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10 Best Phones for Vlogging

Updated: Feb 14, 2024 2:31 PM
best phones vlogging featured image that shows the top three best smartphone models

To help you find the best phones for vlogging, we researched and analyzed over 20 options over the course of several days. During our research, we determined the top features and functionalities to consider when it comes specifically to vlogging. As such, we recommend you look for a smartphone with a camera that can create beautiful, crisp, and detailed still images and high-quality videos. The best vlogging smartphones can record in 4K video up to 60 frames per second. You should also look for long battery life, bright displays, and added durability so you never have to worry about breaking your phone while recording on the go.

As we finished our research and analysis, it was clear that the Apple iPhone 11 Pro was the best phone for vlogging available today. Keep reading to learn more about this phone and see our other best smartphone picks.

Top 10 Best Phones for Vlogging

 #1  Apple iPhone 11 Pro Phone for Vlogging

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: Years of refinement are apparent in every aspect of this premium phone for vlogging, from its sleek design to its seamless user interface. This phone also offers a premium camera experience with 4K video recording functionality and a super-fast A13 Bionic chip for faster processing.

Pros
  • Triple camera design
  • Blazing fast A13 Bionic processor
  • OLED display is sharp and bright
Cons
  • No expandable storage
  • No headphone jack

The Apple iPhone 11 Pro looks very similar to the previous version, but it boasts plenty of upgrades, especially when it comes to the camera and battery life. Apple added a third rear camera lens to this model, which allows for wide, extra-wide, and 2x optically-zoomed perspectives. The iPhone 11 Pro offers 4K at 60 fps on both the front-facing and rear-facing cameras, as well as 12MP of still image quality. Simply put, the camera is spectacular in any situation. We were really impressed by the iPhone’s new Night Mode, which drastically improves image and video quality in low light situations, a much-needed improvement from previous generations.

The iPhone 11 Pro is also designed incredibly well, inside and out. The Apple smartphone features one of the company’s latest processor chips, the A13 Bionic. It’s quick and snappy, especially when paired with iOS 14, Apple’s latest operating system. Plus, the iPhone is one of the most durable phones for vlogging you can buy today, making it perfect for use on the go. It features IP68 water and dust resistance. The glass on both the front and back of the phone is sturdy and scratch-resistance, but we still recommend buying a case and screen protector, as we do with any other smartphone. The iPhone 11 Pro also offers a bright and sharp OLED display which looks really nice. The only things we would improve with this phone would be to include expandable internal storage and a headphone jack, but these are easily overlooked when compared to the rest of the phone. With all of these features, the iPhone is the best phone for YouTube videos available today. It’s also one of the best low light camera phones on our list.

 #2  Samsung Galaxy S10+ Phone for Vlogging

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: An edge-to-edge display, long-lasting battery, and stunning camera array set this excellent phone for video blogging away from the competition. It’s also built extremely well with a fast processor and unique Wireless PowerShare functionality that can charge other devices.

Pros
  • Colorful AMOLED display
  • Charges other phones with Wireless PowerShare
  • OLED display is sharp and bright
Cons
  • Low light photos could be better
  • Slower response on fingerprint reader

The Samsung Galaxy S10+ is the runner-up in this category, and it’s easy to see why. Let’s start with the camera quality. Like many of the newest smartphones, the Galaxy S10+ features a camera array with multiple lenses – in this case, three on the rear-facing and two on the front-facing. This phone’s rear-facing camera can shoot video in resolution up to 4K at 60 fps and offers 12-megapixel still image resolution. The two front-facing cameras are 10MP cameras and can also record in 4K video quality. Overall vlogging performance here is exemplary, and the phone features several software enhancements that will recognize scenes and help you compose better photos in different scenarios. The S10+ also features a night mode, but the performance is middling at best. In the end, both video and still photos end up looking sharp and detailed in most applications. If you need a phone for your kid, you can’t go wrong with the best smartphones for kids.

When it comes to design and overall performance, the Samsung Galaxy S10+ doesn’t hold back. It features one of the latest processors – the Snapdragon 855 – which performs well in real-world and benchmark testing. This processor combined with the phone’s One UI software creates a snappy and seamless user experience that’s hard to beat. The one area where performance could be better here, though, is the fingerprint reader functionality. It’s slow to respond and could be improved in future iterations. Battery life is where this phone really shines. With a huge 4100 mAh battery, you’ll get all-day battery performance. The S10+ also allows you to charge other phones and devices wireless using the Wireless PowerShare functionality, an incredibly unique and handy feature. It’s a great option if you want one of the best selfie camera phones.

