If you're looking for the best all-around Android camera that is simple to use but also extremely powerful, look no further than the Galaxy S7.
Best overall
Samsung Galaxy S7
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Samsung launched the Galaxy S7 back in March 2016, but since then no phone has taken the top spot. The 12MP resolution gives you plenty of pixels to work with, and the optical image stabilization (OIS) keeps everything clear whether you're taking low-light shots or shooting video on the move.
Just as important as the photo output is how quickly the camera operates. Two presses of the home button launch the camera in less than a second, and photos are taken instantaneously even when shooting in HDR or a tough lighting situation. The camera interface is simple but also powerful if you choose to move to the full Manual mode, which can enable great shots if you want to tweak and use a tripod.
Bottom line: For a nearly compromise-free experience, the Galaxy S7 has the best camera in any phone, Android or otherwise, available today.
One more thing: The Galaxy S7 has a 5.1-inch display, but if you want something larger with the same camera, you can consider the 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 edge.
Why the Galaxy S7 is the best
The Galaxy S7 is a great phone, and one of its main features is its camera experience.
When it comes to taking photos with phones, most of us have a pretty basic set of needs that we want addressed. We want a camera that can take photos quickly, and have those photos be bright and without blur no matter the situation — that's particularly true for low-light scenes.
The Galaxy S7 accomplishes this, and it doesn't matter necessarily how it does it; though the 12MP resolution, f/1.7 lens, OIS and phase-detect auto focus definitely tick the spec sheet boxes as well. But the real important part is that Samsung uses all of that hardware to make your otherwise-poor photos average and your average photos excellent. You can pull out the Galaxy S7, double press the home button and be taking dozens of photos in just a few seconds, then share them out without editing — that's extremely powerful.
The Galaxy S7 recently won our blind test as the best smartphone camera available today. That's high praise, and it deserves it.
The Galaxy S7 still relies a bit on HDR to make its photos pop and can sometimes lean toward being too warm and over saturated, but that's what the average phone buyer wants to see and Samsung delivers. No matter the situation or time of day, you can take a great photo with the Galaxy S7 — and that's why it's our top pick.
Best for tweaking
LG V20
The new LG V20 borrows the same dual-camera setup from the LG G5, but that's not a bad thing. The main 16MP rear camera is capable of taking crisp, well-balanced shots with the support of a bright f/1.8 lens and OIS. Where the V20 looks to stand out is its second rear camera, which is an 8MP sensor with a super wide-angle lens. The wide-angle shooter can be toggled to quickly for awesome and unique shots you don't get on other phones, though the sensor itself is unfortunately just not as good as the main 16MP offering.
Its camera interface isn't quite as simple or fast as Samsung's, but it's not far off. And what you give up in simplicity you gain in manual controls and tweaks. The Manual mode is comprehensive and powerful, and if you're into recording video there's even a Manual video mode that incorporates high-quality microphones for audio and new electronic image stabilization to keep things steady.
Bottom line: For a great camera that has a few extra options to play with, the V20 is worth considering over the Galaxy S7.
One more thing: The V20 is only on sale in some regions right now, with U.S. availability coming soon. If you want one in the States, you'll have to wait a bit longer.
Best on a budget
OnePlus 3
Everyone wants a great camera in their smartphone, but not everyone can spend the kind of money it takes to get a Galaxy S7 or LG V20. For a much more reasonable $399, the OnePlus 3 has a really solid shooter that's better than the price would suggest. When we compared the OnePlus 3's camera to the Galaxy S7 edge's (which is the same as the GS7), we found the OnePlus 3 to match it in quality in many situations.
You get plenty of resolution here at 16MP, but smaller 1.12-micron pixels that aren't as great in low-light scenes — though the inclusion of a relatively quick f/2.0 lens and OIS help, as does the camera app's HDR processing. The camera app isn't great and can still be a little slow, and you don't get full manual controls, but for a camera that can get the job done and won't break the bank, this is a great choice.
Bottom line: For a really solid camera in a phone that won't break the bank, the OnePlus 3 is a great choice.
One more thing: Remember that the OnePlus 3 is only designed to work on GSM networks, like T-Mobile, AT&T and their MVNO partners.
Conclusion
You have three great options here when it comes to choosing a phone based on its camera quality. Though the LG V20 has some interesting features, the Galaxy S7 is still a better choice. If you need to save some money and don't want to compromise on experience, consider the OnePlus 3.
Best overall
Samsung Galaxy S7
See at AT&T See at Sprint See at T-Mobile See at Verizon
Samsung launched the Galaxy S7 back in March 2016, but since then no phone has taken the top spot. The 12MP resolution gives you plenty of pixels to work with, and the optical image stabilization (OIS) keeps everything clear whether you're taking low-light shots or shooting video on the move.
Just as important as the photo output is how quickly the camera operates. Two presses of the home button launch the camera in less than a second, and photos are taken instantaneously even when shooting in HDR or a tough lighting situation. The camera interface is simple but also powerful if you choose to move to the full Manual mode, which can enable great shots if you want to tweak and use a tripod.
Bottom line: For a nearly compromise-free experience, the Galaxy S7 has the best camera in any phone, Android or otherwise, available today.
One more thing: The Galaxy S7 has a 5.1-inch display, but if you want something larger with the same camera, you can consider the 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 edge.
