Top 10 best iPhone camera models you can buy in 2023.
Each year iPhone launches its new crop in the market to mesmerize its customers with stunning features and technology. The Apple iPhone and its users are keenly focused on picture quality and video recording results, which is obviously great in recent models as compared to the previous generations. Nevertheless, these advanced models are not going to comfort you with their costs, unless you have an unlimited budget.
Without any doubt, the iPhone 14 Pro Max currently features the highest picture resolution and video stability, yet its price is not affordable to anyone. Besides, all the Pro Max iPhones have quality picture results compared to Pro iPhones, which means they are also costlier.
However, we have got you. Apple iPhone is overall known for its picture and camera quality, though the previous models are comparatively less worthy, they still can represent a decent result to you. Therefore, we have enlisted the Top 10 best iPhone camera models for you starting from low-rank XR to high-rank 14 Pro Max.
How to select the best iPhone camera? Factors to know.
The three main factors are worth discussing before providing a detailed guide regarding the best iPhone camera models.
- Resolution
- Aperture
- feature
Resolution
The resolution we know such as 12MP, 24MP, 28MP, etc. informs how many dots your iPhone camera can capture in your image. The higher the resolution, the more sharp will be your picture. Therefore, without any doubt, the iPhone 14 Pro Max gives you quality images with 48 MP resolution that is not going to blur your image even if you print it.
But wait! Is it important for you to get a print of your image or do you just want to share it with your friends or on a Social media account as an influencer?
So, if you are not one of them there is no need to invest your money on the most expensive iPhone 14 Pro Max as the 12MP and 24MP also tend to give you a quality picture.
Aperture
Most enthusiasts are obsessed with nighttime pictures, especially pictures with street light and sky with dim but mesmerizing moonlight fascinates everyone. The iPhone with a smaller aperture can do this task efficiently, yet the feature is not so beneficial in daylight.
To capture aesthetic photos in moonlight the smaller aperture is necessary and loveable at the same time.
Features
The truth is Apple each year introduces some features, and consumers including me pay more money to acquire that feature. But whether these are necessary or just nice to have is still debatable. Those stunning features to consider are;
- Lenses: The SE model has two lenses, while the 14 Pro Max model comes with four lenses.
- Ultra-wide: This is when you capture a very wide picture. Some cameras will tell you the angle they can capture.
- Standard: The usual lens most cameras have. It’s used for taking normal pictures.
- Telephoto: You can zoom in and out with this lens. Some iPhones have both zoom features in one!
- Depth: This lens blurs the background in a picture, making the object close to the lens clear.
- Monochrome: These are pictures in different shades of a single color, like grayscale. Usually, we take pictures in colors and then change them to monochrome using software.
- Screen size: How big the screen matters, especially if you take many pictures!
- Image Stabilization: It’s good to have a little stabilization for pictures when our hands are shaky.
- RAW Image: A RAW image lets you adjust things like brightness and contrast on your computer more easily than a regular .jpg image.
- LIDAR: To focus on the darker images new iPhones feature LIDAR to get more satisfying results.
Best iPhone camera models to buy
#10. iPhone XR
The iPhone XR is one of the older generation cheap iPhones that works with its best capabilities. It’s an older iPhone now, which means the rates are quite low for this iPhone in 2023. Yet, certain drawbacks such as no zoom-in back camera make it less worthy.
The iPhone XR is quite similar to XS in a way, that it owns only one camera. The camera is good at taking quality pictures in daylight, but it can’t zoom in like some other cameras. So you are unable to take pictures and videos far away. Although digital zoom is present it is not that worthwhile.
There are a few features that create an exception from other iPhone X flagship series enlisted in the best iPhone camera models. The iPhone XR features the same powerful processor as we have seen in more expensive iPhone X models. However, the screen is made up of LCD, which is not as fancy as the OLED screens we have seen in advanced models. The screen size and battery both are larger than the XS model.
| Specs. | Details. |
| Rear Camera | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP |
| Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Price | Between 149$ and 247$ (in August 2023) |
| Release date. | September 2018. |
Pros and cons
Pros
- A high camera results in daylight.
- Budget-friendly.
- Big screen.
Cons
- It has no zoom-in camera like other phones.
- No OLED screen.
- Hardly cheap.
#9. iPhone XS
There is no notable difference between the iPhone XS camera and the iPhone XS Max camera. Two cameras on the back take pictures (each with 12 mega-pixels). One camera is for regular pictures, and the other one is for pictures zoom-in photos. When you look at the pictures on the iPhone, they look natural and accurate, and you can see how they will look after the phone makes them better. The colors in the pictures look nice, and the editing feature in Apple makes it more attractive.
