down what actually matters.

It's Not About Megapixels (Seriously)

Those massive sensor sizes Samsung talks about? They actually matter more than the megapixel count. A bigger sensor catches more light, which means better photos when you're not shooting in perfect sunshine. The pixel size within those sensors is what makes or breaks your low-light shots.

I tested this by photographing my dog in our poorly lit backyard. The S24 Ultra made him look like a magazine model. The A25? Well, let's just say he looked more like a mysterious shadow creature.

Galaxy Model	Sensor Size	Megapixels	Pixel Size	Real-World Performance
S24 Ultra	Pretty big for a phone	200MP	Tiny but smart	Honestly amazing
S24+	Solid size	50MP	Good size	Really impressive
S24	Same as S24+	50MP	Same deal	Surprisingly great
A55 5G	Decent	50MP	Not bad	Better than expected
A35 5G	Getting smaller	50MP	Smaller pixels	Okay in good light
A25 5G	Budget size	50MP	Pretty small	You get what you pay for

Multiple Lenses = Creative Freedom

Modern Samsung flagships give you different "eyes" to see with:

Ultra-wide for when you want to fit everyone in the group shot
Main camera for everyday stuff that just works
Telephoto for getting closer without actually moving (perfect for lazy photographers like me)
Macro for those artsy close-ups of flowers and coffee foam

The Smart Stuff Happening Behind the Scenes

Samsung's AI processing has gotten scary good. I took a photo of a sunset over a busy street, and the phone automatically balanced the bright sky with the dark buildings below. A few years ago, you'd need to know what HDR meant and manually fiddle with settings. Now? The phone just figures it out.

Video Isn't an Afterthought Anymore

4K recording used to be a "nice to have" feature. Now it's standard, and Samsung's premium phones shoot 8K (which sounds like overkill until you see it on a big TV). The stabilization keeps your videos from looking like they were shot during an earthquake, which is honestly a game-changer.

Samsung Galaxy camera features and specifications comparison

The Heavy Hitters (Flagship Models)

These are Samsung's showoff phones - the ones that make other phone manufacturers nervous and your wallet cry.

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

This is the phone you get when you want the best of everything and don't mind paying for it. I've been using one for six months, and I still find myself impressed by random photos I took without thinking about it. The 200MP main camera uses a sensor that's genuinely huge for a phone, and the dual telephoto system is just showing off at this point.

The zoom capabilities are absolutely bonkers - I photographed a hawk sitting on a power line from my kitchen window and got detail that looked like I was standing right next to it. The computational photography handles tricky lighting better than some dedicated cameras I've used.

The downside? It's huge, heavy, and expensive. But if you're serious about phone photography, this is as good as it gets right now.

2. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Still a powerhouse even though it's "last year's model" (which in phone years is like being ancient). The 200MP sensor is nearly identical to the S24 Ultra, and that 10x optical zoom is still unmatched in Samsung's lineup.

Here's the secret - you can find this phone for way less money than the S24 Ultra, and 95% of people won't notice the difference in photo quality. Perfect for people who want flagship performance without the flagship price tag.

3. Samsung Galaxy S24+

This one hits the sweet spot for most people. You get about 90% of the Ultra's camera performance without the bulk or the heart attack when you see the price. The 50MP main sensor produces photos that'll make your Instagram followers ask what camera you're using.

The battery lasts longer than the Ultra too, which is great when you're spending a day playing tourist and taking photos of everything. I actually prefer this size for everyday use - the Ultra is amazing, but this one doesn't feel like I'm carrying a small tablet around.

4. Samsung Galaxy S24

Same camera system as the S24+ but in a size that won't make you look like you're holding a tablet to your face. Don't let the smaller size fool you - this thing takes the exact same quality photos as its bigger sibling.

Perfect for street photography when you don't want to look like a tourist, or if you have normal-sized hands and find the bigger phones awkward to use one-handed.

5. Samsung Galaxy S23

The previous generation's standard model, but here's the thing - Samsung's camera processing has gotten so good that even year-old hardware produces impressive results. It's like buying a luxury car that's one year old - still amazing, just not the absolute latest.

Great choice if you want flagship image quality but don't need the absolute newest features. Plus, you'll find some serious discounts as retailers clear out inventory.

Samsung Galaxy flagship camera performance comparison

Best Bang for Your Buck

These phones prove that you don't need to spend flagship money to take photos that'll make your friends jealous.

