Review of Phones With Best Macro Photography in 2025

In the ever-evolving world of smartphone photography, macro shots have gone from a gimmick to a genuine art form. Remember those blurry, low-res close-ups from budget phones a few years back? In 2025, thanks to advanced telemacro lenses, AI-enhanced processing, and sensors that rival dedicated cameras, you can capture intricate details of dew-kissed spiderwebs or the texture of a butterfly's wing right from your pocket. No clip-on lenses required.

But with so many flagships vying for the title of "macro master," how do you choose? I've scoured the latest reviews and tests to spotlight the top performers. These picks prioritize close-up clarity, minimum focus distance, bokeh quality, and real-world usability. Whether you're a nature lover or a foodie obsessed with plating details, here's my rundown of the best phones for macro photography this year.

What Makes a Great Macro Phone in 2025?

Before diving in, a quick primer: True macro excellence comes from lenses that focus as close as 2-15cm without distortion, high-resolution sensors for sharp details, and computational magic to handle lighting and depth. We're ditching those outdated 2MP "macro" sensors—telemacro (using telephoto lenses for controlled close-ups) is the gold standard now. Expect AI to auto-detect subjects and enhance colors, plus features like floating lens tech for smoother focus.

Now, onto the stars of the show. I've ranked these based on macro-specific performance from expert tests, with overall camera prowess as a tiebreaker.

1. Vivo X200 Pro: The Telemacro Titan

If macro is your main squeeze, the Vivo X200 Pro is unmatched. Its 200MP periscope telemacro lens at 85mm (3.7x zoom) lets you focus as close as 15cm, delivering jaw-dropping detail and creamy bokeh that makes subjects pop against blurred backgrounds. Zeiss optics ensure accurate colors, and the large 1/1.4-inch main sensor pairs perfectly for low-light macros—like capturing a firefly's glow without noise.

Pros: Insane resolution for cropping; excellent portraits that double as macros; compact yet powerful. Cons: Availability limited outside Asia; software can feel cluttered. Price: Around $1,200. Best for: Wildlife and insect enthusiasts who want pro-level depth of field.

2. OPPO Find X8 Ultra: Hasselblad's Close-Up Wizard

OPPO's collaboration with Hasselblad shines in the Find X8 Ultra, boasting a dedicated macro mode via its 50MP ultra-wide that focuses down to 4cm. But the real hero is the 6x periscope lens for telemacro, producing shots with surgical precision and natural tones. Testers rave about its low-light performance—think detailed flower petals at dusk—and the AI tools that auto-enhance textures without over-sharpening.

Pros: Hasselblad color science for lifelike hues; versatile zoom for hybrid macro/zoom shots; buttery-smooth video macros. Cons: Bulky design; pricey for non-China buyers. Price: $1,300+. Best for: Food and product photographers needing vibrant, distortion-free close-ups.

3. Xiaomi 15 Ultra: The Variable Zoom Marvel

Xiaomi's 15 Ultra packs a quad-camera beast, including a 200MP 1-inch main sensor and dual telephotos (3x and 5x) that excel in telemacro. Focus as close as 10cm with the 3x lens for stunning bokeh, and the floating lens tech ensures tack-sharp results even handheld. It's a computational powerhouse, using Leica tuning to nail skin textures in beauty macros or circuit board intricacies for tech shots.

Pros: Unbeatable versatility (macro + extreme zoom); massive sensor for low noise; optional photography kit with grips. Cons: Inconsistent colors in mixed lighting; heavy build. Price: $1,400. Best for: Hybrid shooters who blend macro with telephoto wildlife.

4. Sony Xperia 1 VI: Manual Control for Macro Purists

Sony's Xperia 1 VI flips the script with a telephoto macro mode that's refreshingly hands-on. The 85-170mm variable tele lens focuses to 4cm, and pro apps let you tweak shutter speed and ISO mid-shot—perfect for controlled macros like jewelry or abstracts. No AI gimmicks here; just raw, DSLR-like quality with minimal distortion.

Pros: Manual focus ring for precision; headphone jack for external mics in macro video; eye-level viewfinder app. Cons: Steep learning curve; weaker auto modes. Price: $1,100. Best for: Advanced users who want creative control over depth and exposure.

5. Google Pixel 9 Pro: AI-Powered Accessibility

Google's Pixel 9 Pro isn't a hardware monster, but its software sorcery elevates macro to effortless heights. The 48MP main lens with macro focus (down to 2cm) uses Tensor G5 AI for magical detail enhancement and Magic Editor for post-shot tweaks—like removing distractions from a cluttered flower shot. It's surprisingly sharp against pricier rivals in everyday macros.

Pros: Best-in-class editing tools; automatic subject detection; seven years of updates. Cons: No dedicated tele macro; colors can oversaturate. Price: $999. Best for: Beginners who want point-and-shoot macros with pro edits.

Honorable Mentions

• iPhone 16 Pro Max: Reliable 48MP ultra-wide macro at 2cm, but lacks telemacro depth—great for iOS loyalists ($1,199).
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Solid 10MP tele macro, but inconsistent colors hold it back ($1,299).
• Realme GT7 Pro: Budget beast with impressive close-ups under $600—ideal starter macro phone.

Quick Comparison Table

Pick Your Macro Muse

In 2025, macro photography on phones isn't just viable—it's transformative. The Vivo X200 Pro edges out as my top pick for pure macro prowess, but if you crave all-around excellence, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra won't disappoint. Budget? Go Pixel. Whatever you choose, pair it with a steady hand (or tripod) and natural light for best results.

What's your go-to macro subject? Drop a comment below—I'd love to hear your shots. Until next time, keep zooming in on the small stuff that makes life big.