5 Best Smartphones for Cinematic Mobile Photography

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 19 June 2023 8 min read

Mobile photography and capturing cinematic shots has become increasingly popular, thanks to the continuous advancements in smartphone camera technology. If you're in search of the best smartphone for mobile photography and cinematic shots, you've come to the right place. In this blog, we will discuss the top 5 smartphones that excel in these areas, starting with the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max.

1. Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is a top contender when it comes to mobile photography and cinematic shots. With its impressive camera features and video capabilities, this smartphone will help you capture stunning images and videos like a pro. Let's dive into the details.

Camera Features

Here are some of the standout camera features of the iPhone 13 Pro Max:

Triple-lens setup: 12MP Wide, 12MP Ultra-wide, and 12MP Telephoto lenses work together to capture detailed and vibrant images.
Night mode: Achieve better low-light photography with Night mode, which is available on all three lenses.
Smart HDR 4: Automatically optimizes your photos with improved color and contrast, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Photographic Styles: Personalize the look of your photos by applying custom presets in real-time.
ProRAW: Allows for greater editing flexibility with RAW files while maintaining the benefits of computational photography.

Video Capabilities

When it comes to cinematic shots, the iPhone 13 Pro Max doesn't disappoint. Some of its notable video features include:

ProRes: Record high-quality videos with ProRes format, which offers more editing options and better color accuracy.
Cinematic mode: Achieve depth-of-field effects with the Cinematic mode, which automatically adjusts focus between subjects for a more professional look.
4K Dolby Vision HDR recording: Capture stunning 4K videos in Dolby Vision HDR, providing richer colors and increased dynamic range.
Sensor-shift optical image stabilization: Minimize camera shake and achieve smoother footage, even while on the move.

Suggested Accessories

To make the most of your iPhone 13 Pro Max's mobile photography and cinematic capabilities, consider investing in some useful accessories:

Phone tripod: Steady your shots and prevent camera shake for sharper images and videos.
External lens attachments: Enhance your photography with specialized lenses, such as macro or anamorphic lenses, for more creative possibilities.
Portable lighting: Improve your lighting conditions with portable LED lights or ring lights to capture better photos and videos, especially in low-light situations.

In conclusion, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is a fantastic choice for those seeking the best smartphone for mobile photography and cinematic shots. With its powerful camera features, impressive video capabilities, and a range of available accessories, you'll be well-equipped to take your mobile photography to the next level.

2. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

Another top pick for the best smartphone for mobile photography and cinematic shots is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. This feature-packed phone boasts an incredible camera system and advanced video capabilities that will help you create eye-catching content. Let's take a closer look at what this device has to offer.

Camera Features

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is equipped with an array of camera features that make it perfect for mobile photography enthusiasts:

Quad-lens setup: A 108MP Wide, 12MP Ultra-wide, and two 10MP Telephoto lenses provide exceptional image quality and versatility.
100x Space Zoom: Capture distant subjects with incredible detail using the 100x Space Zoom feature.
Night mode: Low-light photography is a breeze with the improved Night mode, which produces brighter and more detailed images in darker environments.
Single Take: Capture multiple types of content in one shot, including photos, videos, and GIFs, with the innovative Single Take feature.
8K Snap: Extract high-resolution stills from your 8K videos, so you never miss the perfect moment.

Video Capabilities

When it comes to capturing cinematic shots, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has plenty to offer:

8K video recording: Record stunning, high-resolution 8K videos for incredible detail and clarity.
Super Steady mode: Achieve smooth, shake-free footage with the advanced Super Steady mode, which uses AI stabilization to reduce camera shake.
Director's View: Monitor and switch between different camera perspectives in real-time while recording, giving you more creative control over your videos.
Slow-motion and time-lapse: Capture dynamic slow-motion and time-lapse videos for added cinematic effects.

Suggested Accessories

To enhance your mobile photography and cinematic experience with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, consider these accessories:

Gimbal stabilizer: Improve the stability of your videos and achieve professional-looking cinematic shots with a gimbal stabilizer.
External microphone: Record high-quality audio in your videos with an external microphone, which can help reduce unwanted background noise.
Wireless remote: Control your camera remotely with a wireless remote, allowing you to capture photos and videos from a distance or without touching the device.

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a top choice for anyone looking for the best smartphone for mobile photography and cinematic shots. With its powerful camera features, advanced video capabilities, and a variety of useful accessories, you'll be able to take your mobile content creation to new heights.

3. Google Pixel 6 Pro

Next on our list of the best smartphones for mobile photography and cinematic shots is the Google Pixel 6 Pro. Known for its exceptional camera capabilities and user-friendly interface, this device is perfect for capturing stunning photos and videos. Let's explore what makes the Google Pixel 6 Pro a top choice for content creators.

Camera Features

The Google Pixel 6 Pro comes with a set of impressive camera features that will elevate your mobile photography experience:

Triple-lens setup: A 50MP Wide, 12MP Ultra-wide, and 48MP Telephoto lenses work together to produce sharp and vibrant images.
Magic Eraser: Remove unwanted objects or distractions from your photos using the Magic Eraser tool.
Night Sight: Capture stunning low-light photography with the Night Sight feature, which uses computational photography to enhance image quality in challenging lighting conditions.
Portrait mode: Create professional-looking portraits with beautifully blurred backgrounds using the improved Portrait mode.
Google Lens integration: Identify objects, landmarks, and even translate text directly from your camera app using Google Lens.

Video Capabilities

The Google Pixel 6 Pro offers a range of video capabilities that make it ideal for capturing cinematic shots:

4K video recording: Record high-quality 4K videos at up to 60fps for smooth and detailed footage.
Cinematic Pan: Add dramatic flair to your videos with the Cinematic Pan feature, which creates smooth, panning shots with minimal motion blur.
Stabilization modes: Choose from various stabilization options, such as Standard, Locked, and Active, to achieve the desired level of smoothness in your videos.
Slow motion: Capture action-packed moments in slow motion for a unique and engaging effect.

