Phone cameras have come a long way since Samsung launched the SCH-V200 in South Korea and Sanyo and Sprint launched the SCP-5300 in the United States. Modern smartphones all have a camera for taking photos and filming videos. Since 2000, Samsung has improved its phone lineup and its Samsung Galaxy models offer impressive cameras for the amateur photographer, just like OnePlus.
Both OnePlus and Samsung offer several smartphone models with different cameras, but the comparisons here will be between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the OnePlus 15. They are similar phones with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and up to 16GB of RAM. They share a nearly identically sized AMOLED display, but Samsung’s features a 120Hz QHD+ display and the OnePlus has a 165Hz display. Where they differ is their camera. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 200 MP wide OIS AF, a 10 MP telephoto rear camera, and a 12 MP wide AF front camera. The OnePlus has a 50 MP main camera, a 50 MP ultra-wide camera, a 50 MP telephoto rear camera, and a 32 MP front-facing camera. Even photos posted on Reddit by the two include comments stating that the OnePlus 15 offers better quality photos, making it a better choice for amateur photographers.
This makes even more sense when you consider the price of both phones. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra costs $1,299.99, depending on storage. The OnePlus 15 starts at $899.99, again, depending on storage, but you may find some downsides to the OnePlus phones.
Samsung Galaxy Phone Cameras
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The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is available with three storage options. If you really want to show off your amateur photography skills, it may be best to consider the 256GB version so that the phone is able to hold more photos without you having to delete them to free up space for future photos.
Amazon reviewers consider the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to be a very good phone. Out of more than 1,600 reviews, 86% of them are rated five stars. The camera is listed as good, but one reviewer on Amazon says they are not 100% satisfied with the quality of the camera. It also depends on the model you buy, as there is the Samsung Galaxy S26+ and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Ultra has a camera with more features, but the S26+ is cheaper, depending on storage options and where you plan to buy it.
Reddit users note that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra hasn’t really changed its camera in recent years. It is ranked number 18 on DxOMark’s July 2026 smartphone list by camera score. Owners say its Portrait mode image quality isn’t as good as its competitors, nor does it work well for dimly lit scenes where its autofocus can struggle, leading to less detail. The same Reddit thread featured a comment saying the phone wasn’t worth the price. However, Samsung’s new Galaxy Camera experience can help fix your worst images.
OnePlus phone cameras
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The OnePlus 15 has undergone changes to the camera that set it apart from previous models. There are two versions of the OnePlus phone, with the company making a OnePlus 15 model and a OnePlus 15R model. However, if you want to become an amateur photographer, there is an option in between that might serve you better.
The two are almost identical in every way except the camera. The OnePlus 15 includes several additional zoom options for the camera, allowing more freedom and creative control, while the OnePlus15R does not include optical zoom. The OnePlus 15 model is also more expensive than the 15R, so keep that in mind when making a decision. It’s important to note that the price also depends on where you buy it and how much storage you have.
Samsung may be the most popular brand and name, but OnePlus’ newest phone models might take the cake when it comes to amateur photography. If you want to try your hand at being an amateur photographer, the OnePlus 15 includes a very good camera for taking great photos, and what’s more, it’s cheaper. Then again, you can wait for some new products Samsung is expected to announce in 2026 to see if they offer a better camera.
