The best iPhone for photography in 2023: from the iPhone SE to iPhone 15 Pro Max

The best iPhone for photography lets you to take high-quality photographs and videos, quickly and easily, all with a device that fits in your pocket. We'll help you to find the best iPhone for photography whether you want to spend big on the very latest iPhone 15 or are happy with an older and more affordable model.

Apple is one of the biggest and best camera phone manufacturers, and it offers many different devices in its lineup. If you've got an unlimited budget and want the best that money can buy, the best iPhone for photography overall has to be either the iPhone 15 Pro or the iPhone 15 Pro Max

Older iPhone models still have decent cameras but tend to be cheaper. This increased affordability continues as you go back through the range – though you'll also start to compromise on camera functionality. 

For instance, the iPhone 11 only has two rear-facing cameras. There's also the recently revamped iPhone SE (2022), an iPhone with an iconic design and a far lower price than flagship iPhones. Essentially, then, it's about balancing your needs and your budget. Find out more in our iPhone generations guide.

To help you find the right balance, we've listed the best iPhones for photography, and the best prices you can get them for right now.

The best iPhone for photography: The Quick List

The best iPhone for photography in 2023

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

The best iPhone overall

(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
The best iPhone for photography

Specifications

Release date: September 2023
Rear cameras: 48MP (24mm, f/1.8), 12MP Ultra Wide (13mm, f/2.2), 12MP Periscope Telephoto (120mm, f/2.8), TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)
Front camera: 12MP (23mm, f/1.9), SL 3D (depth/biometrics sensor)
OIS: Yes
Weight: 221g
Dimensions: 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25 mm
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent camera performance
+
RAW photos are loaded with detail
+
Premium IP68 design
+
Powerful internals

Reasons to avoid

-
No SIM slot for US customers
-
Telephoto camera isn't class-leading
-
Very expensive

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a serious, pocketable powerhouse. Yes, it's thick, but its relatively compact footprint and ample camera and power mix make it an enticing option, especially for photographers.

While it's a shame there's no pro mode for manual photography, the 15 Pro's 48MP RAW photos capture excellent results, while the video can be captured in ProRes Log format to give great dynamic range. The automatic mode's photo processing is also one of the best if not the best, we've seen on a phone. 

Additionally, the iPhone Pro Max now offers up a new 5x telephoto camera, reaching further can ever before in higher quality, and offering even more beautiful natural blur on portraits.

The iPhone 15 range has also added a tremendous amount of functionality and convenience by finally adopting the USB-C port, making it even more compatible with monitors and camera accessories. 

So while the new iPhone 15 Pro is very expensive, it's a mighty phone with a brilliant camera, that's powerful and lasts a full day. If you're an Apple fan who likes more compact phones, the iPhone 15 Pro is a no-brainer, but you will be bumped down to a still very impressive 3x optical camera. But if you like big phones and the best photography experience, the Pro Max is for you.

Read more: iPhone 15 Pro Max review

The next best iPhone

(Image credit: Basil Kronfli / Digital Camera World)
The best iPhone overall for photography

Specifications

Release Date: September 2022
Rear cameras: 48MP (24mm, f/1.78), 12MP Ultra Wide (13mm, f/2.2), 12MP 3x Telephoto (77mm f/2.8)
Front camera: 12MP TrueDepth camera (f/1.9)
OIS: Yes
Weight: 240g
Dimensions: 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85mm
Screen: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB

Reasons to buy

+
Larger camera sensor than 13 Pro series
+
Rich styling with IP68 certification
+
New selfie camera has autofocus

Reasons to avoid

-
No SIM slot for US customers
-
Price increase over 13 Pro in the UK
-
Telephoto reach isn't class-leading

2022's iPhone 14 Pro Max checks all the boxes you'd expect from an Apple smartphone. A big, immersive screen. Fancy styling. Stacks of power. A large, 1/1.28-inch, 48MP sensor, and a front camera with autofocus. So even though it's last year's model, it still has a lot to offer.

