If you are planning to buy a new phone in 2025 and camera quality is your top priority, you don’t have to blindly pick the iPhone anymore. Yes, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is great — but it’s not untouchable. Over the last year, several Android flagships have caught up and, in some situations, even gone ahead.
Bigger sensors, stronger zoom, smarter AI tools, and more control over photos and videos are changing what “best camera phone” actually means. Here are five camera-focused phones you can confidently choose instead of the iPhone 17 Pro Max in 2025.
Vivo X300 Pro – ₹1,09,999
The Vivo X300 Pro clearly shows that Vivo understands serious photography users. It comes with a 50MP main camera with OIS, a massive 200MP periscope lens for zoom shots, and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. What makes it interesting is how balanced the images look.
Video recording also feels premium, with 8K support and Dolby Vision for better contrast and highlight control. Even the 50MP selfie camera delivers crisp results, making the X300 Pro feel like a camera-first flagship rather than just another expensive phone.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – ₹1,07,999
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra continues the Ultra tradition of being an all-round camera beast. The 200MP main sensor captures detailed shots with excellent dynamic range, while the 50MP periscope camera offers strong long-range zoom that is actually usable, not just a marketing trick.
Samsung’s processing has become more realistic than earlier models and avoids overbright images. Videos look smooth, stable, and cinematic with HDR10+ and 8K support. If you want a dependable, polished camera system that works in almost every scenario, the S25 Ultra makes a strong case over the iPhone.
Oppo Find X9 Pro – ₹1,09,999
The Oppo Find X9 Pro feels like it was designed for people who hate fake colors. Its 50MP primary camera with OIS, 200MP periscope zoom lens, and 50MP ultra-wide setup produce photos that look natural and pleasing instead of cartoonish.
Content creators will appreciate features like LOG recording, Dolby Vision support, and Laser AF, which help in professional-style video work. The 50MP front camera with 4K also makes it solid for vlogging and social content. Overall, the Find X9 Pro stands out because it gives you creative control instead of forcing a single “preset look.”
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL – ₹1,24,999
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL doesn’t shout with big numbers, but its results speak for themselves. The 50MP main camera, 48MP periscope lens, and 48MP ultra-wide camera work together with Google’s AI to produce clean, sharp images with strong contrast.
Ultra-HDR makes daylight photos pop, and 8K video recording remains stable even while walking. The 42MP selfie camera with 4K video is another advantage for creators and video callers. The Pixel feels smart, simple, and consistent, making it a great alternative for anyone who wants effortless results.
OnePlus 15 – ₹72,999
The OnePlus 15 proves you don’t need to spend ₹1 lakh just to get good camera performance. With its Sony IMX906 sensor and triple 50MP camera setup, including a 3.5x optical zoom lens, it delivers reliable photos in almost every lighting condition.
Colors look balanced, the dynamic range is decent, and the phone handles movement quite well. For video, it supports 8K recording, Dolby Vision, HDR, and strong stabilization, so it doesn’t feel cheap at all. The 32MP selfie camera is also more than enough for everyday shooting and social media. For the price, the OnePlus 15 feels like the most practical choice on this list.
Ramesh is a technology writer at gemch.in, covering smartphone launches, leaks, and comparisons. His articles focus on real-world features, performance, and value-for-money insights to help readers make informed buying decisions.