Editorial team at the portal “Executioner” surveyed a range of smartphones released in 2023 that still stand out for their camera performance today. The aim was not to chase the newest launches but to identify devices whose imaging systems age well because of a smart blend of hardware quality and software processing that helps every shot look its best in real life conditions.
Leading the lineup is the Google Pixel 7a, priced around $499 in the United States. It features an OLED display running at 90 Hz, a Google Tensor G2 processor, a front camera of 13 megapixels, and a dual rear camera system dominated by a 64 MP main sensor with a 13 MP ultrawide. The phone packs a 4385 mAh battery with wireless charging, NFC, IP67 water resistance, and stereo speakers, making it a strong all‑around choice for photos and videos, especially when light is uneven. In North American markets, these attributes translate into practical performance for daily use and travel, with software tricks that boost color, detail, and consistency across scenes.
Next comes Huawei P60 Pro, the year’s flagship known for its color accuracy and zoom capability. It carries a triple-camera array with a 48 MP main sensor, a 13 MP ultrawide, and a 48 MP telephoto with up to 3.5x optical zoom. The device features a 120 Hz OLED display and a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G chipset. In Russia the price hovered around 46,900 rubles; in Canada and the United States availability is more limited and regional pricing reflects import and software considerations that affect real-world value in those markets.
Rounding out the top three is the Samsung Galaxy S23, offering a 120 Hz AMOLED display and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. Its triple camera array includes 50 MP, 10 MP, and 12 MP sensors, plus a 12 MP front camera. Some users may find the 3900 mAh battery modest by modern standards, yet the overall imaging quality remains robust thanks to Samsung’s processing and color science. Price data from the period placed the device around 54,100 rubles on average; in the United States and Canada, the phone typically lists around the $799 mark, with current street prices occasionally dipping lower during sales.
Completing the list are the Xiaomi 14 and Honor Magic6 Pro, which in Russia were priced in the 75,400 to 82,900 ruble range. In North American markets, configured variants usually land in the $900 to $1,100 range, depending on storage and promotions. The Xiaomi 14 brings a balanced imaging system with strong detail and fast processing, while the Honor Magic6 Pro emphasizes power and competitive image quality that earned it a spot on the ranking. The Magic6 Pro arrived in China in 2024, and news of the Magic7 Pro’s debut helped keep the line visible globally, with the models continuing to compete with established brands for imaging leaders in their class.
Rumors have circulated that Samsung and other manufacturers may introduce AI features powered by advanced conversational models on future Galaxy devices, blending software intelligence with hardware to push photography further and make everyday captures easier and more reliable across lighting conditions.