The Best Phones for Vlogging & Video Recording
Whether you want to capture memories, are looking to try a new hobby, or plan to make a career out of social media, the world of vlogging is open for anyone to give it a go; you only need a phone to get started.
Whether you want to buy a SIM-free handset, opt for a contract or go SIM-only, we’ve curated this comprehensive guide to the best phones for vlogging and video recording, whatever your budget or experience.
Best overall
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
There’s no denying that Apple produce some of the most powerful smartphone cameras on the market, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best you can choose for vlogging.
The camera hardware of the iPhone 16 Pro Max captures breathtaking video footage with intricate detail, boasting a 48MP fusion, 48MP ultra-wide and 12MP telephoto lens. This handset offers support for 4K 120fps video in Dolby Vision, enabling you to record true-to-life footage at smooth frame rates that few phones can match.
On top of that, Spatial Audio Capture transforms the way sound is captured in video, recreating an immersive, four mic set-up. If you’re interested in vlogging and video recording, there really is no phone better suited to the task.
Best Android option
Google Pixel 9 Pro
A smartphone you’ll instantly fall in love with if you're interested in videography is the Google Pixel 9 Pro. From its exceptional camera hardware to editing capabilities that will make polishing up your videos a breeze, the Pixel 9 Pro is undoubtedly one of the best phones for vlogging.
The main camera comes in at an impressive 50MP, sitting alongside a 48MP ultra-wide and 48MP telephoto lens. This latter camera is fantastic for capturing long-distance photos in outstanding detail, and you can also use the 20x Super Res Zoom to ensure these close ups look pristine. The 42MP front camera excites us, too, a staggering step up from the Pixel 8 Pro’s 10.5MP lens.
Bringing artificial intelligence into the core of its handsets has been a priority for Google, and the Pixel 9 Pro demonstrates how effectively the technology can work for photographers and videographers. The Magic Editor feature uses AI to edit your footage quickly and efficiently, significantly enhancing the editing experience. There’s also Video Boost, which uses AI upscaling to render videos up to 8K resolution.
Best Samsung option
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung’s premium S25-series handset has one of the most impressive camera setups we’ve seen on a modern smartphone, which is what makes the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra a top choice for vlogging on Android.
Its triple-camera array ensures the Galaxy S25 Ultra records striking video footage from anywhere, featuring a 50MP ultra-wide lens for cinematic, panoramic shots. That camera sits alongside a powerful 200MP main camera with 2x Optical Zoom, 10MP and 50MP telephoto lenses, as well as a 12MP front camera for capturing stunning selfies.
Shooting in LOG format takes videography on the Galaxy S25 Ultra to the next level, enhancing creativity with greater editing capabilities. This feature is a must-have if you take your video recording seriously.
Another great iPhone for vlogging
Apple iPhone 16
If you’ve got your eye on the iPhone 16 Pro Max for vlogging but are juggling a slightly tighter budget, the iPhone 16 is a fantastic alternative.
Sporting similar hardware, the iPhone 16 captures visually stunning footage with a 48MP fusion lens and 12MP ultra-wide camera. Although this handset doesn’t include a dedicated telephoto lens, the iPhone 16 is still an extremely capable handset.
This phone also supports 4K 120fps video when filming in Dolby Vision, boosting colour levels and creating even more vibrant footage. If you don’t want or need the extra camera hardware that comes with the 16 Pro or Pro Max, these features more than have you covered.
Another great Android phone for vlogging
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Although a generation older than the S25, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra remains a fantastic phone for recording video. Boasting almost all of the camera features present in the S25 range, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is ideal for those who want the premium bells and whistles at a lower price point.
You’re presented with a three-camera setup on the rear of the device, comprised of a 200MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP/50MP telephoto lens combo. You can also film high-quality vlogs in selfie mode with the 12MP front camera, reaching up to stunning 8K.
Ample video mode features such as Single Take Mode, Auto Framing and Dual Recording are included, alongside AI-powered tools such as enhanced late-night shots in Nightography mode. Vlogging capabilities with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are truly excellent.
Best affordable phone for vlogging
iPhone 16e
For those on a budget, there’s no better option than the iPhone 16e. The successor to the SE series, the 16e represented a new kind of entry-level handset from Apple and is easily our top recommended phone when affordability is a priority.
The iPhone 16e goes simple with a 48MP fusion camera with 10x digital zoom. Despite only having this single camera, the quality of image and video that’s produced is superb; rich in detail and vibrant in colour. The 16e is also packed with many software features that make it an enticing choice such as the image-enhancing Photonic Engine and HDR support.
In terms of video recording, the iPhone 16e is truly a stand-out in its price range. 4K 60fps is supported here, as well as optical image stabilisation to ensure your footage remains stable while filming. There’s also spatial audio for realistic, 3-dimensional sound much like on the 16 Pro Max
The right handset can make or break the quality of your video, but even if you’ve gone all-out to start your vlogging journey, there’s no harm in brushing up on your skills. Our guide to shooting amazing videos on your smartphone will walk you through tips and tricks for making the most of your device.