If you are looking to buy the best phone for IRL streaming, this guide will point you in the right direction.
Our top picks for the best phones for IRL (in real life) streaming have exceptional cameras which are capable of excellent videos and images, with the best color, detail, and exposure. Again, these phones have good frames per second (fps) and resolution for IRL streaming on Twitch.
Now let’s look at these phones in detail, and what makes them well-suited for live streaming.
Best Phones for IRL Streaming at a Glance
| No. | Item | |
| 1 | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (Editors’ Choice) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Apple iPhone 15 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro / Pro Max | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | OnePlus 11 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 8 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Check Price on Amazon |
| 9 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Check Price on Amazon |
| 10 | Huawei P40 Pro | Check Price on Amazon |
| 11 | Huawei Mate 40 Pro | Check Price on Amazon |
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1. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (Editors’ Choice)
Right now, our absolute favorite phone is the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which also leads our list of the best phones for IRL streaming. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of the best phones you can buy right now if money is no object.
Featuring a remarkable 6.7-inch Super XDR OLED screen with ProMotion, the display maintains excellence, upholding the high standard set by its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
A standout feature is the introduction of a 5x periscope zoom lens, marking a first for iPhones. Complemented by a 48MP quad-pixel main lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is acclaimed as the most proficient and versatile iPhone for mobile photographers.
Powered by the cutting-edge A17 Pro chipset, the phone delivers gaming performance comparable to high-end PCs, solidifying its status as one of the most potent smartphones on the market.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max showcases an exquisite titanium design, providing enhanced durability against drops. Noteworthy additions include a USB-C port and a customizable Action button, enhancing the phone’s versatility.
Impressive battery performance boasts 28 hours of mixed use.
In line with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with a higher price tag but offers a top-tier smartphone experience, making it a compelling choice for those seeking premium features.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Key Specifications
Display: 6.7-inch
CPU: A17 Pro
OS: iOS 17
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
Front Camera: 12MP
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP
Size: 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm
Weight: 221g
Battery: 4441mAh
PROS
- Outstanding camera system
- Large display
- Long battery life
- High performance
- Innovative features
CONS
- Pricey
- No expandable storage
2. Apple iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 boasts a refreshed chassis design, featuring an eye-catching rear glass panel and the inclusion of a USB-C port, enhancing compatibility.
With a 6.1-inch Super XDR OLED display, the iPhone 15 delivers a bright and responsive viewing experience. However, its refresh rate remains at 60Hz, similar to the iPhone 14, but introduces Apple’s Dynamic Island.
The device retains two lenses on the back, with a notable improvement in the main camera, now featuring a 48MP lens akin to the iPhone 14 Pro. The 12MP ultrawide lens remains consistent.
Powered by the A16 Bionic chipset, borrowed from the iPhone 14 Pro, the iPhone 15 ensures superfast performance, positioning it as a powerful handset for most users.
The iPhone 15 impresses with a 20-hour video playback rating, 80 hours of audio-only, and a 50% recharge in just 30 minutes using the optional 20W charger. Real-world testing confirms it can last a full day with casual usage.
Unlike recent standard models, the iPhone 15 breaks the trend by offering a genuinely great value product, marking a significant upgrade over previous base iPhones.
PROS
- Powerful performance
- Impressive camera system
- Innovative display
- Long battery life
- Enhanced security
- Advanced operating system
CONS
- No headphone jack
- Pricey
Apple iPhone 15 Key Specifications
Display: 6.1-inch
CPU: A16 Bionic
OS: iOS 17
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
Front Camera: 12MP
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
Size: 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm
Weight: 171g
Battery: 3349mAh
3. Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 Pro is Google’s most ambitious Pixel yet, featuring serious camera upgrades satisfying professional photographers. It boasts a Tensor G3 chipset tailored for Google’s machine learning features.
With regard to design, it has rounded corners and a flat display enhance grip and content visibility. The finish is aesthetically pleasing with classy and inviting colors.
The Pixel 8 Pro’s display, branded as Super Actua, outshines the iPhone 15 Pro Max with peak brightness of 2,400 nits.
While handling games and graphics well, it may not surpass competitors like the iPhone 15 Pro or older Android phones like the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
The Pixel 8 Pro boasts a larger battery than the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, ensuring a full day of use.