 #3  Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Phone for Vlogging

Award: BEST VIDEO CAMERA

WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re looking for a truly unique and cutting-edge camera experience, this is the smartphone for you. This option offers a whopping 108 megapixels of camera quality, an amazingly detailed and smooth display, and 5G connectivity for even faster network performance.

Pros
  • Advanced 108MP camera with 100x zoom
  • Beautiful, smooth 120Hz display
  • Supports 5G connectivity
Cons
  • Inconsistent battery life performance
  • Bulkier and heavier than other phones

There are no two ways about it, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra offers one of the most advanced cameras you can find on a smartphone. With a truly innovative 108-megapixel sensor, 10x lossless zoom functionality, and mind-blowing 100x digital zoom (dubbed as Space Zoom), the Galaxy S20 Ultra is hard to beat. It can shoot up to an incredible 8K resolution at 24fps for extremely detailed, bright, and colorful vlogging videos. However, it really shines when it comes to zoom capabilities. The S20 Ultra performs best with its 10x lossless zoom, but the Space Zoom can be a little harder to control since it will capture all of your natural hand movements. If you want to use Space Zoom, we recommend mounting your phone on a tripod.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra provides a wide variety of other advanced features and functionality that you should come to expect from flagship smartphones for vlogging. It features 128GB of internal storage with available upgrades if you need more storage. You’ll also get an incredible 120Hz display that looks absolutely stunning. Plus, with a large 5000 mAh battery, you’ll usually get long-lasting battery life. However, the S20 Ultra is packed full of extra features that can create inconsistent battery performance, depending on what features you have enabled. This phone is also durable with IP68 water and dust resistance, but it’s thicker and heavier than other phones for vlogging, so you may want to use it with a selfie stick or handheld gimbal for the most comfortable experience. It’s also one of the best 5G phones on our list.

 #4  Google Pixel 4 XL Phone for Vlogging

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: This smartphone’s winning feature is its camera, but it also provides an incredibly smooth user experience due to its quick Snapdragon processor and seamless user interface. Plus, with the innovative Motion Sense functionality, you can even control this phone with hand gestures.

Pros
  • Smooth 90Hz display
  • Responsive gesture recognition with Motion Sense
  • Seamless user experience with fast processor
Cons
  • Display is dimmer than comparable phones
  • Lower 64GB of internal storage

The Google Pixel 4 XL is part of the fourth generation of Pixel smartphones, and it improves upon many of the previous generation’s features. For starters, the Pixel 4 XL’s camera is one of the best you can get in the market today. It produces sharp and detailed images and videos with rich colors full of contrast. The camera’s low-light mode is excellent, as well, and it even features an astrophotography mode so you can capture high-quality shots of the stars. On regular vlogging days, though, you’ll get 16 megapixels for still images and 4K resolution for videos.

The Pixel 4 XL also offers a design that is incredibly user friendly. It uses the Snapdragon 855 chipset for smooth performance and a simple user interface for an easier learning curve. The OLED display on this smartphone is also worth mentioning. It’s large and colorful with a 90Hz refresh rate for extra-smooth performance, one of the best displays you can find on the market. Unfortunately, it’s not as bright as other phones but still performs well overall. This Pixel phone excels when it comes to innovative functionality like Motion Sense, which uses gesture recognition for control. Motion Sense also vastly improves the facial recognition unlock feature on this phone, which is incredibly seamless, and a nice feature if you’re in the market for the most secure phones. The base model of the Pixel 4 XL only offers 64GB of internal storage and no expandable storage, so if you need more, you’ll need to pay for the model with more built-in storage.

 #5  Apple iPhone XS Phone for Vlogging

Award: BEST EASE-OF-USE

WHY WE LIKE IT: This phone for vlogging is incredibly easy to use and seamlessly connects to other devices from the same company. It also offers a large, beautiful display, super-fast processor, and an excellent camera for a comprehensive vlogging solution.

Pros
  • Smart HDR for more colorful video
  • Seamless and snappy user experience
  • Tough front glass
Cons
  • Average battery life
  • No expandable storage

Like other Apple iPhones, the iPhone XS benefits from years of fine-tuning and refinement to produce another excellent product that works amazingly for both vlogging and day-to-day use. The camera on the XS improves upon the previous generation’s version. You’ll get dual 12MP cameras on the back and a single 7MP camera on the front. Still, images and videos are more colorful than ever before, thanks mostly to the new Smart HDR functionality. The sensor also lets in more light than ever before. This also allows the camera to shoot video with 4K at 30fps resolution. As a result, the videos are sharp and incredibly detailed. We were also really impressed with the XS’s Portrait mode, which allows you to adjust the depth of field for a more artistic look. All in all, the XS also does well with low-light recording, even though it doesn’t feature Apple’s new Night Mode, which you’ll find on the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12.

