The 4 Best Camera Phones

1. HTC One (M8)

We know its last year’s model, but unfortunately, last year’s camera was better than the One M9. Using “ultra pixels”, photos have noticeably stronger light, which means even pictures taken in low-lighting look far superior to other cameras. Falsely named “dual-camera”, the two lenses on the back of the device feature only one camera, whereas the other is more of a sensor/scanner that provides depth, to embed the data on the photo, which allows you to re-focus the photo after you have taken it. It gives far greater control of the image, because you can actually change the background, and copy and paste yourself and other people in out of the photo - like a very basic Photoshop. It also has a de-focus, which allows you to blur out objects to greater enhance the focus, perhaps on people.

2. LG G3

Featuring 13 megapixels with a brand new interface, the LG G3 uses dual-tone flash, and has a new laser autofocus that makes it a super fast focusing smartphone. The laser uses infrared technology, which similarly to the M8,  scans the environment and embeds the data to create an instantaneous sharp image, whereas most cameras use only contrast detection to focus, which explains why often time there is poor image quality in low light. The LG G3’s low-power laser sends multiple beams of light that helps contrast detection, which improves the low light performance. Although it has a better, clearer image in low-light, it doesn’t have the best images in daylight as compared to other phones.

3. iPhone 6 Plus

Featuring a super fast phase-detection autofocus, that Apple markets as “focus pixels”, the conservative 8 megapixel resolutions allows for the large 1.5-micron pixels which are perfect for low-light, but to be honest the Samsung Galaxy S6 has the best performance for low-light conditions. Additionally, it has the brand new local tone mapping technology that reduces overexposed photos, which is perfect for sunlight. The iPhone 6 Plus got the vote because it also has optical image stabilization for photos and videos, whereas the the iPhone 6 doesn’t have that feature, but otherwise it has the same great technology. On paper, there is 18mm squared sensor shooting at a 4:3 aspect ratio.

4. Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge

With 16 megapixels, this camera offers clear, sharp images, especially in dark. With an excellent resolution and dynamic range, the only way in which the iPhone 6 Plus is still even competition is due to the higher video resolution. Equally as fast in focus speed and color reproduction, it also has optical image stablization. With an infrared sensor that allows the camera to determine the best lighting conditions for a better white balance or a neutral color cast, this is the main flaw with the iPhone 6 Plus. It has a 75% larger aperture than the S5, at f/1.9, that boosts low light performance and allows for higher shutter speeds. It has a 19.9mm squared sensor shooting at 16:9 aspect ratio.