Top 5 Photography-focused Android Phones in Canada, 2026

• “Bursting with clever AI-infused software, the promise of software updates for many years to come and a camera and screen that thoroughly impress, the Google Pixel 8 Pro does a fantastic job at offering prospective buyers something a little different.”

• “The Google Pixel 8 Pro isn’t a perfect Android phone, but it’s absolutely the closest Google has ever gotten to making one — and I love it.”

• “ReviewGoogle Pixel 8 Pro Review: Genuinely Impressed! (youtube.com)”

• “If Google had simply released a generic smartphone with the Pixel 8 Pro’s cameras, display and design, it would have had a simple winner, capable of making an argument against not-quite-flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus or the Apple iPhone 15 Pro.”

• “I often tell people that it’s difficult to assess a phone’s worth after using it for a couple of weeks. Instead, you really get to understand a phone’s worth when you use it for a much longer period.”

• “Super Res Zoom at 30x works well as long as you've got a tripod or a very steady hand, but subjects shot at the 5x optical range are surprisingly sharp.”

• “I can now access my banking apps using Face Unlock, which has made paying for things while on the go easier and quicker. This is possible thanks to Pixel 8 Pro’s Tensor chip, which uses machine learning advancements that meet Android's highest biometrics class.”

• “And don’t forget that most other Android phones don’t offer Face Unlock with this level of security. Aside from some outliers that still include that extra camera hardware (such as the HONOR Magic 6 Pro), Class 3 support is something you’ll only get with the Pixel 8 and...”

Loved20

• +

  Premium materials and matte finish refresh the Pixel design

  — TechRadar
• +

  Call screening is natural and very useful

  — TechRadar
• +

  Incredible seven-year commitment from Google for major updates

  — TechRadar
• +

  I also need to praise Google for the stunning Bay blue color you’ll see throughout this review. It’s a gorgeous baby blue shade that’s warm and calming in a way that’s difficult to describe.

  — Digital Trends
• +

  Beyond the better refresh rate and brightness, everything else about the Pixel 8 Pro’s screen is excellent. The display is plenty sharp, colors look fantastic, and — unlike the Pixel 7 Pro — all of the display bezels are perfectly symmetrical.

  — Digital Trends
• +

  Those are a lot of numbers, and in practice, they translate to the Google Pixel 8 Pro taking exceptional photographs.

  — Digital Trends
• +

  The 50MP primary camera on the Pixel 8 Pro is outstanding. It shouldn’t be surprising in 2023 that a Google Pixel device takes great photos, and the Pixel 8 Pro ensures that won’t be changing any time soon.

  — Digital Trends
• +

  Whether I’m taking pictures of my dog in broad daylight or capturing the ambiance of a dimly lit bar, the Google Pixel 8 Pro makes me confident that I’ll end up with a photo I’m happy with. And the best part is how effortless it is to get these great-looking shots.

  — Digital Trends
• +

  The Pixel 8 Pro also performs strongly with its 5x telephoto camera. No, it’s not a 10x optical zoom like you get on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, but the quality of the sensor is outstanding.

  — Digital Trends
• +

  While it would have been great to see Google increase the optical zoom range, I think the upgraded light sensitivity easily makes up for it. Photos from the telephoto camera look fantastic.

  — Digital Trends
• +

  People often say that Pixel phones are more about software than hardware, but the Pixel 8 Pro apparently didn’t get that memo. The Google Pixel 8 Pro has some of the best smartphone hardware I’ve used all year.

  — Digital Trends
• +

  These changes don’t sound like much on paper, but by holding the Pixel 8 Pro side by side with the Pixel 7 Pro, you can really feel the difference a year has made for Google’s hardware team.

  — Digital Trends
• +

  2. Best Take is...well, the best.

  — Google
• +

  3. It's got a friendly look and feel.

  — Google
• +

  4. It’s screen protector-friendly.

  — Google
• +

  5. Video and photo modes are easier to access.

  — Google
• +

  6. It has more aesthetic options.

  — Google
• +

  7. Face Unlock gets me to my money.

  — Google
• +

  8. I can get a preview of an article.

  — Google
• +

  1. I love the simple setup.

  — Google

Criticised10

• −

  No one really big standout new feature

  — PhoneArena
• −

  AI tricks/gimmicks like Magic Editor, Best Take, and Audio Magic Eraser

  — PhoneArena
• −

  In a similar move to recent phones from Apple and Samsung, Google has tweaked an existing design for the Pixel Pro 8 rather than completely reinventing it. Google has been using this look since the Pixel 6, and while it felt modern before it is starting to get a little stale.

  — Trusted Reviews
• −

  Images taken with the 50MP and 48MP sensors are quad-binned to produce 12.5MP and 12MP images, respectively, but you can shoot full-resolution images if you wish. A little lens distortion is visible when using the ultra-wide camera, but that's expected.