As per Apple’s usual design standards, the iPhone XS upholds a high level of design quality and user-friendliness. It features a large 5.85-inch display with rounded corners. The display technology is called Super Retina XDR, which is an OLED display with extra brightness and added detail. When it comes to durability, the iPhone XS offers IP68 water and dust resistance and a good level of toughness against drops and bumps. You can purchase the iPhone in a variety of different storage sizes, from 64GB to 512GB, but does not offer any kind of expandable storage. If you need more storage, you’ll have to purchase a more expensive model. Battery life is decent with the iPhone XS. It should last you most of the day during normal use, but you may notice the battery draining faster while recording a 4K video. As such, if you’re expecting to vlog all day, we recommend packing the best portable charger with you.

 #6  Huawei P30 Pro Phone for Vlogging

Award: BEST DESIGN

WHY WE LIKE IT: This Chinese phone for vlogging is designed incredibly well, with a curved display and a slim overall profile. Plus, with its cutting-edge quad camera design, you’ll also be able to take amazing photos and video in style.

Pros
  • Quad camera functionality
  • Super-slim bezels for larger display
  • In-display fingerprint scanner is fast
Cons
  • Display isn’t 4K
  • User interface could use some work

The Huawei P30 Pro is designed incredibly well, inside and out. It features a snappy Kirin 980 processor that keeps everything running smoothly. Plus, it also offers IP68 dust and water resistance for added durability. The curved, 6.47-inch display looks great and the metal chassis feels premium in your hands. We were impressed that the P30’s display was made from Corning Gorilla Glass so it’s more scratch and shatter-resistant than many other phones. The gradient coloring on the back of the phone looks stunning, as well. All in all, you can feel good about holding this phone in your hands while vlogging. It’s definitely sure to catch some eyes. When it comes to user-friendliness, you’ll also be pleased. The user interface, called EMUI, isn’t the best out there, but it’s still simple and easy to use. Plus, the P30 Pro features a super-fast fingerprint reader built directly into the display, which is better than many of the Android competitors.

However, where the Huawei P30 Pro shines even more than its design is in its quad-camera array. Offering three cameras on the back (40MP + 20MP + 8MP) and one on the front (32MP), you’ll be able to capture any shot you need, in virtually any scenario. However, even better than resolution quality, the P30 offers a telephoto lens with 10x lossless optical zoom and an integrated AI that improves image quality by smoothing any blur from natural hand movements. The phone can shoot video at 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, so you’ll always get the sharpest video around. We were impressed by Huawei’s Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), as well. It uses that same AI to stabilize your shots – in both video and still images – which is really helpful overall. It’s one of the best Chinese smartphones on our list.

 #7  OnePlus 7T Pro Phone for Vlogging

Award: BEST DISPLAY

WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re looking for a phone with a gorgeous display and amazing user interface, then look no further than this option. It also features a stellar camera, tons of internal storage space, and an attractive overall design.

Pros
  • Oxygen OS is incredibly user friendly
  • Unique pop-out design for front camera
  • Large, 256GB internal storage
Cons
  • Disappointing low-light camera performance
  • No wireless charging option

The OnePlus 7T Pro is a small improvement over its last iteration, but its affordability, when compared to other flagship phones for vlogging, makes it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to save a little money. However, don’t let its generally more affordable entry point prevent you from considering this powerful smartphone. It can still keep up with the best. The OnePlus phone is designed incredibly well, with a large display that offers a sharp 3120×1440 resolution and smooth 90Hz refresh rate. This is an OLED display that’s really bright and colorful. The internal Snapdragon 855 chipset creates a smooth user experience, which is only improved with the amazing Oxygen OS interface. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better overall user experience. You’ll also get plenty of onboard storage space at 256GB without having to pay for a more premium model, although it does not have any expandability options.

