Camera Shootout Review: Which Phone Takes the Best Portraits?

In the world of smartphone photography, portrait mode has become a game-changer. Whether you're capturing a friend's smile or a stunning close-up, the best camera phones deliver professional-quality portraits with ease. But with so many options, which phone truly excels in portrait photography? In this camera shootout review, we compare the top contenders to find out which smartphone takes the best portraits in 2025.

Why Portrait Mode Matters

Portrait mode, with its ability to blur the background (bokeh effect) and focus on the subject, mimics the look of DSLR cameras. It’s perfect for creating eye-catching photos for social media, family albums, or professional portfolios. Key factors in a great portrait include sharpness, color accuracy, edge detection, and low-light performance. Let’s dive into our comparison of the leading smartphones to see which one comes out on top.

The Contenders

We tested four flagship phones known for their camera prowess:

1. iPhone 16 Pro Max – Apple’s latest powerhouse with advanced computational photography.
2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – A versatile camera system with AI enhancements.
3. Google Pixel 9 Pro – Renowned for its industry-leading software processing.
4. Xiaomi 14 Ultra – A photography-focused phone with Leica optics.

Each phone was evaluated based on portrait quality in various lighting conditions, bokeh accuracy, skin tone rendering, and ease of use.

Testing Criteria

To ensure a fair comparison, we tested each phone under the following conditions:

• Daylight Portraits: Bright, natural light to assess color accuracy and detail.
• Low-Light Portraits: Dim environments to evaluate noise and clarity.
• Edge Detection: How well the phone separates the subject from the background.
• Skin Tone Accuracy: Natural rendering of skin tones across diverse subjects.
• User Experience: Ease of accessing portrait mode and customization options.

iPhone 16 Pro Max: The All-Rounder

The iPhone 16 Pro Max continues Apple’s legacy of delivering reliable, high-quality portraits. Its triple-lens system, combined with the A18 Pro chip, produces sharp images with vibrant colors. The portrait mode offers adjustable depth control, allowing you to tweak the bokeh effect post-capture.

• Daylight: Exceptional detail and dynamic range, with true-to-life colors.
• Low-Light: Impressive noise reduction, though slightly less aggressive than competitors.
• Edge Detection: Near-perfect subject separation, even with complex hairlines.
• Skin Tones: Consistently natural across various skin types.
• User Experience: Intuitive interface with seamless portrait mode access.

Verdict: The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a safe bet for users who want consistent, hassle-free portrait photography.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: The AI Champion

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra leverages AI to enhance its 200MP main sensor and dedicated portrait lens. The phone excels in versatility, offering multiple focal lengths for varied portrait styles.

• Daylight: Bold colors with a slight saturation boost, ideal for vibrant portraits.
• Low-Light: Strong performance, but minor noise in very dim conditions.
• Edge Detection: AI-driven edge detection is excellent but occasionally overprocesses.
• Skin Tones: Slightly warm, which may not suit all preferences.
• User Experience: Feature-rich but slightly complex for beginners.

Verdict: The Galaxy S25 Ultra is perfect for users who love experimenting with creative controls and bold aesthetics.

Google Pixel 9 Pro: The Software Wizard

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro relies on its computational photography to deliver stunning portraits. Its 50MP main sensor, paired with Google’s AI algorithms, produces results that rival professional cameras.

• Daylight: Unmatched detail and dynamic range, with natural colors.
• Low-Light: Best-in-class noise reduction for crisp low-light portraits.
• Edge Detection: Superb, with minimal errors even in challenging scenarios.
• Skin Tones: Highly accurate, especially for diverse skin tones.
• User Experience: Simple interface with powerful post-processing options.

Verdict: The Pixel 9 Pro is a top choice for purists who prioritize natural-looking portraits.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra: The Leica Advantage

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, with its Leica-tuned camera system, is a favorite among photography enthusiasts. Its 1-inch sensor and variable aperture deliver DSLR-like depth and clarity.

• Daylight: Rich, cinematic portraits with Leica’s signature color science.
• Low-Light: Outstanding performance, rivaling the Pixel in noise control.
• Edge Detection: Excellent, though slightly less refined than the Pixel.
• Skin Tones: Warm and artistic, leaning toward a stylized look.
• User Experience: Advanced controls may overwhelm casual users.

Verdict: The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is ideal for those who want a premium, artistic portrait experience.

The Winner: Google Pixel 9 Pro

After rigorous testing, the Google Pixel 9 Pro emerges as the champion for portrait photography. Its combination of stellar low-light performance, precise edge detection, and natural skin tone rendering makes it the most reliable choice for capturing stunning portraits in any condition. While the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Xiaomi 14 Ultra are close contenders, the Pixel’s software magic gives it the edge.

Tips for Better Smartphone Portraits

No matter which phone you choose, here are some tips to elevate your portrait photography:

• Lighting is Key: Soft, natural light (like during golden hour) enhances portrait quality.
• Positioning: Keep your subject at a medium distance to optimize bokeh.
• Experiment with Angles: Try different angles to add depth and personality.
• Use Editing Tools: Most phones offer post-capture adjustments for bokeh and lighting.

Choosing the best phone for portrait photography depends on your priorities. If you value simplicity and consistency, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a great pick. For creative control, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra shines. Photography enthusiasts may prefer the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s artistic flair. However, for the best overall portrait experience, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is the one to beat.