Another interesting feature of the camera is that it can make slow-motion videos that look nice. Moreover, the pictures with blurry backgrounds take your photography experience to the next level. This makes the person in the picture stand out. The zoomed-in camera also works well because it doesn’t make shaky pictures, just like we used to see in the XR model. A lot of people find this zoom helpful.
| Specs. | Details. |
| Rear Camera | 12MP (2x zoom) |
| Front Camera | 7MP |
| Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Price | Between 175$ and 206$ (in August 2023) |
| Release date. | September 2018. |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Same good camera quality as XS Max.
- Less costly.
Cons
- Do not offer quality pictures in low-light mode.
#8. iPhone XS Max
The iPhone XS Max and the iPhone XS both share the same camera quality. But, the XS Max is bigger and has a larger screen to get more attention. This bigger screen is really useful when you’re taking pictures or watching movies on it. The screen is very bright as well as clear and works well even when there is heavy sunlight outside. The special mode makes it better for sunny conditions, so you can still see the picture you’re about to take.
| Specs. | Details. |
| Rear Camera | 12MP (2x zoom) |
| Front Camera | 7MP |
| Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Price | Between 245$ and 271$ (in August 2023) |
| Release date. | September 2018. |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- The general image quality of the iPhone XS Max is quite good.
- Have a large screen.
Cons:
- It’s more expensive than the iPhone XR and XS.
- The front camera is just OK.
#7. iPhone 11
The iPhone 11 is one of the new series released in 2019. Yet, consumers have found two major drawbacks in it like not having a close-up lens and a special kind of screen. However, considering the low cost it’s available at now, you need to think about are these features really matter to you. If you’re really into photography and want the best iPhone for it, it’s better to go for a Pro Max model. But if you want a good iPhone for taking pictures without spending too much money, then the iPhone 11 is a considerable option.
| Specs. | Details. |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP 13mm, 12MP 26mm |
| Front Camera | 12MP true depth camera |
| Aperture | Rear cameras (f/2.4,f/1.8) Front (f/2.2) |
| Price | Between 321$ and 199$ (in May 2023) |
| Release date. | September 2019. |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Have an ultra-wide 13mm lens.
- Two rear cameras.
- A quite satisfying image quality
Cons:
- There is no telephoto lens.
- No availability of a 5G network.
6. iPhone 12 mini
Even though the iPhone 12 Mini is smaller, Apple has made sure it’s elegance with great technology. It has a powerful dual camera setup with two lenses: one is good for regular shots, and the other can capture a wider view. While it doesn’t have the special zoom feature like the Pro version, the camera is still really amazing creating its place in the list of best iPhone camera models in 2023. It can even record super clear 4K videos, making it a fantastic choice for people who make videos and take photos as a passion.
| Specs. | Details. |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP 13mm, 12MP 26mm. |
| Front Camera | 12MP true depth camera |
| Aperture | Rear cameras (f/2.4,f/1.8) Front (f/2.2) |
| Price | Between 247$ and 348$ on average (in August 2023) |
| Release date. | September 2020. |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Dual cameras for regular as well as wider shots are available.
- Can record worth watching clear videos.
Cons:
- Battery timing is not good.
- The lack of a telephoto lens means no zoom in the picture.
#5. iPhone 11 Pro
The iPhone 11 Pro has three cameras that work really well, even though they’re not the newest. The colors as well as bright or dark things look the same in all three cameras. The pictures come out looking natural and not too fake or too smooth like most phone captures.
The ultra-wide camera can fit a lot in the picture, which is great for travel or pictures of big spaces indoors. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has the same cameras but is a little larger. The regular iPhone 11 is cheaper, but it doesn’t have a special zoom-in lens that makes it uneasy to capture far away things.
| Specs. | Details. |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP 13mm, 12MP 26mm, 12MP 52mm |
| Front Camera | 12MP true depth camera |
| Aperture | Rear cameras (f/2.4,f/1.8,f/2) Front (f/2.2) |
| Price | Average on 399$ (in August 2023) |
| Release date. | September 2019. |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Three cameras to capture the ultra-wide picture. Best for traveling photos.
- Have no significant difference from 11 Pro Max
Cons
- Does not have a zoom-in feature.
- Not budget-friendly
#4. iPhone 12 Pro Max
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a stronger battery life than that of the iPhone 12 models. It also has a slightly better rear camera than the iPhone 12 Pro. However, there are two main downsides.
