Finding the best camera phone for you in 2023

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Whether you want to capture professional-grade images for work or simply grab some memories for your Instagram feed, having a good-quality camera can make all the difference. And now, with developments in smartphone technology, you no longer need to buy a professional camera to get exceptional photos.

With a good camera phone, you can take high-quality shots of your adventures without worrying about blurry pictures or running out of storage. So, what should you look for in a phone camera? From resolution to cost, there are several factors to consider when searching for the best phone camera. Here, Optimum will share our top camera phone recommendations, and some key considerations to help you find the phone that’s right for you.

RAM—or Random Access Memory-is used to store the apps and data you're currently using or have opened since turning on your phone. The more RAM your phone has, the more temporary data your phone can store, and the smoother your phone's performance will be. Phones with higher RAM will be able to provide a seamless camera experience while also running multiple apps in the background.

Phone storage is separate from RAM and is used to hold the data, like files and apps, necessary for your phone to function. Your phone's internal storage also contains your photos and video content, so having more storage allows you to take and save more images. This storage is typically measured in gigabytes.

Resolution is the measure of how many pixels a phone screen can display. Simply put, the higher the resolution, the sharper the image will be. Display resolution is written as width x height, like 1440 x 3088. High resolution is important for camera phones because you can view and edit your photos or videos more accurately.

Megapixels are the measurement of the image resolution. The more megapixels a camera has, the more detail it can pick up. The number of megapixels is a common way to compare the quality of camera phones. However, it's important to know that this number doesn't always mean better picture quality. Rather, multiple factors should be considered when searching for a new camera phone.

The best display size comes down to personal preference. A larger display screen may provide a better user experience when taking pictures, as you'll have a larger view of the image you're capturing and can more easily zoom in or out. A wider screen will also make viewing photos or videos easier. With that said, it's important to remember that your smartphone has other functions besides its camera. Phones with smaller displays may be more comfortable to hold or transport, which may be a consideration for you.

Most modern camera smartphones come with multiple rear cameras, including ultra-wide or macro lenses. The additional lenses allow for more photo perspectives, such as a zoomed-out view. Focal length and aperture affect the quality of the rear camera. A larger aperture and shorter focal length allows for wider-angle shots and better photos in the dark.

On the flip side, a front camera is handy if you use your phone for video calls or take a lot of selfies. The front camera quality is usually measured in megapixels.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the core component-like the brain-of your smartphone. It is the most important processor in your smartphone as it executes instructions, like inputs and outputs, to ensure your device runs smoothly. Smartphones with a stronger CPU allow faster processing of your photos and videos, resulting in a better camera user experience.

• Prices are important to compare when picking out a camera phone. They generally vary depending on how much storage the phone has and how recent the model is
• The sensor is the camera component responsible for detecting light waves and converting them into images. A larger sensor can capture more light, which results in better photo quality in darker environments.
• Dimensions and weight are important to consider when purchasing a new camera phone, as they affect how portable your device is.
• Battery life can vary in different models. If you’re looking to go on an extended trip to catch some sunset snaps, then you may want to consider some longer battery life models.

Now you know the factors to look for in a phone, you may be wondering what phone has the best camera? Here, Optimum has collected a list of some of the greatest camera phones in 2023. Read on to narrow down your options and find the right device for you.

Price: ~$729.00

RAM: 6GB

Storage: 128GB, 512GB

Resolution: 2532 x 1170 pixels @ 460 ppi

Display: 6.1-inch

Rear cameras: Pro camera system features a 48MP camera system with Main, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto capabilities.

Front camera: 12MP

Special features: Autofocus on TruDepth front camera; Photonic Engine for enhanced color and detail.

CPU: A15 Bionic

Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8mm

Weight: 240g

Battery life: 4323mAh

Price: ~$399.99

RAM: 6GB

Storage: 256GB

Resolution: 1600 x 720 pixels

Display: 6.5-inch

Rear cameras: Triple rear camera system with 50MP lenses and 2MP Macro and 2MP depth sensor.

Front camera: 12MP

Special features: Quad Pixel technology and Dual Capture for taking simultaneous photo and video with front and rear cameras.

CPU: Mediatek Dimensity 700

Dimensions: 165.3 x 75.7 x 9.4mm

Weight: 203.8g

Battery life: 5000mAh

Price: ~$449.99

RAM: 6GB

Storage: 128GB

Resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels

Display: 6.4-inch

Rear cameras: 50 MP Wide-Angle, 12MP Ultra Wide-Angle, 5MP Macro

Front camera: 32 MP wide lens

Special features: Professional-grade HDR camera system for peak photographic performance.

CPU: Octa-core

Dimensions: 158.2 x 76.4 x 8.1 mm mm

Weight: 201.8g

Battery life: 5000mAh

Price: ~$729.00

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB

Resolution: 2532 x 1170 pixels

Display: 6.1-inch

Rear cameras: 12MP Wide-Angle, 12MP Ultra Wide-Angle

Front camera: 12MP Wide-Angle

Special features: 4K video recording and Cinematic Mode for recording videos with shallow depth of field.

CPU: Apple A15 Bionic

Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7mm

Weight: 174g

Battery life: 3240mAh

With your new camera phone knowledge in mind, check out Optimum Mobile’s available phones to find the right one for you. Then, you can pair it with one of our mobile plans to stay connected.

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