Streaming has become increasingly popular today, primarily because you don’t need much equipment to begin your streaming career. While investing in a good streaming PC, a microphone, and a quality pair of headphones is beneficial, you can also simply use your mobile phone.
For that reason, I want to discuss the best phone for streaming, so you know which device to choose. In my opinion, the best option is the Google Pixel 3a XL due to its powerful CPU, excellent camera, and affordable price.
Let’s explore other options as well.
QUICK OVERVIEW: Best Phone for Streaming
 | Top Choice Google Pixel 3a XL
| |
 | Google Pixel 4 XL
| |
 | Apple iPhone 12 Mini
|
In my list of the 7 best phones for vlogging and streaming, you will find some of the top phones available, as well as some budget-friendly alternatives that perform well without straining your finances.
Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
1. Google Pixel 3a XL
Best Overall Choice
Stefan’s Take
This phone ticks all of the boxes for streaming! What amazed me the most was the camera’s quality: 1080p at 30 FPS shooting for both the main and front cameras, as well as the option to record at 4K, which I think is a must for streaming.
Also, the option to upgrade it to a newer Android version, long-lasting battery, and solid memory were big pluses in my book!
| Camera Quality | 10 |
|---|---|
| Internal Memory | 9 |
| Battery Life | 10 |
| For Streaming | 10 |
Why do I believe the Google Pixel 3a XL is the best among these?
It’s a good phone for everyday vlogging, and it is also more affordable than other smartphones with similar specifications, costing around $300. Additionally, Google’s phones are quite user-friendly.
Let’s explore what else the phone has to offer.
Who is it best suited for?
As this smartphone is fairly priced, many people will appreciate it for being a powerful yet affordable device. It is also a solid choice for streaming and vlogging, as the phone features 4K video shooting and is compact enough for everyday use.
While it may not be the most recent smartphone, having been released in 2019, it remains a viable option if you plan to use it primarily for streaming rather than as your main device.
That being said, I believe this phone is suitable for everyone—whether you’re looking for a budget device for streaming or a powerful phone that can support your streaming career.
Key Features
As a Google phone, the Pixel 3a XL operates on Chrome OS, which is essentially Android 9.0, but you can upgrade it to Android 11.0.
The most important specification for me personally, the camera, is a 12 MP unit capable of shooting 4K videos at 30fps and 1080p videos at frame rates ranging from 30 to 120fps. Additionally, the selfie camera can record 1080p videos at 30fps.
What truly makes it stand out is that the phone utilizes a Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 chipset, allowing it to run smoothly, ensuring that streaming is not an issue.
Regarding memory, the phone offers 64 GB of internal storage but lacks an SD card slot, which I found unappealing. It also features 4 GB of RAM, which is adequate for this type of device.
The phone features an Octa-core CPU, an Adreno 615 GPU, a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a battery capacity of 3700mAh, and a screen size of 6″.
Pros
- Solid camera
- Affordable
- Good FPS shooting
- Compact
Cons
- Small storage capacity
2. Google Pixel 4 XL
The Best Phone for Vlogging
Stefan’s Take
The newer, but a bit more costly model is quite similar to Pixel 3a XL. The camera is amazing, suitable for vlogging, but what I liked the most was 6 GB RAM and octa-core CPU. The streaming was easy and smooth.
If it had a bit better battery life, it would even be my top pick.
| Camera Quality | 10 |
|---|---|
| Internal Memory | 10 |
| Battery Life | 9 |
| For Streaming | 9 |
What makes this phone a viable choice is its dual camera, along with several other unique features that have earned it a spot on my list of the best phones for streaming.
Let’s take a look at the specifications and discover what the Pixel 4 XL has to offer!
Who is it best suited for?
This phone includes all the features that make it an excellent vlogging device, while also serving as a reliable main phone. The dual main camera is particularly useful for streaming videos with greater depth, and the selfie camera is also quite impressive.
While this isn’t a budget phone, if you’re in the market for a new device and want to begin streaming, the Pixel 4 XL is a solid choice.
Key Features
The standout feature of this phone is its dual rear camera system. The first camera boasts 12.2 MP with a 27mm wide lens, while the second camera offers 16 MP with a 50mm telephoto lens. Both cameras support full 4K video recording at 30fps and 1080p recording at frame rates ranging from 30 to 120fps.
The selfie camera features 8 MP and is capable of shooting in full HD as well.
The phone operates on Android 10.0 OS, which is upgradeable to Android 11.0.
It also includes a Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 chipset, an octa-core CPU, and an Adreno 640 GPU, making it quite responsive in terms of interaction.
