Best camera phone 2018: the top smartphone snappers around

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
It's tough to work out the best camera phone on the market - there are so many smartphones to try out, so how on earth will you be able to
work out which has the best snapper on the back[Update: we're now in 2018, which means our best camera phones list has been updated with the
latest movers and shakers in the mobile photography world
]The good news for you is that TheIndianSubcontinent tests them all thoroughly, putting them through their photography paces in all manner
of lighting conditions and scenarios to help you work out which phone will give the right pictures for you.Before choosing, it's worth
thinking about what you want from a camera phone
Do you want something that's great at taking outdoor snaps and aren't bothered if it's good in low light Is a great quick pic with friends
more important than a really powerful sensor that takes amazing shots when you put the effort inIt's also worth thinking about battery size
and screen quality - if you're going to be heading out all day and doing longer photography sessions, you'll need a battery that can keep
- but if it's social media, or even printing out your photos, that's your plan then you've got a wider array of options.We've listed all
that information below, along with some of our top test snaps so you can make the right decision when it comes to choosing your next camera
phone.1
Samsung Galaxy S9 PlusThe Galaxy S9 Plus is the best camera phone aroundRelease date: March 2018 | Rear camera: 12MP + 12MP | Front camera:
8MP | OIS: Yes | Rear camera aperture: f/1.8, f/1.6, f/2.4 | Autofocus type: Phase detection | Weight: 189g | Dimensions: 158.1 x 73.8 x
8.5mm | Battery size: 3,500mAh | Storage: 64/128/256GB + microSDImpressive low-light cameraFantastic all-round packageAR Emoji is
overratedIs a bit on the pricey sideRead our full review: Samsung Galaxy S9 PlusSamsung Galaxy S9 Plus photo samples2
Huawei P20 ProA very, very close runner up to the best camera phone crownRelease date: April 2018 | Rear camera: 40MP + 20MP + 8MP | Front
camera: 24MP | OIS: Yes | Rear camera aperture: f/1.8, f/1.6, f/2.4 | Autofocus type: Phase detection and laser | Weight: 180g | Dimensions:
155 x 73.9 x 7.8mm | Battery size: 4,000mAh | Storage: 128GBClever triple-camera setupGreat battery lifeNo 3.5mm jack or wireless
chargingDisplay not as sharp as SamsungRead our full review: Huawei P20 ProHuawei P20 Pro photo samples3
Google Pixel 2 / Pixel 2 XLA couple of the best camera phones you can buyRelease date: October 2017 | Rear camera: 12.2MP | Front camera:
8MP | OIS: Yes | Rear camera aperture: f/1.8 | Autofocus type: Phase detection and laser | Weight: 143g / 175g | Dimensions: 145.7 x 69.7 x
7.8mm / 157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9mm | Battery size: 2,700mAh / 3,520mAh | Storage: 64/128GBTop camera performanceSlick Android experienceBezel
and both cameras are identical.That means you can take an average picture, and instantly watch it improve before your eyes as the phone
stitches together multiple images
Despite only packing a single lens, the Pixel 2 pair can both take stunning portrait shots, bringing some real definition to the mix.The
camera software isn't always the best, with a tiny bit of lag in taking the picture (and waiting for the software to kick in) but the
optical image stabilisation is a real boon.The larger screen and longer battery life on the Pixel 2 XL will attract those looking for a more
premium smartphone, but it is rather more expensive as a result.But if you want the best pictures from a phone - we'd point you in the
direction of the aptly-named pixel.Read our full reviews:Google Pixel 2 | Pixel 2 XLPixel 2 / 2 XL photo samples4
iPhone XRelease date: October 2017 | Rear camera: Dual 12MP | Front camera: 7MP | OIS: Yes | Rear camera aperture: f/1.8 and f/2.4 |
Autofocus type: Phase detection | Weight: 174g | Dimensions: 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm | Battery size: 2,716mAh | Storage: 64/256GBGreat
front and back.The rear double sensor is capable of taking some stunning pictures in low light or bright scenes, capturing a lot of detail
and erring on the side of natural colors.Combined with the OLED screen, that brings a lot of vivacity to images, with the results still
looking great on social media
speed of snapping desirable.The front-facing TrueDepth camera is also very capable, bringing clear selfies and also allowing you to take
blurred background snaps without using a second sensor
full review:iPhone XiPhone X photo samples5
Samsung Galaxy S9One camera, two aperturesRelease date: March 2018 | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 8MP | OIS: Yes | Rear camera