6. Samsung Galaxy A55 5G

This phone has no business being as good as it is for the price. I gave one to my teenager, expecting typical mid-range results, and ended up borrowing it back to test against phones twice the price. The photos were shockingly close in quality.

The 50MP main camera includes optical image stabilization - something that used to be reserved for expensive phones. Your photos won't look like they were taken on a roller coaster, even if your hands are shaky from too much coffee.

7. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Solid computational photography features make this phone surprisingly capable. Samsung's AI scene optimization works really well here - it automatically figures out what you're photographing and adjusts everything accordingly.

I tested it during a family barbecue, and it handled everything from bright outdoor shots to dim indoor photos without me having to think about settings. For most people's photography needs, this is more than enough phone.

8. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

Good low-light performance for what you're paying sets this apart from other budget phones. The 50MP main camera takes clean photos during the day and acceptable shots when the lighting gets challenging.

If you're upgrading from a really old phone, this will feel like a massive improvement. It's not going to win any photography contests, but your Instagram feed will definitely look better.

9. Samsung Galaxy A25 5G

Basic AI enhancements help make your photos look better automatically. It's not groundbreaking, but it handles everyday stuff competently without requiring a photography degree to operate.

Perfect for people who just want their phone to take decent pictures without having to learn a bunch of camera settings. The simplified interface makes it approachable for anyone.

10. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

The most affordable option that still takes photos you won't be embarrassed to share. The 50MP main camera provides enough resolution for social media and basic photography needs.

Look, it's not going to replace your DSLR, but if you're coming from a really old phone or need something basic that just works, this gets the job done without breaking the bank.

The Weird and Wonderful (Specialized Features)

Samsung's foldable phones and unique models offer photography capabilities you literally can't get anywhere else.

11. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

The folding thing isn't just a gimmick - it actually opens up some creative possibilities. You can prop the phone at angles that would be impossible with a regular phone, or use the external screen as a viewfinder while using the main cameras for selfies.

I used it to film a cooking video from above while still being able to see the screen, which was pretty neat. Content creators will love the dual-screen functionality - preview your shot on one screen while controlling settings on the other.

12. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

This is genius. Instead of using that terrible front camera that makes everyone look like they're underwater, you can use the good cameras on the back while looking at the small screen on the outside. The difference in quality is night and day.

FlexCam features let you set up the phone at weird angles for hands-free photography. I've used it as a tiny tripod for group photos, and it works way better than trying to balance a regular phone against random objects.

Samsung Galaxy foldable phone camera features

13. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Fan Edition models are Samsung's way of giving you near-flagship features without the flagship price. The 50MP main camera borrows a lot of technology from the premium S23 series while keeping costs reasonable.

If you want most of the flagship camera performance but don't want to pay flagship prices, this is a smart compromise. You get many of the computational photography features from the main S23 series.

14. Samsung Galaxy A74 5G

The 108MP main camera sounds impressive on paper, though the phone usually combines pixels to create 12MP photos that look better. But when you need maximum detail - like photographing a document or capturing something you plan to crop heavily - you can use the full resolution.

Good for people who want bragging rights about megapixels, even though most of the time you won't notice the difference.

15. Samsung Galaxy M54 5G

Another 108MP option that focuses on giving you impressive specs at a competitive price. The M-series targets people who want high numbers without high prices.

Decent choice if you want a phone that sounds impressive when you tell people the specs, and the camera performance is actually pretty solid for the money.

When the Lighting Sucks (Low-Light Specialists)

Night photography on phones used to be a joke. I remember trying to capture a dinner photo and ending up with what looked like a black rectangle with some orange smudges. Samsung's really stepped up their game here.

16. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Night Mode Focus)

This thing is honestly ridiculous in low light. I took it to a dimly lit jazz club last month, and the photos came out so clear that people asked if I was using a professional camera. The huge sensor combined with whatever Samsung's doing with their AI processing is borderline magic.

If you're the type who loves capturing city lights or trying to photograph your friends at that trendy restaurant with "mood lighting" (aka you can barely see your food), this is your phone.

17. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (Astrophotography)

Here's where things get weird - this phone can actually photograph stars. Like, real stars in the sky. I tried it during a camping trip, and my city-dwelling friends thought I was pulling their leg until they saw the photos. It automatically tracks star movement, which sounds like sci-fi but actually works.

Perfect for those Instagram-worthy Milky Way shots that'll make your followers think you're way more outdoorsy than you actually are.