The phone also features 64 GB of internal storage and 6 GB of RAM, allowing for a satisfying gaming experience.
The Pixel 4 XL features a 6.3” display, utilizes a USB-C 3.1 port, is equipped with a 3700 mAh battery, and is also water-resistant up to 1.5 meters.
Pros
- Excellent video quality
- Snappy
- Great size
- Affordable
Cons
- Low memory capacity
3. Apple iPhone 12 Mini
The phone with the highest camera quality
Stefan’s Take
If you want the best shots and video quality, then go for iPhone. This model allows you to record 4K videos at 60 FPS, with so much detail that some professional cameras cannot capture.
Also, it’s quite easy to navigate and intuitive, with a powerful CPU and RAM sufficient for streaming.
| Camera Quality | 10 |
|---|---|
| Internal Memory | 9 |
| Battery Life | 9 |
| For Streaming | 9 |
Of course, what’s a phone review without including an iPhone? In this review, I present the iPhone 12 Mini, the smallest model in the iPhone 12 series. However, its size should not lead to underestimating its capabilities.
This charming phone is surprisingly powerful, and with Apple boasting one of the best cameras available, it is undoubtedly the ideal phone for content creators in need of quality video footage.
Who is it best suited for?
People often say that once you try an iPhone, you’ll never return to Android. While there is nothing inherently wrong with Android phones, Apple offers a uniquely user-friendly platform that, once you become accustomed to it, makes you reluctant to switch to another operating system.
The iPhone 12 Mini is no exception; it features the same chipset as the other models in the 12 series, albeit with a smaller frame and reduced components.
Nonetheless, it’s a pocket-sized phone that you won’t even notice carrying. When it comes to streaming or vlogging, you’ll be impressed by the camera’s sharpness.
This phone is designed for Apple fans and many others seeking an excellent device for everyday streaming.
Key Features
The iPhone 12 Mini features two rear cameras, each with 12 MP. One camera is designed for wide-angle shots with a 26mm lens, while the other is intended for ultra-wide videos with a 13mm lens. The front-facing camera also boasts 12 MP and a 26mm wide lens.
All of the cameras can shoot 4K videos at 60fps, which I personally enjoyed.
It also includes an Apple A14 Bionic chipset, a Hexa-core CPU, and a 4-core Apple graphics GPU. When you use it, you can feel how much faster it is compared to the previous iPhone series.
This iPhone 12 Mini features 64 GB of storage and 4 GB of RAM. It also has a 2227 mAh battery and utilizes a Lightning USB port for fast charging.
Pros
- Amazing video quality and shooting speed
- Fast animation
- Quality lenses
- Compact
Cons
- Low battery capacity
4. Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
The phone with the best internal memory
Stefan’s Take
This phone has everything you need for streaming: a great display, a triple camera that can shoot 1080p at 240 FPS, and a powerful CPU. But what makes it really stand out is the internal memory. I tested its 12 GB of RAM with several games, and it worked smoothly.
However, if you’re just starting out, you might not be ready to spend as much money on just a streaming phone.
| Camera Quality | 9 |
|---|---|
| Internal Memory | 9 |
| Battery Life | 9 |
| For Streaming | 9 |
I have three Samsung phones on this list, and the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ is the first one I will review. It is also the second most affordable phone on the list, priced at approximately $600.
What makes this phone ideal for streaming is the nearly bezel-less display, which looks and feels like you’re holding a piece of glass in your hands. This feature is particularly useful when you need to view your stream clearly and in full-screen mode.
Let’s explore the other features!
Who is it best suited for?
If you’re familiar with the Note series, you won’t be bothered by the large display that all the phones in the series feature.
When you consider it, large displays are perfect for streaming. Using your phone for streaming is essentially the same as using a computer. With a larger display, you will find it easier to set up your camera, achieve the right angle, see yourself more clearly, and so on.
Key Features
Let’s begin with the camera. The phone features three main camera lenses: two 12 MP lenses and one 16 MP lens. Each camera has a distinct lens size tailored for different purposes, and all can capture 4K video at 60fps as well as 1080p video at 240fps. The front camera, which has 12 MP, is also capable of shooting 4K at 60fps.
The phone operates on Android 9.0 OS, which can be upgraded to Android 11.0. It features a Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 chipset, one of the fastest ever produced for Samsung phones, along with an Octa-core CPU and an Adreno 640 GPU.
The storage is impressive, featuring 256 GB, and the substantial 12 GB of RAM allows you to effortlessly play any mobile game available.
