Best Camera Phones Australia 2025: iPhone 16 Pro vs Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Pixel 10 Pro

Introduction
Finding the best camera phones Australia 2025 has become essential as smartphone photography continues to dominate how we capture and share memories. The demand for exceptional mobile cameras has never been higher in Australia, whether you’re capturing the stunning landscapes of the Blue Mountains or taking family portraits in low light.
This comprehensive smartphone camera comparison Australia guide examines three flagship contenders: the iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google Pixel 10 Pro. Each device brings unique strengths to mobile photography, from advanced AI processing to professional-grade video features. We’ll break down their camera hardware, special features, and real-world performance to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
iPhone 16 Pro Camera Review
Camera Hardware
The iPhone 16 Pro features Apple’s most advanced camera system yet, built around a 48MP main sensor with an f/1.78 aperture. The triple-camera setup includes:
- Main Camera: 48MP with sensor-shift optical image stabilisation
- Ultra-Wide: 12MP with 120° field of view and macro capabilities
- Telephoto: 12MP with 5× optical zoom and 25× digital zoom
- Front Camera: 12MP TrueDepth with autofocus
The standout feature is the new titanium construction that houses these premium lenses while maintaining a relatively lightweight 199g profile.
Video Features
Apple continues to lead in video capabilities with the iPhone 16 Pro offering:
- 4K ProRes recording at up to 120fps
- Cinematic Mode with rack focus transitions
- Action Mode for ultra-stable handheld footage
- ProRAW and ProRes support for professional workflows
Special Features & AI
The iPhone 16 Pro’s computational photography leverages the A18 Pro chip for:
- Photographic Styles 2.0: More nuanced tone and colour adjustments
- Smart HDR 5: Enhanced dynamic range in challenging lighting
- Night Mode: Improved low-light smartphone photography across all lenses
- Live Photos: Extended capture with better stabilisation
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera
Camera Hardware
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra pushes boundaries with its impressive quad-camera array:
- Main Camera: 200MP with f/1.7 aperture and OIS
- Ultra-Wide: 12MP with 120° field of view
- Telephoto 1: 10MP with 3× optical zoom
- Telephoto 2: 10MP with 10× optical zoom (periscope design)
- Front Camera: 12MP with dual pixel autofocus
This configuration offers the most versatile zoom range, extending from 0.6× ultra-wide to 100× Space Zoom digital magnification.
Video Features
Samsung’s video prowess includes:
- 8K recording at 30fps on main camera
- Super Steady mode with enhanced stabilisation
- Director’s View for multi-camera recording
- Single Take mode with AI-generated content variations
Special Features & AI
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s AI camera features include:
- Object Eraser: Remove unwanted elements from photos
- Photo Remaster: AI-enhanced old photo restoration
- Expert RAW: Professional-grade manual controls
- Nightography: Advanced low-light performance across all lenses
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 10 Pro Camera Features
Camera Hardware
Google’s Pixel 10 Pro focuses on computational excellence with a refined triple-camera system:
- Main Camera: 50MP with f/1.85 aperture and OIS
- Ultra-Wide: 48MP with macro focus capabilities
- Telephoto: 48MP with 5× optical zoom
- Front Camera: 10.5MP with ultra-wide option
While the megapixel count appears lower than competitors, Google’s strength lies in software processing and AI integration.
Video Features
The Pixel 10 Pro offers:
- 4K recording at 60fps across all lenses
- Cinematic Blur for video with real-time depth effects
- Magic Eraser for video (removing unwanted objects)
- Enhanced stabilisation with Horizon Lock
Special Features & AI
Google’s AI-powered photography includes:
- Magic Eraser: Remove photobombers and distractions
- Face Unblur: Sharpen moving subjects, especially children
- Real Tone: Accurate skin tone representation across ethnicities
- Auto Best Take: Automatically selects the best shot from a burst
The Pro Res Zoom feature uses AI to enhance digital zoom quality beyond the optical range, making distant subjects clearer than traditional digital zoom.
You can also check out the our article on the Google Pixel 9 Series in Australia.
Pros & Cons
Smartphone Camera Comparison Australia
Image Quality Comparison
Feature | iPhone 16 Pro | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Pixel 10 Pro |
---|---|---|---|
Main Sensor | 48MP, f/1.78 | 200MP, f/1.7 | 50MP, f/1.85 |
Optical Zoom | 5× | 10× | 5× |
Ultra-Wide | 12MP, 120° | 12MP, 120° | 48MP, 125° |
Low-Light Performance | Excellent | Very Good | Outstanding |
AI Processing | Very Good | Good | Exceptional |
Real-World Performance
Low-Light Photography: The Pixel 10 Pro leads in challenging lighting conditions, thanks to Google’s advanced Night Sight algorithms. The iPhone 16 Pro follows closely with natural-looking results, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra can struggle with noise in extreme low-light scenarios.
Zoom Performance: Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra dominates with its 10× optical zoom, making it ideal for wildlife photography or capturing distant subjects at sporting events. Both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro offer solid 5× optical zoom but can’t match Samsung’s reach.
Portrait Photography: All three phones excel at portrait mode, with the iPhone 16 Pro providing the most natural bokeh, the Pixel 10 Pro offering the best subject separation, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra allowing the most manual control.
Price and Availability in Australia
- iPhone 16 Pro: From $1,633 AUD (available through Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, and Apple stores)
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: From $2,112 AUD (widely available through all major carriers)
- Pixel 10 Pro: From $1,699 AUD (available through Google Store, JB Hi-Fi, and select carriers)
Buyer Recommendations
For Travel Photographers
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is your best bet if you frequently travel and need maximum zoom flexibility. The 10× optical zoom captures distant landmarks without quality loss, and the large screen makes composition easier in bright Australian sunlight.
For Content Creators
Choose the iPhone 16 Pro if video quality is paramount. The ProRes recording capabilities, combined with seamless editing in Final Cut Pro, make it the professional choice for YouTube creators and social media influencers.
For Everyday Photography
The Google Pixel 10 Pro offers the best value for casual photographers. Its AI features automatically enhance your photos, making it perfect for family gatherings, social events, and everyday moments. The point-and-shoot simplicity delivers consistently great results.
For Low-Light Specialists
If you frequently shoot in challenging lighting conditions—perhaps capturing Australia’s vibrant nightlife or early morning wildlife—the Pixel 10 Pro excels with its computational photography prowess.
Australian-Specific Considerations
Consider carrier compatibility and 5G coverage in your area. All three phones support Australia’s major 5G networks, but check specific band support for regional coverage. Additionally, factor in warranty support and local service availability when making your decision.
Conclusion for the Best Camera Phones Australia 2025
Choosing the best camera phone Australia 2025 depends on your specific photography needs and budget. The iPhone 16 Pro delivers unmatched video quality and ecosystem integration, the Galaxy S25 Ultra provides incredible zoom versatility, and the Pixel 10 Pro offers exceptional AI-powered photography at a competitive price point.
Each device represents the pinnacle of smartphone camera technology, and you can’t go wrong with any of these choices. Consider your primary use cases, budget constraints, and ecosystem preferences when making your final decision.
What’s your priority in smartphone photography? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this comparison with friends who might be upgrading their camera phone in 2025.
This article was last updated in August 2025. Prices and availability may vary. Always verify current pricing through official retailers and authorised dealers