It’s getting increasingly difficult to find bad cameras on smartphones these days. Even if you purchase a low-end phone, chances are you’ll experience a decent set of shooters. However, there are smartphones that are better suited for videography.
This list focuses on phones that offer advanced video recording features and well-rounded specifications. We narrowed it down to six, from relatively affordable to the cream of the crop. You can’t go wrong with any of these options but remember: it’s how you use the cameras that matters more.
POCO X3 Pro
- Specifications and Price:
- 6.67-inch 1080p LCD at 120Hz
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 processor
- 6GB RAM
- 128GB storage and microSD slot
- 48MP (main), 8MP (ultrawide), 2MP (macro), 2MP (depth) rear cameras
- 20MP front camera
- 5160mAh battery
- PhP 12,990
Although the POCO X3 Pro prioritizes near-flagship-level specs at an affordable price, it still delivers a solid camera experience. It can record up to 4K resolution at 30fps, and there’s a 3.5mm port for plugging in external audio peripherals. In addition, the large 5160mAh battery and expandable microSD storage should extend your recording sessions.
Get it here: Lazada, Shopee, Amazon
Google Pixel 4a
Specifications and Price:
- 5.81-inch 1080p OLED
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor
- 6GB RAM
- 128GB storage
- 12.2MP rear camera
- 8MP front camera
- 3140mAh battery
- PhP 22,990
If you don’t mind an older device with lower-end hardware, the Pixel 4a is a great straight-to-the-point video shooter. It has a single rear camera with optical image stabilization, as well as a 3.5mm audio port; more importantly, it comes with Google’s image processing software which you can’t find on other brands.
It’s a no-frills package, but the 4K video quality is exquisite at 30fps and its smaller dimensions make it easier to handle during recording.
Get it here: Lazada, Shopee, Amazon
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ASUS Zenfone 8 Flip
Specifications and Price:
- 6.67-inch 1080p Super AMOLED at 90Hz
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G processor
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB storage and microSD slot
- 64MP (main), 12MP (ultrawide), 8MP (telephoto) front and rear cameras
- 5000mAh battery
- PhP 39,995
The Zenfone 8 Flip is unlike any other smartphone on this list because of its flipping set of cameras. The mechanism allows the three lenses to act as both rear and front cameras, making both sides equal in quality.
This is vital in recording yourself and your surroundings interchangeably. On top of that, this Zenfone has some of the best specs around, including the high-end Snapdragon 888 5G chipset which can produce 8K video at 30fps or 4K at 120fps.
Get it here: Lazada, Shopee, Amazon
Samsung Galaxy S21
Specifications and Price:
- 6.2-inch 1080p Dynamic AMOLED at 120Hz
- Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G processor
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB storage
- 12MP (main), 12MP (ultrawide), 64MP (telephoto) rear cameras
- 10MP front camera
- 4000mAh battery
- PhP 43,990
Samsung’s most recent non-folding flagship series ticks all the boxes: top-end processor, lots of RAM and storage, plus three rear cameras that go from ultrawide to telephoto. We recommend the standard S21 because it keeps up with the S21+ in terms of video recording capabilities, and it’s significantly cheaper. You can learn more about it in TMC’s full camera review.
Get it here: Lazada, Shopee, Amazon
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Apple iPhone 13 Pro
Specifications and Price:
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED at 120Hz ProMotion
- Apple A15 Bionic processor
- 6GB RAM
- 128GB storage
- 12MP (main), 12MP (ultrawide), 12MP (telephoto) rear cameras
- 12MP front camera
- Undisclosed battery capacity but Apple says it’s double the iPhone 12’s life
- PhP 63,990
The recently released iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max have similar specs but we prefer the smaller variant for its easier handling and comparable camera quality. The iPhone 13 series introduces ProRes recording and a new Cinematic mode that are tailor-made to mobile videographers.
Put together, the triple-camera combo gives you 4K video recording at up to 60fps. Once you’re done shooting, you’ll have iOS’s suite of apps to edit that footage.
You’ll have to wait to get one, though, as it’s only for pre-order for now.
Sony Xperia 1 III
Specifications and Price:
- 6.5-inch 1644p OLED at 120Hz
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G processor
- 12GB RAM
- 256GB storage and microSD slot
- 12MP (main), 12MP (ultrawide), 12MP (telephoto) rear cameras
- 8MP front camera
- 4500mAh battery
- PhP 61,990
If you want a truly video-centric smartphone, you must go for an Xperia.
The Xperia 1 III is the latest from Sony, and it rocks all the high-end specs you’d expect out of a 2021 flagship. The triple-camera setup covers the important focal lengths, and watching your footage on the 4K resolution OLED is a delight.
It also comes with a 3.5mm port for audio accessories and a dedicated shutter button for old-school users. As long as you can stomach the high asking price, it doesn’t get much more complete than this.
Honorable Mentions
ASUS Zenfone 7
In case you can’t score a Zenfone 8 Flip, the Zenfone 7 is the next best thing.
It’s significantly cheaper now and does the same camera flipping trick as the newer Zenfone. Besides the slower processor, the Zenfone 7 pretty much matches its newer counterpart, from the physical dimensions and screen to the battery capacity and overall weight.
OnePlus 8T
OnePlus isn’t known for stellar camera performance, but they do continue to offer older flagships at attractive prices. At the moment, 2020’s OnePlus 8T can be bought for as low as PhP 22,990.
It provides a clean and fast interface, as well as a solid set of cameras. While it may lag behind the options above in terms of videography, it’s still a pleasure to use.
Get it here: Lazada, Shopee, Amazon
Huawei P40 and Mate 40 series
Even though Huawei’s recent flagships lack Google Play Services, they still pack a punch when it comes to video shooting. The P40 and Mate 40 lineups have complete camera setups, high-end displays and processors, plus 5G connectivity to quickly upload your footage.
As long as you can find the video-editing apps you need, they’re certainly capable.
Get it here (Huawei P40): Lazada, Shopee, Amazon
Get it here (Huawei Mate 40): Lazada, Shopee, Amazon
Final Thoughts
We could give the Xperia 1 III the crown and call it a day, but its price and lack of official local support make it one of the less practical choices.
With that in mind, the Zenfone 8 Flip has the best combination of video recording and value. Whether shooting surroundings or yourself, you get the same quality on both ends, and it manages a wide range of resolutions at high frame rates. Best of all, it isn’t as expensive as its closest competitors.