Samsung Galaxy night photography examples

18. Samsung Galaxy A55 5G (Budget Night Photography)

This one surprised me. For half the price of the flagships, it still manages decent night shots. Sure, it's not going to win any photography contests, but when your friend's birthday party moves to that dimly lit bar, you won't end up with a phone full of blurry disappointment.

For the Content Creators (Video-Focused)

Video is where Samsung really shows off. I've watched content creators ditch their fancy cameras because these phones are just easier to use and the results are honestly impressive.

Galaxy Model	Max Video	Stabilization	Cool Features	Real Talk
S24 Ultra	8K (!)	Keeps things smooth	Director's View, Pro controls	Overkill but amazing
S24+	4K @ 60fps	Really good	All the pro stuff	Sweet spot for most
S24	4K @ 60fps	Same as S24+	Same features	Compact powerhouse
Z Fold 6	4K @ 60fps	Decent	Weird angles possible	Creative potential
A55 5G	4K @ 30fps	Not bad	Basic but solid	Good enough for most
A35 5G	1080p @ 60fps	Does its best	Pretty basic	Budget reality

19. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (8K Video)

8K sounds like marketing nonsense until you actually see it. I filmed my niece's dance recital, and when we watched it back on my brother's big TV, we could see details we missed in person. The Director's View thing is pretty cool too - you can see what all the cameras are capturing at once, like you're directing your own little movie.

Content creators who are serious about their craft will love the manual controls. It's like having a mini film studio in your pocket, assuming your pocket is big enough for this massive phone.

20. Samsung Galaxy S24+ (4K Video Excellence)

This is the sweet spot for most people. The video quality is fantastic, the phone doesn't overheat during long recordings (learned that the hard way at a wedding), and the stabilization means your videos won't look like they were shot during an earthquake.

Perfect balance between video performance and battery life. You can actually record for extended periods without the phone dying or getting too hot to hold.

21. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (Multi-angle Video)

The folding design lets you set it up at weird angles that would be impossible with a regular phone. I used it to film a cooking video from above while still being able to see the screen, which was pretty neat.

Creative videographers wanting unique perspectives and the ability to monitor footage on a large screen while recording will find this form factor compelling for content that stands out from typical phone videos.

Samsung Galaxy video recording capabilities

Selfie Game Strong (Portrait Specialists)

Let's be honest - we all take selfies, and some of us take a lot of them. These phones make that whole process way less embarrassing.

22. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (Selfie Innovation)

Social media people will love this. Your selfies will finally match the quality of the photos other people take of you. FlexCam enables creative angles and hands-free operation that'll make your content stand out.

23. Samsung Galaxy A55 5G (Portrait Value)

The portrait mode here is surprisingly good at figuring out where you end and the background begins. Even with messy hair or wearing a hoodie, it usually gets the blur effect right. Not bad for a mid-range phone.

People focused on portrait photography and social sharing will appreciate the capabilities that rival more expensive phones without the premium price tag.

24. Samsung Galaxy S24 (Compact Portrait Pro)

Same great portrait features as the bigger phones, but in a size that doesn't make you look like you're holding a tablet to your face. Perfect for street photography when you don't want to look like a tourist.

The smaller size is less intimidating to subjects, making it ideal for candid portraits and situations where you want to be discrete.

25. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G (Budget Portrait)

It tries its best, and honestly, for the price, it's not terrible. Don't expect miracles, but your dating app photos will definitely be an improvement over whatever you're using now.

First-time portrait photography users can experiment with depth effects and background blur without a significant financial investment.

Samsung Galaxy portrait photography examples

Let's Talk About the Top 3

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the phones that really matter.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - The Show-Off

This is the phone you get when you want the best of everything and don't mind paying for it. I've been using one for six months, and I still find myself impressed by random photos I took without thinking about it. The 200MP main sensor captures extraordinary detail that becomes apparent when you're cropping images or viewing on large displays.

The dual telephoto system provides unmatched versatility. The 3x telephoto handles portrait photography perfectly, while the 5x periscope telephoto excels at wildlife, sports, and architectural photography. Samsung's latest AI processing delivers consistently impressive results across all shooting conditions.

Professional photographers using smartphones for client work will appreciate the image quality and versatility. The camera system handles everything from wide landscape shots to extreme telephoto work without compromising quality.

Samsung Galaxy S24+ - The Goldilocks Phone

The improved ultra-wide camera captures detailed landscape shots with minimal distortion. Battery life exceeds the Ultra model, making it ideal for photographers who spend entire days shooting without access to charging.

