Grubbin' on the Best Smartphone Snappers: Entry-, Mid-, High-End Picks
Top Smartphones Boasting Superior Cameras
Hey there! If you're all about snapping some dazzling pics with your smartphone without spilling your milk money, you're in luck. Even mid- and entry-level phones can give you camera game that won't make you cringe, as Stiftung Warentest's latest test reveals. Although exceptional cameras are still found predominantly in high-end phones, here's the scoop on where the imaging action's at.
According to a survey by Bitkom, display, processing, battery life, long-term updates, and storage space are vital for most smartphone users [1]. But, fortune favors the frugal, as affordable mid-range devices now provide these must-haves, too!
Tech Tidbits: Islands of Impressive Cameras
Manufacturers of premium smartphones continue their camera improvements to entice customers. However, the chasm between costly and budget-friendly devices is narrowing in the photography realm, as shown by Stiftung Warentest's top picks [2].
The Crème de la Crème:
Currently, four devices snatch the coveted first place for their camera performance: the iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. These quartet earned a score of 1.3, with the rear cameras performing wonderfully across the board (only the front cameras lag behind) [2]. Apple's latest flagships average a cool €1070 and €1322, while Samsung's and Xiaomi's may dent your wallet by €1130 and €1099, respectively.
Google's Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL come in hot, sliding into 2nd place with a score of 1.4. These Google powerhouses received excellent ratings for all rear cameras, getting a "good” nod for their front cams. Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra follows closely behind, priced at €977.
Five smartphones split the 3rd place honor, each boasting a very good score of 1.5: Google Pixel 8 Pro, Honor Magic6 Pro, OnePlus 12, Samsung Galaxy S25, and Samsung Galaxy S25 Neo.
Mid-Range Masterpieces under €500:
If you're watching the wallet, three smartphone suggestions fit the bill. The Google Pixel 8a, Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, all scoring 1.9, are stellar contenders. Next up, the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Xiaomi 14T, with a camera score of 2.1, and the Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro, the lone cherished third at 2.2.
Entry-level gems under €300:
When your budget is only big enough for a couple of lattes, you can still nab yourself a decent shutterbug. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion reigns supreme with a score of 2.3, followed by the Motorola Edge 50 Neo at a close 2.5. Just above average (scoring 2.5) are the Motorola Edge 40 Neo, Samsung Galaxy A35, Xiaomi Redmi Note 14, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro [2].
So, whether you're looking to mint memories or flaunt your shutter skills, know that there's a smartphone out there with a camera worth bragging about—without breaking the bank. Happy snapping!
[1] - Bitkom[2] - Stiftung Warentest[3] - XDA Developers[4] - Stiftung Warentest Smartphone Test Report 2025[5] Additional insights: Stiftung Warentest rates Smartphones of Lower-budget Options (up to €250) with satisfactory but not exceptional camera scores (2.9 to 3.2)[5] Source: Stiftung Warentest Smartphone Test Report 2023 (available on their website or June 2023 issue)
In the realm of smartphones, manufacturers are closing the gap between high-end and budget devices in terms of camera performance, as evidenced by Stiftung Warentest's top picks [2]. For instance, the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, although mid-range, earned a second-place position with scores comparable to premium devices like the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra [2]. Moreover, research and development in technology continues to expand the capabilities of affordable gadgets like smartphones, aligning with the community policy that seeks to provide essential features within a budget [1].
