To help with that, Consumer Reports tests the camera quality of every smartphone that comes through our labs, dutifully snapping photos and recording video in a studio environment under controlled lighting conditions, and then evaluating the results on a high-quality LCD display. Our expert testers review not only the rear cameras but also the front-facing (selfie) camera. To come out on top, each must take photos and videos with very good color quality, color accuracy, sharpness, and exposure level, as well as low image noise.
If you’d like a little guidance as you shop, the lists below spotlight the smartphones that have aced our tests for the best camera systems, the best rear image quality, and the best rear video quality.