Yes, if you really want 5x zoom and a USB-C port, you'll need the latest Pro Max. And this older model has a slightly less fast processor, in the form of the A16 Bionic chip. But otherwise, the differences between the two models are slight, so if you can find this one at a significant lower price, we'd still be tempted.

The main difference between the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the screen size. If you need the larger 6.7-inch screen for reviewing and editing images, shooting videos, or even playing games, then the Pro Max is definitely one to go for – as long as you can afford the high price point, that is.

Read more: iPhone 14 Pro Max review

The best regular sized iPhone Pro

(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
The best regular-sized iPhone Pro for photography

Specifications

Release Date: September 2023
Rear cameras: 48MP (24mm, f/1.8), 12MP Ultra Wide (13mm, f/2.2), 12MP Telephoto (77mm, f/2.8), TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)
Front camera: 12MP (23mm, f/1.9), SL 3D (depth/biometrics sensor)
OIS: Yes
Weight: 187g
Dimensions: 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.3mm
Screen: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB

Reasons to buy

+
Large 48MP camera sensor
+
USB-C connector
+
3x zoom

Reasons to avoid

-
Telephoto camera isn't class-leading
-
Very expensive

The iPhone 15 Pro is a relatively compact smartphone with a mighty camera mix. In short, it's the best iPhone you can buy for photography if you want something manageable in size. It doesn't have the size of screen of the 15 Pro Max - nor does it get the 5x zoom - but this is still a great phone for photography.

The big appeal is that this titanium model costs significantly less than the Max - and despite only have a 3x zoom, you do get lots of the new features, including the about-time-too USB-C charging port!

Read more: iPhone 15 Pro review

The best regular iPhone

(Image credit: Future)
Best for regular iPhone for photography

Specifications

Release date: September 2023
Rear cameras: 48MP (26mm, f/1.6), 12MP Ultra Wide (13mm, f/2.4)
Front camera: 12MP (23mm, f/1.9), SL 3D (depth/biometrics sensor)
OIS: Yes
Weight: 171g
Dimensions: 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

Reasons to buy

+
More affordable than the Pro versions
+
Action mode for smooth handheld clips
+
Effective Portrait mode blur

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks telephoto lens
-
No option to shoot in RAW

From a photography point of view, the iPhone 14 is a great piece of kit, especially if you just want to point, shoot and share great-looking shots via social media without doing much post-processing. However, the more serious photographer will miss the ability to shoot in RAW (.dng) format so that they can enjoy fine-tuning the look of their images in a digital darkroom such as Adobe Camera Raw. 

The Pro and Pro Max versions of the iPhone are largely aimed at two specific types of user: those who want to create content with their phone and those who are focused on gaming. For everyone else, there's the standard iPhone. 

The iPhone 15 is a little cheaper than the Pro, because it's not quite as sophisticated. That's because it doesn't always-on functionality, the Action Button or the telephoto lens. Also, the processor's slightly less fast and the battery life slightly shorter. However, unless you're doing advanced stuff, most people won't notice the difference. Plus it's lighter than the Pro, which many will see as a positive.

Read more: iPhone 15 review

The best last-gen iPhone Pro

(Image credit: Basil Kronfli / Digital Camera World)
Like the 14 Pro Max, but more portable

Specifications

Release Date: September 2022
Rear cameras: 48MP (24mm, f/1.78), 12MP Ultra Wide (13mm, f/2.2), 12MP 3x Telephoto (77mm f/2.8)
Front camera: 12MP TrueDepth camera (f/1.9)
OIS: Yes
Weight: 240g
Dimensions: 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85mm
Screen: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB

Reasons to buy

+
Large 48MP camera sensor
+
The selfie camera now has autofocus
+
Elegant new deep purple color

Reasons to avoid

-
No SIM slot for US customers
-
Telephoto camera isn't class-leading
-
Very expensive

The main difference between the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the screen size. If you prefer a larger 6.7-inch screen for reviewing and editing images, shooting videos, or even playing games, then the Pro Max is definitely one to go for – as long as you can afford it. However, if you want something more compact and portable, then the 14 Pro is the one to choose.

