Top DSLR Quality Phone Cameras: An Ultimate Guide To What’s Available & What’s Ahead

In the world of professional photography, top DSLR quality phone cameras for 2023 are making a remarkable impact. These stunning camera phones blend the convenience of mobile devices with the power and precision typically associated with high-end DSLRs.

From capturing detailed shots to producing cinema-quality video recordings, these advanced camera phones have transformed mobile photography. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy S23, iPhone 14 Pro and, Ultra and Google Pixel 7 Pro boast powerful camera systems that rival traditional cameras.  Will it be long before phone cameras rival DSLR cameras?  Back in 2022, Sony CEO said he believes 2024 will be the year.  We think it will be longer than that, but each year they get closer and closer to rivaling the quality of a DSLR camera.

As we delve deeper into this post, you’ll discover how features such as telephoto lens capabilities, pro photography modes, and tensor G2-enabled technology in these top DSLR quality phone cameras for 2023 can elevate your photographic prowess to new heights.

Maximize Your Photography with Top DSLR Quality Phone Cameras for 2023

TechRadar’s latest review spills the beans on these advanced gadgets. They offer an impressive array of options that will make any photographer drool. From high-resolution sensors to fancy autofocus systems, these phone cameras have it all.  For a more technical review and more discussion around sensor size which is critical in capturing photos that you need to print large this review from XDA is a must read resource.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

In many reviews online, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is heralded as “the” smartphone for photography. It has a powerful triple-lens rear camera system with a 200MP primary sensor and a 10MP front-facing camera. The S23 Ultra can take stunning photos in any lighting condition and has many advanced features like Nightography and Portrait mode.

Features of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphone

• 6.8-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
• Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
• 12GB of RAM
• 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage
• 200MP main camera
• 12MP ultrawide camera
• 10MP telephoto camera with 10x optical zoom
• 10MP front-facing camera
• 5000mAh battery
• S Pen support
• Android 13 operating system

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a high-end smartphone that offers an outstanding balance of features and performance. It has a powerful processor, a large and vibrant display, and a versatile camera system. The S Pen is also an excellent addition for users who want to take notes, draw, or sign documents on their phones.

Pros and Cons of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:

Pros:

• S Pen support: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the first S series smartphone to feature built-in S Pen support. This makes it an excellent choice for people who want a powerful smartphone with the convenience of a stylus.
• Powerful camera: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a powerful camera system capable of taking stunning photos and videos. The camera system includes a 200MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, a 10MP telephoto sensor, and a 10MP periscope telephoto sensor.
• Large display: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a large 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes it an excellent choice for people wanting a smartphone with a large, immersive display.
• Long-lasting battery: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a large 5000mAh battery that provides long-lasting battery life.
• Fast charging: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra supports fast charging, so you can quickly charge your phone when needed.

Cons:

• Expensive: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is one of the most expensive smartphones on the market. It starts at $1,188 for the 128GB model and can go up to $1,588 for the 1TB model.
• Large size: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a large smartphone. It measures 6.8 inches diagonally, and it weighs 8.08 ounces. This can make it challenging to use for some people, especially if they have small hands.
• No expandable storage: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra does not have expandable storage. This means you’re limited to the amount of storage that comes with the phone. You’ll need to buy a microSD card if you need more storage.
• No headphone jack: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra does not have a headphone jack. This means that you’ll need to use Bluetooth headphones or a wired adapter to listen to music or watch videos with headphones.
• No charger in the box: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra does not have a charger. This is becoming more common with smartphones but is still worth noting. You’ll need to buy a charger separately if you still need one.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is an excellent choice for a high-end smartphone with a great camera system and a long-lasting battery. However, it is essential to note that it is an expensive phone, and it does not have expandable storage or a headphone jack.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Reviews

“The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the best Android phone you can buy right now. It has a powerful processor, a large and vibrant display, and a versatile camera system. The S Pen is also an excellent addition for users who want to take notes, draw, or sign documents on their phones.” – Android Authority

“The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a great phone, but it has its challenges. The price is high, the battery life could be better, and the design is too familiar. However, if you’re looking for the best Android phone on the market, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the one to get.”  – CNET

“The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a big, powerful phone with a great camera and a long-lasting battery. It’s also expensive but worth the price if you’re looking for the best of the best.” – The Verge

Overall, the reviews of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are very positive. Reviewers have praised the phone for its powerful performance, large and vibrant display, versatile camera system, and long-lasting battery. However, some reviewers have criticized the phone for its high price and familiar design.

iPhone 14 Pro

The iPhone 14 Pro is another excellent option for photographers. It has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 48MP primary sensor and a 12MP front-facing camera. The iPhone 14 Pro takes fantastic photos in most lighting conditions and has advanced features like Cinematic mode and ProRAW.

