Unleashing the Top Camera Heroes: Mid-Range Marvels Await
Top-notch Smartphone Cameras Unveiled: Specs and Reviews Revealed
Step into the world of affordable yet exceptional smartphones, boasting cameras that will leave you pleasantly surprised! No need to break the bank, because even mid-range devices now deliver more than just acceptable photography, as demonstrated by Stiftung Warentest's rankings. However, the crème de la crème of cameras can only be found in the high-end segment.
According to an industry survey by Bitkom, most smartphone users prioritize display, processing, battery life, long-term updates, and storage space over camera capabilities. But thanks to advancements in technology, you no longer have to shell out a fortune to get the basics covered!
The Elites
Currently, four devices share the first place for their camera performance, earning a rating of 1.3. They include the latest Apple devices, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, with average online prices of 1070 and 1322 euros respectively. Both phones offer good cameras for the rear and a "good" rating for the front. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (1130 euros) and the Xiaomi 14 Ultra (1099 euros) share the same ratings.
Google's latest top smartphones, the Pixel 9 Pro (833 euros) and Pixel 9 Pro XL (963 euros), and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (977 euros) hold the second place, with all three rear cameras receiving very good ratings, and good ratings for their front cameras. The differences among these devices are minimal.
Mid-Range Excellence
If you don't want to spend more than 500 euros, three smartphones stand out, boasting cameras with a rating of 1.9. They are the Google Pixel 8a (430 euros), the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (449 euros), and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (490 euros).
For those looking for a bargain, the Samsung Galaxy A56 (375 euros) and the Xiaomi 14T (401 euros) follow closely, each with a rating of 2.1. The Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro (480 euros) is the sole third-placed with a camera rating of 2.2.
Entry-Level Pearls
Even in the entry-level segment up to 300 euros, there's a plethora of current devices with good cameras. Topping the list with a rating of 2.3 are the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion (255 euros) and the Motorola Edge 50 Neo (300 euros). Good snapping (2.5) is provided by the Motorola Edge 40 Neo (254 euros), the Samsung Galaxy A35 (286 euros), the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 (225 euros), and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro (270 euros).
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Source: ntv.de, kwe
- Smartphones
- Stiftung Warentest
Enrichment Data:The best mid-range smartphones with good cameras according to Stiftung Warentest and related 2025 sources are:
- Samsung Galaxy A56: This mid-range model from Samsung's 2025 A-series features a solid camera setup with a 50 MP main camera (using pixel binning to 12.5 MP), a 12 MP ultra-wide, and a 5 MP macro lens. The front camera is 12 MP wide-angle. Reviews highlight good daylight image quality with convincing details and color reproduction, though images could be sharper in depth and low-light photos tend to be overly brightened[2].
- Additional notable mid-range contenders under €400 with good cameras (mentioned in related 2025 tests) include:
- Google Pixel 8a: Known for excellent camera performance in this price range.
- Honor 200: Praised as a "portrait master."
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+: Features a high-resolution 200 MP main camera.
While Stiftung Warentest ranks over 400 smartphones, the detailed test results highlight Samsung Galaxy A56 as a good mid-range choice with a capable camera system[1][2]. Higher-end models with top camera systems (beyond mid-range) include the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, but these fall outside the mid-range category[3].
In summary, for mid-range camera quality validated by Stiftung Warentest and recent tests, the Samsung Galaxy A56 stands out along with other competitive mid-range phones like Google Pixel 8a and Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ priced under €400.
- The Samsung Galaxy A56, a mid-range smartphone from Samsung's 2025 A-series, features a solid camera setup, making it a good choice for those seeking a capable camera system within the mid-range pricing.
- Besides the Samsung Galaxy A56, the Google Pixel 8a and Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ are also competitive mid-range smartphones that offer good camera performance and are priced under €400.