Read more: Apple iPhone 14 Pro review

The best older-gen iPhone Pro Max

(Image credit: Rod Lawton/Digital Camera World)
This old-gen iPhone Pro Max is still great for photography

Specifications

Release date: October 2021
Rear cameras: 12MP 13mm f/1.8 Ultra Wide, 12MP 26mm f/1.5 Wide, 12MP 77mm f/2.8 telephoto
Front camera: 12MP f/2.2 TrueDepth
OIS: Yes
Weight: 240g
Dimensions: 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65mm
Screen: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display
Storage: 128 / 256 / 512GB / 1TB

Reasons to buy

+
Automatic macro mode
+
Superb Cinematic mode
+
77mm telephoto lens
+
RAW capture

Reasons to avoid

-
More of a phablet than a phone
-
Expensive, even by Apple standards

The iPhone 13 Pro Max is the biggest and best of Apple’s new-generation iPhones, with the same cameras and tech as the iPhone 13 Pro, but with a bigger screen (6.7 inches versus 6.1 inches). The Pro Max also boasts a slightly longer battery life of up to 28hrs video playback versus up to 22 hours on the smaller '13 Pro. 

It might be tempting, then, to pick the Pro Max over the regular Pro model just to get the best of everything. The regular Pro costs enough, so why not take that last step and get the bigger screen? Some may simply find it too big to be comfortable to use every day. So it's really a judgment call based on what you want to spend.

Overall, there's no doubt the iPhone 13 Pro Max is a truly stunning camera phone, whether you shoot stills or video. However, the regular iPhone 13 Pro boasts the same photographic performance in a more ergonomic and cheaper package, hence why it's higher up this list.

If you do choose this super-sized model, make sure you've got an iPhone 13 Pro Max case to protect it.

Read more: iPhone 13 Pro Max review

The best older-gen iPhone Pro

(Image credit: Future)
The best last gen iPhone Pro for photography

Specifications

Release date: September 2021
Rear cameras: 12MP f/1.5, 12MP f/1.8 ultrawide, 12MP f/2.8 telephoto
Front camera: 12MP
OIS: Yes
Weight: 204g
Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7mm
Screen: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB

Reasons to buy

+
Extensively upgraded cameras
+
120Hz screen refresh rate

Reasons to avoid

-
Still 'only' 3x optical zoom

The iPhone 13 Pro is not just the latest and great iPhone, it's also the best iPhone for photographers right now. Its triple-lens setup boasts a standard, ultra-wide, and telephoto configuration, with 26mm, 13mm, and 78mm equivalent focal lengths respectively. In terms of improvements over the iPhone 12 Pro, there's a new Cinematic video mode for movie shooters, as well as a new macro mode and improvements to the camera's low-light capabilities. The telephoto module is also improved, with a 3x range rather than 2x.

While the iPhone 13 Pro Max (number 2 on our list) is technically the best phone Apple offers right now, there's no real difference in camera tech between it and the 13 Pro; the main advantage of the Max is its better battery life. 

This means, for us, the iPhone 13 Pro is the best iPhone for photographers as it doesn't cost quite the astronomical price tag of the Pro Max. Note that if you've already got a 12 Pro then it's probably not enough of a jump to be worth an instant upgrade, but it is better. Head to our iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro comparison article to make the right buying decision.

