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Smartphone cameras have come a long way, and for most people they’ve quietly replaced point-and-shoot cameras altogether. Whether you’re snapping nights out, travelling, or just taking better everyday photos, the right phone can make a huge difference. Here’s a look at ten camera phones Envirofone customers consistently rate highly, especially when buying refurbished.
The quick verdict
You do not need the newest phone to take brilliant photos. The iPhone 14 Pro, Google Pixel 7 and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra top Envirofone customers' ratings, while the Pixel 5, Galaxy A54 and iPhone 11 are great picks on a budget. Buying refurbished often gets you the same results for a fraction of the cost.
Top rated camera phones at a glance
| Phone | Camera strength |
|---|---|
| iPhone 14 Pro | 48MP main sensor and excellent low light |
| Google Pixel 7 | Night Sight and strong portrait mode |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Versatile all-rounder with brilliant zoom |
| iPhone 13 Pro | Dependable performance and excellent video |
| Google Pixel 6 Pro | Sharp detail and impressive zoom |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | Huge zoom range and clean images |
| iPhone 11 | Colour accuracy and super-stable video |
1. iPhone 14 Pro
The 48MP main sensor, excellent low-light performance and Apple’s trademark processing make this one a favourite for people who love reliable results. If you prefer sticking with Apple, you can browse all iPhones here.
2. Google Pixel 7
Pixel phones are famous for their photo processing, and the Pixel 7 is no exception. Night Sight and Google’s portrait mode still impress, even compared to newer devices.
3. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Samsung really leans into versatility: strong low-light shots, punchy colours and a brilliant zoom. It’s a great all-rounder if you enjoy taking varied photos.
4. iPhone 13 Pro
Still a fan favourite thanks to its dependable performance and excellent video capabilities. You can often pick one up at a really solid price when buying refurbished.
5. Google Pixel 6 Pro
The Pixel 6 Pro’s camera system delivers sharp detail and a genuinely impressive zoom for its age. Lots of buyers rate it highly because it punches above its price bracket.
6. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Known for its huge zoom range and very clean images, the S21 Ultra is still widely loved. A great pick if you’re upgrading from something older.
7. iPhone 12 Pro Max
Apple users who don’t need the latest model often gravitate towards this one. The bigger sensor and stabilisation make it brilliant in low-light situations.
8. Google Pixel 5
It might be older now, but the Pixel 5 still produces crisp, natural photos thanks to Google’s processing. A perfect budget-friendly camera phone.
9. Samsung Galaxy A54
Affordable, reliable and surprisingly capable. It’s one of those mid-range phones that delivers far more than users expect.
10. iPhone 11
A classic. Despite its age, many people still rate the iPhone 11 for its colour accuracy and super-stable video. If you’re after a bargain, this is often the sweet spot. You can check current stock for it here.
Camera phones change fast, but the good news is you don’t always need the newest model to get brilliant pictures. Refurbished devices often deliver the same results for a fraction of the cost - and with Envirofone’s testing process, you know exactly what you’re getting.
If you’re browsing for your next upgrade, the full range of certified refurbished phones is available here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best camera phone to buy refurbished?
Envirofone customers rate the iPhone 14 Pro highest, thanks to its 48MP main sensor, excellent low-light performance and Apple's processing. The Google Pixel 7 and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra follow closely.
Which budget phone has a good camera?
The Google Pixel 5 is a budget-friendly camera phone that still takes crisp, natural photos, the Samsung Galaxy A54 is surprisingly capable for a mid-range phone, and the iPhone 11 is often the sweet spot for a bargain.
Is the iPhone 11 camera still good?
Despite its age, many people still rate the iPhone 11 camera for its colour accuracy and super-stable video. If you are after a bargain camera phone, the iPhone 11 is often the sweet spot.
Do refurbished phones take photos as good as new ones?
Refurbished phones often deliver the same photo results as new ones for a fraction of the cost, and with Envirofone's testing process you know exactly what you are getting.
Which Samsung phone has the best zoom?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra offers a brilliant zoom alongside strong low-light shots and punchy colours, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra is known for its huge zoom range and very clean images.
