Top 5 Best Camera Phones in 2023

As we nearly celebrate holidays and 2024, the best camera phones allow us to capture high-quality photos and videos on the go, ensuring we don’t miss out on important moments in our lives.

Carrying a dedicated camera may not always be practical, but a smartphone is almost always at hand. A powerful camera on a smartphone provides convenience for spontaneous photography.

A great camera on a smartphone goes beyond simple photography; it becomes a tool for self-expression, communication, and documentation, enhancing the overall user experience.

That’s why Manila Shaker came up with the Top 5 best camera phones this 2023.

Let’s dive into the list!

Sony Xperia 1V

A unique twist to the table with the rear camera setup? The standout feature is the main 52MP Exmor T sensor, boasting a distinctive two-layer transistor within the CMOS. This isn’t just impressive but it genuinely enhances photo quality, especially in low-light conditions, eliminating the need for post-processing.

Adding to its appeal is the commendable performance in high frame rate video capture and 5.2x optical zoom. The Xperia 1V demonstrates a tech-forward approach that translates into tangible improvements in photo quality.

However, it’s essential to note that the basic mode tends to lean towards overexposure. Users may need to adjust the exposure settings based on the conditions to ensure optimal results. Despite this quirk, Sony’s Xperia 1V stands out as a device that goes beyond the conventional, pushing the boundaries of camera technology for a better photography experience.

Pricing and Availability:

• ₱40,899.00 (256GB)
• ₱43,499.00 (512GB)

Here’s a camera specs list:

• 52MP | 48MP effective (wide)
• 12 MP (telephoto)
• 12 MP (ultrawide)
• 4K@24/25/30/60/120fps HDR
• 12MP (selfie camera)

iPhone 15 Pro Max 

The new iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces an impressive 5x telephoto camera, extending its reach for higher-quality shots and delivering stunning natural blur in portraits.

Especially striking on an iPhone display, the iPhone 15 Pro Max excels in capturing portraits with impressive accuracy in skin tones and face exposure under various lighting conditions.

It’s worth mentioning its standout performance in terms of exposure, consistent image and video quality across diverse shooting conditions. Also, the iPhone 15 Pro Max captures intricate details and renders skin tones beautifully.

Pricing and Availability:

• ₱84,990 (256GB)
• ₱96,990.00 (512GB)
• ₱108,990.00 (1TB)

Let’s quickly check out the camera specs:

• 48 MP (wide)
• 12 MP (periscope telephoto)
• 12 MP (ultrawide)
• TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)
• 12MP (selfie camera)

Samsung Galaxy 23 Ultra

Why miss out on the only US phone boasting a fantastic 10x optical zoom lens? Plus, you can push the limits to a whopping 100x hybrid zoom by tapping into the power of its 200 MP primary camera and 12MP ultra-wide lenses.

For photo enthusiasts, there’s a handy 3x zoom for portraits and Samsung’s famous 100x space zoom, perfect for the trending moon shots.

The star of the show is the impressive 200-megapixel main camera, a major reason to choose the Galaxy S23 Ultra over its smartphone rivals. 

But, wait, it doesn’t stop there – this camera can also record stunning 8K video at 30fps, capturing your memories with incredible detail and a wider perspective. If top-notch camera capabilities are what you’re after, the Galaxy S23 Ultra seems like the obvious pick in the competitive smartphone arena.

Pricing and Availability:

• ₱81,990.00 (256GB)
• ₱89,990.00 (512GB)

Here’s a camera specs list:

• 200 MP (wide)
• 10 MP (periscope telephoto)
• 10 MP (telephoto)
• 12 MP (ultrawide)
• 12MP (selfie camera)

Google Pixel 7a

While it might not claim the top spot, the Google Pixel 7a delivers comparable photo quality to its pricier counterpart, the Google Pixel 7 Pro.

Marking a significant upgrade from the 6a, the 7a boasts a superior primary camera, sporting an impressive 64 MP sensor. Despite running on slightly less robust hardware, the 7a proves itself as a formidable camera phone, thanks to the intelligent enhancements powered by Google’s smart software, all bundled up in a stylish design.

Especially noteworthy is the remarkable performance in low-light conditions. Night photos taken with the outstanding night mode maintain impressive contrast and stay remarkably free of noise. Notably, the 7a stands out for its swift photo-capturing speed, outpacing its predecessor, the Pixel 6a. The Google Pixel 7a appears to be a compelling choice for those seeking a powerful camera phone without breaking the bank.

Pricing and Availability:

• ₱24,499.00 (128GB)

Here’s a camera specs list:

• 64MP (wide)
• 13MP (ultrawide)
• 4K@30/60fps (video)
• 13MP (selfie camera)

OnePlus 11

Now, let’s shift our focus to the most budget-friendly smartphone on the list, the OnePlus 11 Pro. This device impresses with its commendable exposure and detailed performance in both photos and videos. Still images exhibit excellent exposure, detail, and minimal noise. The wide dynamic range ensures that details shine in both bright and shadowy areas of the frame. The ultra-wide camera adds to the appeal, delivering pleasing pictures with vibrant colors, although challenges arise at the telephoto zoom setting.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The OnePlus 11 Pro encounters color rendering issues and unwanted image artifacts, casting a shadow on its overall performance. Additionally, there’s a noticeable loss of texture in low-light conditions and when capturing subjects at greater distances. Despite these drawbacks, the OnePlus 11 Pro remains an attractive option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing too much on camera quality.

Pricing and Availability:

• ₱45,990.00 (128GB)
• ₱49,990.00 (256GB)

Here’s a camera specs list:

• 50 MP (wide)
• 32 MP (telephoto)
• 48 MP (ultrawide)
• 8K@24fps (video)
• 16 MP (selfie camera)

In a world where every moment counts, the evolution of smartphone cameras has transformed the way we capture, share, and experience life. From spontaneous snapshots to creative expressions, a great camera on your smartphone is truly more than a feature.

Let us know your thoughts!

Also, you might want to read our previous articles below:

• Top 5 Gaming Smartphones in the Philippines
• Top 5 Smartphones Under ₱5,000 in the Philippines
• Top 5 Smartphones Under ₱10,000 in the Philippines
• Top 5 Smartphones Worth 12K-15K 
• Top 5 Smartphones worth 15k-20k
• Top 5 Smartphones worth P20k-25k in the Philippines