Smartphone cameras have reached a new level in 2025. With the launch of the iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google Pixel 9 Pro, users now have powerful imaging tools right in their pockets — whether for photography, filmmaking, or podcasting. But which one truly stands out?
In this guide, we’ll compare the camera systems of these flagship smartphones in terms of hardware, photo performance, video recording, and most importantly — how well they work for podcasting.
Camera Hardware Overview
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Pixel 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.78, sensor-shift OIS) | 200MP (f/1.7, Laser AF, OIS) | 50MP (f/1.7, OIS) |
| Telephoto | 12MP 5x optical (Tetraprism) | 50MP 5x + 10MP 3x | 48MP 5x optical |
| Ultra-Wide | 12MP (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 12MP (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 12MP (f/2.2, 126° FOV) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP | 13MP |
| Video | ProRes, LOG, Dolby Vision | 8K 30fps, HDR10+ | 4K 60fps, 10-bit HDR |
All three phones offer top-tier hardware, but the difference lies in how they process images and video.
Daylight Photography
- Galaxy S25 Ultra captures the highest resolution with its 200MP sensor. Photos are vibrant and sharp, especially with good lighting.
- iPhone 16 Pro produces realistic colors and excellent skin tones. Its computational balance makes it ideal for natural-looking shots.
- Pixel 9 Pro is fast and consistent. Google’s HDR+ algorithm balances highlights and shadows perfectly, making every shot social-media ready.
Winner: Galaxy S25 Ultra (Detail) / iPhone 16 Pro (Natural Look)
Low-Light and Night Mode
- Pixel 9 Pro is the king of night photography with Google’s Night Sight producing clear, low-noise images even in tough conditions.
- iPhone 16 Pro performs exceptionally well, especially with its LiDAR-assisted autofocus.
- S25 Ultra is solid but sometimes over-processes night shots.
Winner: Pixel 9 Pro
Video Recording Performance
- iPhone 16 Pro leads the way in video. It records in ProRes, LOG, and Dolby Vision, making it the best smartphone for professional video creators.
- Galaxy S25 Ultra offers the most versatile tools — 8K recording, Director’s View, and HDR10+.
- Pixel 9 Pro has stepped up with 10-bit HDR video and stabilization, though it’s still behind in professional-grade controls.
Winner: iPhone 16 Pro
Runner-Up: Galaxy S25 Ultra
Telephoto & Zoom
- Galaxy S25 Ultra leads with dual telephoto lenses offering 3x and 5x optical zoom, and up to 100x digital zoom.
- Pixel 9 Pro delivers excellent 5x optical zoom enhanced by Super Res Zoom for cleaner digital zooms.
- iPhone 16 Pro (Pro Max version) introduces a 5x Tetraprism lens — very good, but limited to one model.
Winner: Galaxy S25 Ultra
AI Features and Smart Photography
- Pixel 9 Pro excels with Google’s AI tools like Magic Editor, Best Take, and Real Tone.
- S25 Ultra includes AI Zoom Assist and Scene Optimizer.
- iPhone 16 Pro integrates Apple Intelligence for subject tracking and smart scene enhancements, with less AI-heavy editing.
Winner: Pixel 9 Pro
Video for Podcasting
Podcasting is no longer just about audio — video podcasts are booming across YouTube, Spotify, and social media. So which phone handles podcast-style video best?
- iPhone 16 Pro for Podcasting
- ProRes and LOG video provide cinematic quality.
- Clean skin tones and natural lighting make editing easier.
- Records directly to external SSD — great for long-form podcasts.
- Best for professional podcast creators using Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere workflows.
- Galaxy S25 Ultra for Podcasting
- Records 8K and multiple camera views (Director’s View).
- Great for two-person podcasts with built-in angle switching.
- Strong stabilization and rich visuals, but may need color tweaks in post.
- Ideal for versatile, dynamic content creators.
- Pixel 9 Pro for Podcasting
- Simple and quick setup, ideal for solo creators.
- Solid 4K60 video with HDR and auto frame features.
- Clean audio and visuals with minimal effort.
- Best for beginners or casual podcasters.
Winner for Video Podcasting: iPhone 16 Pro
Best for Simplicity: Pixel 9 Pro
Best for Features: Galaxy S25 Ultra
Final Thoughts: Which Smartphone Camera Is Best in 2025?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Photo Detail | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Natural Colors | iPhone 16 Pro |
| Night Mode | Pixel 9 Pro |
| Video Quality | iPhone 16 Pro |
| Zoom & Telephoto | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| AI & Smart Features | Pixel 9 Pro |
| Video Podcasting | iPhone 16 Pro |
Overall Recommendation
- Choose the iPhone 16 Pro if you’re a content creator, podcaster, or filmmaker who values high-end video, clean visuals, and pro editing support.
- Pick the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you want maximum flexibility, long-range zoom, and multi-camera capabilities.
- Go with the Pixel 9 Pro for a smart, simple experience with top-tier AI tools and impressive photography in all conditions.
No matter which phone you choose, you’re getting one of the best smartphone cameras of 2025 — perfectly suited for both personal use and professional content creation.
Looking to create stunning podcast videos using the latest smartphones like the iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S25 Ultra, or Pixel 9 Pro? At D-Labs Studio, we turn your raw footage into professional, brand-ready content. From multi-camera video podcast edits to social media highlights, subtitles, and smooth transitions, our post-production team ensures your podcast stands out. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned podcaster, we help you make the most of your smartphone’s camera power. Ready to transform your podcast visuals? Get in touch with us today!
Learn more
Leave a Reply