iPhone Camera 101: Which iPhone has the best camera?

Are you thinking about getting a new iPhone model? The camera is one of the features with the most significant differences between ranges. 

Finding the iPhone with the best Camera

First, let’s explain the elements and functions you need to consider to decide which iPhone has the best camera. This way, you'll understand all the features and how the software helps to achieve better photos and videos.

How many Cameras are on the iPhone?

From the start, iPhones have always had a camera, but it wasn't until the iPhone 7 Plus that two rear cameras were introduced. With the iPhone 11 Pro, they added a third camera, providing more creative possibilities. What does each camera do? It’s essential to know this to decide which iPhone has the best camera.

  1. Main or Wide Camera: This is the camera the iPhone has always had. It’s best suited for taking night photos as it captures more light.
  2. Zoom or Telephoto: This camera provides optical zoom, meaning you can get closer without losing quality. You’ll typically find x2, x3, or x5 zoom on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
  3. Ultra-Wide Camera: First introduced with the iPhone 11 and now present in all iPhones since then. It’s the opposite of zoom, offering x0.5 zoom-out. This camera lets you capture more elements, making it perfect for landscapes or large group photos.

How many MegaPixels is an iPhone camera?

The number of megapixels is a crucial factor in determining which iPhone has the best camera. Traditionally, iPhones have had 12 megapixels, but with the latest models, they’ve jumped to 48 megapixels. For example, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro have this high resolution.

A higher number of megapixels allows for better quality photos, improved brightness, and optical zoom like never before. Which iPhone models have 48 megapixels? How can you activate them? We detail it all in a separate article.

Which iPhone Model Has the Best Camera?

Based on the features we've reviewed, here's a summary of the current iPhone models available with the best cameras:

With these features in mind, let's look at which iPhones have the best cameras, starting with the most complete:

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have the best cameras. Both have three rear cameras, night mode on all cameras, HDR for photos and videos, cinema mode, macro photography, and spatial photos and videos. They include all of Apple’s cutting-edge technologies. If photography is your passion, the iPhone 16 Pro is for you.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have the second-best camera setup. There are some differences between the iPhone 16 Pro and the x5 optical zoom. If you don’t usually take zoomed-in photos, the iPhone 16 is an excellent option—professional photography at your fingertips!

iPhone 15 Models 

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are also among the iPhones with the best cameras. Both have three rear cameras and are quite similar to the new iPhone 16 Pro. The main difference is that they don’t support spatial photos and videos.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus also have excellent cameras. While they lack macro mode or large optical zoom like the x5 on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, if zoom isn’t important to you, the iPhone 15 is a great option.

iPhone 14 and iPhone 13

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 have very similar cameras. Both feature Cinema Mode and Night Mode. The main difference is in video recording, as the iPhone 14 includes Action Mode. If you’re more into photography than video, the iPhone 13 will leave you very satisfied.

iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 also comes with wide and ultra-wide cameras but lacks Cinema Mode and Action Mode. It’s an entry-level iPhone but still offers Night Mode, allowing you to take photos in almost any situation. It’s the most balanced iPhone. If you like taking pictures, even if not daily, and still want great quality, the iPhone 12 is your model.

iPhone camera

The Best iPhone Camera Depends on Your Usage The best camera for you is closely related to how you use your iPhone. If you're passionate about photography and want everything since your iPhone is your main camera, the iPhone 16 Pro, and this year, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, is the best option.

On the other hand, if you enjoy taking photos and want the best results but don't mind giving up features like a third camera, the iPhone 15 or iPhone 14 is fantastic for you.

If you want an iPhone and won't use it primarily for taking pictures, the iPhone 13, iPhone 12, or even iPhone SE could be your best option.

Want to compare the iPhone model? Check out our comparison tool to help you decide at iSTYLE UAE