Are you searching for phones with DSLR-like photos in 2025? If yes, your search ends here. In this article, you will find top-quality mobile phones to help you take the best shots. Be it for social media, wildlife photography, taking those travel shots, or more.
In this situation, it makes more sense to use a phone that can take DSLR-like photos. So, we have kept the budget of these phones accordingly. You can get phones close to this budget but much better in photos.
Thanks to better camera technology, high-quality sensors, and innovative software, these five phones are perfect for anyone who wants to take amazing photos with just their phone. Here’s a look at the top phones that deliver DSLR-like photography and some tips to make the most of them.
Also read: 5 Best Mobile Phones Under 40000 In India
Best Phones With DSLR-Like Photos In 2025 – An Overview
| Phone | Camera Details | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | 200MP + 50MP + 12MP + 10MP, 12MP front | Rs. 99,999 | Buy Now |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 48MP + 48MP + 12MP, 12MP front | Rs. 1,12,900 | Buy Now |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | 50MP + 48MP + 48MP, 42MP front | Rs. 1,39,999 | Buy Now |
| OnePlus 13 | 50MP + 50MP + 50MP, 32MP front | Rs. 67,490 | Buy Now |
| iPhone 15 Pro | 48MP + 12MP + 12MP, 12MP front | Rs. 1,34,900 | Buy Now |
1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is known to take amazing quality DSLR like photo with interesting zoom features. Let’s check out the features:
Camera Details:
- 200MP + 50MP + 12MP + 10MP quad cameras
- 12MP front camera
Features:
- Pro Mode: This lets you adjust settings like shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. It is for more control over your photos.
- Night Mode: Great for taking clear, detailed photos in low light.
- Zoom: Captures clear photos from far away with up to 100x zoom.
Also read: 5 Best Mobile Phones Under 35000 In India
2. Apple iPhone 16 Pro
This is one of the most advanced phones right now in 2025. You would easily find award winning documentaries and ads that were made using the Apple iPhone 16 Pro.
Camera Details:
- 48MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, and 12MP telephoto cameras
- 12MP front camera
Features:
- Cinematic Mode: Adds background blur to your photos, similar to DSLR portraits.
- Night Mode: Takes sharp, bright pictures in low light.
- ProRAW: Gives you more control over editing your photos after you take them.
3. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
If you want your photos with the best clarity and details, then the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the best choice.
Camera Details:
- 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto cameras
- 42MP front camera
Features:
- AI Photography: Enhances colors and details for better photos.
- Night Sight: Takes great photos in the dark, just like a DSLR.
- Long Exposure Mode: Ideal for capturing smooth, creative shots. Stuff like waterfalls or light trails.
Also read: 10 Best Mobile Phones Under 30000 In India
4. OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13 is a latest launch that comes with DSLR like macro lens.
Camera Details:
- 50MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, and 50MP telephoto cameras
- 32MP front camera
Features:
- Nightscape Mode: Lets you take clear photos in dim light.
- Macro Lens: Perfect for close-up shots of small objects, similar to a DSLR’s macro lens.
- RAW Photos: Gives you more freedom to edit your photos later in apps like Lightroom.
5. Apple iPhone 15 Pro
If you don’t have the budget for iPhone 16 Pro, you can choose the Apple iPhone 15 Pro.
Camera Details:
- 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto cameras
- 12MP front camera
Features:
- Macro Photography: Lets you take detailed close-up shots.
- Smart HDR: Improves colours and details in photos. This is especially in bright or dark lighting.
- ProRAW Mode: Lets you take photos that are easier to edit later.
Also read: 10 Best Mobile Phones Under 25000 In India
Best Tips for DSLR-Like Photos Using Your Phone
To get the best DSLR-like photos with your phone, follow these tips:
1. Use Manual Mode (Pro Mode)
Many phones have a “Pro” or “Manual” mode in their camera settings. This gives you control over things like exposure, shutter speed, and focus. For example:
- Slow Shutter Speed: Perfect for creating long exposure shots. Shots like capturing smooth water or light trails.
- Adjust ISO: Lower ISO gives you more explicit photos without noise. This is especially in bright light.
- Focus Adjustment: This lets you control the sharpness of your subject. It is done bygiving you that DSLR-like depth of field.
2. Use a Tripod
A tripod keeps your phone steady, especially in low-light situations. It’s useful for:
- Long Exposure: Helps take clear, sharp long-exposure photos without shaking.
