In 2024, smartphone camera technology is advancing rapidly, featuring high-resolution sensors and AI editing tools. While the iPhone continues to excel, the Google Pixel 9 Pro (XL) stands out as the top contender for smartphone photography, earning a perfect 1.0 rating. With its impressive triple camera system and advanced AI functionalities, it delivers exceptional image quality, even in challenging conditions. The article provides a detailed comparison of the best smartphone cameras of the year.
Smartphone cameras are continuously evolving, featuring high-resolution sensors, exceptional telephoto lenses, impressive long-exposure capabilities, and vibrant color reproduction. The latest premium models offer everything a photography enthusiast could want, including user-friendly AI editing features and innovative hardware advancements.
However, an examination of the top options reveals that the iPhone is not leading the charge in smartphone cameras for 2024. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra also falls just short of claiming the top spot. Instead, it is Google that has achieved a perfect score of 1.0 for camera quality and features by the end of the year.
The Best Smartphone Cameras of 2024: A Comparison
Top Recommendations
- Google Pixel 9 Pro (XL) – Very Good (1.0)
- Apple Alternative – Very Good (1.0)
- Samsung Alternative – Very Good (1.1)
Camera Configuration:
- Google Pixel 9 Pro (XL): Triple camera (50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto)
- Apple Alternative: Triple camera setup
- Samsung Alternative: Quad camera system
Resolution:
- Google Pixel 9 Pro (XL): 50 megapixels
- Apple Alternative: 50 megapixels
- Samsung Alternative: 200 megapixels
Spotlight on the Google Pixel 9 Pro (XL): Superior Photography
The Google Pixel 9 Pro (XL) sets a new benchmark for smartphone photography in 2024. With its state-of-the-art triple camera setup, it features a 50 MP wide-angle lens, a 48 MP ultra-wide angle lens with macro capabilities, and a noteworthy 48 MP telephoto lens. The telephoto lens offers an optical zoom of up to 5x, with digital magnifications reaching 30x. In lower ranges (1x to 5x), the Pixel 9 Pro (XL) produces impressively detailed zoom photos.
What’s truly remarkable is its color accuracy and realistic detail rendition, often surpassing other flagship phones. Only the iPhone models rival this quality, particularly since the iPhone 16 series allows for precise adjustment of color temperature.
In challenging lighting, the Google Pixel 9 Pro (XL) excels, thanks to its effective macro mode that captures small details with clarity. The front camera has seen significant enhancements, delivering stunning 42-megapixel selfies. When it comes to video, the Pixel can shoot in 8K at 30 fps and produce 4K footage at up to 60 fps. New AI features aid in capturing night panoramas and enhance low-light video quality.
The ‘magic editor’ tool is particularly useful, enabling users to edit photos by removing or relocating objects and even including themselves in group shots with the ‘Add me’ feature. Although the quality of artificial intelligence editing can vary, it proves to be a handy tool—similar to functions offered in Samsung’s ‘Galaxy AI,’ while Apple still has progress to make in this area.
Despite Apple outperforming the Google Pixel 9 Pro (XL) in some specific aspects, the overall excellence of the Pixel’s camera technology makes it our top recommendation for photography enthusiasts in 2024.