For the holidays 2021, Buyer’s Guide: The best cameraphones to get (Holidays 2021) gives you GSMArena Official’s top picks so you can upgrade your cameraphone game with confidence. Each selection was tried and tested by GSMArena’s staff and highlights strengths to match different shooting styles.
The short video runs through the Realme 8 Pro, Pixel 6 Pro, Vivo X70 Pro+, iPhone 13 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra with timestamps so you can jump to hands-on looks and final thoughts. You’ll find quick comparisons, shooting samples and a concise wrap-up to help you pick the best cameraphone for your needs.
Best Overall Cameraphones of Holidays 2021
Top pick overview with reasons these phones stand out
You want a phone that helps you make pictures that mean something to you, reliably and without fuss. These top picks from Holidays 2021 stand out because they balance hardware and software in ways that produce consistently pleasing stills and video across most everyday situations. The iPhone 13 Pro Max wins when you want color, consistency, and a video workflow that just works. The Pixel 6 Pro is for when computational photography and low-light detail matter most. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G gives you the most flexible toolkit for zooming and composition. The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra brings a huge sensor that gives you spectacular dynamic range in many conditions. The Vivo X70 Pro+ leans into stabilization and subtle tuning with Zeiss involvement. And the Realme 8 Pro is the reminder that you can get very competitive main-camera results without spending flagship money. Each phone has moments when it quietly outperforms rivals — in shadow detail, in cleaner low light, in long-range sharpness — and you notice those moments because they change how you shoot.
Short list: iPhone 13 Pro Max, Pixel 6 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, Vivo X70 Pro+, Realme 8 Pro
You’ll recognize these names, and for good reason. They represent different philosophies: the iPhone’s ecosystem polish, Google’s computational smarts, Samsung’s hardware breadth, Xiaomi’s sensor-centric approach, Vivo’s stabilization-first pipeline, and Realme’s value proposition. Pick one that matches how you already like to take photos, and it will make those moments easier to capture.
Criteria used for the overall ranking (image quality, video, versatility, software)
You should understand what mattered in the ranking: first, image quality — resolution, color fidelity, dynamic range, and noise control across lighting conditions. Second, video — stabilization, autofocus, and bitrate options that let you actually use footage without intensive editing. Third, versatility — how many useful focal lengths and how well they perform, not just how many cameras are on the back. Fourth, software — firmware that processes reliably, fast autofocus, efficient HDR, and RAW options when you want them. If a phone scored highly across those axes it rose to the top, because a good phone isn’t just one great camera, it’s an entire system that behaves predictably.
Who should consider each overall pick
You should pick the iPhone 13 Pro Max if you want seamless video and natural colors that rarely need you to tweak anything. The Pixel 6 Pro is your pick if low-light, computational detail, and simple point-and-shoot excellence matter most. Choose the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if you love zoom and need flexibility — it’s for photographers who want reach without lugging extra optics. The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is for those who want the best possible raw dynamic range and richer detail from a large sensor. The Vivo X70 Pro+ suits you if stabilization and portrait character are priorities. Realme 8 Pro is for bargain-hunters who want a high-resolution main sensor and solid everyday performance without breaking the bank.
GSMArena Testing Methodology
How GSMArena staff tested cameras in real-world scenarios
When you read GSMArena reviews you’re getting photos taken in the messy, everyday places where phones are actually used: cafes, streets, parks, concerts. Staff shoot the same scene with different phones, you see how they handle shadow detail, highlight clipping, color in mixed lighting, and autofocus under pressure. You’ll notice differences in exposure decisions and how the phone interprets skin tones or foliage. Real-world testing is about behaviour over time — does the camera adapt as conditions shift, and does it make pictures you’re proud to show?
Controlled lab tests: resolution, dynamic range, noise, color accuracy
You’ll also get lab-controlled comparisons: charts that measure resolution, controlled light sources to test dynamic range and exposure latitude, and careful ISO-noise measurement to see how grain evolves. These tests isolate variables so you can see how much detail a sensor-and-lens combo resolves, whether shadows crush or stay readable, and whether colors drift under neutral light. Lab work is where you find the baseline capabilities of hardware removed from algorithmic quirks.