The A16 Bionic chip is the fastest chip ever used in a smartphone. It offers significant performance improvements over the A15 Bionic chip, making the iPhone 14 Pro quicker and more responsive. The new triple-lens rear camera system is the best camera ever used in an iPhone. It offers better low-light performance, improved zoom capabilities, and more creative control. The larger, brighter display is perfect for watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web. The longer-lasting battery means you can use your iPhone 14 Pro for extended periods without worrying about running out of power. The more premium design makes the iPhone 14 Pro look and feel more luxurious.

Overall, the iPhone 14 Pro is a significant upgrade over the iPhone 13 Pro. It offers several benefits, making it an excellent choice for a high-end smartphone.

Pros and Cons of the iPhone 14 Pro

Pros:

• Powerful A16 Bionic chip: The A16 Bionic chip is the fastest chip ever used in a smartphone. It offers significant performance improvements over the A15 Bionic chip, making the iPhone 14 Pro quicker and more responsive.
• New triple-lens rear camera system with a 48MP primary sensor: The new triple-lens rear camera system is the best camera ever used in an iPhone. It offers better low-light performance, improved zoom capabilities, and more creative control. The 48MP primary sensor allows more detail to be captured in photos and videos.
• Larger and brighter display: The more prominent and brilliant display is perfect for watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web. The display has a 6.1-inch OLED panel with a 2532 x 1170 pixels resolution. It also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes everything on the display feel smooth and fluid.
• Longer-lasting battery: The longer-lasting battery means you can use your iPhone 14 Pro for extended periods without worrying about running out of power. The iPhone 14 Pro has a 3095mAh battery, which is about 10% larger than the battery in the iPhone 13 Pro.
• More premium design: The more premium design makes the iPhone 14 Pro look and feels more luxurious. The iPhone 14 Pro is made of stainless steel and glass and has a flat-edge design. It is also water-resistant, up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
• 5G support: The iPhone 14 Pro supports the latest 5G networks, which means you can enjoy faster data speeds on the go.
• Up to 120Hz ProMotion display: The iPhone 14 Pro has a ProMotion display that can refresh up to 120 times per second. This makes everything on the display feel smooth and fluid, especially when scrolling or playing games.
• Cinematic mode for video recording: Cinematic mode is a new feature that automatically adjusts your video’s focus as people or objects move in and out of the frame. This is great for creating professional-looking videos.
• Improved battery life: The iPhone 14 Pro has improved battery life over the iPhone 13 Pro. This means you can use your phone for extended periods without worrying about running out of power.
• New LiDAR scanner for augmented reality: The iPhone 14 Pro has a new LiDAR scanner that can be used for augmented reality applications. This is great for gaming, education, and other applications.

Cons:

• Expensive: The iPhone 14 Pro is a costly phone. It starts at $999, more than the iPhone 13 Pro.
• No headphone jack: The iPhone 14 Pro does not have a headphone jack. This means you will need to use wireless headphones or an adapter if you want to use wired headphones.
• No expandable storage: The iPhone 14 Pro does not have expandable storage. This means you must choose a suitable storage capacity when purchasing the phone.
• No fingerprint sensor: The iPhone 14 Pro has no fingerprint sensor. This means you will need to use Face ID to unlock your phone.
• Notched display: The iPhone 14 Pro has a notch that houses the front-facing camera and Face ID sensors. This notch is controversial.