Google promises an unprecedented seven years of major updates, surpassing industry standards.
PROS
- Impressive camera quality
- Advanced AI features
- Sleek design
- High-quality display
- Smooth performance
- Fast charging capability
CONS
- Minimal design changes
Google Pixel 8 Pro Key Specifications
Display: 6.7-inch OLED
CPU: Google Tensor G3
OS: Android 14
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
Front Camera: 10.5MP
Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP, 48MP
Size: 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm
Weight: 213g
Battery: 5050mAh
4. Apple iPhone 14 Pro / Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro by Apple is a marvel of modern technology, blending intuitive design with a host of desirable features. With its exceptional customer support and strong trade-in value, it’s no wonder this device tops our list.
Featuring a luminous screen, the iPhone 14 Pro boasts the brightest display of any smartphone, with an outdoor boost that can reach up to 2000 nits. With a lightning-fast refresh rate of 120Hz, this device offers a sharp and smooth experience. Say goodbye to the “notch” and hello to Apple’s new Dynamic Island, a punch-hole for the cameras.
Although the iPhone 14 Pro has a larger battery than its predecessor, its battery life has not been significantly improved.
For photography enthusiasts, the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers the ultimate camera experience. With its highest-resolution camera yet, a 3x optical zoom, and an ultra-wide camera capable of capturing intricate details, shooting has never been easier or more automated.
PROS
- Very fast performance
- Amazing display
- Outstanding cameras
- Ample storage and RAM
- Amazing Stereo speakers
- Solid battery life
CONS
- No USB-C
Apple iPhone 14 Pro / Pro Max Key Specifications
Display: 6.1-inch / 6.7-inch
CPU: A16 Bionic
OS: iOS 16
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
Front Camera: 12MP
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP
Size: 147.5 x 71.5 x 7.9mm / 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9mm
Weight: 206g / 240g
Battery: 3200mAh / 4323mAh
5. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra made waves as the best Android phone in 2022, and the newly released Galaxy S23 Ultra is poised to repeat the feat in 2023. Based on its testing, the device boasts a winning combination of a stunning display, powerful camera, and an S Pen stylus for creative expression.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out for its high-resolution 200MP camera and its 256GB storage, which is double that of the previous year’s model. The phone is also equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which provides top-notch performance.
The redesigned form factor is more ergonomic and easier to grip, making it ideal for note-taking and sketching. Despite its premium features and unbeatable performance, the S23 Ultra is not cheap. However, if you’re looking for the ultimate Android phone, this is the one to get.
PROS
- Excellent display
- Very good cameras
- Fast performance
- Ample storage
- Integrated S Pen
- Good battery life
CONS
- Pricey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Key Specifications
Display: 6.8 inches
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
OS: Android 13
RAM: 8GB/12GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB
Front Camera: 12MP
Rear Cameras: 200MP, 12MP, 10MP
Size: 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm
Weight: 234g
Battery: 5000mAh
6. Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google is stepping up to the plate with regard to churning out impressive smartphones. The Google Pixel 7 Pro is one of Google’s best phones to date. Like the Pixel 6, the Pixel 7 Pro brings some clout to the Android phone space. In fact, Samsung and Apple have some serious competition to worry about.
Built on the Google Tensor G2 processor and featuring 8GB of RAM, along with a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen and triple main cameras, it has specs that rival other flagships. The Google Pixel 7 Pro is packed with Google’s Android 13 operating system as you would expect.
Elsewhere, the phone has four cameras, including a 50MP/48MP/12MP triple array on the back and a 10.8MP selfie sensor on the front.
The Pixel 7 Pro feels just as fast as other premium phones thanks to its impressive internals.
This phone isn’t without flaws, though. Its battery life is just average.
Are we recommending the Google Pixel 7 Pro? Yes, of course. It wouldn’t have made the list if we weren’t happy with it.
