5 Best Phones For RAW Photography- Shoot Like A Pro In 2025

Mobile photography has evolved significantly over the years. And in 2025, smartphones are more powerful than ever, offering DSLR-like features. One of the most important features for photography enthusiasts is RAW support. Wondering what it is or which are the best phones for RAW photography? We have got you covered.

Whether you are into iPhones or Android, we will share the best photography phone with RAW support in 2025 here. So, let’s get going.

Also Read: 10 Best AI Camera Phones In 2025: Premium & Budget Picks For You

RAW Photo Support- Why It Matters?

Before we talk about the best phone for RAW photo, let us first understand what the term actually means. A RAW photo is an uncompressed, unprocessed image file captured directly from a camera sensor. Unlike JPEG or HEIC, which apply compression and automatic adjustments (like sharpening, contrast, and noise reduction), RAW files preserve all image data without any modifications.

Think of a RAW file as a digital negative. It holds all the details and information your camera sensor records, allowing for maximum flexibility in editing.

• RAW photos retain more details in highlights and shadows.
• No compression means less loss of image quality compared to JPEG.
• Adjust exposure, white balance, contrast, and color grading without losing quality.
• Recover details in overexposed or underexposed areas.
• RAW files capture a wider range of light and color information, producing more lifelike images.
• Unlike JPEG, which applies automatic sharpening, saturation, and compression, RAW gives full creative control over how your image looks.

Best Phones For RAW Photography: A Quick Look

Here is a list of best RAW photography phone that you can use for capturing stunning shots:

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Best For: Seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem and exceptional video capabilities

ProRAW Support

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max supports Apple ProRAW, allowing you to capture images in a RAW format for greater editing flexibility, making it one of the best phone for RAW photography. Notably, ProRAW images can now be set to the JPEG-XL format, which renders as a DNG RAW file but also includes an easy-to-share embedded JPEG image. This advancement significantly reduces storage space needed for RAW files.

What We Love

1. The device features a 48MP Ultra Wide and 12MP 5x telephoto camera, offering faster data reading, zero shutter lag, and exceptional macro photography capabilities.
2. Supports 4K120 fps video recording with various playback speed options and enhanced audio mixing using four studio-quality microphones.
3. Equipped with the A18 chip, it delivers improved AI and visual intelligence, ensuring smooth and efficient operation, making it one of the best phones for RAW photo.

Who Should Buy

Best photography phone for users who want professional-grade RAW photography and video capabilities.

Also Read: 5 Smartphones That Outperform Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max in 2025

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Best For: Exceptional computational photography and AI-driven enhancements

Raw Photography Support

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers RAW photo capture via Google’s RAW format, allowing you to shoot high-quality images with greater control in post-processing. The advanced computational photography features enhance low-light performance and dynamic range, while the RAW format provides users with the ultimate flexibility for professional editing.

What We Love

1. One of the best phone for RAW photo with 50MP primary camera for improved image sharpness.
2. Advanced AI capabilities like Night Sight and HDR+, making even casual shots look incredible.
3. Excels in capturing true-to-life colors and details in various lighting conditions.

Who Should Buy

Best RAW photography phone for users and content creators who appreciate the ease of computational photography

Xiaomi 14 Ultra

Best For: Users looking for a stylish, well-rounded smartphone with decent camera performance at a mid-range price

16-Bit Ultra RAW Support

Xiaomi 14 Ultra supports RAW photography, offering extensive manual control over settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, making it one of the best phones for RAW photography. The device’s large sensor and high-res camera allow for sharp, detailed RAW captures that can be finely tuned in post-processing.

What We Love

1. Leica Quad-camera setup with 50MP primary camera capturing beautiful details in all-light environments.
2. The ability to adjust focus and exposure, which is perfect for anyone looking to delve into manual photography.

Who Should Buy

Best RAW photography phone for users who want a powerful camera experience without the premium price tag of flagship devices.

Also Read: Xiaomi 15 Ultra Quick Review: Price, Launch Date, Features, Camera

Vivo X200 5G

Best For: Users seeking high-end camera performance at a more affordable price point

RAW Photo Support

The next phone for RAW photography is Vivo X200 5G. It provides RAW photo capture with its advanced imaging system. While not as feature-packed as the highest-end models, it still offers impressive results with manual controls and customization options, perfect for those wanting more control over their shots.

What We Love

1. The 50MP ZEISS optics lens capture outstanding detail in every shot.
2. The device delivers impressive color accuracy and clarity, making it ideal for daylight conditions.

Who Should Buy

Best Photography phone for users who want an affordable yet capable smartphone with raw photography support and an overall solid camera setup.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Best For: Users seeking flagship-level camera capabilities, with a focus on versatility and pro-level photography features

Expert RAW Support

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers strong RAW photography support through its Pro Mode, allowing you to capture highly detailed images with manual control over settings such as ISO, focus, and shutter speed. The 200MP camera sensor ensures top-tier image quality, especially for detailed shots and low-light environments, making it one of the best phones for RAW photo.

What We Love

1. The S24 Ultra excels with its excellent camera system, featuring four lenses, including a 10MP periscope telephoto lens, offering impressive zoom capabilities.
2. Superior low-light performance, coupled with excellent HDR, ensures stunning results across different conditions.
3. The 8K video recording is also a standout feature for content creators.

Who Should Buy

Best phone for RAW photography for professional photographers, content creators, and anyone who demands a top-tier camera with exceptional flexibility.

Also Read: 5 Phones Better Than Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra In 2025

Final Thoughts

Phones camera have completely changed the photography game. You no longer need to carry big cameras to capture that perfect shot. Hopefully, with the above-mentioned list, you now have an idea about the best phone for RAW photography.

While RAW files require manual editing and more storage space, they offer unmatched quality and flexibility. If you’re serious about photography, shooting in RAW will take your images to the next level. So, go ahead, find your pick and capture stunning shots.

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What is your thoughts on the best phone for RAW photo? Let us know in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which phones have the best photo quality?

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S25/ S24 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Series, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, etc. are some of the best photography phones in 2025.

Which are the best phones for RAW photo?

A lot of brands claim to be offering the best RAW photo phones. However, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Vivo X200 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s RAW photography is unmatched.

Is ProRAW better than Xiaomi’s RAW photo support?

ProRAW support offered by Apple delivers more realistic, life-like contrast shots when compared to the Xiaomi’s RAW support.

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