A feature image about which iPhone has the best camera.

Which iPhone has the Best Camera?

Written by: Emma Morris

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Which iPhone has the Best Camera?

 

Finding the best iPhone camera is like finding a needle in a haystack. You have tons of options available, but the technical jargon around them makes everything that extra bit confusing.


Well, don't worry. We at UR.co.uk are here to break everything down.


The key to finding the best iPhone camera out there is knowing what you want from a smartphone camera.


So, hold that thought and let's explore it together.


And, afterwards, why not explore our curated selection of refurbished iPhones? Why? Cause the best camera for you doesn't have to empty your wallet.

Key Takeaways:

 

  • The iPhone 14 Pro Max: The one for those who want it all.

  • The iPhone 12 Pro Max: The affordable option without missing out on key features.

  • The iPhone SE 2022: Want an iPhone Camera great for everyday use? This one is for you.

Understanding iPhone Camera Specs

Before we go any further, it's best to understand what you should be looking for when finding the best camera for you.

 

Although you might be drawn to the shiniest, most sparkling iPhone available, you might find that a cheaper version will do the exact same job, depending on how you use it.

 

Let's see what else makes a great camera, beyond having a high megapixel count.

iPhone Cameras with Multiple Lenses

women taking a photo

When considering 'which iPhone has the best camera,' your train of thought might immediately jump to the number of lenses they feature.


Nowadays, we see phones sporting multiple lens systems, such as the refurbished iPhone 14 Pro Max, which has a primary, ultra-wide, and telephoto lens.


These, undeniably, provide you with a range of photographic opportunities, allowing you to zoom in and out to a higher degree of quality without adjusting your steps.


But, what some don't know is that lower-end phones can also give you a near similar experience with in-house camera features, despite only sporting a few lenses.


For instance, digital zoom can be a great alternative for some who are missing a telephoto lens on their smartphone.


Although these cheaper versions may be slightly lower quality than those with multiple lenses, it could save you more money in the long run if you just want a camera for everyday use.

Camera Tech with Bright Aperture

Are you one of those people sick of having grainy, blurry photos when shooting in low-light conditions?


If you are, it's best to find iPhone cameras with a wide aperture, generally around f/1.8 and below.


These cameras allow more light in for crisper, cleaner shots at night, and provide greater creative freedom by producing a shallower depth of field, creating a background blur on your image.

Large Screen Size

Now, I'll be the first to admit that this largely depends on personal preference.


If you prefer taking pictures and editing them on a computer or laptop, a large screen size on your phone might not be a top priority.


However, for those who love doing everything on their phone – from capturing to editing – a large, high-quality display is a feature you should definitely consider.


A sizable screen not only lets you view your images in vivid, true-to-life colours but also gives you ample space for editing your photos comfortably.

 

Plus, it offers more real estate to explore the full potential of camera app features like portrait mode and cinematic mode, elevating your photography game.

 

Want to know more about specific Apple devices? Explore our refurbished iPhone 12 Pro review and refurbished iPhone 12 review to find out more.

The Refurbished iPhone 14 Pro Max

 

Feature Specification
Display 6.7" Super Retina XDR display
Main Camera 48MP, ƒ/1.78 aperture
Ultra Wide Camera 12MP, ƒ/2.2 aperture
Telephoto Camera 12MP, ƒ/2.8 aperture
TrueDepth front camera 12MP, ƒ/1.9 aperture
Image Stabilisation Second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilisation

One of the best on the market, the iPhone 14 Pro Max model offers a range of features to make your photographic game spectacular.


Unlike lower-end smartphones that produce JPEG files, the iPhone 14 Pro Max has RAW images, allowing you greater control to tweak and edit shots with greater ease when on the computer.


But an outstanding feature of this device is its variety of rear cameras - all offering high image quality within seconds.


Complementing the camera's optical zoom and digital zoom options, this nifty little device also comes with a Telephoto Lens, enabling you to magnify greater distances without sacrificing quality.


Plus, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is one of the first Apple devices to sport a 48MP camera, providing extraordinary high-resolution images beyond any experience before in these smartphones.


