In the US, the phones with the best cameras are the iPhone 18 Pro ($1,199) and iPhone 18 Pro Max ($1,299), which add a variable-aperture camera and new Pro controls. On Android, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra ($1,299) has the most versatile zoom. Outside the US, the Oppo Find X9 Ultra is the camera leader.
The best camera on any phone, and the longest-lasting iPhone ever. Its battery is the biggest Apple has made (5,567 mAh on the eSIM model): 18 hours 27 minutes in Tom's Guide's battery test, versus 16 hours 40 minutes for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The camera adds a variable aperture and new Pro controls.
The same Pro camera as the Pro Max in a smaller body. The iPhone 18 Pro shares the Pro Max's camera system, including the new variable aperture and Pro controls. BGR called it the best camera smartphone of 2026. It's $100 more than the iPhone 17 Pro was, and MacRumors' review roundup sees no big reason to upgrade from a 17 Pro.
The most fully featured Android phone you can buy. Built-in S Pen, a flexible zoom camera system, and a privacy display that blocks side-angle viewing. TechRadar calls it the best Android phone ever, and Tom's Guide calls it easily the best Android phone you can buy.
What Is the Best Phone. “Which Phone Has the Best Camera? (November 2026).” whatisthebestphone.com, updated November 11, 2026. https://whatisthebestphone.com/best-camera-phone