PROS
- Cool design
- Excellent cameras
- Solid performance
- Excellent value for money
- Android 13 is fantastic
CONS
- Average battery life
Google Pixel 7 Pro Key Specifications
Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED 120Hz display, 1440 x 3120 pixels
Processor: Google Tensor G2
OS: Android 13
RAM: 8GB/12GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
Front Camera: 10.8MP
Rear Cameras: 50MP, 48MP,12MP
Size: 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm
Weight: 212g
Battery: 5000 mAh
GPS: Yes
7. OnePlus 11
Another outstanding Android phone that is well worth your while is the OnePlus 11. This phone comes loaded with features that make it worth the investment.
The 6.7-inch AMOLED 120Hz display is spacious and offers clear visuals, while the 5,000mAh battery ensures long hours of use without having to constantly plug it in. The triple camera setup, anchored by a 50MP main lens, is another standout feature, along with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
Its beefy internals aside, the OnePlus 11 has several selling points, and one of them is its price tag.
Another feature that sets the OnePlus 11 apart from its competitors is its lightning-fast charging speed. When it runs dry, can juice the phone back up in 30 minutes.
PROS
- Great display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Fast charging in 30 minutes
- Decent cameras
- Good pricing
- Up to five years of software updates
- Long battery life
CONS
- No wireless charging
- Only splash-resistant, not dunk-resistant
OnePlus 11 Key Specifications
Display: 6.7 inches
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
OS: Android 13
RAM: 8GB/12GB/16GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB
Front Camera: 16MP
Rear Cameras: 50MP, 32MP, 48MP
Size: 163.1 x 74.1 x 8.5 mm
Weight: 205g
Battery: 5000mAh
8. Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max plants its flag at the summit of smartphones. It hits a lot of the marks you’d want for a premium smartphone.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is one of the first phones powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, which is complemented by 6GB of RAM. Meanwhile, storage options include 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and, yes, 1TB.
It’s the cameras where the iPhone 13 Pro Max stands out the most against most phones on our list. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has four cameras, including a 12MP (wide)/13MP (telephoto)/5MP (ultrawide) triple array on the back and a 12MP selfie sensor on front.
It’s worth adding, too, that the 13 Pro Max boasts a 120Hz ProMotion display.
Just as importantly, build quality is reassuringly good. This is a phone that serves up power, speed and other impressive performance chops in a gorgeous chassis.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max handles many tasks like a champ, as well.
As for audio, you’d be equally impressed. The iPhone 13 Pro Max’s audio is respectable.
How about the Touch ID? Well, there isn’t one really.
Elsewhere, it features a remarkable battery life and debatably the best you’d find on a smartphone. If you’re looking for a phone that can last all day, this is it.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is a huge phone and an expensive one, so it won’t appeal to many — but if money is no object, and you want one of the best iPhones for IRL streaming, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is the way to go right now.
PROS
- Outstanding performance
- Class-leading cameras
- Impressive OLED display
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Excellent audio
- iOS 15
- Robust build
- Excellent battery life
CONS
- Heavy
- Fast charging could be better
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Key Specifications
Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED 120Hz display, 1284 x 2778 pixels
Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic
OS: iOS 15
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
Front Camera: 12MP
Rear Cameras: 12MP (wide), 12MP (telephoto), 12MP (ultrawide)
Size: 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.7 mm
Weight: 0.53 pound (240 g)
Battery: 4352 mAh
9. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra both feels and looks the high-end part. It stands toe-to-toe with the iPhone 13 Pro Max and 13 Pro.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra is armed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, Android 12 operating system, 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. In fact, Samsung has made available four storage variants on the S22 Ultra: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. The base model ships with 8GB of RAM.
These specs make the S22 Ultra a lightning-fast, no-strings-attached phone that can do everything — and do it in style. Samsung has incorporated everything outstanding about the previous Galaxy S21 Ultra into Galaxy S22 Ultra and added a few enhanced impressive features making the S22 Ultra an eye-catching smartphone.
Samsung makes a big deal about the S21 Ultra’s cameras – and rightfully so. There are four camera setups on the rear: 108MP wide angle camera, 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and two 10MP telephoto lens. On the front, is an Auto-HDR 40MP camera. You get very good images even in low light conditions.
We appreciate that the Galaxy S22 Ultra can capture 8k videos at 24fps, and 4K at 60fps.