Suggested Accessories

Make the most of your Google Pixel 6 Pro's mobile photography and cinematic capabilities with these recommended accessories:

Phone tripod: Stabilize your device and capture shake-free photos and videos with a phone tripod.
External lens attachments: Enhance your photography with external lens attachments, such as macro, wide-angle, or fisheye lenses, for added creativity and versatility.
Portable LED light: Improve the lighting in your shots with a portable LED light, which can help you achieve better results in low-light conditions.

With its remarkable camera features, versatile video capabilities, and a selection of useful accessories, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is an excellent choice for those searching for the best smartphone for mobile photography and cinematic shots. Its user-friendly interface and powerful performance make it a top contender in the world of mobile content creation.

4. Sony Xperia 1 III

Another fantastic option for mobile photography and cinematic shots enthusiasts is the Sony Xperia 1 III. This smartphone stands out with its unique camera features and professional-grade technology, making it a worthy addition to our list. Let's dive into the details that make the Sony Xperia 1 III a top pick for capturing stunning visuals.

Camera Features

The Sony Xperia 1 III offers some exclusive camera features that set it apart from other smartphones:

Triple-lens setup with variable telephoto lens: The device features a 12MP Wide, 12MP Ultra-wide, and 12MP Telephoto lens, with the Telephoto lens boasting a unique variable optical zoom for added flexibility.
Real-time Eye AF: This feature automatically detects and focuses on the subject's eyes, ensuring sharp and expressive portraits.
Pro mode: Inspired by Sony's Alpha series cameras, the Pro mode allows for manual adjustments to settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance for more creative control.
Photography Pro app: The dedicated app offers an intuitive interface similar to professional cameras, making it easier for users to access advanced photography features.

Video Capabilities

The Sony Xperia 1 III's video capabilities are equally impressive, making it ideal for shooting cinematic content:

4K HDR video recording: Capture high-quality 4K HDR videos with vibrant colors and enhanced dynamic range for a more immersive visual experience.
Cinema Pro app: Create professional-looking videos with the Cinema Pro app, which offers various cinematic color presets, aspect ratios, and manual controls.
SteadyShot: This feature helps to reduce camera shake and ensure smooth, stable footage, even when filming on the move.
Slow motion: Record captivating slow-motion videos at up to 120fps for dramatic and engaging content.

Suggested Accessories

Enhance your Sony Xperia 1 III mobile photography and cinematic experience with these recommended accessories:

Gimbal stabilizer: Achieve smooth, professional-looking videos with a gimbal stabilizer designed for smartphones.
External microphone: Improve your video's audio quality with an external microphone that captures clear and crisp sound.
Protective case: Keep your Xperia 1 III safe and secure with a protective case that also provides easy access to buttons and camera features.

Overall, the Sony Xperia 1 III is a fantastic choice for those seeking the best smartphone for mobile photography and cinematic shots. Its professional-grade camera features, advanced video capabilities, and useful accessories make it a powerful tool for content creators and photography enthusiasts alike.

5. OPPO Find X3 Pro

Last but not least, the OPPO Find X3 Pro is another excellent contender for the best smartphone for mobile photography and cinematic shots. With its innovative camera system and impressive video capabilities, this device is sure to help you capture stunning visuals. Let's explore what makes the OPPO Find X3 Pro an ideal choice for photography and videography enthusiasts.

Camera Features

The OPPO Find X3 Pro offers some unique camera features that make it stand out from the crowd:

Quad-camera setup: The device features a 50MP Wide, 50MP Ultra-wide, 13MP Telephoto, and a 3MP Microlens camera, offering versatility for various shooting scenarios.
Billion-color capture: This feature allows you to capture images with more vibrant and true-to-life colors, making your photos look more visually appealing.
AI Scene Enhancement: The smartphone uses artificial intelligence to recognize and optimize different shooting scenarios, ensuring the best possible results.
Macro photography: The 3MP Microlens camera enables you to take extreme close-up shots with incredible detail, opening up new creative possibilities.

Video Capabilities

The OPPO Find X3 Pro's video capabilities make it a strong contender for capturing cinematic content:

4K video recording: Record high-quality 4K videos at 60fps for sharp, detailed footage.
Stabilization: The device features both optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS) to minimize camera shake and ensure smooth footage.
Slow motion: Create engaging slow-motion videos at up to 480fps for dramatic effects and storytelling.
AI Highlight Video: This feature automatically optimizes video settings based on the environment, resulting in well-exposed and visually pleasing footage.

Suggested Accessories

Maximize your OPPO Find X3 Pro mobile photography and cinematic experience with these recommended accessories:

Flexible tripod: Capture stable photos and videos from various angles with a flexible tripod designed for smartphones.
External lens kit: Enhance your smartphone photography with an external lens kit, offering options like wide-angle, telephoto, and macro lenses.
Screen protector: Protect your Find X3 Pro's display with a quality screen protector to keep it scratch-free and clear for photo and video editing.

In conclusion, the OPPO Find X3 Pro is a fantastic option for those in search of the best smartphone for mobile photography and cinematic shots. Its innovative camera features, advanced video capabilities, and useful accessories make it a reliable choice for capturing breathtaking visuals, no matter your skill level.

If you found this blog post helpful and want to take your smartphone photography skills even further, don't miss the workshop 'Smartphone Photography 101' by Alina Rudya. This workshop will help you master the art of capturing stunning photos with just your smartphone, providing essential tips and techniques to elevate your photography game.