Video testing: stabilization, bitrate, autofocus, exposure handling
Video tests are deliberate: recorded walking, running, panning, and in low light so you can judge stabilization and rolling shutter. Bitrate and codec decisions are logged because they affect how forgiving footage is in post. Autofocus is stressed with moving subjects, and exposure is checked for pumping or sudden shifts. If you plan to vlog or shoot on the go, these are the exact behaviors you need to know about.
Long-term use and reliability checks: battery, heat, software stability
You’ll find that GSMArena also considers the camera system’s life over weeks: does prolonged recording overheat the phone and throttle quality, do updates change processing for better or worse, and does battery life sustain a day with heavy camera use? Reliability matters because a great camera that dies halfway through a trip is a great annoyance.
How sample galleries and blind tests were conducted
Sample galleries are shot with consistent settings and presented so you can judge for yourself, while blind tests have independent reviewers or readers compare anonymized images to avoid brand bias. You should look at both: galleries show context and range, blind tests remove names and let your eye pick a winner without preconception.
Limitations and disclosure about subjective assessments
Any camera review has subjectivity: color preference, what you value in a photo, familiarity with a system. GSMArena discloses that human taste plays a role, and that firmware changes may shift results after publication. You should take scores as guidance, not absolute law — they’re a map, not the territory.
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How to Choose a Cameraphone: Key Specs Explained
Sensor size and pixel pitch — why bigger often means better low-light performance
You’ll want to know that sensor size and pixel pitch determine how much light each pixel can capture. Bigger sensors and larger pixels gather more photons, so in dim scenes you get cleaner images with better dynamic range. That’s why phones with larger sensors often outperform others in night shots, even if their megapixel count is similar.
Megapixels versus pixel binning: what they actually do
Higher megapixels can capture more detail when light is abundant, but they can create smaller pixels that struggle in low light. Pixel binning combines adjacent pixels to behave like a larger one, improving low-light sensitivity and reducing noise. You’ll see phones advertise things like 108MP with 9-to-1 binning; in many scenes that results in a cleaner 12MP file that carries more usable detail.
Aperture and focal length: how they affect depth of field and low-light
A wider aperture (lower f-number) lets in more light and gives shallower depth of field, which you’ll notice in subject separation for portraits. Focal length changes perspective — longer focal lengths compress scenes and are useful for portraits and distant subjects, while shorter focal lengths capture more context. Both traits affect how you compose and what you can photograph well.
Optical image stabilization (OIS) and hybrid stabilization
You should look for OIS when you want sharper handheld photos and steadier low-light exposures. Hybrid stabilization combines OIS with electronic methods (EIS) to improve video smoothness. On phones like the Vivo X70 Pro+ the stabilization pipeline is a major selling point; it changes how long exposures and video shots behave.
Zoom types: optical, periscope, and digital — tradeoffs to expect
Optical zoom keeps full resolution and quality because it changes focal length physically; periscope telephotos pack longer focal lengths into a phone’s body and are excellent for medium-to-long range. Digital zoom crops and upsamples — yielding softer results. You’ll have to balance the convenience of reach with the expected loss in detail as you push beyond a lens’s native capability.
Ultra-wide, macro, and depth sensors — when they matter
Ultra-wide lenses are useful for landscapes and cramped interiors, but watch out for edge softness and distortion. Macro cameras on some phones are often modest in quality; they can be fun but aren’t always necessary. Dedicated depth sensors are less important when software can estimate depth from dual-pixel or multi-camera input. You’ll prioritize ultra-wide more often than a separate macro sensor.
Processor and ISP role in computational photography
The image signal processor (ISP) and the phone’s chipset are where computational photography happens: multi-frame stacking, HDR merging, denoising, and autofocus decisions. A powerful ISP can compensate for smaller optics by extracting and synthesizing data from multiple frames. When you evaluate phones, understand that the processor is as integral as the lens.
