Which iPhone has the best camera?

Finding the iPhone with the best camera

Let’s look first at which elements and features we need to consider when working out which iPhone has the best camera. This will help you understand all the features and how the software enables you to take better photos and videos.

Number of cameras

Traditionally, iPhones have always had one camera, but with the iPhone 7 Plus, they moved to two on the back. There are now three with the iPhone 11 Pro, giving you more creative options. What does each camera do?

Main or wide-angle camera: The main or wide-angle camera has supported the iPhone's superior camera quality. This one is best for night photography as it captures more light.
Zoom or telephoto: This camera has optical zoom, i.e. you can zoom in without losing any quality. There is usually an x2 or x3 zoom.
Ultrawide-angle: Thiscamerawasfirstintroduced on the iPhone 11 and has been on every iPhone since. It is the opposite of a zoom. It is like having an x0.5 zoom out. This camera allows you to fit more things into your photograph. Perfect for landscapes or large group shots.

iPhone camera

Night mode:

If you love photography, you probably also love going out at night to take pictures. The night mode can add light where there is none. The result is impressive, and best of all, it is 100% automatic. Night mode is included on newer iPhone models (iPhone 11 onwards).

Smart HDR and HDR Video:

HDR technology captures more colours as well as is more accurate. Do you know how the sky can look whitish instead of blue in typical photos? That’s because it’s not HDR. The same is true for video, with the latest iPhone models like the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro which captures 60% more colour.

Also read to know more on What is HDR on the iPhone, here.

Cinema mode

Cinema Mode is a feature unique to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro. If you love the portrait mode and its blur effect, the cinema mode will blow your mind. You can have a blurred background, focus changes, transitions, all this in video and automatically. Look at this!

Macro photography

Macro photography is coming to the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. Only the Pro models have this new type of photo that you’ll love. You can photograph anything at a distance of two centimetres. Madness! It opens up a new kind of photography that we couldn’t imagine before.

iPhone camera

Which iPhone model has the best camera?

Following all the features we have looked at above, you can see from the table below which iPhone models have which features:

Model	No. of cameras	Night mode	HDR video	Macro photo	Cinema mode
iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max	Three	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini	Two	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
iPhone 12	Two	Yes	Yes	No	No
iPhone 11	Two	Yes	No	No	No
iPhone SE	One	No	No	No	No

With these features in mind, we can tell you which iPhone has the best camera, starting with the top of the list:

iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max are the iPhones with the best camera. Both have three rear cameras, night mode on all cameras, HDR video and photos, cinema mode, macro photography and more. They include all of Apple’s most impressive cutting-edge technologies. If photography is your passion, the iPhone 13 Pro is for you.

iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini

Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini have the second- best iPhone camera. However, there are quite a few differences from the iPhone 13 Pro. For example, there is no macro mode, and the ultra wide-angle camera on the iPhone 13 Pro is 92% brighter. On the other hand, the iPhone 13 has the acclaimed cinema mode and two versatile cameras. Note that if you want to zoom in, it will be digital, losing photo quality. If you don’t usually take zoomed-in photos, the iPhone 13 is a great choice. Professional photography at your fingertips!

iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini also feature wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle cameras. However, there is no cinema mode. But it does have night mode , and you can take pictures in almost any situation. It is the most balanced iPhone. If you like taking photos, even if it’s not every day, and you’re looking for high quality, the iPhone 12 is the model for you.

The best camera depends on how you use your iPhone

If you love photography and want to have it all because the iPhone is your primary camera, the iPhone 13 Pro is the best choice.
On the other hand, if you like to take pictures and want the best results but don’t mind giving up, for example, a third camera, the iPhone 13 or iPhone 12 would be a great choice.
If you want an iPhone but you’re planning to use it mainly for things other than taking photos, you could get an iPhone 11 as well.
Did you know that iSTYLE is the official Apple premium reseller that has stores all over the UAE ? The best thing to do is come and visit us and try out the iPhone cameras for yourself. That will help you make your final decision!