Cameras play a very important role in the purchase of a Smartphone but I don't think they should. As far as an average person knows, the more megapixels the better. But why do people really need 13 to 20 to 41 megapixel cameras on the back of their Smartphones, when smartphones weren't designed to be judged by their cameras?
Phone cameras were designed to be an accessory in order to better the sales of a Mobile Phone. I know that all I use my Smartphone's camera for is sending pictures to friends but not serious high level photography. If I focused more on the quality of my phones camera than I did the quality of the Phone, than I would never have chosen to buy the Smartphone I use today, which means that I would have missed out on a great experience.
In the end it comes down to this, don't let the megapixels of the Smartphones camera decide whether or not you should buy that phone. If you want serious pictures, buy a DSLR.
(A reader's opinion)