- First, the screen is very big at 6.7 inches, which might be difficult for people with small hands to use comfortably.
- Second, even though it’s not the newest iPhone anymore, it’s still expensive.
Despite these issues, the 12 Pro Max is excellent for photography because of its fast processor, good camera setup, long-lasting battery, and impressive screen.
| Specs. | Details. |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP wide angle lens |
| Front Camera | 7MP |
| Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Price | Between 799$ and 1399$ (in August 2023) |
| Release date. | September 2020. |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Have a long-lasting battery that entertains you for a day at least.
- A fast processor makes it more efficient.
Cons
- Despite of somehow old model, it is still costly.
- The large screen is somehow difficult to handle.
#3: iPhone 13 Pro
The iPhone 13 Pro is not just the newest and greatest iPhone, still, it is the top choice for photographers right now. It has three different camera lenses: one for regular photos, one for wide-angle shots, and another for faraway pictures. These lenses are like having a 26mm, 13mm, and 78mm camera all in one.
Some things that make it better than the iPhone 12 Pro are a new Cinematic video mode that’s great for making movies, a new close-up mode for tiny details, and an improved ability to take good photos in low light. The faraway picture lens is also better, zooming in 3 times instead of just 2. The iPhone 13 Pro is the best iPhone for photographers because it’s not as expensive as the Pro Max version. If you already have an iPhone 12 Pro, upgrading might not be so huge progress, but it’s still an improvement.
| Specs. | Details. |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP, 12 MP, 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP |
| Aperture | Rear Cameras f/`.5, f/1.8 (ultra-wide), f/2.8 (telephoto) |
| Price | Starting from 999$ (in August 2023) |
| Release date. | September 2021. |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Gives a RAW capture.
- Have automatic macro mode and cinematic mode.
- Owns 77mm telephoto lens
Cons:
- No dynamic island.
- Expensive product.
- iPhone 13 Pro is thicker and heavier than most other phones.
#2. iPhone 14 Pro
The iPhone 14 Pro is a smaller phone that’s great for taking pictures. It’s the top choice if you want a good camera and a phone that’s not too big. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is similar in camera quality, but it has a bigger 6.7-inch screen compared to the Pro’s 6.1 inches.
The cameras have strong protection with a special lens cover, and there’s a LIDAR scanner that helps take better pictures at night. The iPhone 14 Pro also has an action mode known as GoPro Stabilization that makes videos look steady even when there’s a lot of movement (that’s why it ranks 2 in the list of the best iPhone camera models).
| Specs. | Details. |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP 24mm, f/1.78), 12MP13mm, f/2.2), 12MP Telephoto 77mm. f/2.8) |
| Front Camera | 12MP |
| Aperture | Rear Cameras f/1.78, f/2.2 (ultra-wide), f/2.8 (telephoto) Front camera f/1.9 |
| Price | Ranges between 799$ to 1599$ (in August 2023) |
| Release date. | September 2022. |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comes with an elegant deep purple color.
- Features a 48MP camera sensor.
- The Selfie camera also has autofocus mode.
Cons:
- The telephoto camera is not so satisfying.
- There is no SIM Slot for US users.
- Very expensive.
#1. iPhone 14 Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has everything you’d expect from a top-notch Apple smartphone, a big, captivating screen; stylish design; and lots of power. Just like the iPhone 14 Pro, it has a stunning 48MP camera for better photos, and the front camera now focuses better and understands depth more accurately creating its place at the top of the best iPhone camera models. The main difference between the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the size of the screen. If you want a larger 6.7-inch screen for looking at pictures, editing them, making videos, or playing games, then the Pro Max is a great choice, as long as you’re okay with the higher price.
| Specs. | Details. |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP 24mm, 12MP 13mm, 12MP 77mm |
| Front Camera | 12MP |
| Aperture | Rear Cameras f/1.78, f/2.2 (ultra-wide), f/2.8 (3x telephoto) Front camera f/1.9 |
| Price | Ranges between 1099$ to 1599$ (in August 2023) |
| Release date. | September 2022. |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The camera on this owns a larger sensor than the one on the 13 Pro series.
- It looks really nice and is certified to be protected from water and dust.
- The front camera can now focus by itself, which is cool.
Cons:
- If you’re in the US, there’s no slot for the SIM card in this phone.
- In the UK, the price is higher compared to the 13 Pro.
- The ability to zoom in on faraway things with the camera is not the best.