Samsung Camera Test 2025: Best Phones for Photography

Smartphone photography has reached new heights — and with 2025 upon us, some of the best camera smartphones are from the Samsung Galaxy lineup. Whether you’re a content creator, travel photographer, or social‑media enthusiast, the right Samsung phone can make a world of difference. In this guide, we test and compare top Samsung models (including refurbished ones), and show which phones offer the best photography experience in 2025.

Why Choose Samsung for Photography?

Samsung Galaxy phones are known for their powerful hardware, excellent sensors, and versatile camera systems. From ultrawide to telephoto, low‑light modes to 8K video, these phones cover a wide photography spectrum. In 2025, buying a refurbished phone from a trusted source can get you flagship-grade features at much lower cost — making Samsung an ideal brand for photographers on a budget.

Top Refurbished Phones to Consider

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G — Best Overall Camera Phone

If you want the highest level of camera performance, the Refurbished Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G is arguably the best Samsung phone you can buy in 2025. Its advanced camera sensors, high resolution, and excellent low‑light capabilities make it ideal for everything from night photography to pro‑level shots.

• High-resolution main sensor for detailed photos

• Great dynamic range and color reproduction

• Excellent night mode and low-light performance

• Strong zoom & telephoto capabilities

For creators, travellers, and photography lovers — this model gives a near-professional experience in a smartphone form.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G — Premium Photography on a Budget

The Refurbished Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G remains a strong contender even in 2025. For those who want flagship-level photography features but at a more affordable price, this model offers an excellent balance of quality and cost.

• Powerful camera setup with strong daylight and portrait shots

• Good zoom performance and stable results

• S‑Pen support for creative editing and photo annotation (bonus for content creators)

• Larger display helps in editing and previewing photos

If you’re a hobby photographer or someone who appreciates great photos but doesn’t want to pay full flagship price, this model is a great choice.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G — Great Mid‑Range Camera Performance

If flagship costs are out of reach and you still want a reliable camera phone, the Refurbished Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G strikes a good balance. It delivers decent photography quality and covers casual to moderate users very well.

• Balanced camera setup for daylight, portraits, and everyday photos

• Good performance for social media photos and casual photography

• Solid battery life for longer photo sessions

• Great if you want a strong all‑rounder without overspending

For first-time smartphone photographers or those who mainly post on social media, this model offers very reasonable value.

Photography Use‑Cases & Which Phone Excels Where

Here’s a quick look at different photography scenarios and which Samsung phone works best for each:

Scenario	Best Choice	Why it Excels
Professional photography / High-detail shots	S23 Ultra 5G (refurb)	High resolution, dynamic range, low-light & zoom
Creative work, editing, drawing + photos	S22 Ultra 5G (refurb)	Strong cameras + S‑Pen + large display
Social media, travel, casual photos	S21 Plus 5G (refurb)	Balanced camera & battery, budget-friendly
Basic use, lightweight camera needs	Any budget/second‑hand Samsung	Affordable and sufficient for everyday photos

Why Refurbished Phones Are a Smart Pick in 2025

• Cost Efficiency: Refurbished flagship Samsung phones cost far less than new, but still offer top-level camera tech.

• Excellent Value for Creators: If you shoot content, videos, or photos often — buying refurbished gives powerful hardware without budget strain.

• Sustainability: Refurbished phones reduce electronic waste and promote reuse.

• Wide Choices: From flagship to budget, there are many Samsung models available for different budgets.

You can explore a variety of trusted refurbished and second‑hand Samsung phones here: Second Hand Samsung Phones in India.

What to Look for When Buying a Samsung Phone for Photography

When selecting a Samsung phone in 2025 for photography, pay attention to these factors:

1. Camera Sensors & Resolution: Higher MP sensors and multiple lens options (wide, ultra‑wide, telephoto) give more flexibility.

2. Low‑Light & Night Mode Performance: Essential for indoor, evening, or night photography.

3. Display Quality: AMOLED or high‑resolution displays help in real photo review and editing.

4. Battery & Thermal Management: Important for long shooting sessions, video recording, or editing on the phone.

5. Extras (Stylus, Editing Tools): Features like S‑Pen (in S22 Ultra) help photographers and content creators.

Budget & Affordable Photography: When Flagships Are Overkill

Not everyone needs top-tier specs. If you are okay with standard photos for social media, daily memory capture, or casual sharing — budget Samsung models or older phones work well. For example, you can browse affordable Samsung phones under ₹20,000 that still offer decent camera performance and battery life; here’s a helpful guide: Budget Smartphones Under ₹20K. These phones may not match flagship-level detail, but they suffice for everyday photography needs.

Conclusion: Which Samsung Phone Should You Choose for Photography in 2025?

• 📸 For serious photography, videography, content creation: Go for S23 Ultra 5G (refurbished) — top camera, powerful hardware, future-proof performance.

• ✍️ For creative users, editors, students, and budget-conscious creators: S22 Ultra 5G (refurbished) is the best compromise between cost and features — impressive camera + S-Pen + smooth performance.

• 📱 For everyday users, social media lovers, travellers on a budget: S21 Plus 5G (refurbished) or even budget/second-hand Samsung phones deliver good-enough photography without overspending.

Because Samsung offers a wide variety of phones at different price points — including refurbished flagships, mid‑range devices, and budget-friendly smartphones — you can easily find one that suits both your photography needs and your budget.