Overall, the iPhone 14 Pro is an excellent phone with, but not without flaws. The price is high, and some missing features, such as a headphone jack and expandable storage. However, if you are looking for a powerful phone with a great camera and a long-lasting battery, the iPhone 14 Pro is a great option

iPhone 14 Pro Reviews 

“The iPhone 14 Pro is the best iPhone yet, with a powerful A16 Bionic chip, a new triple-lens rear camera system, and a more prominent and brighter display. It’s also the most expensive iPhone yet, starting at $999.” – CNET

“The iPhone 14 Pro is a significant upgrade over the iPhone 13 Pro, with a faster processor, a better camera, and a more durable design. However, it’s also more expensive, starting at $999.” – The Verge

“The iPhone 14 Pro is the best iPhone for most people, with outstanding performance, features, and price balance. If you’re looking for the best of the best, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the way to go.” – Engadget

Overall, the reviews of the iPhone 14 Pro are very positive. Reviewers have praised the phone for its powerful performance, great camera, and long-lasting battery. However, some reviewers have criticized the phone for its high price.

Google Pixel 7 Pro

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is an excellent choice for photographers who want a phone with a simple, clean interface and superior image processing. It has a dual-lens rear camera system with a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 12MP front-facing camera. The Pixel 7 Pro takes excellent photos in most lighting conditions and has many unique features like Magic Eraser and Face Unblur.

Features of the Google Pixel 7 Pro

Overall, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is a powerful, feature-packed smartphone that will impress users. It has a great camera system, a long-lasting battery, and a sleek and stylish design. If you are looking for a high-end smartphone that offers the best of the best, the Pixel 7 Pro is a great option.

Google Pixel 7 Pro Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Powerful Google Tensor G2 chip: The Google Tensor G2 chip is the second generation of Google’s custom-designed smartphone chip. It offers significant performance improvements over the original Tensor chip, making the Pixel 7 Pro faster and more responsive.
• Triple-lens rear camera system: The Pixel 7 Pro has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 48MP telephoto sensor. The camera system offers improved low-light performance, better zoom capabilities, and more creative control.
• 6.7-inch OLED display: The Pixel 7 Pro has a 6.7-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels. The display also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes everything on the display feel smooth and fluid.
• Long-lasting battery: The Pixel 7 Pro is said to have a long-lasting battery that can easily last a full day on a single charge.
• Sleek and stylish design: The Pixel 7 Pro has a sleek and elegant design made from premium materials. It is also water-resistant and dust-proof.
• Exclusive features for Pixel users: Pixel users get exclusive features such as Magic Eraser and Real Tone. Magic Eraser is a feature that can automatically remove unwanted objects from photos, while Real Tone is a feature that ensures that skin tones are accurately represented in images.

Cons:

• Expensive: The Google Pixel 7 Pro is a costly phone. It starts at $899, more than the Pixel 6 Pro.
• No expandable storage: The Pixel 7 Pro does not have expandable storage. This means you must choose a suitable storage capacity when purchasing the phone.
• No headphone jack: The Pixel 7 Pro does not have a headphone jack. This means you will need to use wireless headphones or an adapter if you want to use wired headphones.
• No wireless charging: The Pixel 7 Pro does not have wireless charging. This means you will need to plug the phone in to charge it.
• No in-display fingerprint sensor: The Pixel 7 Pro does not have an in-display fingerprint sensor. This means you must use a PIN or pattern to unlock the phone.
• No significant design changes from Pixel 6 Pro: The Pixel 7 Pro has a similar design to the Pixel 6 Pro. The only significant design change is that the camera bar is now metal.

Overall, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is an excellent phone with some imperfections. The price is high, and some missing features, such as expandable storage, wireless charging, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. However, if you want a powerful phone with a great camera and a long-lasting battery, the Pixel 7 Pro is a great option.

Google Pixel 7 Pro Reviews

“The Google Pixel 7 Pro is the best Pixel phone yet, with a robust Google Tensor G2 chip, a new triple-lens rear camera system, and a more prominent and brighter display. It’s also the most expensive Pixel phone yet, starting at $899.” – CNET

“The Google Pixel 7 Pro is a significant upgrade over the Pixel 6 Pro, with a faster processor, a better camera, and a more durable design. However, it’s also more expensive, startingat $899.” The Verge

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is the best Pixel phone for most people, with an outstanding balance of performance, features, and price. If you’re looking for the best of the best, the Pixel 7 Pro is the way to go.” – Engadget

Overall, the reviews of the Google Pixel 7 Pro are very positive. Reviewers have praised the phone for its powerful performance, great camera, and long-lasting battery. However, some reviewers have criticized the phone for its high price.