Photography Features to Consider
Night modes and long exposure performance
Night modes merge multiple frames to reduce noise and increase dynamic range. You should test how long exposures handle motion — do moving subjects ghost, or does the phone smartly keep them sharp? Long exposure modes let you capture motion trails and light painting; phones that stabilize well will give you more usable long-exposure shots handheld.
Autofocus systems: PDAF, laser AF, and dual pixel AF explained
Phase-detection AF (PDAF) is fast and common; dual-pixel AF puts phase detection across the sensor for smoother focusing; laser AF helps in very low light by measuring distance. You’ll care about autofocus speed and reliability, especially for moving subjects and video — stuttering autofocus ruins otherwise great footage.
Portrait mode and depth estimation accuracy
Portrait mode’s success rests on accurate subject-background separation and natural edge rendering. You should look for consistent hair and glasses handling, realistic background blur, and a pleasing subject tone. Some phones tune portraits for drama, others for realism — pick what suits you.
Dynamic range and HDR processing behavior
You’ll want a phone that preserves highlight and shadow detail rather than crushing them. Some devices prefer brighter midtones and punchy HDR for social-ready looks; others aim for a flatter, more editable image. Decide if you want a camera that makes final images admirable straight from the phone, or one that gives you latitude for editing.
Color science and natural versus punchy processing options
Color science is subjective: some phones produce saturated, eye-catching images, others keep things true-to-life. You should pick the color palette that matches your taste or editing workflow. Many devices let you switch processing profiles or use RAW to avoid in-camera interpretation.
RAW capture availability and pros/cons for post-processing
Shooting RAW gives you more control over exposure and white balance but demands effort in post. If you edit often, RAW is essential; otherwise, computational JPEGs may already be closer to what you want. Some phones offer lossless or high-bitrate RAW — these give the most flexibility.
Burst mode, sports shooting, and autofocus tracking capabilities
For action you’ll want a camera that can shoot bursts at high frame rates while keeping autofocus and exposure locked. Effective subject-tracking makes the difference between usable series and a pile of misses. Test burst mode in fast-paced scenarios to see if the phone keeps pace.
Video Features and Vlogging Considerations
Maximum resolution and frame rate options (4K, 60fps, 8K)
You should consider max resolution and frame rates because they determine the look and flexibility in post. 4K at 60fps is a sweet spot for most creators; 8K exists but demands storage and heat management. High frame rates for slow motion are nice, but check if they come with crop or reduced stabilization.
Stabilization performance for handheld vloggers
If you vlog handheld, stabilization is everything. Phones like the Vivo X70 Pro+ and iPhone series combine OIS and EIS to produce fluid footage. You’ll notice difference in gait-induced shakes and panning smoothness. Choose a phone where stabilization works without aggressive warping.
Audio capture quality and external mic support
Good footage needs good sound. Check whether the phone records clear, balanced audio and whether it supports external microphones through USB-C or a dedicated adapter. Some phones offer pro audio settings; if you plan interviews or narrative work, you’ll want clean mic input and wind reduction.
Log profiles, color grading options, and video editing workflow
If you intend to color grade, log or flat profiles are desirable because they preserve dynamic range. Some phones offer built-in log modes and higher bitrate options, which ease grading. Consider how raw or log footage fits your editing workflow and whether your device can sustain long, high-bitrate recordings.
Front camera video quality and selfie stabilization
You should not ignore the front camera if you create selfie-driven content. Evaluate how it handles skin tones, dynamic range, and whether it offers stabilization for handheld vlogs. Some phones crop or limit stabilization on the front cam at higher resolutions — know those limitations.
Slow motion, timelapse, and other creative video modes
These creative modes extend what you can do with a phone. High-quality slow motion can be useful, but check if it’s interpolated or true high-frame-rate capture. Timelapse stabilization and exposure ramping are small features that can make big differences in finished clips.
Flagship Picks: In-depth Model Reviews
iPhone 13 Pro Max — key camera specs, strengths, weaknesses, best use cases
You’ll find a triple-camera array with sensor-shift OIS, excellent video, and consistent color science. Strengths: best-in-class video, reliable exposure and skin tones, strong low-light performance with Night mode across lenses. Weaknesses: telephoto reach is modest compared to periscope rivals, and it’s the most expensive option. Best for: content creators who want dependable video, photographers who prefer natural tones and minimal fuss.