Another massive win for the phone is its battery performance. With a capacity of 5,000 mAh, you get a day’s worth of usage after charging, however, this depends on usage.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra has ample color variants than we had envisaged. Phantom Black, Green, Phantom White, Pink Gold, and Burgundy are the colors you can choose from. That said, there are exclusive colors (Graphite, Red, and Sky Blue) which are available only through the Samsung website.
What else should we include? Samsung killed both the 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD card slot, but at least the phone works seamlessly with wireless, Bluetooth earbuds.
Price is often the problem. So, basically, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is one of the most high-priced phones you’ll find right now, especially taking the actual specs into consideration. But is the S22 Ultra worth the startling price? Well, yes.
This is the best Android Phone – and one of the best phones for IRL streaming period.
PROS
- Excellent performance
- Impressive bright display
- Sleek design
- Excellent cameras
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Excellent low light cameras
- Good S Pen integration
- Faster charging
CONS
- Expensive
- No microSD slot
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Key Specifications
Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+ display, 1440 x 3088 pixels
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
OS: Android 12
RAM: 8GB/12GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
Front Cameras: 40MP
Rear Cameras: 108MP, 12MP, 10MP, 10MP
Size: 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm
Weight: 0.50 pound (229 g)
Battery: 5000 mAh
10. Huawei P40 Pro
The Huawei P40 Pro’s Leica-powered camera is one of the best you’d find on a smartphone. Little wonder the P40 Pro is one of the best phones for IRL streaming.
The P40 Pro sports a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens with an f/1.9 aperture, followed by a 40-megapixel ultrawide lens with and f/1.8 aperture, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens which enables a 10x hybrid zoom, a 50x digital zoom, and a 5x optical zoom.
But the cherry on top of this package is Huawei’s image stabilization feature powered by artificial intelligence, as well as the ZD Fusion image signal processor.
The Night mode feature produces crisp, bright, detailed pictures taken in low-light conditions. As a matter of fact, taking pictures in Night mode yields very good low-light images, as well.
Storage options are decent: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. These storage options come with 8GB of RAM.
Battery life is solid. The Huawei P40 Pro’s battery will last up to 2 days on single charge.
Alas, the absence of Google Play Services proves to be the P40 Pro’s Achilles’ heel.
By and large, the Huawei P40 Pro’s camera remains one of the best phones for IRL streaming and is strongly recommended.
PROS
- Impressive OLED display
- Cutting-edge cameras
- Stellar battery life
- Beautiful design
CONS
- Audio won’t win awards
- No Google Play services
Huawei P40 Pro Key Specifications
Display: 6.58-inch OLED, 1200 x 2640 pixels
Processor: Kirin 990 5G
Operating System: Android 10
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
Front Camera: 32 MP (wide),
Rear Cameras: 50 MP (wide), 12 MP (periscope telephoto), 40 MP (ultrawide),
Size: 158.2 x 72.6 x 9 mm
Weight: 0.46 pound (209 g)
Battery: 4200 mAh
Notable Mention
The Huawei Mate 40 Pro is a very good phone for IRL streaming worth mentioning.
11. Huawei Mate 40 Pro
PROS
- Powerful cameras
- Very good battery life
- Impressive design
- Overall fine performance
CONS
- Refresh rate isn’t chart topping
- Large punch hole
Huawei Mate 40 Pro Key Specifications
Display: 6.76-inch, OLED, 1344 x 2772 pixels
Processor: HiSilicon Kirin 9000
OS: Android 10
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
Front Camera: 13 MP
Rear Cameras: 50 MP, 12 MP, 20 MP
Size: 162.9 x 75.5 x 9.1 mm
Weight: 0.47 pound (212 g)
Battery: 4400 mAh
| No. | Item | |
| 1 | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (Editors’ Choice) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Apple iPhone 15 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro / Pro Max | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | OnePlus 11 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 8 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Check Price on Amazon |
| 9 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Check Price on Amazon |
| 10 | Huawei P40 Pro | Check Price on Amazon |
| 11 | Huawei Mate 40 Pro | Check Price on Amazon |
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Bottom Line
We’ve recommended the best phones for IRL streaming you can buy. These phones have first-rate cameras which guarantee excellent videos and images, with the best color, detail, and exposure. They provide the best bang for your buck.