The battery is impressive, featuring a 4300 mAh capacity. I tested it and used it throughout the entire day without needing to charge.
As I mentioned earlier, the phone features a 6.8” display and includes a stylus pen for easier use.
Pros
- Amazing video quality
- Good battery life
- Lots of storage
- Large display
Cons
- A bit pricey
5. Samsung Galaxy S10+
The phone with the best audio support
Stefan’s Take
If you have enough for just one piece of streaming equipment, Samsung Galaxy S10+ is all you need. I was quite impressed by the sound quality it captured, and my friend was also! Without a mic, I managed to record studio-quality audio.
Once again, the downside is the price.
| Camera Quality | 9 |
|---|---|
| Internal Memory | 9 |
| Battery Life | 9 |
| For Streaming | 8 |
The next Samsung phone on the list is the renowned Samsung Galaxy S10+, which was Samsung’s flagship phone in 2019.
It includes all the features necessary for creating high-quality streams and is also relatively affordable compared to the newer S20 Ultra.
Who is it best suited for?
The primary reason I was drawn to review the S10+ is its back camera, which is among the best I have encountered. It delivers not only excellent video quality but also impressive audio support.
While it may not match the quality of the S20 Ultra camera, this phone is still significantly more affordable than its successor.
Even when I compared it to the iPhone 11 Pro Max, which was released in the same year as the S10+, the camera on the Samsung is still superior, offering more options for users to experiment with and customize to their preferences.
Key Features
The S10+ is equipped with a triple camera system on the back, featuring a 12 MP wide, a 12 MP telephoto, and a 16 MP ultrawide camera. All three cameras can shoot 4K videos at 60fps and also support HDR10+ stereo sound recording.
This is quite important if you plan to use this phone for streaming, as it allows you the freedom to forgo a streaming mic while still achieving studio-quality sound.
Next, the phone features a Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 chipset and an octa-core CPU, making it exceptionally fast and powerful.
The phone comes with 128 GB of internal memory, but you can opt for the 512 GB model if you prefer. It also features 12 GB of RAM, which is more than sufficient for any app or game you plan to use.
It operates on the Android 9.0 OS, which can be upgraded to Android 11.0. It features a USB-C 3.5 for fast charging and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is essential for streaming.
Pros
- One of the best video quality
- Lots of storage
- Excellent speed
- Pristine sound recording
Cons
- Expensive
6. Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
The best premium phone
Stefan’s Take
108 MP and stereo sound are quite impressive features, but what impressed me was the graphics. I don’t think I ever came across a phone with that powerful GPU. You can game harder than ever.
The biggest disappointment was the battery – it lasts quite long but less compared to other Samsung models.
| Camera Quality | 9 |
|---|---|
| Internal Memory | 9 |
| Battery Life | 8 |
| For Streaming | 8 |
I previously provided a brief introduction to this phone when we discussed the S10+. Some individuals may highlight the price and argue that it might not justify the expense.
However, it’s a high-end phone with premium specifications. Therefore, it is up to you to decide if it is worth it for you.
Who is it best suited for?
It is one of the best phones for shooting videos.
With a 108 MP camera as your primary and a 40 MP camera for selfies, you can capture incredibly stunning videos.
However, since this smartphone is quite expensive for many streamers, costing as much as a prebuilt streaming PC, not many individuals are likely to make the effort to purchase it.
Key Features
Let’s address the phone’s primary feature step by step – the camera. The main camera includes a 108 MP wide lens, a 48 MP periscope telephoto lens, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 0.3 MP depth lens, which together deliver the best video recording capabilities available on a smartphone today.
You can record 4K videos at 60fps, but what’s truly fascinating is that you can also capture 8K videos at 24fps. All of this is enhanced by HDR10+ stereo sound, making your voice clearer than ever.
This is also the first Samsung phone to feature the latest Exynos 990 chipset, offering groundbreaking speed and smooth animation transitions.
The CPU features an octa-core configuration, while the GPU is the latest Mali-G77 MP11, indicating that this level of graphics has never been experienced on a mobile device.
The phone features 128 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using a micro SDXC card. Additionally, it includes 16 GB of RAM, the highest amount of RAM among all the phones on our list.
It operates on the Android 10.0 OS, features a 5000 mAh battery capacity, and unfortunately, it lacks a headphone jack.
Pros
- Great camera quality
- Fastest animations
- Lots of storage
Cons
- Doesn’t have a headphone jack
7. Xiaomi Mi 10T
The best budget phone for streaming
Stefan’s Take
Considering the price, I was quite amazed by what this phone can do: video recorded at 8K and 30 FPS looked quite well, and the few games I tested ran quite smoothly.
