# Best Camera Phones for 2026

> PCMag tests top camera phones for 2026.
- Title: Best Camera Phones for 2026 · PCMAG | Shortify
- Summary: PCMag tests top camera phones for 2026. PCMag's 2026 best camera phones include Apple iPhone 17, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Google Pixel…
- Keywords: iphone 17, iphone 18 pro max, samsung galaxy s26 ultra, google pixel 11, samsung galaxy z fold 8 ultra, camera phones, 2026, technology, Best, Camera, Phones, PCMAG
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/picks/the-best-camera-phones
- Author: Eric Zeman
- Published: 2026-09-21T20:00:52+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: iphone 17, iphone 18 pro max, samsung galaxy s26 ultra, google pixel 11, samsung galaxy z fold 8 ultra, camera phones, 2026, technology
## What We Test
PCMag has tested camera phones for over 30 years.
## Top Picks
Apple iPhone 17, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Google Pixel 11.
## Best iPhone Camera
Apple iPhone 17 offers best value for most users.
## Most Advanced iPhone
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max has best camera system.
## Best Zoom
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra provides best zoom range.
## Best Midrange Camera
Google Pixel 10a delivers best value for midrange.
## Best Android Camera
Google Pixel 11 offers best all-around camera.
## Best Foldable Camera
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has best camera on foldable.
## Best Small Android
Samsung Galaxy S26 offers best small android camera.
## Best Affordable iPhone
Apple iPhone 17e provides best affordable camera.
## Why We Picked iPhone 17
iPhone 17 has upgraded dual-camera system.
## Why We Picked iPhone 18 Pro Max
iPhone 18 Pro Max has triple 48MP Fusion camera system.
## Why We Picked S26 Ultra
S26 Ultra has 5x optical zoom and 100x hybrid zoom.
## Why We Picked Pixel 11
Pixel 11 has best camera for its price.
## Why We Picked Z Fold 8 Ultra
Z Fold 8 Ultra has 200MP main camera.
## What Happens Next
PCMag updates recommendations for 2027.
## Key takeaway

PCMag's 2026 best camera phones include Apple iPhone 17, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Google Pixel 11, and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.