Best Phones under $300 for photography

Best Pick

Apple iPhone Geek Squad Certified Refurbished 12 Pro Max 5G Graphite 128GB

63.8 Photography Score
6.7" Apple A14 Bionic 12MP 0 128GB
Why we recommend this

Its A14 Bionic chip and 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display deliver flagship-level performance and visual quality, now available at a refurbished discount. The IP68 water resistance and 12MP camera system offer durability and solid photographic capability. This is a strong choice for budget-conscious users who want a large-screen iPhone experience but prioritize value over the latest battery life.

Best Phones under $600 for photography

Best Pick

Apple iPhone 15 Blue 128GB

67.6 Photography Score
6.1" A16 48MP 0 128GB
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the 48MP main camera with a 2x optical-quality telephoto, powered by the efficient A16 Bionic chip for excellent all-day battery life. The device introduces the versatile Dynamic Island and a durable, color-infused design with a very bright Super Retina XDR display. This iPhone is best for everyday users and content creators who prioritize a high-quality camera system and seamless ecosystem connectivity in a compact, water-resistant body.

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Price $550
iPhone 15 cellphone

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Apple White 128GB

31.7 Photography Score
6.1" A18 chip 0 128GB
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the A18 chip, which is specifically designed to power Apple Intelligence and deliver years of iOS updates. It also offers exceptional battery life for its size, with up to 26 hours of video playback in a durable Ceramic Shield package. This phone is best for users who prioritize long-term software support and AI features over the latest cellular connectivity, as it supports only 4G networks.

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Apple cellphone
Price $600

Best Phones under $900 for photography

Best Pick

Apple iPhone 16 Black 128GB 2024

49.4 Photography Score
6.1" Apple 48MP 0 128GB
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the A18 chip, which enables Apple Intelligence and delivers up to 22 hours of video playback. The phone also offers a durable design with aerospace-grade aluminum and a Ceramic Shield front. This model is best for users who prioritize AI-assisted productivity and creative photography tools within Apple's ecosystem.

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Price $730
iPhone 16 cellphone

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Apple Sage 256GB

34.8 Photography Score
6.3" 48MP 0 256GB
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the A19 chip paired with a 48MP Dual Fusion camera system, enabling super-high-resolution photos and powerful Apple Intelligence features. The 6.3-inch ProMotion display with 3000 nits peak brightness and Ceramic Shield 2 front offers exceptional outdoor visibility and durability. This phone is best for users who prioritize cutting-edge computational photography and AI-driven software features over all-day battery endurance.

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Apple cellphone
Price $830

Best Phones under $1,200 for photography

Best Pick

Apple iPhone Air Space Black 256GB 2025

56.7 Photography Score
6.5" Apple 48MP 0 256GB
Why we recommend this

Its standout 5.6mm titanium frame makes it the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, yet it houses the powerful A19 Pro chip and offers up to 27 hours of video playback. The device pairs this extreme portability with a remarkably durable Ceramic Shield 2 display and a versatile 48MP Fusion camera system for flexible photography. This phone is best for users who prioritize an ultra-lightweight, premium design without sacrificing core performance and all-day battery life.

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Apple Mist Blue 512GB

35.9 Photography Score
6.3" 48MP 0 512GB
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the 3000-nit ProMotion display paired with the powerful A19 chip, enabling smooth performance for Apple Intelligence and AAA gaming. The phone is further differentiated by its durable Ceramic Shield 2 front and a versatile 48MP camera system for high-resolution photography. This iPhone is best for users who prioritize a premium, durable build and a brilliant screen for media consumption over maximizing battery life.

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Apple cellphone
Price $1,030

Premium Phones for photography

Best Pick

Apple iPhone Air Space Black 1000GB 2025

54.2 Photography Score
6.5" Apple 48MP 0 1000GB
Why we recommend this

Its standout 5.6mm titanium frame makes it the thinnest and most durable iPhone ever, housing the powerful A19 Pro chip and a 48MP camera system. The combination of a 6.5-inch 3000-nit display and up to 27 hours of video playback battery life offers exceptional media consumption in a remarkably portable form. This device is best for users who prioritize extreme portability and premium build quality without sacrificing flagship camera performance or battery endurance.

Price $1,350
iPhone Air cellphone

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Apple Silver 2000GB

33.4 Photography Score
6.9" 48MP 0 2000GB
Why we recommend this

Its heat-forged aluminum unibody design houses the powerful A19 Pro chip and enables a massive battery delivering up to 39 hours of video playback. The device stands out with its durable Ceramic Shield construction on both front and back and a versatile 48MP pro camera system offering 8x optical-quality zoom. This iPhone is best for mobile power users and content creators who prioritize all-day endurance, top-tier camera versatility, and robust build quality in a large-screen device.

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Apple cellphone
Price $2,000