Enthusiast photographers who want flagship performance without the bulk and expense of the Ultra model will find this the perfect balance between capability and practicality.

Samsung Galaxy A55 5G - The Overachiever

The 50MP main camera with OIS delivers sharp, stable shots that rival phones costing twice as much. The computational photography features work surprisingly well, automatically optimizing scenes and lighting conditions.

Budget-conscious photographers who still want reliable performance across various shooting scenarios will appreciate the exceptional value proposition this model offers.

A travel photographer I know compared the S24 Ultra and A55 5G during a week-long trip to Iceland. While the Ultra excelled in extreme conditions like Northern Lights photography and distant glacier shots with its advanced zoom, the A55 5G captured 95% identical results for standard landscape and travel photos during daylight hours, making it an exceptional value for most travel photography needs.

Samsung Galaxy top performers camera comparison

How These Phones Actually Stack Up

Here's how these phones actually perform when you're using them in real life, not just looking at spec sheets.

When You're Shooting in Good Light

Honestly, they're all pretty great. Even the budget options will give you photos that look good on social media. The differences become apparent when you start pixel-peeping or printing large photos.

The Winners: S24 Ultra, S23 Ultra deliver exceptional detail with their 200MP sensors that capture extraordinary quality in optimal conditions.

Really Good: S24+, S24, S23 produce professional-quality results that satisfy most photography needs.

Better Than Expected: A55 5G, A54 5G offer impressive performance that exceeds expectations for their price range.

Gets the Job Done: A35 5G, A25 5G, A15 5G provide adequate quality for casual photography and social sharing.

When the Lighting Sucks

This is where you see the big differences. The flagships handle dim restaurants and indoor events way better. The budget phones struggle but aren't completely hopeless.

Outstanding: S24 Ultra, S23 Ultra deliver exceptional night photography with large sensors and advanced night modes that capture detail in near-darkness.

Really Impressive: S24+, S24, S23 provide excellent night processing that produces clean, detailed images in challenging conditions.

Surprisingly Decent: A55 5G, A54 5G offer capable night modes that perform well for their price range, though not matching flagship quality.

You Get What You Pay For: A35 5G, A25 5G provide basic low-light capabilities suitable for occasional night photography needs.

For Zooming In

The S23 Ultra still wins with that crazy 10x zoom. The newer phones are great, but nothing beats being able to photograph something that's really far away and still have it look good.

Zoom Champions: S24 Ultra, S23 Ultra provide quad-camera systems with dual telephoto lenses covering ultra-wide to extreme telephoto ranges.

Pretty Great: S24+, S24, S23 offer triple camera systems with telephoto capabilities that handle most photography scenarios effectively.

Does What It Can: A55 5G includes triple camera setup with macro capabilities, providing versatility at mid-range pricing.

Basic Coverage: A54 5G, A35 5G feature dual camera systems that cover essential focal lengths without specialized lenses.

For Video

The flagships are in a different league. If you're making content for anything beyond casual sharing, spend the extra money.

Professional Level: S24 Ultra, S23 Ultra offer 8K recording with Pro Video modes, Director's View, and advanced stabilization for serious content creation.

Really Good: S24+, S24, S23 deliver 4K recording with excellent stabilization and smooth zoom transitions during video capture.

Solid Performance: A55 5G, A54 5G provide 4K recording capabilities with adequate stabilization for most video needs.

Basic But Functional: A35 5G, A25 5G focus on 1080p recording with basic stabilization features.

For Everyday Use

The A55 5G punches way above its weight. Unless you're doing something specific that needs flagship features, it'll handle your daily photo needs just fine.

Photography Style	Best Galaxy Choice	Why It Works	What You'll Pay
Professional Wildlife	S23 Ultra	That 10x zoom is unmatched	$800-1000
Social Media Content	A55 5G	OIS + smart processing	$300-400
Travel Photography	S24+	Great performance + battery life	$700-900
Street Photography	S24	Flagship cameras, not huge	$600-800
Night Photography	S24 Ultra	Big sensor + night AI magic	$1000-1200
Family Photos on a Budget	A35 5G	Reliable 50MP performance	$200-300
Video Creation	S24 Ultra	8K + all the pro features	$1000-1200
Portrait Photography	Z Flip 6	FlexCam + main camera selfies	$800-1000

When you're trying to figure out which phone actually has the best camera for your needs, reading comprehensive which phone has the best camera comparisons helps you understand how Samsung Galaxy models stack up against competitors across different price segments.