Pixel 6 Pro — computational photography highlights and low-light performance
You’ll see Google’s powerful processing here: superb night shots, smart HDR, and a knack for extracting texture in tricky scenes. Strengths: low-light detail and portrait separation without heavy processing artifacts. Weaknesses: hardware maturity caught up slowly at launch; some zoom limitations compared to periscope phones. Best for: people who want the best automatic stills with minimal intervention and stellar night photography.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G — zoom capabilities, sensors, and versatility
You’ll get an expansive camera system with two telephoto lenses (one periscope), a high-resolution main sensor, and excellent ultra-wide. Strengths: unrivaled zoom range and flexible framing, solid stills across focal lengths. Weaknesses: color tuning can be inconsistent between lenses, and some shots can look oversaturated if you don’t prefer that. Best for: photographers who need reach and compositional options without carrying extra glass.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra — large sensor advantages and telephoto behavior
You’ll appreciate the massive main sensor that produces expansive dynamic range and impressive low-light files. Strengths: large-sensor detail, high dynamic range, and versatile camera app. Weaknesses: telephoto and ultrawide can be less refined than the main shooter; software tuning can sometimes overprocess. Best for: those who prioritize raw quality from the main sensor and enjoy editing.
Vivo X70 Pro+ — stabilization, Zeiss tuning, and imaging pipeline
You’ll notice stabilization that makes long-exposure night shots and panning video more usable handheld, and Zeiss-branded color tuning that favors natural, pleasing skin tones. Strengths: stabilization, portrait character, and a thoughtful processing pipeline. Weaknesses: software updates and regional availability sometimes vary. Best for: vloggers and portrait shooters who value stable footage and natural color science.
Realme 8 Pro — surprising value, main camera performance and compromises
You’ll encounter a 108MP main sensor offering high-resolution captures and respectable dynamic range for the price. Strengths: exceptional value, detailed daytime shots, and good feature set for the money. Weaknesses: telephoto and ultra-wide are weaker, low-light results lag behind flagships. Best for: budget-conscious buyers who want impressive main-camera photos without flagship cost.
Each flagship’s general verdict and who it’s best for
You’ll find the iPhone 13 Pro Max as best for video-first users; Pixel 6 Pro for stills and night; S21 Ultra for zoom fiends; Mi 11 Ultra for sensor-focused photographers; Vivo X70 Pro+ for stabilized, portrait-focused creators; Realme 8 Pro for budget pragmatists. Each one has contexts where it outperforms peers, so choose according to the photography you do most.
Budget and Value Picks
Why price-to-performance matters during Holiday 2021 deals
You’ll notice holiday deals compress the gap between flagship and mid-range performance. Price-to-performance matters because a cheaper phone can cover 80–90% of what most people need, and that remaining difference may not justify the extra spend if you’re not exploiting those specific strengths.
Realme 8 Pro as a value-oriented cameraphone with a high-resolution sensor
You’ll get a high-res sensor that produces detailed daylight shots and features like night mode and RAW capture — a lot for the price. It’s a reminder that pixels and processing can combine to deliver satisfying results without flagship-level costs.
Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a series: clean software and strong computational photography
You’ll appreciate Google’s software-driven approach on these mid-rangers: clean imaging, accurate colors, and excellent night shots. They don’t have many lenses, but what they do offer is refined and consistent.
OnePlus Nord 2 and other mid-rangers offering balanced camera systems
You’ll find balanced systems in the Nord 2: good main camera, competent ultra-wide, and software that enhances results without oversaturation. Mid-rangers now give you acceptable low-light performance and solid video for social content.
How to prioritize features on a budget (main sensor, night mode, stabilization)
You should prioritize a strong main sensor, reliable night mode, and stabilization if you care about video or handheld long exposures. Ultra-wide matters if you shoot architecture or interiors. Skip gimmicky macro cameras unless you have a hobbyist interest in extreme close-ups.