Closing The Gap Between DSLR & Phone Cameras 

Some of the features that could previously only be found in high end DSLR cameras are now found in the top phone cameras.  While there’s a way to go it’s exciting to think about just how sophisticated these phone cameras will become in 2024 and beyond.  

RAW Format Support

A must-have feature for any serious photographer is RAW format support. Luckily, most high-end smartphones offer this functionality nowadays, allowing photographers full control over post-processing decisions such as exposure adjustment or white balance correction. Learn more about shooting in RAW here.

The Power Of Larger High-Resolution Sensors

One of the key features of top DSLR quality phone cameras is their high-resolution sensors. They let you capture incredibly detailed images that stay sharp even when you zoom in or crop them, particularly in low-light conditions. It’s like having a microscope in your pocket.  Larger sensors gather more light, resulting in detailed images with less noise – even in low-light situations. Take Apple’s iPhone 13 & 14 Pro Max, for example. It’s got a sensor-shift optical image stabilization system that keeps things extra sharp.  The sensor size is absolutely critical and often times a much more important than megapixels which is what most people focus on.  

The hottest smartphone camera sensor right now is Sony’s IMX989, a 1-inch type sensor with a physical sensor size that’s equivalent to Sony’s entry-level point-and-shoot cameras like the RX100. But Sony didn’t develop this sensor on its own — Xiaomi contributed $15 million. This lens made its debut in some China-only devices in 2022, but now in 2023, the Xiaomi 13 Pro brings this sensor to an international audience, including those in the U.K. and Western Europe.

Sophisticated Autofocus Systems For Crisp Images

No more blurry shots. These devices come with advanced autofocus systems that make sure your pictures are always on point. Whether you’re capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting in tricky lighting conditions, these cameras have got your back.

Better Zoom Capabilities

 Smartphone cameras are getting better zoom capabilities, thanks to the use of periscope lenses and other optical zoom technologies. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, for example, has a 100x periscope zoom lens, which allows it to zoom in on distant objects without losing too much detail.  

Diverse Lens Setups For Versatile Shooting Options

These cutting-edge devices offer multiple lens configurations that give you the freedom to shoot from different perspectives. No need for extra equipment. Whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes or intimate portraits, you’ll have all the tools you need right at your fingertips.  Here are a few:

• Dual Aperture: Some models have dual aperture tech that adjusts automatically based on lighting – just like our eyes.  It should be noted that Samsung experimented with this but has since moved back to fixed aperture… for now.  They may be working to bring it back at some point.
• Night Mode: Snap clear and bright pics even in dimly lit places.
• Motion Autofocus: Perfect for capturing moving subjects and keeping them sharp, no matter how fast they’re going.

AI-Powered Scene Recognition For Optimized Settings

If you’d rather not bother with manual adjustments, AI-powered scene recognition is here to help. Many modern smartphone cameras come with AI-powered scene recognition technology. This smart feature identifies elements in your frame, like faces or specific types of scenery, and adjusts the exposure, balance, and color saturation accordingly. It’s like having your own personal photography assistant.

Computational Photography

Smartphone cameras are also using computational photography techniques to improve image quality. These techniques use software to enhance images in a variety of ways, such as reducing noise, improving dynamic range, and sharpening details.

The Power of Portability

One major advantage these phones hold over traditional DSLRs is their portability. You can easily carry them around in your pocket or purse, ready to capture any moment that inspires you without lugging around heavy equipment.

A Look into Future Tech

New technologies and continued improvements in computational photography and AI enhancements promise to further blur the line between smartphone cameras and full-fledged DSLRs in coming years. These advancements will enable users to craft awe-inspiring visuals with features such as depth of field and low light performance that were once only achievable on professional grade cameras. 

Get Creative with Advanced Editing Tools

To excel in professional photography, having a high-quality camera is essential but mastering advanced editing tools to create unique works of art is just as important. The other half lies in mastering advanced editing tools that can transform your photos into unique works of art. Top DSLR quality phone cameras for 2023 are equipped with an array of such tools to help you get creative and push boundaries.

