Best Smartphones With AI-Powered Photography Reviewed
In 2025, AI-powered photography has transformed smartphone cameras into professional-grade tools, delivering stunning images with minimal effort. From enhanced low-light performance to intelligent scene optimization, the latest smartphones leverage artificial intelligence to elevate mobile photography. In this blog post, we review the best smartphones with AI-powered photography features, highlighting their strengths, camera specs, and why they stand out. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or a casual snapper, these devices will help you capture every moment with precision.
Why AI-Powered Photography Matters
AI-powered photography uses machine learning to enhance image quality, streamline editing, and adapt to various shooting conditions. Features like real-time scene recognition, automatic adjustments for lighting, and advanced portrait modes make it easier to take professional-quality photos. With AI, smartphones can now rival DSLR cameras, offering powerful computational photography tools in a pocket-sized package. Below, we dive into the top smartphones excelling in AI-driven camera technology.
1. Google Pixel 10 Pro
Camera Specs
- Main Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, wide-angle
- Ultra-Wide: 48 MP, f/2.0
- Telephoto: 12 MP, 5x optical zoom
- Front Camera: 32 MP, f/2.2
- AI Features: Real Tone, Night Sight, Super Res Zoom, Magic Editor
Why It Stands Out
The Google Pixel 10 Pro continues to lead in computational photography, thanks to its advanced AI algorithms powered by the Tensor G5 chip. The Real Tone feature ensures accurate skin tones across diverse lighting conditions, while Night Sight delivers vibrant, noise-free photos in low light. The Magic Editor uses generative AI to seamlessly remove unwanted objects or enhance backgrounds, making post-processing a breeze. With its ability to analyze scenes in real time, the Pixel 10 Pro is ideal for users seeking effortless, high-quality results.
Best For
Photography enthusiasts who want AI-driven editing tools and exceptional low-light performance.
2. iPhone 17 Pro Max
Camera Specs
- Main Camera: 48 MP, f/1.78, second-generation sensor-shift OIS
- Ultra-Wide: 48 MP, f/2.2
- Telephoto: 12 MP, 5x optical zoom
- Front Camera: 12 MP, f/1.9
- AI Features: Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 6, Cinematic Mode with 4K HDR
Why It Stands Out
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max integrates AI through its A19 Pro chip, offering smarter image processing and enhanced video capabilities. Photographic Styles let users customize tones and colors, with AI adapting to each scene for consistent results. Smart HDR 6 optimizes exposure and contrast in challenging lighting, while Cinematic Mode now supports 4K HDR video with automatic focus shifts. The iPhone’s AI also excels in portrait photography, creating natural bokeh effects and precise edge detection.
Best For
Videographers and users who prioritize a seamless ecosystem with AI-enhanced video features.
3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Camera Specs
- Main Camera: 200 MP, f/1.7, wide-angle
- Ultra-Wide: 50 MP, f/2.2
- Telephoto: Dual 10 MP (3x and 10x optical zoom)
- Front Camera: 40 MP, f/2.2
- AI Features: AI Zoom, Expert RAW, Object Eraser, Nightography
Why It Stands Out
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a 200 MP sensor paired with AI-driven features like AI Zoom for crisp, detailed shots at extreme distances. Expert RAW allows professionals to fine-tune images with AI-assisted noise reduction, while Object Eraser simplifies photo editing by removing distractions. The Nightography mode leverages AI to capture vivid colors and details in low-light environments, making it a versatile choice for all lighting conditions.
Best For
Users who want high-resolution sensors and advanced AI editing for professional-grade photography.
4. Xiaomi 15 Pro
Camera Specs
- Main Camera: 50 MP, f/1.6, Leica-tuned
- Ultra-Wide: 50 MP, f/2.0
- Telephoto: 50 MP, 3x optical zoom
- Front Camera: 32 MP, f/2.0
- AI Features: Leica Authentic Look, AI Motion Tracking, HyperColor
Why It Stands Out
Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica brings professional-grade optics to the 15 Pro, enhanced by AI features like Leica Authentic Look for true-to-life colors and textures. AI Motion Tracking ensures sharp focus on moving subjects, ideal for action shots or pet photography. The HyperColor mode uses AI to boost vibrancy without oversaturation, delivering balanced yet striking images. Its competitive price point makes it a strong contender in the AI photography space.
Best For
Budget-conscious photographers seeking premium AI features and Leica optics.
5. Oppo Find X8 Pro
Camera Specs
- Main Camera: 50 MP, f/1.6, Hasselblad-tuned
- Ultra-Wide: 50 MP, f/2.0
- Telephoto: 50 MP, 6x optical zoom
- Front Camera: 32 MP, f/2.4
- AI Features: Hasselblad Portrait Mode, AI Scene Enhancement, Natural Tone
Why It Stands Out
The Oppo Find X8 Pro, tuned by Hasselblad, excels in AI-driven portrait photography with its Hasselblad Portrait Mode, which creates creamy bokeh and natural skin tones. AI Scene Enhancement optimizes settings for landscapes, food, or macro shots, ensuring vibrant results. The Natural Tone feature uses AI to balance colors across lighting conditions, making it a favorite for social media content creators.
Best For
Social media influencers and portrait photographers who want Hasselblad’s signature look.
How to Choose the Right Smartphone for AI-Powered Photography
When selecting a smartphone for AI-powered photography, consider the following:
- Camera Versatility: Look for a mix of wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses to cover various scenarios.
- AI Features: Prioritize devices with real-time scene optimization, low-light enhancements, and editing tools like object removal or color tuning.
- Processing Power: A strong chip (e.g., Tensor G5, A19 Pro) ensures fast AI computations for smoother performance.
- Software Ecosystem: Brands like Apple and Google offer seamless integration with editing apps, while Samsung and Xiaomi provide robust built-in tools.
- Budget: High-end models like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra offer premium features, but mid-range options like the Xiaomi 15 Pro deliver excellent value.
AI-powered photography has redefined what smartphone cameras can achieve, making it easier than ever to capture professional-quality images. The Google Pixel 10 Pro excels in low-light and editing, the iPhone 17 Pro Max shines in video and ecosystem integration, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers unmatched resolution, the Xiaomi 15 Pro delivers Leica-tuned optics on a budget, and the Oppo Find X8 Pro is perfect for portrait enthusiasts. Choose the one that aligns with your photography needs and budget to elevate your mobile photography game in 2025.