Read more: Apple iPhone 13 Pro review

The best little iPhone

(Image credit: James Artaius)
The best little iPhone for photography

Specifications

Release date: October 2021
Rear cameras: 12MP 13mm f/2.4, 12MP 26mm f/1.6
Front camera: 12MP, f/2.2 TrueDepth camera
Dual OIS: Yes
Weight: 140g
Dimensions: 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65 mm
Storage: 128/256/512GB

Reasons to buy

+
Upgraded cameras
+
Cinematic video mode
+
Better battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
Incremental updates
-
No telephoto lens
-
No ProRes / ProRaw

The iPhone 13 Mini does exactly what it says on the tin: gives you the same functions and firepower as the iPhone 13, in a more svelte form factor and with a smaller price tag to match. 

The iPhone 13 Mini squeezes the raw power of the standard 6.1-inch iPhone 13 into a 5.4-inch handset. If a small phone is important to you, this is the one to go for. It takes superb photos, 4K 60p video, up to 240fps slow-mo (in 1080p), and its portrait functions now power the brilliant Cinematic mode for shallow depth of field in video. If you own the 12 Mini, there's not much reason to upgrade, but if you've skipped a generation, you'll fall in love with it!

Read more: Apple iPhone 13 Mini review

The best budget iPhone

(Image credit: Apple)

9. iPhone SE (2022)

The best budget iPhone for photography

Specifications

Release date: March 2022
Rear cameras: 12 MP, f/1.8 (wide), PDAF, OIS
Front camera: 7 MP, f/2.2
Dual OIS: No
Weight: 144g
Dimensions: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Storage: 64/128/256GB

Reasons to buy

+
Great value
+
Fast performer
+
Supports 5G

Reasons to avoid

-
No Zoom or ultrawide

Want the photography smarts of a modern iPhone, but on a tight budget? Then we recommend the latest update to the iPhone SE. At a surprisingly affordable price, you get an impressive camera setup, with a 12MP f/1.8 aperture wide camera on the rear. The new, fast A15 Bionic chip makes everything works smoothly and beautifully, with AI-enhanced software such as Portrait mode and the same Smart HDR 4 tech as the iPhone 13 giving you lots of great shooting options. The rear camera (7 MP, f/2.2) is pretty decent too. 

Elsewhere, the iPhone SE (2022) offers 5G, longer battery life, and improved durability. It's rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, features the Home button, and supports Touch ID and Apple Pay.

On the downside, the screen is pretty small, at 4.7 inches, you're not getting zoom or ultra-wide lenses, and it's not as powerful as the iPhone 13 series. But overall you're getting a very nice phone indeed, for not a lot of money.

How we test iPhones

As a photography website, we pay special attention to the photo and video quality of camera phones. We rate resolution, noise and color rendition in the context of what rival cameras can do, and where there are any special features, such as ‘night modes’ or ‘portrait modes’, we check that these perform as the makers describe.

Camera phones are all-round digital assistants too, of course, so we also check general handling, usability, and practicality – such as battery life.

FAQs

What are the best iPhone accessories for photography?

If you want to create with your iPhone, then there are plenty of brilliant accessories to improve your photography and video. The microphones in the iPhone are great, but you can't beat one of these best microphones for iPhone for even better external audio recording. You will really notice the difference in quality. If you want to expand beyond the cameras on your phone, the best add-on lenses for phones give you more options for wide, telephoto, and macro photography.

Is iOS better than Android?

Well, depends on who you ask! The real truth of the matter is – both operating systems are excellent, and there is really not a huge amount between them. Both systems provide nearly all of the exact same features but just function in slightly different ways. Both have all the major apps you are likely to use. The OS to pick is just the one that you enjoy using more on a day-to-day basis.

Sebastian Oakley
Ecommerce Editor

For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specialising in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound and many more for various advertising campaigns, books and pre/post-event highlights.


He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science and is a Master of Arts in Publishing.  He is member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected in to BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association. 


He is familiar with and shows great interest in medium and large format photography with products by Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa and Sinar and has used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI and everything in between. His work covers the genres of Equestrian, Landscape, Abstract or Nature and combines nearly two decades of experience to offer exclusive limited-edition prints to the international stage from his film & digital photography.

With contributions from

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