Since this is a phone for vlogging, you probably aren’t surprised to learn that the OnePlus 7T Pro also provides excellent camera performance. The camera features a proprietary UltraShot engine, which is a software enhancement that helps you get the best photos and videos. This software provides automatic scene detection and adjusts settings for you so you get the best shot. It features a triple camera setup (48MP + 16MP + 8MP) on the rear and a unique pop-up 16MP selfie camera on the front. Instead of creating a bigger notch in the display, the front-facing camera is housed within the phone and pops out when you’re ready to use it. The OnePlus 7T also features 4K 60 fps video recording capabilities. If there was one area we could improve with this phone for vlogging, it would be to improve the low-light performance, which is a little disappointing here. If you’ll be recording internationally, you might also want to check out the best dual sim phones for ease-of-use across countries.

 #8  LG V30 Phone for Vlogging

Award: BEST DURABILITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: In a world of fragile glass smartphones, this extra-durable phone for vlogging is a breath of fresh air. With IP68 water and dust resistance and military-grade toughness, this phone can take a beating and look good while doing it.

Pros
  • Vibrant, detailed OLED display
  • Optimized audio with Hi-Fi Quad DAC
  • Expandable storage via microSD card
Cons
  • Autofocus isn’t as fast as other phones
  • Front-facing camera could be improved

The biggest selling point of the LG V30 is its overall design and durability. For starters, the smartphone features an IP68 rating, which means it’s resistant to both dust and water ingress. In fact, you can even completely submerge the phone in water for up to 30 minutes without worrying about water damage. And even though it looks like the standard metal and glass construction that you’ll find in most smartphones today, the V30 actually features a MIL-STD-810G rating. This is a military grading scale that certifies the phone as combat-ready and is the ultimate mark of durability.

Other solid design features you’ll find here are the large, vibrant OLED display and expandable storage with the installation of a microSD card. The LG V30 also offers optimized audio through proprietary Hi-Fi Quad DAC tech. Of course, the V30 also does have an excellent camera, set apart from the competition by including tons of additional features and functionality. You’ll only get a dual-camera setup here (16MP + 13MP), but the camera software is packed to the brim with extra features. For example, the phone offers a snapshot, which allows you to take a photo and use it as a preview in the bottom half of the screen so you can match the composition and framing for your next shot. LG also includes tons of manual controls that you’d usually only find on professional DSLR cameras. All of these features and more give you better opportunities to elevate your vlogging. If durability is an important feature, our best rugged smartphones buying guide has some additional options.

 #9  Moto G7 Power Phone for Vlogging

Award: BEST ON A BUDGET

WHY WE LIKE IT: This is the best budget smartphone for vlogging by far. It offers amazing battery life, solid camera performance, and a smooth user experience, all without costing you an arm and a leg.

Pros
  • Stellar, two-day battery life
  • Includes fast-charging functionality
  • Consistent, reliable processor speeds
Cons
  • No water resistance
  • No NFC functionality

The Moto G7 Power is incredibly affordable while still offering a ton of functionality and performance, making it the perfect option for beginning vloggers to get their start in the industry. Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Moto G7 Power is the fact that it gives you a ton of high-end camera functionality without the extra cost. For example, it can still shoot 4K video at 30 frames per second. Quality is quite good here, both with video and still images. If you want a higher frame rate, you can also shoot in 1080p at 60 fps. Of course, the G7 Power still doesn’t match the image quality of high-end photos, but it comes awfully close.

The Moto G7 Power also features an overall good design. It’s a little heavier and bulkier than similar models, but that’s due in part to its extra-large battery, which is also the phone’s biggest selling point. The 5000 mAh battery is a beast, and it offers battery life that can last upwards of two full days. The display looks good too, but it’s not as sharp or bright as other phones in this category. Of course, this is to be expected for budget options, and it doesn’t detract from the overall quality of the phone. The G7 Power also features 32GB of internal storage, with the option of expanding storage with a microSD card. Keep in mind, the Moto phone does not feature water resistance of any kind, unlike the best waterproof phones, so don’t try vlogging with this option while you’re at the water park.

 #10  Samsung Galaxy A10 Phone for Vlogging

Award: BEST STORAGE

WHY WE LIKE IT: This phone for vlogging is another budget option with overall solid camera performance for vloggers. It also offers strong battery life, a good display, and a sleek, easy-to-hold design, along with really good expandable storage options up to 512GB.

Pros
  • Attractive design that fits well in hand
  • Simple camera operation
  • Long-lasting battery life
Cons
  • 720p display resolution
  • Somewhat sluggish response time

The Samsung Galaxy A10 is another excellent budget option for anyone who wants to get into vlogging without spending a ton. As with other budget smartphones, you can expect some cutbacks in areas like display quality and processor speed, but the A10 holds its own in this category. Its display is bright and colorful, but only with a 720p resolution. However, on a smaller display size, this isn’t as noticeable and does just fine. The processor runs a little sluggish at times, but not enough to be annoying. The A10’s overall design is something to be applauded. It’s easy to hold in your hand, whether for one-handed or two-handed use. The bezels around the display are slim and it even allows you to use a microSD card to expand the internal storage up to 512GB. This is a welcome feature to find in a smartphone, where such expandability is becoming far less common.

