What is the best smartphone for photos in 2026? The answer is not straightforward — each manufacturer focuses on different strengths.
In this ranking of photo phones, we compare six flagships sorted by camera quality (DxOMark) — from the record-breaking sensor of the vivo X300 Ultra with ZEISS optics, through the dual 200 MP camera of the Oppo Find X9 Ultra with Hasselblad, to the 8x zoom of the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the 1-inch sensor of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra with Leica optics.
Ranking of the best photo phones 2026 — quick overview
Before we move on to a detailed analysis, here is a summary of our top six at a glance:
| Position | Model | DxOMark | Main sensor | Optical zoom | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | vivo X300 Ultra | 170 pts | 200 MP, Sony LYTIA-901 (1/1.12″) | 3.5x (17x with ZEISS extender) | 8,499 PLN |
| 2. | Oppo Find X9 Ultra | expected* | 200 MP, Hasselblad (1/1.12″) | 10x (periscope 230 mm) | 7,399 PLN |
| 3. | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | 168 pts | 48 MP, sensor 1/1.28″ | 8x (tetraprism, 200 mm) | 6,299 PLN |
| 4. | Xiaomi 17 Ultra | 166 pts | 50 MP, Light Fusion 1050L (1″) | 4.3x (mechanical zoom Leica) | 6,499 PLN |
| 5. | Google Pixel 10 Pro | 163 pts | 50 MP, Samsung GNK (1/1.31″) | 5x (100x Pro Res Zoom) | ~3,450 PLN |
| 6. | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | 157 pts | 200 MP, ISOCELL HP2 (1/1.3″) | 2x/3x/5x/10x | 6,499 PLN |
*Oppo Find X9 Ultra — DxOMark score not yet published; sibling Find X9 Pro scored 166 pts (world TOP 6).
1. vivo X300 Ultra — record sensor 1/1.12″ and ZEISS optics
vivo X300 Ultra is the best camera phone of 2026 according to DxOMark (170 pts) — the highest score in the entire ranking. Equipped with a record sensor Sony LYTIA-901 sized 1/1.12″ and full ZEISS T* APO optical certification, it approaches the capabilities of mirrorless cameras more than any competitor.
Camera System
| Lens | Resolution | Sensor | Focal Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 200 MP | Sony LYTIA-901 (1/1.12″) | 35 mm |
| Ultrawide | 50 MP | Sony LYTIA-818 (1/1.28″) | 14 mm |
| Periscope Telephoto | 200 MP | Samsung ISOCELL HP01 (1/1.4″) | 3.5x |
| Multispectral | 5 MP | — | — |
| Front | 50 MP (AF) | — | — |
Why Number 1?
vivo X300 Ultra leads the DxOMark ranking with a score of 170 pts (Photo 174, Video 162) — higher than the iPhone 17 Pro Max (168 pts). A key element is the accessory ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra — an attachable lens that increases zoom from 3.5x to 17x optical (equivalent to 400 mm). It is the only smartphone on the market capable of achieving such zoom fully optically. With the extender, you maintain the full resolution of 200 MP.
Główny sensor 1/1.12″ zbiera jeszcze więcej światła niż 1-calowy sensor Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Ultraszeroki 50 MP z sensorem 1/1.28″ jest większy niż główne sensory wielu flagowców — to unikalna cecha vivo.
Wideo i funkcje specjalne
Nagrywanie 4K przy 120 kl/s Dolby Vision HDR na wszystkich obiektywach tylnych z trybem 10-bit Log. vivo oferuje też ekosystem akcesoriów SmallRig (klatka wideo). Warto wiedzieć, że to właśnie wideo (162 pkt) — zwłaszcza w słabym świetle — jest jedynym obszarem, w którym X300 Ultra nieznacznie ustępuje siostrzanemu X300 Pro.
Porada: vivo X300 Ultra jest już dostępne w Polsce (od 8 499 zł). Zabezpiecz rekordowy moduł aparatu — sprawdź etui i akcesoria do vivo X300 Ultra w Home Screen.
Mocne i słabe strony
Mocne strony: Najwyższy wynik DxOMark (170 pkt), największe sensory (1/1.12″ i 1/1.28″), 17x zoom optyczny z extenderem ZEISS, podwójne aparaty 200 MP, 4K 120 fps Dolby Vision.
Weaknesses: The most expensive option in the ranking (8,499 PLN), the ZEISS extender is an additional purchase, video in low light is worse than photo (162 points), the 35 mm focal length may be too wide for portraits.
