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Best Mobile Phones in 2017 with Superior Camera Quality: Top Picks for Photography Enthusiasts

July. 16,2025

This comprehensive article explores the top 10 smartphones of 2017 renowned for their exceptional camera features. Highlighting innovative technologies, dual-camera systems, and low-light performance, it helps consumers choose the best device for their photography needs. Covering brands like Samsung, Apple, Google, and Huawei, the guide emphasizes how these smartphones revolutionized mobile photography with advanced hardware and software enhancements. Whether you're into landscape, portrait, or low-light photography, this detailed overview provides valuable insights into the best camera phones of 2017, making it an essential resource for tech enthusiasts and photography lovers alike.

Best Mobile Phones in 2017 with Superior Camera Quality: Top Picks for Photography Enthusiasts

Top 10 Smartphones of 2017 Excelling in Camera Technology and Imaging Performance

Over recent years, advancements in smartphone camera technology have transformed the way we capture and cherish our memories. Today’s smartphones are not just communication devices but powerful tools for photography, offering high-resolution sensors, advanced image processing, and innovative features. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the ten best smartphones of 2017 that set new standards for camera quality, catering to both amateur and professional photographers alike. Whether you’re into portrait photography, landscape shots, or low-light images, these devices provide exceptional camera capabilities to meet diverse needs.

Samsung Galaxy S8
The Samsung Galaxy S8, launched in 2017, was celebrated for its cutting-edge camera system. It features a 12-megapixel rear sensor equipped with multi-frame processing and dual-pixel autofocus technology, which ensures sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions. The phone’s HDR capabilities and low-light performance are outstanding, allowing users to capture detailed photos without the need for additional lighting. In addition, its front-facing camera boasts an 8MP lens optimized for high-quality selfies and video calls. The S8’s camera enhancements, combined with its sleek design and powerful performance, made it one of the most sought-after devices for mobile photography enthusiasts in 2017.

Apple iPhone 7 Plus
The iPhone 7 Plus marked a significant milestone for Apple’s smartphone line with its dual-camera system. Its main 12MP wide-angle camera is complemented by a secondary 56mm telephoto lens that provides 2x optical zoom and renowned portrait mode capabilities. The dual-camera setup enables high-resolution images with natural depth-of-field effects, making portrait shots look professional. The iPhone 7 Plus also excels in capturing stunning images in various lighting conditions thanks to advanced image stabilization and smart HDR processing. Video recording at 4K resolution with cinematic stabilization further enhances its appeal for video creators. Its user-friendly interface and integration with Apple’s ecosystem cemented its position as a top choice for mobile photography in 2017.

Google Pixel & Pixel XL
Google’s Pixel series has always been renowned for its camera quality, and the Pixel and Pixel XL released in 2017 are no exceptions. Equipped with a 12.3MP rear sensor, these phones leverage Google's advanced computational photography techniques. Features like HDR+ and Night Sight allow users to capture well-exposed photos in bright sunlight or in complete darkness without a flash. The Pixel’s focus on software-driven image processing results in vibrant, sharp images with excellent color accuracy. The portrait mode and seamless integration with Google Photos further enhance user experience, making these phones ideal for photography enthusiasts seeking simplicity and exceptional image quality.

LG G6
Targeting landscape and architecture lovers, the LG G6 features dual 13MP rear cameras—one standard wide-angle lens and a super-wide-angle lens—allowing users to capture both tight and expansive scenes effortlessly. Its advanced image processing capabilities ensure crisp, vibrant images with accurate color reproduction. The G6’s manual mode and manual focus options provide creative control for professional-quality shots. Its wide-angle capabilities are particularly beneficial for capturing cityscapes, natural vistas, or large group photos. The intelligent camera interface and hardware stabilization contribute to capturing steady, clear images even during dynamic activities.

LG V20
The LG V20 stands out with its versatile dual-camera system—featuring a 16MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide lens with a 135-degree field of view. This unique setup enables users to shoot panoramic landscapes, architectural shots, or artistic compositions with ease. The V20’s manual video controls and high-fidelity audio recording capabilities also appeal to content creators and videographers. Its image stabilization and fast autofocus ensure sharp images in motion. For creative photography, the V20 provides a broad range of options, making it an ideal device for capturing moments from a wide perspective.

Huawei P9
The Huawei P9 introduced dual-camera technology to the mainstream market with its innovative dual 12MP and 8MP setup. The RGB sensor captures full-color details, while the monochrome sensor enhances detail and contrast for black-and-white shots. This combination results in high-quality images with excellent dynamic range and depth. The P9’s laser autofocus and optical image stabilization contribute to sharp images, even in low-light scenes. Its wide-angle modes and various artistic filters allow for creative expression. The device’s sleek design and affordable pricing make it a popular choice among photography aficionados in 2017 seeking high-performance imaging on a budget.

OnePlus 3T
The OnePlus 3T was praised for its balance of performance and camera excellence. It boasts a dual 16MP rear camera system capable of capturing vibrant, sharp images across different lighting environments. Features like phase detection autofocus, laser autofocus, and a dedicated HDR mode support versatile shooting. The camera app offers various shooting modes, including slow-motion and HDR, catering to both casual photography and more serious pursuits. The front camera, with a 16MP sensor, ensures high-quality selfies. Its combination of hardware performance and software optimization made the 3T a favorite among tech-savvy users aiming for outstanding mobile photography in 2017.

Huawei Honor 8
The Honor 8 gained acclaim for its dual 12MP cameras—one RGB and one monochrome. This setup provides excellent details, vibrant images, and the ability to shoot impressive black-and-white photos. The device features laser autofocus and optical image stabilization, ensuring clear images even in dim environments. Its manual controls and various image modes give users creative flexibility. The Honor 8’s affordability combined with its strong camera performance made it an attractive choice for those wanting high-quality photography without a premium price tag. It’s particularly noted for its excellent image processing and color reproduction.

Samsung Galaxy S7
The Galaxy S7 was highly regarded for its stellar low-light photography capabilities. Equipped with a 12MP main sensor and a 5MP front camera, it supported HDR, autofocus, and optical stabilization to produce clear, detailed images in challenging lighting. Its 4K video recording at 30 FPS allowed users to shoot professional-grade videos directly from their phones. The S7’s advanced hardware and software optimization resulted in vibrant, sharp photos and videos consistently praised by consumers and critics alike. It was considered one of the best devices for capturing memories during social gatherings, outdoor adventures, and nightly scenes.

Moto G4 Plus
As a budget-friendly option, the Moto G4 Plus features a 16MP rear camera with laser autofocus and phase detection sensors that support quick and accurate focus. Its 5MP front camera with wide-angle focus makes it suitable for selfies and group shots. The device’s camera software includes various modes such as HDR, professional mode, and beautification, enabling users to capture versatile images even with limited budget. The Moto G4 Plus’s ease of use, dependable performance, and decent image quality make it a popular choice among casual photographers in 2017. Its affordability and reliable camera performance helped it stand out among entry-level smartphones.