When it comes to camera performance, you may be surprised to find that the A10 only features a single rear-facing camera lens. In a world of bug-eyed smartphones with multiple lenses, this may come as a breath of fresh air. The camera is 13MP and can shoot in 1080p resolution for videos at 30fps. All in all, the camera does really well for its budget categorization. You’ll be able to get solid shots in most circumstances, although we recommend avoiding recording in low-light scenarios. The camera’s biggest selling point is how easy it is to use. Some smartphone cameras need a lot of fine-tuning and manual setting adjustments, but the A10 is essentially a point-and-shoot, which is really helpful for vlogging purposes. Make sure to also get the best cell phone cases to protect your device.

How We Decided

The most obvious feature to rate while ranking the best mobile phones for vlogging is the camera quality. If you purchase a smartphone with a junky camera, you won’t be able to get the best quality for your vlogs, and your follower count may suffer because of it. As such, we ranked phones highest in this category if they offered 4K video recording capabilities. We awarded extra points for higher frame rates per second and preferred to find options with additional software enhancements that improved video quality. These enhancements include things like image stabilization, settings adjustment, and more.

Next, we looked at the overall design quality. One of the biggest areas here is display quality. We preferred displays with at least full HD quality but ranked options higher if they offered better resolutions. This way, you’ll be able to review your videos in better quality. We also ranked phones higher if they offered both durable and attractive designs. Look for options with IP68 water and dust resistance and displays made from extra-durable glass like Corning Gorilla Glass.

Finally, we considered overall phone performance and user-friendliness. You should get a phone with a fast, responsive processor since it will be easier to record video in higher quality. Plus, a good processor chipset will also make overall operation more responsive and fast. We rated options higher if they provided a longer battery life, as well. You should get at least an all-day performance when recording videos.

Best Phones for Vlogging Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

  1. Video Recording Quality
    The most obvious and important feature to consider when purchasing a new phone or camera for vlogging is the camera quality. Smartphones have made extensive strides forward in the realm of camera resolution and image quality in recent times. For vlogging, we recommend considering a phone with 4K video recording capabilities up to 60 frames per second, or FPS. However, phones with only 1080p video recording functionality are more affordable and still offer a high level of functionality, as long as you understand that your vlogs may not be as high of a quality as other vloggers.
  2. Display Size and Quality
    While there are plenty of times where you’ll be editing your videos on your computer, there will also be just as many scenarios where you’ll want to edit them directly on your phone. As such, you may want to consider a smartphone with a larger screen size. Anything greater than six inches is a good place to start.You’ll also want to consider the quality of the display. Like TVs, a smartphone’s display quality is measured in part by its resolution, measured in pixels. As with most display technology, higher resolution is better because it will create sharper images that are easier to see, especially when it comes to details. There are also different types of displays to consider. Most manufacturers market their displays with product names – like AMOLED or Retina – but typically are either LED or LCD panels.
  3. Internal Storage
    When recording videos, it’s best to purchase a phone that offers plenty of internal storage options. 4K videos are especially large in size and can eat up your phone’s storage very quickly. Luckily, most flagship smartphones for vlogging offer a high amount of storage and many options provide an additional microSD card slot for storage expansion.
  4. Durability
    Vlogging doesn’t stop just because you’re on the go. In fact, the opposite is more true. Since you’re most likely to vlog while you’re out and about, we recommend getting a phone with added durability. Look for displays built from extra-durable glass, as well as phone bodies built from durable materials like stainless steel or aluminum. Plastic can also be durable if made correctly. We also recommend purchasing a smartphone with some kind of water resistance so you can continue recording, even underwater.
  5. Battery Life
    Recording 4K videos for your vlog takes a lot of power and thus, a lot of battery life. If you’re using your phone for vlogging, we recommend purchasing an option with longer battery life. Battery power is measured in milliamp Hours, or mAh, and the larger this number is, the more battery life you’ll get out of your phone. However, many smartphones also offer a variety of software features that improve battery life, such as Low Power modes. These are also helpful for increasing overall battery life and should also be considered during your purchasing process.

10 Best Phones for Vlogging Questions (FAQ)

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