The Worst Camera Phone of 2024 Revealed
Despite advancements, one phone stands out as the clear loser for camera performance in 2024.
Smartphone cameras have come a long way in 2024, with even budget models offering decent performance. However, not all devices are created equal, and one phone stands out as the worst in terms of camera quality this year. While flagships like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra continue to push the boundaries of mobile photography, others fall short of expectations.
Decent Performance in Budget Phones
Take the CMF Phone 1, priced at around $215. Despite its affordability, its camera delivers satisfactory results for general photography, proving that cost constraints don’t necessarily mean terrible performance. Similarly, the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus, while having an impressive 200-megapixel main camera, suffers from lackluster secondary lenses, including an underwhelming 8MP wide-angle and a virtually useless 2MP macro camera. Yet, these flaws don’t push these devices into the category of “bad.”
Disappointments in Specific Categories
Some phones, like the Nokia 3210, are designed with minimal camera functionality, targeting users who prioritize simplicity over photography. Its 2MP fixed-focus camera predictably delivers poor results, but it’s marketed as a device to combat smartphone addiction, not as a photography tool. Similarly, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro—a gaming-focused device—disappoints with its downgraded camera performance compared to its predecessor. However, its primary focus on gaming makes its camera shortcomings more forgivable.
The Biggest Losers of the Year
Among the truly disappointing devices, the Punkt MC02 emerges as the worst camera phone of 2024. While the Moto G 5G and Rabbit R1 AI gadget also failed to impress, their flaws pale in comparison to the Punkt MC02’s glaring issues.
Priced at $750, the Punkt MC02 is marketed as a premium minimalist phone, but its camera performance is abysmal. Equipped with a 64MP main sensor and an 8MP wide-angle lens, it consistently produces noisy, poorly detailed, and heavily smoothed images. The subpar performance extends to its software, which is buggy, poorly designed, and frustrating to use. Features like a reliable zoom slider and grid lines for shot composition are glaringly absent, further degrading the user experience.
Despite updates and a hefty price tag, the Punkt MC02’s camera remains virtually unchanged from its initial release. It struggles in low light, fails to focus adequately, and lags behind even budget devices like the CMF Phone 1 in terms of usability and results. The fact that it also demands a potential subscription fee after a year only adds to its woes.
The State of Smartphone Cameras in 2024
The Punkt MC02’s poor performance highlights how rare bad smartphone cameras have become. Most devices, even at lower price points, offer competent main cameras capable of handling everyday photography needs. The advancements in camera technology have made it challenging to find a truly “bad” phone camera—unless, of course, you end up with a Punkt MC02.
For those seeking reliable photography, avoiding phones like the Punkt MC02, Nokia 3210, or Moto G 5G ensures a decent experience. In an era where even affordable devices can capture memorable moments, the worst performers stand out all the more starkly.