  — PCMag Canada
• −

  Android settings and features are confusing and hard to find

  — TechRadar
• −

  Some AI features feel a bit creepy and impersonal

  — TechRadar
• −

  Cameras don’t beat the iPhone 15 Pro without editing help

  — TechRadar
• −

  This is a decidedly Android phone, for better but mostly, these days, for worse. It can be a confusing mess. You’re faced with setup screens that never seem to go away for good, notifications that never seem to disappear, and Settings menus that are layered deep enough to...

  — TechRadar
• −

  It’s a slippery phone, though, often sliding off flat surfaces and taking a tumble. The basic black version I’ve been testing has none of the Bay blue version’s character and is rather boring to look at; plus, I don’t like the way the flat screen looks and how the sharper...

  — Digital Trends
• −

  The Pixel 8 Pro is very good, but the price increase over the Pixel 7 Pro is now beginning to hurt it.

  — Digital Trends

Buyer voices3

• “GeneralPixel 8 Pro review - What no ones tells you from an iPhone perspective: (self.GooglePixel)”

  AbdelilahOuchani— reddit

• “Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Genuinely Impressed! (self.GooglePixel)”

  Goku-Sun— reddit

• “What is your experience with Pixel 8/8 pro? (self.GooglePixel)”

  Moggot— reddit

• “With its new shape and simplified software, there are fewer reasons to reject the Xperia 1 VI and enjoy its variable telephoto camera, bright screen and enhanced connectivity over rivals.”

• “The Xperia 1 VI drops some AV features and feels a bit more generic than its predecessor, but we still find it to be thoroughly impressive as a portable movie and music player”

• “The Sony Xperia 1 VI is a lovely phone, but you had better buy into its specific style for the outlay to be worthwhile.”

• “The Xperia 1 VI is a technology showcase with its continuous zoom camera and macro performance. Sony has missed a trick by not readying pro video features for launch, but with an external monitor and recording functionality, an improved aspect ratio for photographs and 16:9...”

• “The Sony Xperia 1 VI is a flagship phone built for creators, blending top-tier performance with a long-lasting battery, a pro camera, and rare features like a headphone jack and expandable storage.”

• “However for these reasons it’s time for me to say goodbye to Xperia. For now at least. As much as I really enjoy using the Xperia 1 VI I can’t justify holding onto it if the camera features I want aren’t there. I will instead get a Mk.”

• “The Sony Xperia 1 VI offers a compelling combination of sleek design, smooth performance, and user-centric features. Its UI provides a clean and intuitive experience, while its speed ensures efficiency in multitasking.”

• “A feature which might be useful to those shooting with Sony Alpha cameras is that you can use the Xperia 1 VI as an external monitor – this could theoretically be enough to tip the purchasing decision in its favour if you’re toying between another smartphone and this if it’s...”

• “And the lower screen resolution is undoubtedly one of the reasons the battery lasts so long. It keeps going well into a second day, so that if you forget to charge overnight, you won’t panic too much—though you’ll need to go easy on the second day until you get home to the...”

• “Very bright screen (albeit only FHD)”

• “In running Sony UI, the Xperia 1 VI's Android 14 hardly differs from stock Android but it offers a practical extra, namely a dashboard. The dashboard allows users to quickly access frequently used phone settings such as display brightness, picture and audio mode or notifications.”

• “The new display's brightness is now 1.5x times brighter than the previous model, however, so it's not all bad news in this department, especially as the equally new Sunlight Vision feature makes it easier to use the device even in glaring environments.”

Loved20

• +

  Practical but unique design

  — Tom
• +

  Headphone jack and microSD support

  — Tom
• +

  Making use of its technical knowledge in other areas, Sony has given the Xperia a "Powered by Bravia" display set-up to offer AI-adjusted superior color and detail, even at full brightness through its Sunlight Vision feature.

  — Tom
• +

  Strong cameras with adjustable zoom lens

  — Tom
• +

  As for the various buttons and ports on the frame of this device, we have a USB-C charging socket on the bottom, as well as a combination power, lock and fingerprint scanner, textured camera shutter button and volume rocker on the right-hand side, and finally (drum roll...

  — What Hi-Fi?
• +

  Crisp picture with impressive contrast

  — What Hi-Fi?
• +

  New aspect ratio is better for daily use

  — What Hi-Fi?
• +

  Detailed sound through headphones

  — What Hi-Fi?
• +

  Unlike every other modern flagship smartphone, the Xperia 1 VI is loaded with traditional elements like a brilliant, spongy, and clicky two-stage camera button, a 3.5mm headphone jack, front-firing speakers, and a SIM card slot that can be removed with a fingernail – no...