2. Oppo Find X9 Ultra — dual camera 200 MP and 10x Hasselblad zoom
The Oppo Find X9 Ultra is a direct rival to vivo for the crown of the best camera of 2026. It combines record-breaking main sensor 1/1.12″ (the same size as in vivo) with something that no other competitor in this comparison has — dual telephoto lens, including a true 10x optical periscope. The whole is complemented by Hasselblad color calibration.
Camera System
| Lens | Resolution | Sensor | Aperture | Focal Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main (Hasselblad) | 200 MP | 1/1.12″ | f/1.5 | 23 mm |
| Ultrawide | 50 MP | 1/1.95″ | f/2.0 | 14 mm |
| 3x Telephoto (periscope) | 200 MP | 1/1.28″ | f/2.2 | 70 mm |
| 10x Telephoto (periscope) | 50 MP | 1/2.75″ | f/3.5 | 230 mm |
| Front | 50 MP (AF) | 1/2.75″ | f/2.4 | 21 mm |
What distinguishes the Oppo Find X9 Ultra?
The strongest point is the dual telephoto lens setup — 200 MP periscope 3x (70 mm) for portraits and 50 MP periscope 10x (230 mm) for distant shots, with a range of up to 120x hybrid zoom. It is the only phone in the ranking with two periscopes and true 10x optical zoom without additional accessories. The main sensor 1/1.12″ with Hasselblad optics and a bright f/1.5 aperture gathers as much light as the record-holder vivo.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a 7050 mAh battery (100 W wired, 50 W wireless), the Find X9 Ultra is also a performance marathon. The Hasselblad Portrait mode and LUMO True Face algorithm ensure natural skin tones and bokeh.
Video and special features
Recording 8K at 30 fps and 4K at 120 fps in Dolby Vision, with 10-bit O-Log2 format and cinematic LUT support on multiple lenses. It’s a full-fledged tool for both photo and video.
Tip: Oppo Find X9 Ultra debuted in Poland at a price of 7,399 PLN (12/512 GB). The Hasselblad module is worth protecting — check out cases and glasses for Oppo Find X9 Ultra at Home Screen.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: Dual telephoto lens with true 10x optical zoom (230 mm), main sensor 1/1.12″ 200 MP, Hasselblad calibration, 8K recording, 7050 mAh battery, price lower than vivo (7,399 PLN).
Weaknesses: Official DxOMark score not yet published, ultra-wide sensor smaller than in vivo, lack of extender to increase zoom beyond 10x.
3. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max — 8x tetraprism zoom and video master
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (168 points DxOMark) is the best phone for video recording in 2026 and the most powerful iPhone in history in terms of camera. A huge leap in telephoto — from 5x to 8x optical zoom with a new tetraprism and 48 MP sensor — places it among the top photographic smartphones.
System aparatów
| Obiektyw | Rozdzielczość | Sensor | Przysłona | Ogniskowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Główny | 48 MP Fusion | 1/1.28″ | f/1.5 | 24 mm |
| Ultraszeroki | 48 MP | — | f/2.2 | 13 mm |
| Teleobiektyw 8x (tetrapryzmat) | 48 MP | 56% większy sensor | f/2.8 | 200 mm |
| Przedni (Centre Stage) | 18 MP | kwadratowy sensor | f/2.2 | — |
Co wyróżnia iPhone’a?
iPhone 17 Pro Max wprowadza przełomowy teleobiektyw — 48 MP sensor z 8-krotnym zoomem optycznym (200 mm) na tetrapryzmie nowej generacji. To najdłuższa ogniskowa w historii iPhone’a. Dzięki crop z sensora 48 MP, jakość optyczna utrzymuje się nawet przy 16-krotnym zakresie zoomu. To ogromny postęp względem 12 MP teleobiektywu w poprzedniku.
Wideo pozostaje wizytówką Apple — 4K Dolby Vision, ProRes Log, Cinematic Mode i Spatial Video dla Apple Vision Pro. Nowa kamera przednia 18 MP z kwadratowym sensorem Centre Stage pozwala obracać orientację zdjęcia bez obracania telefonu. Fizyczny przycisk Camera Control zamienia iPhone’a w intuicyjny aparat.
Porada: Sprawdź etui i szkła hartowane do iPhone 17 Pro Max w Home Screen — zabezpieczysz aparat i wyświetlacz jednocześnie.
Mocne i słabe strony
Mocne strony: Wysoki wynik DxOMark (168 pkt), 8x zoom optyczny 48 MP (200 mm), najlepsze wideo (4K ProRes Log), Camera Control, Spatial Video.
Słabe strony: Brak 8K wideo, wysoka cena od 6 299 zł, mniejszy główny sensor niż vivo, Oppo i Xiaomi.
