Yes—mainly ergonomic and practical advantages, not focus-related ones.

Using a volume button can make it easier to keep a two-handed grip on the phone, which may help stability for some people. It also lets you trigger the shutter without needing to look at the screen, which is useful when using the rear camera for selfies or awkward shooting angles. Another practical benefit is compatibility with simple selfie sticks and remotes that trigger the phone through the volume-button function.

That said, it isn’t always better. Pressing a physical button can introduce more shake than a light tap on the screen, especially since phones are small and harder to brace like a dedicated camera. So the best option depends on how you’re holding the phone and the situation.

In short: the volume button can be more convenient and sometimes more stable, but it does not add camera features such as half-press focus.