Whilst some of the specs might not live up to the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max, it's a clear winner in the iPhone camera arena, especially considering the lower price point.


Note: Get the iPhone 14 Pro Max for half the price of a new model with our refurbished iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB options.

The Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max Models

 

Feature Specification
Display 6.7 inch Super Retina XDR display
Main Camera 12MP, ƒ/1.6 aperture
Ultra Wide Camera 12MP, ƒ/2.4 aperture
Telephoto Camera 12MP, ƒ/2.2 aperture
TrueDepth Front Camera 12 MP, f/2.2 lens
Image Stabilisation Sensor-shift optical image stabilisation

Now, you might think the next logical choice for the best iPhone camera is the iPhone 13 Pro Max, being just one generation behind the iPhone 14 Pro Max.


But, when you compare the camera specifications of the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the iPhone 13 Pro Max, you'll realise the former's price more than compensates for the slight differences in features.


Both devices have nearly identical camera systems—a 12MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 12MP telephoto lens—with only a minor 0.1 aperture difference in the main camera of the iPhone 12 Pro Max.


Plus, though the iPhone 12 Pro Max doesn't have some photography features of the 13 Pro Max version, you still get HDR video recording and up to 20 hours of video playback, nearly matching the battery life and capabilities of the more expensive model. 


So, if you're looking for an excellent iPhone rear camera system without emptying your account, the iPhone 12 Pro Max could be the one for you.


Take a look at our refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB and refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB.

The Refurbished Apple iPhone SE 2022

 

Feature Specification
Display 4.7-inch Retina HD display
Main Camera 12MP, ƒ/1.8 aperture
Front Camera 12 MP, f/2.2 lens

Do you want an excellent camera for everyday use? Then, the iPhone SE 2022 should have you covered.


Technically speaking, the iPhone SE 2022 comes with a 12MP main camera, so don't expect the same variety of photographic performance found in higher-end models.


But, considering its price point, you shouldn't overlook its range of alternative features that make this an excellent device.


Like its more expensive counterparts, the iPhone SE 2022 has Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) - hardware to stabilise your images and prevent blurring, a godsend for those with unsteady hands or anyone annoyed at keeping their hand still when taking photos.


Its main camera also has a digital zoom of up to 5x and an f/1.8 aperture, meaning it is more than sufficient for taking everyday up-close shots in various lighting conditions.


Plus, you still get a range of in-app features to make your photographic game a little bit special, such as portrait mode and cinematic mode - all still found on new models.


For those looking at camera phones on a budget, the iPhone SE 2022 is the one for you; explore our refurbished iPhone SE 2022 64GB and refurbished iPhone SE 2022 128GB models today!

Hundred and One Reasons to Buy a Refurbished Phone

The cherry on top? You also gain a range of extra perks when you buy a refurbished iPhone from UR.co.uk.


  • 90-Point PhoneCheck: With the help of our 90-point PhoneCheck performed by our experienced phone engineers, your refurbished iPhone will have the same camera features as a brand-new phone!


    Yep, that portrait mode, digital zoom and ever-so-loved telephoto lens.

  • £45 Worth of Accessories: Plus, you save even more money after we've thrown £45 worth of accessories into the mix, allowing you to spend those pennies on a special occasion.

And that's not all; when you buy a refurbished device from us, you also join a commitment to sustainability. 


Let's protect the future together.

Final Thoughts on Which iPhone has the Best Camera

So there you have it, the complete A-Z on the best iPhone cameras out there!


To sum everything up, those looking for the best of the best should explore the refurbished iPhone 14 Pro Max option, which hoarders nearly everything! From night mode all the way to excellent camera hardware.


If you want something in the middle and are only concerned about the camera specs itself, then the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the one for you.


And those searching for a budget iPhone with a great camera tech? Look no further than the iPhone SE 2022, designed to give you special features that are comfortable for your wallet.


Don't wait any longer; get your shiny new smartphone camera today!


It's a decision you'll be proud to make.

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Emma Morris


Emma crafts insightful and informative articles about refurbished phones for ur.co.uk. Her expertise guides readers in making the smartest choices for their tech needs.