When a cheaper phone is a smarter buy than last year’s flagship
You’ll save money and often get similar everyday performance. If last year’s flagship camera isn’t dramatically better in the areas you use most — for example, if you mainly post to social and shoot outdoors — a cheaper, newer phone can be the smarter, more economical choice.
Best Cameraphones for Specific Use Cases
Best for low-light photography and astrophotography
You’ll pick phones with large sensors and robust night modes — Pixel 6 Pro, Mi 11 Ultra, and iPhone 13 Pro Max are strong choices. For astrophotography, look for manual or long-exposure modes and a sturdy tripod to make the most of those sensor advantages.
Best for telephoto and zoom-heavy use cases
You’ll want the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its periscope telephoto and multiple focal lengths. It keeps more detail at distance than others and lets you compose tightly without digital blow-up.
Best for portrait and natural skin tones
You’ll favor the iPhone 13 Pro Max and Vivo X70 Pro+ for their consistent portrait processing and natural skin rendition. They avoid exaggerated smoothing and offer pleasing color palettes.
Best for vlogging and video content creators
You’ll choose the iPhone 13 Pro Max or Vivo X70 Pro+ for stabilization and reliable autofocus; Pixel 6 Pro can compete for talking-head setups. Think about mic support, battery life, and overheating before long shoots.
Best for travel photography: size, battery life, and camera versatility
You’ll look for a combination of battery endurance and a versatile camera system — Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and iPhone 13 Pro Max strike good balances, offering a range of focal lengths and dependable battery life to get you through a day of sightseeing.
Best value pick for casual shooters and social media content
You’ll find the Realme 8 Pro and Pixel 5a meet casual needs: good main camera, efficient sharing workflows, and enough quality for social feeds without the premium price.
Camera Comparisons and Sample Images to Check
What to look for in side-by-side still image comparisons
You should compare exposure, detail in shadows and highlights, edge sharpness, and how each phone renders skin and foliage. Look for consistency across frames and whether tuning changes between focal lengths.
Low-light crops and noise handling comparison points
You’ll zoom into crops to see texture preservation and noise patterns. Contrast the way algorithms smooth noise versus preserving grain; the latter can look more natural but may reveal less detail.
Zoom-range comparison: 3x, 5x, 10x crops and detail retention
You’ll inspect crops at different zoom levels to judge how much detail and color survive. Optical and periscope lenses will retain more resolution; digital zoom quickly loses fine information.
Ultra-wide perspective and edge distortion analysis
You should evaluate ultra-wide images for corner softness, chromatic aberration, and geometric distortion. Some phones correct aggressively and introduce artifacts; others keep geometry real but less polished.
Video stabilization side-by-side tests and motion artifacts
You’ll compare walking footage to see if stabilization introduces warping or judder. Look for motion artifacts when panning and how exposure shifts during movement.
Color and white balance consistency across scenes
You’ll test a camera across day, shade, tungsten, and mixed lighting to see if white balance remains reliable. Inconsistent WB can make an otherwise great camera feel unpredictable.
Conclusion
Summary of the top cameraphone recommendations for Holidays 2021
You have a strong short list: iPhone 13 Pro Max for video and reliability, Pixel 6 Pro for computational stills and low light, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for zoom and flexibility, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra for large-sensor benefit, Vivo X70 Pro+ for stabilization and portrait character, and Realme 8 Pro for value. Each stands out in different ways, and your choice should reflect how you shoot most.
Final advice on matching a phone to your photography needs and budget
You should match the phone to your habits: prioritize zoom if you shoot distant subjects, stabilization if you vlog, and sensor size if you shoot nights or landscapes. Don’t be swayed only by megapixels or marketing — test sample images, or watch how the phone behaves in similar scenes to yours.
Reminder to check sample galleries, hands-on reviews, and availability before buying
You’ll want to look at galleries and hands-on impressions because firmware updates and real-world use can change a phone’s camera personality. Availability and holiday deals can also shift the value proposition quickly.
Actionable next steps: shortlist, compare images, and hunt for holiday deals
You should shortlist two or three models that match your priorities, compare their sample images in the scenes you shoot most, and watch holiday deals for price drops. Try to test a phone in hand if you can, and remember that the best camera is the one you actually carry and use.