However, 6 GB of RAM is not much, and I would like it more if it had a headphone jack.
| Camera Quality | 8 |
|---|---|
| Internal Memory | 8 |
| Battery Life | 9 |
| For Streaming | 8 |
The final phone on my list may not outshine the previous one in any way. However, I have saved the best budget streaming phone for last.
I’m referring to the Xiaomi Mi 10T, which may not have the most powerful specifications, but it features an impressive camera that many streamers will value.
Who is it best suited for?
As this is a budget phone, many people will likely want it primarily for their streaming needs, given its impressive camera. Xiaomi is renowned for producing high-quality devices, so there is no doubt that it offers good value for the price.
Using it as your primary phone is an option, but let’s be honest: for just a few hundred dollars more, you can purchase an iPhone, which is a much better choice for your daily phone needs.
In summary, if you’re looking for a good streaming phone without spending a fortune, the Mi 10T is the right choice for you.
Key Features
The camera on the Mi 10T is undoubtedly the best in its price range, featuring a 64 MP wide lens, a 13 MP ultrawide lens, and a 5 MP macro lens. It is capable of shooting 4K at 60fps and 8K at 30fps.
While this may seem superior to the S20 Ultra, the lenses on the Samsung are sharper, which does not diminish the value of the Mi 10T.
The phone also includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G chipset, an octa-core CPU, and an Adreno 650 GPU, ensuring that this phone delivers outstanding speed and performance.
It also features 128 GB of internal storage and just 6 GB of RAM, which is not surprising given its price of around $400. Therefore, you may need to compromise on specifications if you desire a good camera.
The phone operates on an Android 10.0 OS, features a 5000 mAh battery capacity, and, no, it does not include a headphone jack.
Pros
- Affordable
- Amazing video quality
- Good storage
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Not a lot of RAM
Things to Consider Before Buying a Phone for Streaming
As you can see, smartphones aren’t as inexpensive as one might expect, so if you’re planning to purchase a streaming phone, you need to invest your money wisely.
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of factors to consider before purchasing a phone for streaming, ensuring you choose the best option and are satisfied with your investment.
Let’s examine what you need to focus on.
1. Camera
The most important factor to consider when purchasing a phone for streaming is the camera. You must ensure that the camera offers excellent video quality and can stream at a minimum of 1K resolution, as this is the baseline required for your streams to appear professional.
Remember that video quality is not determined by the number of megapixels a camera has, but rather by the type of lens it uses. Therefore, if you’re considering an iPhone for streaming, be aware that the typical 12 MP camera is just as effective as the 64 MP camera on an Android phone.
2. Memory Capacity
When purchasing a streaming phone, it is essential to choose one with ample storage, as streaming videos will significantly impact memory capacity. Always select a phone that supports a micro SD card, allowing you to easily remove it from the device and transfer the data to your PC.
Of course, iPhone enthusiasts will need to either choose the model with the most storage or make the most of iCloud. In either case, never settle for less than 128 GB.
3. Battery Capacity
The last factor to consider is the battery capacity, as streaming consumes a significant amount of power. The worst-case scenario is having your phone shut down in the middle of a stream.
That’s why you need a minimum of 3000 mAh to enable streaming for more than 2 or 3 hours before needing to charge your device.
Of course, you can always carry a power bank; however, your phone is likely to overheat.
Conclusion
Choosing the best product can be challenging, so here is a brief overview of my top three streaming phones:
I hope you enjoyed my review, and I’m sure some of these phones captured your interest, so I’m pleased to have assisted you.
Good luck with the vlogs and streams; I’ll be sure to stop by!
Related: How to Stream IRL on Twitch
Frequently Asked Questions
What phone do YouTubers use?
Many YouTubers stream or make videos using their smartphones and some of the most popular choices are the iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy S10+, Samsung Galaxy S20 ultra, iPhone XS Max Pro, Huawei P30, and Google Pixel 4.
Which phone is good for vlogging?
The best phone for vlogging has a good selfie camera. These include the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone XS, Samsung Galaxy S10+, Samsung Galaxy S20 ultra, Huawei 30 Pro, Huawei Mate 20 Pro, and so on.
Can I use my phone to make YouTube videos?
Of course, you can use your phone, just make sure that it has good video quality and sound recording so that you don’t need much editing to make quality videos. Still, you do want to do some editing before posting the clip on YouTube for aesthetic purposes.
