Which iPhone Has the Best Camera? 5 Best iPhones for Photographers
Posted on August 5, 2024 | Updated on August 9, 2024
| Feature | iPhone 15 Pro Max | iPhone 15 | iPhone 14 Pro Max | iPhone 13 Pro Max | iPhone 12 Pro Max |
| Main Camera | 48MP (24mm, f/1.8) | 48MP (26mm, f/1.6) | 48MP (24mm, f/1.78) | 12MP (26mm, f/1.5) | 12MP (26mm, f/1.6) |
| Ultra Wide Camera | 12MP (13mm, f/2.2) | 12MP (13mm, f/2.4) | 12MP (13mm, f/2.2) | 12MP (13mm, f/1.8) | 12MP (13mm, f/2.4) |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP (120mm, f/2.8) – 5x optical zoom | None | 12MP (77mm, f/2.8) – 3x optical zoom | 12MP (77mm, f/2.8) – 3x optical zoom | 12MP (65mm, f/2.2) – 2.5x optical zoom |
| Night Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart HDR | Smart HDR 5 | Smart HDR 5 | Smart HDR 4 | Smart HDR 4 | Smart HDR 3 |
| ProRAW Support | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Video Recording | ProRes video recording | Smooth handheld video with Action Mode | ProRes video recording | ProRes video recording | Dolby Vision HDR Recording |
| Weight | Light | Lightest | Heaviest | Heavy | Heavy |
| Build Material | Titanium with Ceramic Shield | Aluminum with Ceramic Shield | Stainless Steel with Ceramic Shield | Stainless Steel with Ceramic Shield | Stainless Steel with Ceramic Shield |
| Price Range | High | Mid-range | High | Moderate | Lower |
Knowing which iPhone has the best camera can make all the difference in smartphone photography. Yet, with Apple’s lineup offering a range of options, it can be overwhelming to sift through their specs and features. Every year, Apple upgrades its iPhone models to provide the latest camera technology.
Regardless of their enhancements, owning the latest model does not always make sense. Some of the newer iPhone cameras may only have minor adjustments that may make them unworthy for photographers to invest in. Despite this factor, Apple fans and aspiring professionals can learn about the best iPhone cameras with the following list.
1. iPhone 15 Pro Max: The Best for Professional Photographers Overall
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the latest model in Apple’s lineup, so it will provide the latest hardware and software features for photographers. Yet, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the newest, this does not necessarily mean it is the “best.”
The iPhone 15 Pro Max shares much of its camera system with its predecessor. The main difference is that it includes an upgraded sensor — but still uses pixel-binning — meaning it processes up to 24MP instead of 48MP.
Another upgrade is the 120mm telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This setup allows users to capture stunning detail in various shooting scenarios. Still, it uses a light-blending method that may not guarantee high-quality zoomed-in images.
iPhone 15 Pro Max camera specs:
- 48MP (24mm, f/1.8) main camera with quad-pixel technology.
- 12MP Ultra Wide (13mm, f/2.2)
- 12MP 5x Telephoto (120mm, f/2.8)
- Night mode and smart HDR 5
Reasons to buy:
- New hardware and computational photography.
- High-resolution landscapes or close-ups.
- Titanium build and Ceramic Shield front cover.
Reasons to avoid:
- High cost.
- Sensor and telephoto lenses could be better.
2. iPhone 15: The Best Value Option
If you want to know which iPhone has the best camera, the iPhone 15 is an appealing option. This model still offers high-quality photography features but without the premium price tag of the Pro models. Although it lacks some of the specs of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it still offers a great camera system that can satisfy most users’ needs.
The iPhone 15 makes an excellent choice because it features a 48MP camera that offers cropping capabilities without detail loss. Yet, unlike the Pro models, the iPhone 15 does not have a telephoto lens, but it still makes a good option for zooming.
iPhone 15 camera specs:
- 48MP (26mm, f/1.6) with quad-pixel technology.
- 12MP Ultra Wide (13mm, f/2.4)
- 2x optical zoom
- Smart HDR 5
Reasons to buy:
- Offers most of the same features as the Pro models at a lower price.
- Excellent 48MP camera.
- Smooth handheld video recording with Action Mode.
Reasons to avoid:
- Lack of telephoto lens.
- No ProRAW support.