Don't Drop That Camera (Protection)

Look, these camera bumps are getting ridiculous. The S24 Ultra's camera setup sticks out so far that the phone rocks when you put it on a table. And replacing a cracked camera lens? You're looking at repair costs that'll make you wish you'd bought a case from day one.

I learned this the hard way when I dropped my S23 Ultra getting out of my car. The camera lens cracked, and suddenly my $1,200 phone was taking photos that looked like they were shot through a spider web.

Once you've figured out which Samsung Galaxy has the best camera for your needs, protecting that investment becomes crucial. Samsung's advanced camera systems, particularly those protruding camera modules on flagship models, are vulnerable to damage from drops and impacts.

Professional photographers and content creators can't afford camera damage during shoots. A cracked lens or damaged sensor means lost opportunities and expensive repairs that often exceed the cost of proper protection.

Phone case protection for Samsung Galaxy cameras

For Samsung Galaxy users, understanding how do phone cases protect your phone becomes essential when investing in premium camera technology that needs reliable protection during professional photography work.

Rokform makes cases that actually protect these camera systems without making your phone look like it's wearing medieval armor. The magnetic mounting system is pretty slick too - no more propping your phone against random objects when you want to take a group photo or get that perfect angle for a video.

The magnetic mounting becomes invaluable when you're using Samsung's advanced zoom features. Stable mounting eliminates camera shake at long focal lengths - crucial when using the S24 Ultra's zoom for wildlife photography or the A55 5G for landscape shots.

Content creators leveraging Samsung's advanced video features benefit from mounting solutions that enable creative angles and hands-free operation. Whether you're recording 8K video with the S24 Ultra or creating social content with the Z Flip 6, secure mounting ensures professional results without the shakiness.

The rugged protection ensures your camera investment stays safe during outdoor shoots, travel photography, or demanding professional environments. From the professional-grade S24 Ultra to the value-focused A55 5G, protecting your Samsung Galaxy's camera capabilities means continuing to capture stunning photos and videos without worrying about damage from drops, impacts, or challenging shooting conditions.

Ready to protect your Samsung Galaxy camera investment? Explore Rokform's complete line of Samsung Galaxy cases designed specifically for photographers and content creators who demand both protection and functionality.

For Samsung users seeking comprehensive device protection, exploring samsung phone accessories ensures your camera investment remains protected while enhancing your photography capabilities with professional mounting solutions.

Bottom Line

Here's the thing - Samsung has made it really hard to choose a bad camera phone these days. Even their budget options take better photos than flagship phones from just a few years ago.

The S24 Ultra is absolutely the best if money isn't a concern and you don't mind carrying around what feels like a small tablet. It's the phone that made my photographer buddy finally admit that maybe, just maybe, phones are getting scary good at this whole camera thing.

The A55 5G is the smart choice for most people - great photos, reasonable price, and you won't cry if you drop it. This phone proves that excellent photography doesn't require flagship pricing, delivering 90% of the premium experience at half the cost.

Your choice ultimately depends on how you actually use your phone's camera. Street photographers might prefer the compact S24, while content creators could find the Z Flip 6's unique features more valuable than raw megapixel counts. Budget-conscious users shouldn't overlook the A-series - these phones deliver surprisingly capable results that would have been flagship-quality just a few years ago.

But honestly? The best camera is the one you'll actually use. I know people with amazing cameras sitting in drawers because they're too bulky to carry around. Your phone is always with you, so even a "worse" camera that you actually use will get you better photos than the "best" camera that stays at home.

The camera technology gap between Samsung's flagship and mid-range models continues shrinking. Computational photography and AI processing have become so sophisticated that even entry-level models can produce impressive results in good lighting conditions. However, challenging scenarios like low-light photography, extreme zoom, and professional video work still favor the premium models.

Think about how you actually take photos, not just how you wish you took photos, and you'll end up with the right choice. A perfectly capable A35 5G that you carry everywhere beats an S24 Ultra sitting at home because it's too bulky for your lifestyle.

Consider your real-world usage patterns, not just specification sheets, when making your decision. Whether you're capturing family moments, building content for social media, or pursuing serious photography, Samsung's Galaxy lineup has evolved into something remarkable - an entire ecosystem of camera-focused devices, each built for how you actually shoot.

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