  — Digital Camera World
• +

  The main design difference between the 1 VI and past Sony phones is the screen aspect ratio, which has gone from 21:9 to 19.5:9. This makes the phone a little wider, a little shorter, and a little bit better for typing, watching, gaming, and capturing or editing photos.

  — Digital Camera World
• +

  Unlike the i — Phone 15 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, the Xperia 1 VI isn't made of titanium, but its metal frame nevertheless feels robust and premium. Textured sides give it some grip, and the matte glass back (also textured) feels great.

  — Digital Camera World
• +

  Sony was the first smartphone maker to add IP68 water resistance to its phones, and the Xperia 1 VI carries forward flagship durability with a Gorilla Glass Victus 2 display and a Gorilla Glass Victus back panel.

  — Digital Camera World
• +

  Excellent performance and battery life

  — Digital Camera World
• +

  A big part of the appeal here is the handful of features that Sony’s Xperia 1 VI shares with much lower-end phones. There’s still a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSD slot built into the SIM tray.

  — TechRadar
• +

  These will all seem smart moves to a good chunk of the phone-buying audience out for something a little different.

  — TechRadar
• +

  A lot of the typical Sony strengths and weaknesses are here too. The Sony Xperia 1 VI’s key charm is in the way it rejects several contemporary smartphone trends. It has a headphone jack. It has expandable memory.

  — TechRadar
• +

  ... as is the physical headphone jack

  — TechRadar
• +

  microSD slot is a welcome novelty

  — TechRadar
• +

  What I really liked as well was that Sony’s approach to smartphone photography was to provide less processing alongside that beautiful Sony colour science.

  — Medium
• +

  Slightly improved OS and security updates (3 OS updates, 4 Years security).

  — Whirlpool.net.au

Criticised19

• −

  The Xperia's screen still has noticeable bezels though, especially at the top where the selfie camera is housed.

  — Tom
• −

  This price puts the Xperia in line with the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max, but the Sony phone is still £100 more expensive than the base models available from Samsung and Apple. Luckily Sony has provided lots of features to justify the high cost, as we'll get into now.

  — Tom
• −

  But since it's still expensive, offers limited updates and AI juice, and isn't even on sale in the U.S. this time around, it's still annoyingly hard to find a way to recommend this phone.

  — Tom
• −

  I just wish the Xperia 1 VI was available with more storage outside of Japan (where it tops out at 512GB). Sure, it’s one of the few phones that remains microSD-expandable (up to 1.5TB), but as far as fast internal storage goes, in the majority of markets, you’re limited to...

  — Android Authority
• −

  More expensive than most rivals

  — What Hi-Fi?
• −

  Let’s face it, the 4K display on the older Xperia 1 models was a costly addition, so dropping it from the lineup should subsequently drop the price, right? Wrong.

  — What Hi-Fi?
• −

  While that might not be the end of the world – after all many manufacturers are still upping their prices year on year – it’s also not good news by any means, as last year’s Xperia 1 V was already considered an expensive phone.

  — What Hi-Fi?
• −

  Loudspeakers lack weight and punch

  — What Hi-Fi?
• −

  Costing £1,299, which is roughly $1,650 or AU$2470, the Sony Xperia 1 VI is significantly more expensive than an iPhone 15 Pro Max with the same 256GB storage.

  — Digital Camera World
• −

  When it comes to hardware, the main camera and ultra-wide are identical to those of the Xperia 1 VI, though Sony has extended the continuous zoom range to an impressive 85-170mm.

  — Digital Camera World
• −

  Even the Xperia 1 VI's screen spec is more pared back than its predecessor, with a FullHD+ panel instead of the 4K display Xperia 1 series phones have become known for.

  — Digital Camera World
• −

  Ultra-wide isn't particularly ultra-wide

  — Digital Camera World
• −

  Ultra-wide/zoom cameras struggle with noise

  — Digital Camera World
• −

  No pro-grade video mode at launch

  — Digital Camera World
• −

  These include slower-than-ideal fast charging, camera processing that still lags a little behind the best for dynamic range optimization and night-time image processing. I also found the rear disappointingly prone to visible scratches, despite the use of high-end toughened glass.

  — TechRadar
• −

  The Sony Xperia 1 VI does cost a packet, though, and arguably isn’t hugely competitive considering some of the slightly less advanced parts.

  — TechRadar
• −

  Sub-30W charging is poor for this price

  — TechRadar
• −

  Design is prone to scratches

  — TechRadar
• −

  Photo samples time to show you how poor the telephoto is compared to the Pixel 6 Pro. Yes not the Pixel 8 Pro that I also have, the Pixel 6 Pro. A three year old device.

  — Medium

Buyer voices1

• “My Experience with the New Sony Xperia 1 VI: A Worthy Upgrade!Xperia 1 VI (self.SonyXperia)”

  Pratrax— reddit