4. Xiaomi 17 Ultra — 1-calowy sensor i mechaniczny zoom Leica
Xiaomi 17 Ultra to smartfon stworzony z myślą o fotografii — 1-calowy sensor główny Light Fusion 1050L i mechaniczny zoom optyczny z certyfikacją Leica APO sprawiają, że granica między smartfonem a aparatem bezlusterkowym zaciera się bardziej niż kiedykolwiek.
System aparatów
| Obiektyw | Rozdzielczość | Sensor | Przysłona | Ogniskowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Główny | 50 MP | Light Fusion 1050L (1″) | f/1.67 | 23 mm |
| Ultraszeroki | 50 MP | — | f/2.2 | 14 mm |
| Teleobiektyw (mechaniczny zoom) | 200 MP | 1/1.4″ | — | 75–100 mm (4,3x) |
| Przedni | 32 MP | — | f/2.0 | — |
Co wyróżnia Xiaomi 17 Ultra?
Xiaomi 17 Ultra ma 1-calowy sensor w aparacie głównym — to jeden z największych sensorów wśród smartfonów w 2026 roku; większe 1/1.12″ mają tylko vivo X300 Ultra i Oppo Find X9 Ultra. Sensor Light Fusion 1050L z technologią LOFIC HDR oferuje pełną pojemność studni (full well capacity) 6,3 razy większą niż w poprzedniku Xiaomi 15 Ultra. W praktyce oznacza to fenomenalny zakres dynamiczny — detale zarówno w jasnych, jak i ciemnych partiach zdjęcia.
Teleobiektyw 200 MP z sensorem 1/1.4″ to rewolucja — mechaniczny system optycznego zoomu z trzema grupami soczewek zmienia ogniskową od 75 do 100 mm. Leica APO eliminuje aberracje chromatyczne, a zoom optycznej jakości sięga ekwiwalentu 400 mm. Specjalna edycja Leica Leitzphone dodaje fizyczny pierścień zoomu na obudowie.
Wideo i funkcje specjalne
Nagrywanie 8K przy 24 kl/s, 4K przy 120 kl/s Dolby Vision, tryb Movie z pełną kontrolą manualną i wsparciem 10-bit Log. Xiaomi 17 Ultra to poważne narzędzie dla twórców wideo.
Porada: Xiaomi 17 Ultra z modułem aparatu Leica wymaga solidnej ochrony — sprawdź etui do Xiaomi 17 Ultra w Home Screen.
Mocne i słabe strony
Mocne strony: 1-calowy sensor główny, mechaniczny zoom optyczny, 200 MP teleobiektyw, optyka Leica APO, 6 500 mAh bateria.
Słabe strony: Brak wersji z extenderem (jak vivo), 32 MP kamera selfie słabsza niż Pixel 10 Pro, cena od 6 499 zł.
5. Google Pixel 10 Pro — mistrz sztucznej inteligencji z 100x Pro Res Zoom
Google Pixel 10 Pro to najlepszy telefon do zdjęć 2026 dla osób, które chcą zrobić idealne zdjęcie bez zastanawiania się nad ustawieniami. Chip Tensor G5 z ulepszoną jednostką TPU napędza potężne funkcje AI, a nowy 100x Pro Res Zoom wreszcie stawia Pixela na równi z Samsungiem w kwestii zbliżeń. Wynik 163 pkt w DxOMark to mocne miejsce w światowej czołówce.
System aparatów
| Obiektyw | Rozdzielczość | Sensor | Przysłona | Ogniskowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Główny | 50 MP | Samsung GNK (1/1.31″) | f/1.68 | 24 mm |
| Ultraszeroki (AF) | 48 MP | 1/2.55″ | f/1.7 | 12 mm |
| Teleobiektyw 5x (peryskop) | 48 MP | 1/2.55″ | f/2.8 | 110 mm |
| Przedni | 42 MP | — | f/2.2 | 18 mm |
Co wyróżnia Pixela 10 Pro?
Google Pixel 10 Pro dziedziczy najlepsze cechy poprzednika i dodaje kluczowe ulepszenia:
- 100x Pro Res Zoom — AI-wspomagany zoom z jakością optyczną do 10x
- 50 MP portrety — nowa jakość zdjęć portretowych dzięki Tensor G5
- 8K wideo — upscaling chmurowy do 8K z 4K, nowa funkcja Pixela
- Magic Eraser — usuwanie niechcianych obiektów i osób ze zdjęć
- Magic Editor — generatywna AI do modyfikacji elementów zdjęcia
- Best Take — składanie najlepszych min z wielu ujęć
- Night Sight Video — nagrywanie wideo w słabym oświetleniu z AI
Ultraszeroki obiektyw z autofocusem (f/1.7!) to jeden z najjaśniejszych w branży. Przedni aparat 42 MP z najszerszym kątem widzenia (18 mm) robi najlepsze selfie w tym zestawieniu.