3. iPhone 14 Pro Max: Last Gen’s Model Still Going Strong
Approximately 64% of photographers use smartphones to take personal and professional photos. If you are going to go for an iPhone to take good pictures, The iPhone 14 Pro Max remains a standout option in Apple’s lineup. This device was a flagship in its time and still offers excellent features for photographers. Although the 14 Pro Max is last year’s model, it still has many of the qualities that the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers.
The only real difference between the two is the optical zoom, which is two times less than that of the 15 Pro Max. Additionally, you would have to purchase the 15 Pro or Pro Max to get the USB-C port. Moreover, this model is slightly slower in speed processing with its A16 Bionic chip.
Nevertheless, its powerful camera system can compete with newer models and offers impressive detail. With the iPhone 14 Pro Max, you can still get the latest camera technology at a more affordable price.
iPhone 14 Pro Max camera specs:
- 48MP (24mm, f/1.78)
- 12MP Ultra Wide (13mm, f/2.2)
- 12 MP 3x Telephoto (77mm f/2.8)
- Smart HDR 4
- ProRAW and ProRes video
Reasons to buy:
- Stainless steel frame and Ceramic Shield front cover.
- Focus and Depth Control in portrait mode.
- Large camera sensor.
Reasons to avoid:
- Larger and heavier than the newer models.
- Still slightly expensive.
4. iPhone 13 Pro Max: Reliable and Capable
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is a solid choice for photography and one of the best iPhones of older generations. While the camera’s 12MP is a step down from the newer models’ 48MP, it still performs quite well in capturing high-quality photos. Plus, you can purchase this model at a significantly lower price.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a well-rounded camera system that can handle many photographic needs. With its triple-camera setup — including a wide, ultra-wide and telephoto lens — this model provides impressive photography sensors.
When compared to the iPhone 12 series, you can clearly see the difference in the image quality. The colors are more vibrant, and the details are impressive and have a greater contrast.
Additionally, this is the first iPhone model to have camera features such as custom photographic styles and macro photography. Therefore, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is a strong contender for anyone serious about mobile photography.
iPhone 13 Pro Max camera specs:
- 12MP Ultra Wide (13mm f/1.8)
- 12 MP Wide (26mm f/1.5)
- 12 MP 3x telephoto (77mm f/2.8)
- Night Mode and Deep Fusion
- ProRAW and ProRes video
Reasons to buy:
- Macro mode.
- RAW video capture.
- Portrait mode has focus and depth control.
- More affordable iPhone model.
Reasons to avoid:
- Lacks the latest hardware improvements.
- Optical zoom falls short.
5. iPhone 12 Pro Max: Great for Video and Photography
Apple released the 12 series in 2020, and many still consider it to be the iPhone with the best camera. With the 12 Pro Max setting the standard for subsequent models, it makes a sound investment for users who value good photography features.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max delivers a similar camera experience to the 13 Pro Max, featuring a 12MP triple-camera system. The model also introduced sensor-shift optical image stabilization to the iPhone lineup, a feature that enhances image quality in low-light conditions.
It also has a long telephoto lens and large sensor, making image quality good enough not to need the latest technology.
iPhone 12 Pro Max camera specs:
- 12MP Ultra Wide (13mm f/2.4)
- 12 MP Wide (26mm f/1.6)
- 12MP 2.5x telephoto (65mm f/2.2)
- Night Mode and Deep Fusion
- Dolby Vision HDR Recording
Reasons to buy:
- Advanced image stabilization.
- Stylish and durable.
- Larger display for photo editing.
Reasons to avoid:
- Size can make it cumbersome to carry.
- Lacking the latest features and improvements.
Which iPhone Has the Best Camera?
Deciding which iPhone has the best camera ultimately depends on the user’s needs and budget. Yet, when it comes down to it, the iPhone 15 Pro Max takes the best photos out of all the other iPhone models.
With fast processing, more megapixels and longer optical zoom, this iPhone provides unmatched features compared to its predecessors. While different models offer great camera setups, the iPhone 15 Pro Max may be the best option if you want the latest technology for capturing images and videos.
About The Author
Cooper Adwin is the Assistant Editor of Designerly Magazine. With several years of experience as a social media manager for a design company, Cooper particularly enjoys focusing on social and design news and topics that help brands create a seamless social media presence. Outside of Designerly, you can find Cooper playing D&D with friends or curled up with his cat and a good book.