Why the app photos is taking so much space from my phone if I only have a few photos and iCloud on?

Photos app can also include videos, and anything in the "Recently Deleted" folder.

Best place for accurate storage info:

Go to Settings > General > [Device] Storage.

How to check the storage on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Hi heydavee,

From your description, you may not have iCloud Photos enabled or properly configured for your device. Set up and use iCloud Photos describes this feature in detail. The specific section for saving storage space on your device is:

"If you need to save space on your device

iCloud Photos keeps all your photos and videos in their original, high-resolution version. To save storage space on your device, you can turn on Optimize Storage.

If you turn on Optimize Storage, iCloud Photos automatically manages the size of your library on your device. Your original photos and videos are stored in iCloud and space-saving versions are kept on your device. Your library is optimized only when you need space, starting with the photos and videos you access least. You can download the original photos and videos over Wi-Fi or cellular when you need them.

If you turn on Download Originals, iCloud Photos keeps your original, full-resolution photos and videos in iCloud and on your device."

Regards.

Hey heydavee,

Thank you for using the Apple Support Community. Due to the nature of your issue, you may find more information by contacting Apple Support directly using the link below.

Contact Apple Support

Take care.

Thank you for checking, and for your reply.

As you have recently deleted photos, you may need to restart your iPhone, to see the corrected changed storage amount: Restart your iPhone - Apple Support