Porada: Pixel 10 Pro to najkorzystniej wyceniony flagowiec w tym zestawieniu — od ~3 450 zł. Sprawdź dostępne akcesoria do Google Pixel 10 Pro w Home Screen.
Mocne i słabe strony
Mocne strony: DxOMark 163 pkt, najlepsze funkcje AI, 50 MP portrety, naturalne odwzorowanie kolorów, najlepsza kamera selfie (42 MP), najniższa cena.
Słabe strony: 8K tylko przez upscaling chmurowy, Tensor G5 słabszy w ogólnej wydajności niż Snapdragon, mniejsze sensory niż Xiaomi, vivo i Oppo.
6. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — king of zoom and versatility
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (157 points DxOMark) is the best phone for photography in 2026 for those who value versatility. The quadruple camera system covers every photographic scenario — from ultra-wide landscapes to details of distant objects thanks to 100x Space Zoom.
Camera system
| Lens | Resolution | Sensor | Aperture | Focal Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 200 MP | Samsung ISOCELL HP2 (1/1.3″) | f/1.4 | 23 mm |
| Ultra-wide | 50 MP | Samsung ISOCELL JN3 (1/2.5″) | f/1.9 | 120° FoV |
| Telephoto 3x | 10 MP | Sony IMX754 (1/3.94″) | f/2.4 | 67 mm |
| Telephoto 5x (periscope) | 50 MP | Sony IMX854 (1/2.52″) | f/2.9 | 111 mm |
| Front | 12 MP | — | f/2.2 | 26 mm |
Why is it still in the TOP 6?
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra inherits the proven quadruple zoom system from the S25 Ultra, but introduces key optical improvements — aperture f/1.4 in the main lens (47% brighter than f/1.7 in its predecessor) and f/2.9 in the periscope (37% brighter than f/3.4). Four optical focal lengths (23, 67, 111 mm + ultra-wide) still represent the widest zoom range among smartphones — no competitor offers this.
Video on this smartphone is in a separate league — recording 8K at 30 fps on three lenses, Galaxy Log mode, and new 60 W charging. DxOMark points out issues with exposure and AF in low light, but in everyday use, the Galaxy S26 Ultra remains an incredibly versatile tool.
Advice: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a premium flagship — it’s worth securing it with a solid case for Galaxy S26 Ultra that will protect the titanium frame and glass back.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: The widest zoom range (4 focal lengths), brighter aperture f/1.4, 8K recording, 60 W charging, Galaxy Log mode.
Weaknesses: DxOMark 157 points (lowest in the ranking), 3x telephoto only 10 MP, unstable exposure according to DxOMark, high price starting from 6,499 PLN.
Best phone for photos 2026 — comparison in every scenario
The best flagship for photos is not just about specifications — it’s also about software, AI processing, and the accessory ecosystem. The following comparison of phones with the best camera considers key photographic scenarios.
| Scenario | Best Choice | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Highest DxOMark Score | vivo X300 Ultra | 170 points — leader of the entire ranking |
| Daytime Photos | vivo X300 Ultra | Largest sensor 1/1.12″, 200 MP |
| Night Photos | Xiaomi 17 Ultra | 1-inch sensor + LOFIC HDR, phenomenal dynamic range |
| Long Zoom (>5x) | Oppo Find X9 Ultra | True 10x optical zoom (230 mm) + 120x hybrid |
| Portrait | Xiaomi 17 Ultra | Mechanical Leica zoom 75-100 mm, natural bokeh |
| Selfie | Google Pixel 10 Pro | 42 MP, widest angle 18 mm |
| Professional Video | iPhone 17 Pro Max | 4K ProRes Log, Dolby Vision |
| Casual Video | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | 8K on three lenses |
| Motion Photos (Sports) | vivo X300 Ultra | 17x optical zoom with ZEISS extender |
| AI Photography | Google Pixel 10 Pro | Magic Eraser, Best Take, 100x Pro Res Zoom |
| Price to Quality Ratio | Google Pixel 10 Pro | From ~3,450 PLN for a flagship camera |
Best Phone for Photos 2026 — Which to Choose?
The choice of the best phone for photos in 2026 depends on your photography style and budget.
