Ditch the DSLR and embrace the super-flagship phone. Here’s the three best phones for video recording right now…
TL;DR: 📸 Best Phone for Video Recording 🏆
- 🤖 Best for AI Video Enhancements: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL – AI-driven stabilization and color tuning for natural results, perfect for casual creators.
- 🥇 Best Overall Video Recording: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Exceptional 8K and HDR video quality, ideal for outdoor shooting with stunning brightness and color accuracy.
- 📱 Best for Cinematic Control: iPhone 16 Pro Max – Dolby Vision at 4K/120fps and ProRes support, creating professional-quality videos with superb detail.
Back in the day, shooting professional-grade video meant you had to use a DSLR camera. For the past few years, this has no longer been the case, thanks to the massive advancements Apple, Samsung, and Google have made with their respective camera tech.
For the best possible video recording capabilities, you’re going to have to pony up the cash for a flagship model. But the results will be well worth the investment.
Whether you’re shooting longform content for YouTube or shorter videos for social media platforms like Instagram, a high-end camera is essential. But if you could combine it with a phone, well… that’d be awesome, right?
That’s the point of this article; it pulls in the best phones for video recording right now.
As of right now, there’s three phones that dominate the creator market and, non-surprisingly, they’re from Apple, Samsung, and Google.
But which is best for you? How do they compare? That’s what we’re going to find out today, so read on…
What’s The Best Phone For Shooting Video Right Now?
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Cinematic Mastery with Dolby Vision
Apple’s been courting content creators for years with its Pro and Pro Max models, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is no exception—it’s built with YouTubers and professional videographers in mind.
This time, Apple has seriously raised the bar, adding support for 4K resolution at 120 frames per second, perfect for high-quality content on YouTube and social media.
The 120fps rate allows smooth slow-motion in post-production without sacrificing clarity, delivering cinematic effects that pop. Paired with Dolby Vision HDR, the iPhone 16 Pro Max brings intense color and dynamic range to every frame, making your footage look straight out of Hollywood.
The advanced camera system is equally impressive. With a 48MP main sensor and a 5x telephoto lens, it gives creators versatility in framing shots—from ultra-wide landscapes for vlogs to detailed close-ups that capture every nuance. Plus, shooting in ProRes LOG format means you get the flexibility for professional-grade editing and color grading, a must-have for serious video projects.
Apple hasn’t forgotten about usability either. The new Camera Control button streamlines filming, letting you adjust settings on the go without fumbling through menus—a huge plus when you’re in the middle of a shoot.
And with studio-quality mics and the Audio Mix feature, you can ensure your voice comes through clearly, front and center, in every take.
Standout Features / USPs
- 4K Dolby Vision at 120fps: Capture ultra-smooth, high-quality video that matches the dynamic range seen in cinema. The 4K resolution combined with Dolby Vision HDR provides stunning contrast, especially in complex lighting scenes.
- ProRes and Log Support: Perfect for professional editors, ProRes recording allows high-definition output suitable for larger screens and post-production tweaks. Log video recording offers broader color grading options, ideal for users who want more control over the video’s final look.
- Spatial Audio and Studio Mics: The four studio-quality mics and spatial audio create immersive sound, enhanced by wind noise reduction for clear audio in diverse settings.
Why It’s Great: This phone is perfect for cinematic storytelling and high-quality audio capture, making it a top choice for vloggers and filmmakers.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The 8K HDR Powerhouse
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t just keep pace with the competition; it pushes video recording boundaries with a seriously impressive quad-camera setup. The standout is the 200MP main sensor, which lets creators capture jaw-dropping detail in every shot.
For those aiming to produce high-quality video content, the Galaxy S24 Ultra supports 8K recording at 30fps and 4K at up to 120fps, giving you a smooth, professional look that shines on any screen. The 5x telephoto lens also adds versatility, whether you’re grabbing wide-open landscapes or honing in on finer details.
The device’s video stabilization technology is a game-changer for handheld shots, keeping footage smooth even during movement, so your scenes stay clear and steady. In low-light situations, the S24 Ultra’s performance is just as impressive, producing vibrant, clear 4K footage with excellent color accuracy—a huge plus for creators working in varied lighting.
Samsung’s user-friendly approach shows up in the Pro Video mode, where you can manually tweak settings like ISO and shutter speed to nail the perfect shot. You can also record from multiple cameras at once, capturing different angles in a single take.
Add in support for various codecs and advanced audio options, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra becomes a powerful tool for creators who want flexibility during both shooting and editing.
Standout Features / USPs
- 8K Video Recording: With support for 8K at 30fps, the S24 Ultra produces high-resolution videos suited for professional settings. The HDR10+ support adds vivid color details, especially in outdoor shoots.
- Extreme Brightness for Outdoor Filming: The S24 Ultra’s display reaches up to 2,600 nits, making it one of the best options for filming under direct sunlight. This level of brightness enhances color accuracy during recording and playback.
- AI-Enhanced Stabilization: With powerful AI support, the S24 Ultra compensates for hand movements, delivering smooth and stable footage even during high-action scenes.
Why It’s Great: Ideal for content creators who shoot outdoors or want the best resolution for a cinematic feel, the S24 Ultra offers exceptional video fidelity and playback.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: AI-Powered Video with Natural Results
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL proves that AI and software can make a real difference for video creators. Its quad-camera system includes a 200MP main sensor capable of capturing stunning 8K video at 30fps and 4K video across all lenses, so you get ultra-detailed, high-res footage no matter which camera you’re using.
With impressive stabilization tech, the Pixel 9 Pro XL keeps video smooth, even when you’re moving—perfect for dynamic scenes that demand clarity.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display isn’t just big; it’s vibrant. With a 120Hz refresh rate, peak brightness up to 3000 nits, and 1344p resolution, this screen is ideal for both editing and playback, even outdoors in bright sunlight.
For creators who shoot in all sorts of lighting conditions, this display makes monitoring your shots a breeze.
Running on Android 14, the Pixel 9 Pro XL uses advanced AI to make video production easier and smarter. Features like enhanced HDR and intelligent scene recognition optimize quality right in the camera app.
And with seven years of software support, the Pixel 9 Pro XL ensures you’ll have access to the latest updates and editing tools, making it a solid choice for YouTubers and content creators looking to produce high-quality videos with ease.
Standout Features / USPs
- AI-Driven Stabilization: The Pixel 9 Pro’s AI stabilization makes it easier to capture smooth videos while moving, perfect for action-packed scenes or travel vlogging.
- Color Accuracy and Low-Light Tuning: Google’s real-time AI adjustments help maintain natural tones and visibility even in challenging lighting. Night mode video also shines on this model, offering more clarity in low light than previous generations.
- 4K at 60fps: Although not pushing the resolution boundaries like Samsung, the Pixel 9 Pro’s 4K/60fps mode provides a balance of quality and smoothness, ideal for everyday video recording.
Why It’s Great: With AI stabilization and natural color tuning, the Pixel 9 Pro is the go-to option for casual video creators who value simplicity and consistency.
Final Verdict: Best Phone for Video Recording
- 🏆 Overall Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Its unmatched 8K HDR video capabilities and outdoor-ready display make it the top choice for serious video creators.
- 🎬 Best for Cinematic Professionals: iPhone 16 Pro Max – Dolby Vision, ProRes, and high-end audio capture make it ideal for filmmakers.
- 🤖 Best for AI Video Enhancements: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL – With strong stabilization and natural color tuning, this phone excels for casual yet high-quality recording.
Looking for more information (or a specific type of phone)? Check out our Best Phones Guide resource page – it covers everything from foldable phones to budget phones.
