8 Best Camera Phones I Would Consider Buying Over Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Right Now

Here are the eight best camera phones in 2026 that can rival or outperform the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, including iPhone 17 Pro, Vivo X300 Pro, Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Oppo Find X9 Pro. These eight smartphones offer pro-level photography, 8K video, periscope zoom and advanced image processing.

Camera Phones To Buy Over Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is undoubtedly one of the most powerful camera phones available today, but it’s not the only option worth your money. Several flagship smartphones now offer equally impressive or even better photography experiences in certain areas like video, zoom and colour science. If camera performance is your top priority, here are eight incredible alternatives you should seriously consider right now.

iPhone 17 Pro [Rs 1,24,900]

Apple continues to lead in video recording with the iPhone 17 Pro. Its triple 48MP camera setup, advanced HDR formats, and spatial video capabilities make it ideal for creators. It stands as a camera-focused alternative worth choosing over Galaxy S26 Ultra right now, especially for those who shoot a lot of cinematic footage.

Vivo X300 Pro [Rs 1,09,999]

Vivo X300 Pro shines when it comes to zoom and detailed photography. Its 200MP periscope lens captures distant subjects with stunning clarity, while the main sensor delivers balanced results. It is a strong camera-first option to pick instead of Galaxy S26 Ultra right now for photography enthusiasts.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra [Rs 1,39,999]

Xiaomi 17 Ultra is designed for serious photographers with its large sensor and Leica tuning. It delivers rich detail, accurate colours, and excellent dynamic range. It works as a premium camera-centric replacement over Galaxy S26 Ultra right now for users who prefer artistic photography.

Oppo Find X9 Pro [Rs 1,09,999]

Oppo Find X9 Pro offers a refined camera experience with Hasselblad colour tuning and high-resolution sensors. Its strong zoom and video capabilities make it versatile. It is a reliable imaging-focused alternative to Galaxy S26 Ultra right now for users who love cinematic output.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL [Rs 1,09,990]

Pixel 10 Pro XL focuses on computational photography rather than raw hardware. It delivers natural colours, strong HDR, and consistent results in any lighting. It is a smart camera-driven choice over Galaxy S26 Ultra right now for users who prefer effortless photography.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra [Rs 1,11,999]

Even after a generation, the Galaxy S25 Ultra remains highly capable. Its versatile camera setup with multiple zoom options and strong video features keeps it relevant. It is a practical alternative to Galaxy S26 Ultra right now, especially for those looking to save money.

OnePlus 15 [Rs 72,999]

OnePlus 15 delivers impressive camera performance at a much lower price. Its triple 50MP setup, 8K video support, and advanced colour tools make it stand out. It is a budget-friendly camera option over Galaxy S26 Ultra right now without compromising too much on quality.

Vivo X300 [Rs 75,999]

Vivo X300 offers flagship-level photography at a more accessible price point. With a capable camera system and reliable HDR performance, it produces consistent results. It is a value-focused camera alternative to Galaxy S26 Ultra right now for users who want great photos without overspending.