10 Best DSLR Quality Camera Phones

Explore the world of the powerful camera smartphones!

In today’s fast-paced world, where smartphone photography has become an indispensable part of our lives, capturing picture-perfect moments with DSLR-like precision has never been more important. With a plethora of options flooding the market, it can be daunting to decide which phone has the best camera quality. Fear not, as we delve into the cutting-edge DSLR quality camera phones and jaw-dropping features that promise to redefine the way you capture your world!

Best DSLR Quality Camera Phones in 2023

Best DSLR Quality Camera Phones in 2023

With an array of flagship and mid-range smartphones vying for the top spot, we’ve conducted rigorous tests and comparisons to bring you an unbiased and comprehensive evaluation. From industry giants like Apple, Samsung, and Google to up-and-coming challengers, we’ve left no stone unturned in our quest to find the true champion of smartphone photography.

How to Test Which Phone Has Best Camera Quality?

To test and compare camera phones, we need to assess several crucial parameters that influence their overall performance:

  • Camera setup
  • Image Quality
  • Low-Light Performance
  • Zoom and Telephoto Capability
  • Ultra-Wide Performance
  • Selfie and Front Camera Quality
  • Camera Software and Processing
  • Consistency Across Lenses

We have curated a list of the best DSLR-like camera quality phones for you, let’s have a quick glance at their key camera and other features.

Smartphone Main Camera Ultrawide Camera Telephoto Camera Key Features
Google Pixel 7 Pro 50MP 12 MP 48 MP Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), multi-directional PDAF, and Laser AF
Apple iPhone 14 Pro 48 MP quad-pixel 12 MP 12 MP ProRAW mode, 3X optical zoom, Equipped with Photonic Engine technology.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 200 MP 12 MP 10 MP 3x and 10x optical zoom, Pro mode
Xiaomi 13 Pro 50 MP 50 MP 50 MP 3.2x zoom telephoto lens, Leica color science to enhance images
Apple iPhone 13 Pro 12 MP 12 MP 12 MP LiDAR Scanner, Select from different Photographic Styles, Close-Up Shots
Google Pixel 6a 12.2 MP 12 MP N/A Utilizes Tensor chipset, Real tone, and Magic Eraser features.
Honor Magic 5 Pro 50 MP 50MP 50MP Advanced fusion technology, 122-degree field view, Optical and Electronic Image Stabilization (OIS and EIS), Versatile Photography Performance, RAW shooting support
Sony Xperia 1 III 12 MP 12 MP 300mm Optical ToF emitter/receiver pair, Photography Pro App support, Premiere Pro, and Da Vinci Resolve
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 108 MP 12 MP 10 MP 123-degree field of view and 3x optical zoom, Tetrapixel filter array (Quad Bayer Technology), Expert RAW feature,
Google Pixel Fold 48 MP 10.8 MP 10.8 MP Dual Pixel PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus), Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), 121-degree field of view, 20x Super Res Zoom, Dual-front facing camera.

Now that we know all the top smartphone options, let’s have a detailed overview of each of these gadgets:

1. Google Pixel 7 Pro

Google Pixel 7 Pro
Picture Credit: Google Store

Google launched Pixel 7a during its Annual Developer Conference I/O Event, which is a flagship smartphone that boasts a dazzling camera array and an array of impressive features. With its brilliant camera performance, attractive design, and large and lush display, the Pixel 7 Pro stands out as a top contender for the title of the best DSLR quality camera phone in 2023. Its battery life may be a concern for some, as it’s much lower than its most suitable contender iPhone 14 Pro.

Specifications

  • OS/Software: Android 13
  • Battery: 5000 mAh
  • Charging: Supports 23W wired and 23W wireless charging
  • Storage: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
  • Colors: Obsidian, Snow, Hazel
  • Design and Display: 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm

Also Read: 9 Best Android Smartphones with Keyboards

2. Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Apple iPhone 14 Pro
Picture Credit: Apple Official

The Apple iPhone 14 Pro, released in September 2022, is a powerful smartphone that offers excellent camera performance and a host of advanced features. The Photonic Engine, a new computational photography model, enhances mid- and low-light photos by incorporating Apple’s Deep Fusion technology earlier in the image processing pipeline, resulting in improved dynamic range and detailed low-light images. The front-facing camera is a 12MP sensor with autofocus and a faster aperture, ensuring better low-light selfies and access to the Photonic Engine for improved image quality. While it shares many features with the Pro Max model, its compact footprint and $100 lower price tag make it a worthy alternative.