For maximum photo quality: vivo X300 Ultra — DxOMark leader (170 pts) with a record 1/1.12″ sensor and 17x optical zoom with ZEISS extender. The best choice if you take mobile photography really seriously.
For zoom and Hasselblad fans: Oppo Find X9 Ultra — dual telephoto lens with a true 10x optical zoom (230 mm) and 1/1.12″ sensor, priced lower than vivo (7,399 PLN).
For versatile photographers: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — covers every scenario from ultra-wide to 100x zoom. A brighter f/1.4 aperture is a clear improvement over its predecessor.
For photography enthusiasts: Xiaomi 17 Ultra — 1-inch sensor and mechanical Leica zoom offer image quality unavailable on any other smartphone at this price.
For filmmakers and video creators: iPhone 17 Pro Max — ProRes Log, 8x zoom 48 MP, and Spatial Video are professional tools in a smartphone.
For those who value simplicity and value: Google Pixel 10 Pro — Google’s artificial intelligence with 100x Pro Res Zoom will do most of the work for you, and the price starting at ~3,450 PLN is unbeatable.
Our verdict: vivo X300 Ultra is the best phone for photos in 2026 according to DxOMark (170 pts) — the record 1/1.12″ sensor and ZEISS optics give it the crown. Right behind it is the Oppo Find X9 Ultra with a dual 200 MP camera and true 10x Hasselblad zoom, as well as the iPhone 17 Pro Max (168 pts) — the best for video. For those looking for the best value for money, the Google Pixel 10 Pro (163 pts, starting at ~3,450 PLN) remains unmatched.
Flagships with large sensors consume more energy while photographing — check out network chargers with USB-C PD to quickly charge your phone after a full day of shooting. For a longer outdoor session, it’s worth taking a power bank — especially since recording in 4K and 8K can drain even a 7,000 mAh battery in a few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best phone for photography in 2026?
The best phone for photography in 2026 is the vivo X300 Ultra with a score of 170 points in DxOMark — a record 1/1.12″ sensor, ZEISS optics, and 17x optical zoom with an extender. Right behind it is the Oppo Find X9 Ultra (dual 200 MP camera, true 10x Hasselblad zoom), Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (168 points) with 8x zoom and the best video, and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (166 points) with a 1-inch Leica sensor.
Which phone takes the best night photos?
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra with a 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L sensor and LOFIC HDR technology offers phenomenal dynamic range in low light. The vivo X300 Ultra and Oppo Find X9 Ultra with 1/1.12″ sensors also perform excellently after dark, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with an f/1.4 aperture (47% brighter than its predecessor) excels at night.
Is the vivo X300 Ultra available in Poland?
Yes — the vivo X300 Ultra has been available in Poland since April 16, 2026, priced at 8,499 PLN (16 GB/1 TB version). The smartphone can be purchased at Media Expert, RTV Euro AGD, x-kom, and from the operator Plus, in Steppe Green and Volcanic Black colors.
Which flagship has the best zoom?
In terms of pure optical zoom without accessories, the best is the Oppo Find X9 Ultra with a true 10x periscope (230 mm) and a range of up to 120x. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a quad optical system (2x/3x/5x/10x) and Space Zoom 100x, while the vivo X300 Ultra with the ZEISS extender achieves 17x pure optical zoom. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a new 8x optical zoom 48 MP (200 mm).
Oppo Find X9 Ultra or vivo X300 Ultra — which one to choose?
Both have the same record-breaking main sensor 1/1.12″ 200 MP. The vivo X300 Ultra leads in DxOMark (170 points) and offers 17x optical zoom with an additional ZEISS extender and a larger ultra-wide. The Oppo Find X9 Ultra features a built-in dual telephoto lens with true 10x zoom (without accessories), Hasselblad calibration, and a lower price (7,399 PLN vs 8,499 PLN). Choose vivo for maximum quality and zoom range, Oppo for convenience and better pricing.
Is the Google Pixel 10 Pro a good choice for mobile photography?
Yes — Google Pixel 10 Pro is an excellent choice, especially at its price (from ~3,450 PLN). The Tensor G5 powers unique AI features like Magic Eraser, 100x Pro Res Zoom, and Best Take. Natural color reproduction and Night Sight Video mode set it apart from the competition.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or Xiaomi 17 Ultra — which is better for photos?
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra wins in zoom versatility (4 focal lengths) and 8K recording on three lenses. Xiaomi 17 Ultra dominates in single photo quality thanks to its 1-inch sensor and Leica APO optics with mechanical zoom. Samsung is better for sports and wildlife photography, while Xiaomi excels in portraits and street photography.
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