The latest smartphones come packed with powerful processors and ample storage space, enabling them to handle complex photo editing tasks smoothly. Mobile phones nowadays can be used to edit pictures directly without having to transfer them to a computer first.

Adobe Photoshop, one of the most popular photo-editing software worldwide, offers a mobile version called Photoshop Express that’s compatible with both iOS and Android platforms. This app provides an extensive range of features including crop, straighten, rotate and flip photos; remove red eye and pet eye; adjust color temperature and vibrance; apply filters; add text or borders; create collages – all at your fingertips.

The in phone editing tools and apps are getting better, but most serious photographers using a phone camera will definitely want to use more professional/robust tools for their editing.  This is a topic for another article!

Advanced Features for Professional Results

• Lens Blur: Mimic depth-of-field effects like a pro DSLR camera.
• Selective Adjustments: Enhance specific areas in your image while leaving others untouched.
• Noise Reduction: Eliminate graininess or speckles from low-light photos for clearer results.
• Perspective Correction: Fix skewed lines or distorted perspectives caused by wide-angle lenses.

Dedicated Apps for Specific Effects

If you’re looking for more specialized effects like double exposure or vintage film looks, there are dedicated apps available as well. Check out Enlight Photofox or Snapseed for focused functionalities beyond basic adjustments provided by generic photo editors.

Whether it’s tweaking colors subtly or making dramatic changes through filters and overlays, top DSLR quality phone cameras provide endless possibilities for photographers who want control over every aspect of their final image.

Remember though – no matter how sophisticated these tools may be, they cannot replace good composition skills. So keep practicing. Happy shooting.

FAQs in Relation to Top DSLR Quality Phone Cameras for 2023

Which phone company has the best camera quality?

In 2023, three phones consistently rank as the best with each exhibiting various strengths over the other – Samsung Ultra S23, Apple iPhone 14 Pro & Google Pixel 7 Pro.  We’ll be seeing new versions of both the iPhone and Google Pixel in the next few months!

Are phone cameras as good as DSLRs?

No, while smartphone cameras have improved significantly, they still can’t match the image quality, depth-of-field control, and optical zoom capabilities of a DSLR.

Can a smartphone camera compete with a DSLR?

A high-end smartphone like Apple’s iPhone or Samsung’s Galaxy series can come close but cannot fully replace a professional-grade DSLR yet due to limitations in lens technology and sensor size.

Get Those Photos Off Your Phone & On To The Wall

We all have amazing memories and funny moments captured on our phones and sadly most will remain there for years.  We also hear the horror stories of customers not backing up their photos to the cloud or external storage and losing years of memories in an instant.  It’s truly heartbreaking.  We could dedicate an entire article to proper backup and preservation of your memories but suffice it to say that it’s of utmost importance to protect your photos.  It doesn’t take long.

A great way to bring those memories to life is to print them big and display them in your home or office.  Here at Bumblejax, we create ready to hang gallery quality wall art from your phone photos using a variety of unique materials such as acrylic, metal, birch and bamboo.  We even offer photo enhancement services that can allow you to print much larger than typically possible,  removing unnecessary noise and getting the color and lighting just right.  

If you have some photos on your phone you’d love to get printed and on the wall and not sure where to get started you’re welcome to give us a shout anytime.  We also have a detailed buyers guide to introduce you to our products and steer you in a direction that works best for you.  Our most popular product and what we’re known for is the acrylic print.  There is no other photo presentation method available that will bring more life to your photos!  

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the top DSLR quality phone cameras for 2023 and beyond offer professional photographers the opportunity to maximize their photography skills when portability is required. While there is still a significant gap between phone cameras and DSLR cameras, these phones come equipped with a plethora of advanced features and editing capabilities, enabling users to take professional-level shots effortlessly. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, investing in one of these top DSLR quality phone cameras will undoubtedly enhance your photography experience and produce stunning results.  Perhaps even more exciting is the fact that these new phone cameras allow you to print larger and with more clarity than ever before.  We’ve printed photos as large as 60-70” wide depending on the model and brand of phone and larger than 8 feet wide if using the iPhone panorama feature which stitches many images together.  We’d love to do one for you too!