Specifications

  • OS/Software: iOS 15, upgradable to iOS 16.5
  • Battery: 3200 mAh
  • Memory: 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM, 1TB 6GB RAM
  • Wireless charging: 15W wireless (With Magsafe)
  • Water Resistant: IP68
  • Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic
  • Design and Display: 147.5 x 71.5 x 7.9 mmand weighs 207g

Also Read: Top 50 Best Free iPhone Apps

3. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Picture Credit: Samsung Official

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, a premium flagship released in 2023, stands out as a powerhouse with a focus on exceptional camera capabilities. This smartphone offers a stunning screen, powerful performance, and a remarkable 200MP camera sensor, making it a great choice as the best DSLR quality camera phone in 2023.

Specifications

  • OS/Software: Android 13, One UI 5.1
  • Battery: 5000mAh
  • Storage: 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
  • Wireless Charging: 15W wireless (Qi/PMA), 4.5W reverse
  • Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
  • Design and Display: 78.1 x 163.4 x 8.9mm

Also Read: 12 Effective Tips to Make Camera Quality Better for Your Android Phone

4. Xiaomi 13 Pro

Xiaomi 13 Pro
Picture Credit: Xiaomi Official

The Xiaomi 13 Pro is a flagship smartphone that excels in various aspects, particularly in its incredibly versatile camera system, powerful processor, and fast-charging capabilities. However, its software performance and high price tag might be a drawback for some users. Additionally, the 32MP front-facing camera captures detailed and expansive selfies, perfect for solo shots or group photos. While the Xiaomi 13 Pro excels in many aspects, it suffers from some software-related issues and inconsistent performance. Additionally, the phone’s premium price tag might be a concern for those seeking a more budget-friendly option.

Specifications

  • OS/Software: Android 13, MIUI 14
  • Battery: 4820 mAh
  • Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
  • Wireless charging: 50W fast charging
  • Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
  • Design and Display: 120Hz OLED display with 3200 x 1400 resolution 6.73-inch screen.

Also Read: Android 14 Release Date – Everything You Need to Know

5. Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Apple iPhone 13 Pro | DSLR quality Camera Phones
Picture Credit: Apple Official

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro, released in September 2021, remains a strong contender for photography enthusiasts, even with the introduction of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. Additionally, the iPhone 13 Pro features a LiDAR scanner, supporting the main and portrait cameras with detailed depth maps for faster autofocus in low-light conditions. The front camera of the iPhone 13 Pro remains at 12MP with a 23mm focal length. 

Specifications

  • OS/Software: iOS 15, upgradable to iOS 16.5
  • Battery: 3095 mAh
  • Memory: 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM, 1TB 6GB RAM
  • Wireless charging: 15W wireless (With Magsafe)
  • Design and Display: 6.1‑inch (diagonal) all‑screen OLED display with 2532 x 1170 resolution.

Also Read: Flip Phones vs Smartphones: Back to Basics or Embracing Innovation

6. Google Pixel 6a

Google Pixel 6a

The Google Pixel 6a, released in 2022, stands out as one of the best budget smartphones for photography enthusiasts. With its impressive camera system and efficient Tensor chipset, the Pixel 6a delivers exceptional image quality and performance.

Specifications

  • OS/Software: Android 12, upgradable to Android 13
  • Battery: 4410 mAh
  • Memory: 128GB 6GB RAM
  • Colors: Chalk, Charcoal, Sage
  • Chipset: Google Tensor
  • Design and Display: OLED, HDR, 6.1 inches, 1080 x 2400 pixels

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7. Honor Magic 5 Pro

Honor Magic 5 Pro
Picture Credit: Honor Official

The Honor Magic 5 Pro is a feature-packed smartphone that excels in the photography department making it a strong contender for the best DSLR quality camera phone in 2023. With its triple 50MP camera setup, versatile lenses, and advanced fusion technology, this device delivers exceptional image quality. However, there are some minor inconsistencies with the fusion technology, especially when separating fine details like hair or leaves from the background. Additionally, the 100x zoom feature may not deliver the same quality as expected.