aperture: f/1.5-2.4 | Autofocus type: Phase detection | Weight: 163g | Dimensions: 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5mm | Battery size: 3,000mAh | Storage:
64/128/256GB + microSDThe most powerful Android phoneCamera great in low-lightDesign is identical to S8Some camera snaps lack vibrancyRead
our full review:Samsung Galaxy S9Samsung Galaxy S9 photo samples6
Samsung Galaxy Note 8Very close to the best smartphone camera aroundRelease date: September 2017 | Rear camera: Dual 12MP | Front camera:
8MP | OIS: Yes | Rear camera aperture: f/1.7 and f/2.4 | Autofocus type: Phase detection | Weight: 195g | Dimensions: 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.6mm |
Battery size: 3,300mAh | Storage: 64/128/256GB + microSDOne of Samsung's best camerasAwesome Infinity DisplayWeak speakerBattery life held
backThe Samsung Galaxy Note 8 camera is one of the very best we've tested for a number of reasons: firstly, because the dual sensors are
top-end smartphone.The longer battery life and the improved screen mean you'll be able to keep taking photos over a longer time, and enjoy
them with more vivid colors too.The thing that we love about Samsung phones is that nearly every snap you take comes out looking clear and
crisp, even in low light, which is what you want from an expensive phone and the Note 8 certainly is.Samsung has put so many modes on here,
but also made the automatic settings incredibly easy to use it's touch and go between this phone and the Pixel 2 for best camera phone, so
either will certainly satisfy you.Read our full review:Samsung Galaxy Note 8Samsung Galaxy Note 8 photo samples7
LG G7 ThinQRelease date: May 2018 | Rear camera: 16MP + 16MP | Front camera: 8MP | OIS: No | Rear camera aperture: f/1.6, f/1.9 | Autofocus
type: Phase detection and laser | Weight: 162g | Dimensions: 153.2 x 71.9 x 7.9mm | Battery size: 3,000mAh | Storage: 128GB + microSDUnique
wide-angle dual cameraLarge display gets very brightBattery capacity could be biggerFew revolutionary featuresRead our full review: LG G7
ThinQLG G7 ThinQ camera samples8
Samsung Galaxy S8 / Galaxy S8 PlusA slightly cheaper, but brilliant, cameraphone duoRelease date: April 2017 | Rear camera: 12MP | Front
camera: 8MP | OIS: Yes | Rear camera aperture: f/1.7 | Autofocus type: Phase detection | Weight: 155g / 173g | Dimensions: 148.9 x 68.1 x
8mm / 159.5 x 73.4 x 8.1mm | Battery size: 3,000mAh / 3,500mAh | Storage: 64GBExcellent screensGreat camerasBiometric scanner poorly
placedBixby is a weak linkThe Samsung Galaxy S8 pair are the two best phones on the market at the moment, helped ably by their excellent
cameras.They might only be single sensors, which means portrait mode isn't easily achieved (and the reason they're not top of this list) but
if you don't care about that, then we'd recommend these phones.The S8 is well-designed and fits more nicely in the hand for more comfortable
photography, but the larger S8 Plus is longer-lasting and packs a more expansive screen.The sheer range of camera settings is to be
applauded here - as is an easy selfie mode - but overall, it's the fact that a quick automatic snap always looks so good in our
opinion.These are still great camera phones - definitely check them out.Read our full reviews:Samsung Galaxy S8 | Galaxy S8 Plus
reviewSamsung Galaxy S8 photo samples9
iPhone 8 PlusMost of the power of the iPhone X camera for a cheaper priceRelease date: September 2017 | Rear camera: Dual 12MP | Front
camera: 7MP | OIS: Yes | Rear camera aperture: f/1.8 and f/2.8 | Autofocus type: Phase detection | Weight: 202g | Dimensions: 158.4 x 78.1 x
7.5mm | Battery size: 2,691mAh | Storage: 64GB / 256GBWireless chargingStrong cameraDated designNo Mobile HDR on screen.The iPhone 8 Plus is
the results time and again
but want a great camera from an Apple phone, this is the place to look.Read our full review:iPhone 8 PlusiPhone 8 Plus photo samples10
Huawei Mate 10 ProA fantastically versatile smartphone snapper for enthusiastsRelease date: November 2017 | Rear camera: Dual 12MP and 20MP
| Front camera: 8MP | OIS: Yes (on 12MP) | Rear camera aperture: f/1.6 and f/1.6 | Autofocus type: Phase detection and laser | Weight: 178g
| Dimensions: 154.2 x 74.5 x 7.9mm | Battery size: 4,000mAh | Storage: 128GBGreat enthusiast cameraClass-leading batteryNo headphone
jackEMUI not for everyoneThe Huawei Mate 10 Pro is another step forward for a brand looking to really focus (sorry) on its photography
a phone for the more professional user, as the name suggests.Getting close, or using the phone in low light, will result in some great shots
rather decent camera too, with simply sensational two-day battery life.Read our full review:Huawei Mate 10 ProHuawei Mate 10 Pro photo
samples