- Low-Light Photos: Keeps the phone still and steady for better night shots.
3. Edit Your Photos
After you take your pictures, you can enhance them with photo editing apps. Some of the best apps include:
- Snapseed: Adjust colours, sharpness, and add blur to the background.
- Lightroom: Fine-tune your photos, including exposure, colour, and contrast.
- Spectre: Helps create smooth long exposure photos with minimal blur.
4. Use Lens Attachments
You can attach extra lenses to your phone for even better photos. These lenses can give you:
- Wide-Angle Lens: Perfect for landscape or city photos.
- Macro Lens: Lets you take detailed close-up shots of tiny objects.
How to Choose the Best Camera Phone?
- Know What You Need: Choose based on the types of photos you take most (e.g., portraits, landscapes).
- No Need for the Most Expensive: Focus on essential features, not the priciest options.
- Look at Real Samples: Check camera samples and reviews for real-world performance.
- Compare Options: Compare with other phones to get the best value for your needs.
Is iOS or Android Better for Photography?
| Feature | iOS (iPhone) | Android |
|---|---|---|
| Integration | Great for users of other Apple products. | More flexible with third-party apps. |
| Camera Quality | Excellent with advanced features (e.g., Portrait, Night mode). | High-end models (e.g., Google, Samsung) offer top-quality cameras. |
| App Support | Limited customisation but solid app support. | More options for customisation and third-party apps. |
| Software Updates | Long updates (5+ years). | Varies by brand; some offer long-term support. |
| Price Range | Expensive but high quality. | Offers a wider price range and options. |
If you prefer seamless integration with other Apple devices, iOS (iPhone) might be your best bet. If you want more flexibility and customisation, especially with third-party apps, Android could be the better choice.
Some Other Budget-friendly Options
Let’s check out some other phones with less budget that deliver DSLR like photos and their features.
| Phone | Camera Details | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 8a | 64MP + 13MP rear, 13MP front camera | Tensor G3 Processor, 8GB RAM, Full HD+ Display | Rs. 37,999 |
| Xiaomi 14 | 50MP Leica, 50MP, 50MP, 32MP front | Leica lenses, 60x Digital Zoom, Pro Mode, 8K Video | Rs. 59,999 |
| Vivo X100 Pro | 50MP + 50MP + 50MP, 32MP Front | 16GB RAM, 512GB ROM, Dimensity 9300 Processor | Rs. 74,999 |
Megapixels vs. Sensor Size: Which Is More Important?
When looking for a camera phone, you might think that more megapixels means better photos. But that’s not true. The size of the sensor is much more important than the number of megapixels.
For example, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 200MP camera, but its sensor is the same size as the iPhone 16 Pro, which has only 48MP. Imagine the sensor is like a Pizza. The Galaxy S24 Ultra cuts the Pizza into 200 million tiny pieces, while the iPhone 16 Pro cuts it into bigger pieces.
A bigger sensor (or bigger pie) is better because it can capture more light, making your photos look better, especially in low light. So, the sensor size is what truly matters for better pictures, not just the megapixels.
FAQs – Phones With DSLR Like Photos In 2025
Can a phone replace a DSLR?
Phones can achieve DSLR-like photos. Some of the finest options are the iPhone 16 Pro Max, S24 Ultra, Oneplus 13, and more.
What’s the best phone for photography in 2025?
The top choices are the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 16 Pro / Max, and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Can I shoot RAW photos?
Yes, phones like iPhone 15 Pro and OnePlus 13 offer RAW photo options for more editing control.
Which mobile camera is best like a DSLR?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 16 Pro/Max, and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offer DSLR-like photography.
Which phone will be best in 2025?
In 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 16 Pro/Max, and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL are expected to be top contenders.
What will happen to mobile in 2025?
In 2025, we can expect even more powerful cameras, AI enhancements, and improved battery life for better performance.
Which mobile is no 1 in camera?
Currently, phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro/Max are among the top contenders for the best mobile camera.
In A Nutshell
We are living in 2025. With the correct settings, tips, and accessories, phones can take beautiful, DSLR-like photos. Whether you’re using manual controls, a tripod, or editing apps, you can create professional-quality images with just your phone. Make sure to choose one of the top phones listed above, and start capturing amazing photos today!
Let us know if you have any doubts about these options in the comment section below.
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