Specifications

  • OS/Software: MagicOS 7.0 based on Android 13
  • Battery: 5,100mAh
  • Charging: Supports 66W wired and 50W wireless charging
  • Storage: 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM
  • Upgrades: Three Android version upgrades and five years of security patches
  • Colors: Black, Meadow Green, Blue, Purple, Orange
  • Design and Display: LTPO OLED, 6.81 Inch, 1312 x 2848 pixels.

Also Read: 13 Professional Photography apps for OnePlus 7 Pro

8. Sony Xperia 1 III

Sony Xperia 1 III | DSLR quality Camera Phones
Picture Credit: SONY Official

The Sony Xperia 1 III is a flagship smartphone that caters to photography and videography enthusiasts, offering a unique set of features that make it stand out in the smartphone market. With its innovative camera setup and professional-grade videography capabilities, it is a worthy contender with DSLR-quality camera performance in 2023. The telephoto camera’s ability to switch between two focal lengths within its periscope assembly provides greater flexibility for capturing various scenes and subjects. Additionally, the phone includes a ToF emitter/receiver pair for enhanced focusing.

Specifications

  • OS/Software: Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
  • Battery: 4500 mAh
  • Charging: Supports 30W wired and wireless charging
  • Storage: 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
  • Design and Display: 21:9 4K HDR display

Also Read: How to Factory Reset Google Pixel 2

Best Foldable Camera Phones 2023

Combining the convenience of a foldable design with the prowess of high-quality cameras, these phones are poised to redefine the way we perceive both communication and photography.

9. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Picture Credit: Samsung Official

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 sets a new benchmark for foldable smartphones, particularly in the realm of photography, it is one of the best DSLR quality camera phones available today. With its advanced camera software and impressive features, it establishes itself as a top choice for photography enthusiasts who seek top DSLR quality camera phones and versatility in a foldable device.

Samsung has revamped the camera software of the Z Fold 4, introducing improvements in its automatic mode and enhancing its manual modes. The Expert RAW feature, in particular, provides photographers with greater control over their shots, catering to those who want to fine-tune their images for post-processing.

Specifications

  • OS/Software: Android 12L, upgradable to Android 13
  • Battery: 4400 mAh
  • Charging: Supports 25W wired and 15W wireless charging
  • Storage: 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
  • Design and Display: 7.6-inch screen size, 1812 x 2176 pixels.

Also Read: How to Factory Reset Google Pixel 2

10. Google Pixel Fold

Google Pixel Fold | DSLR quality Camera Phones

Despite the challenges posed by foldable designs, the Pixel Fold manages to stand out with its camera lineup that leverages computational photography to achieve impressive results. Dual front-facing cameras allow for quick and easy selfies, providing users with flexibility in capturing high-quality images using either screen. The option to utilize the rear cameras with the front display for premium selfies sets the Pixel Fold apart from conventional smartphones.

Specifications

  • OS/Software: Android 13
  • Battery: 4821 mAh
  • Charging: Supports both wired and wireless charging
  • Storage: 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
  • Design and Display: 7.6 inches, 183.3 cm2, 1840 x 2208 pixels

Also Read: How to Reset Samsung Galaxy Note 8

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or an everyday snap-happy smartphone user, the choices available in the market ensure that there’s a perfect match for everyone’s needs and preferences. So, go ahead and find the best DSLR quality camera phone from our guide that will capture the essence of your life’s moments in breathtaking clarity.

1 thought on “10 Best DSLR Quality Camera Phones”

  1. Thank you Alex, there’s a lot of good information in this article. I’ll take issue with this repeated term “DSLR-Like quality” though. I’m not sure what aspect of a DSLR you’re trying to invoke. Pixel count, signal to noise ratio, frame rate are all aspects of the “D” quality bit in which case why mention the SLR aspect? SLR was about parallax and focus if I remember right, but it’s an obsolete technology now. The ability to see directly transmitted light in a viewfinder is a redundant consideration regardless of whether you insist on the digital qualifier or not. You’re confusing the teenagers you’re writing for. The modern expression might be “full-frame” perhaps, or just “high”. The essential distinction between a camera and a phone today is that the camera has an exchangeable lens while the phone browses the Internet. Both have astonishing resolution quality. Distinctness today is software-driven, and none of it is done with mirrors.

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