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Apple fan or not, there isn’t any denying how a lot of a excessive bar iPhone 17 Pro units for sensible images, together with video. Its triple digicam array provides as much as correct coloration illustration, dependable HDR, and assist for premium file codecs resembling ProRes and Apple Log. The downside is the Apple tax that makes the 256 GB mannequin price about $1,099.99. The iPhone 17 Pro has been earmarked as a unbelievable handset because it was introduced in September 2025, however frankly, there are higher and related choices within the Android camp for much less.
Android gadgets undercutting or out-specking the iPhone is nothing new, however there are many Android flagships matching or exceeding the iPhone 17 Pro in the case of digicam efficiency. They have bigger sensors, longer optical zoom ranges, greater native resolutions, and higher computational images. If that each one appears like tech jargon, these options lead to extra person management for capturing types, coloration processing, and zooming out and in, as a result of nobody likes counting on digital zoom for something. More importantly, they will not set a purchaser’s pockets on fireplace.
There’s no query that sensible photographers are in for an important expertise with iPhone 17 Pro, because of its 48-megapixel primary digicam, 48-megapixel ultrawide digicam, and 48-megapixel telephoto digicam, however it’s not the most effective worth for cash when shoppers check out Android-powered handsets. Here are 5 Android telephones which can be higher bang on your buck when contemplating picture high quality, versatility, and worth for cash in a single gorgeous metallic and glass rectangle.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra provides unmatched zoom flexibility for much less
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is among the most succesful images telephones obtainable, and it’s cheaper now that the S25 Ultra has launched at $825 new and around $730 in used, to like-new condition. Its 200 MP primary digicam makes use of a large 1/1.3-inch sensor that’s nice for capturing element and dynamic vary, good lighting allowing, after all. Samsung implements “pixel-binning” on S24 Ultra, leading to clear 12 MP and 50 MP pictures whereas holding finer textures intact, which is one thing smaller sensors battle with.
Zoom versatility on S24 Ultra runs rings across the iPhone 17 Pro because of the 3x telephoto and 5x periscope lens array, which provides customers extra framing choices with out having to digitally crop. That’s to not say Apple’s 4x periscope lens is unhealthy, it is nonetheless sharp, however S24s providing is extra versatile for sports activities, journey, and wildlife images. Ultrawide photographs are neck and neck, with stable autofocus and edge sharpness.
The iPhone 17 Pro nonetheless stays the most effective for video in the case of consistency, however Samsung has slapped 8K recording, excessive body fee 4K, and good stabilization. It’s hardly a trade-off with specs like that, and for customers who prioritize zoom and sensor measurement, making the Samsung S24 Ultra a stable different to the iPhone 17 Pro, while saving $250 or extra if patrons go for a pre-owned different.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra refines {hardware} with out iPhone pricing
For photographers wanting the newest and best, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra builds on S24’s digicam strengths whereas refining virtually each element. Its up to date 200 MP primary sensor is healthier at mild seize and has extra dependable auto focus, whereas its 50 MP upgraded ultrawide digicam has sharper element and higher low mild efficiency than the S24. For photographers who give attention to structure and landscapes, it is a sensible choice.
Like the S24 Ultra, the S25 Ultra dominates in the case of zoom. It retains the 3x telephoto and 5x periscope performance, that are each stabilized for a wider optical vary when in comparison with the iPhone 17 Pro. While Apple’s strategy to picture processing is extra restrained, Samsung’s strategy permits photographers to seize distant topics with extra native element within the title of flexibility. S25 additionally rocks a quicker processor, too.
Its video capabilities additionally carry over from the S24, with an upgraded 10-bit HDR recording and 8K recording assist, which is greater than sufficient, however the iPhone 17 Pro nonetheless wins on this space. When contemplating photographers only have to spend $924.06 new in comparison with the iPhone 17 Pro’s $1,099.99 price ticket, it is easy to suggest cutting-edge digicam specs with out venturing into four-figure value territory.
Google Pixel 10 Pro and XL prioritizes computational images
The Google Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL use the identical digicam setup, with the principle variations being a bigger battery capability and display within the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Google’s strategy to images and video rests on its software program greater than {hardware}, specializing in an off-the-cuff market, however the Pixel 10 Pro and XL rock some nice {hardware}. Its 50 MP primary digicam makes use of a barely smaller sensor than Samsung, however Google’s computational images consistency delivers correct publicity, pure colours, and powerful HDR. It’s an all-in-one, dependable point-and-shoot smartphone.
The 5x periscope telephoto lens delivers sharp outcomes inside its optical vary, with options like Zoom Enhance extending the telephoto performance with artifacting. Ultra-wide efficiency is respectable, with the assistance of auto focus to allow macro-style photographs that the iPhone 17 Pro is not in keeping with. The Pro XL actually excels when photographers want that additional battery life for lengthy shoots, and the bigger show turns out to be useful for on-the-fly edits and reviewing images.
Video efficiency is nice with 10-bit HDR and stabilized 4K, however it does not trump the iPhone 17 Pro. But for $899 new on the 256 GB Pixel 10 Pro and $949 for 256 GB Pixel 10 Pro XL, it isn’t a large enough distinction to warrant the additional spend.
Oppo Find X9 Pro pushes digicam {hardware}
In a shock twist, the most effective iPhone 17 Pro different for photographers is not made by Samsung or Google, however Oppo, makers of the world thinnest foldable cellphone. The specs are on level, with a 50 MP primary digicam that has a quick f/1.5 aperture and a big sensor, and the 200 MP periscope telephoto lens delivers distinctive element and longer focal lengths. For photographers who need the most effective optical efficiency from their smartphone digicam, that is it.
Oppo has a partnership with Hasselblad, which suggests coloration calibration is usually richer and has a cinematic look. Instead of the curated and restrained Apple strategy, customers have entry to guide controls, LOG video assist, and excessive bit fee recording. iPhone 17 Pro is a stable, constant possibility, however Oppo provides photographers way more freedom.
The solely challenge is getting ahold of 1. Buyers will not discover this cellphone in Best Buy or Target, Wondamobile. For a $200 saving and specs that both meet or exceed the iPhone 17 Pro, it is a win-win scenario. It could be value noting that Oppo pushes safety and firmware updates for the area the cellphone got here from, so customers will want to verify they’re shopping for a mannequin from their area to avoid wasting language barrier complications down the road.