Remember the excitement of getting that first camera phone? That tiny lens started our love affair with mobile photography. Our love story with our camera phones is greater than just having a gadget. It is about the moments we have captured and the memories we have made. There are stories we will tell for years to come.Better cameras, sharper images, and features we couldn’t have dreamed of when we started. We chased sunsets with HDR and captured city lights with night mode. With every upgrade, it felt like opening a door to new creative possibilities. During this journey, we found that it is not just the flagship camera phones that hold the magic. The best budget camera phone has become an indispensable companion in our story. It offered a perfect blend of affordability and capability. It proved that you don’t need to spend a fortune to capture life’s precious moments. These phones, with their impressive features and accessible prices, have allowed us to document our lives beautifully and effortlessly. This blog enlists some of the best budget camera phones in the market.
Top 6 Best Budget Camera Phones – List
| 1 | iPhone 13 Pro Max |
| 2 | Xiaomi 13 Pro |
| 3 | Samsung Galaxy A55 5G |
| 4 | Google Pixel 7 Pro |
| 5 | OnePlus 12R |
| 6 | Google Pixel 8a |
Best Budget Camera Phone – Reviews
1. iPhone 13 Pro Max
Display size: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (1284 x 2778) | CPU: A15 Bionic RAM: 6GB | Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB / No | Rear cameras: 12MP (f/1.5) wide, 12MP (f/1.8) telephoto, 12MP (f/2.8) telephoto with 3x optical zoom | Front camera: 12MP (f/2.2) | Weight: 8. 47ounces
Pros
- Amazing Aperture
- Waterproof
- Brightest OLED Screen
- Longer Battery Life
Cons
- No On/Off Setting for Macro Photography
If you are an iPhone lover but you’re looking for a budget iPhone camera, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is a brilliant option. It is a perfect indication of how best budget camera phones can give you premium features without spending too much. At an affordable price, you will get advanced performance just like the upgraded models. As it has a mighty A15 processor that never disappoints.
It comes with a long battery life and a durable design. With an incredible camera system, the iPhone 13 Pro Max fulfills your amazing photography desires. The regular camera comes with f/1.5 aperture and a huge sensor with sensor-shift image stabilization. Another reason to pick the iPhone 13 Pro Max as a budget option is its LiDAR Scanner for Night mode portraits. See, the iPhone will not leave us in the dark. It will improve your portrait photos by capturing more accurate depth.
Still images are clear and even the wide camera lens gives you sharper photos from edge to edge. It can be your best budget zoom camera phone with a longer telephoto lens. While a regular wide lens, it provides a 3x telephoto effect. At ultrawide, you will get a 6x zoom effect. Having a larger aperture means the lens collects better light even at low light conditions.
Now, videography with iPhone 13 Pro Max is more exciting. It has introduced Cinematic Mode which adds more creativity to your YouTube or TikTok videos. This cinematic mode does just not give you a shallow depth of the effect, but it also helps to choose your focus points.
It is time for you to seize the moment and let your creativity flow with the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
2. Xiaomi 13 Pro
Display size: 6.73 inches OLED (1440 x 3200) | CPU: Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | RAM: 8GB 12GB Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB, 256GB, 512GB/No | Rear cameras: 50.3 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 50 MP, f/2.0, 75mm (telephoto), 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 115˚ (ultrawide) | Front camera: 32 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide) | Weight: 210 g
Pros
- The largest 1-inch sensor in smartphones
- Innovative “floating” telephoto lens that doubles as a macro lens
- Captures more detailed images compared to the S23 Ultra
Cons
- Subpar performance of the ultrawide camera
- Software processing doesn’t match Google’s level of quality
The Xiaomi 13 Pro is another masterpiece of technological innovation and timeless design. This best budget phone for photography redefines your photography experience with its cutting-edge features and aesthetics.
Collaborating with Sony IMX989 1-inch sensor, Xiaomi has breathed a new life in photography. It truly captures the intricate details and vibrant natural photographs. Even in low light conditions, it manages to deliver clarity. Among cheap phones with great cameras, the Xiaomi 13 Pro also wins in lowlight performance. Get rid of unwanted noise in dim lights.
Your visuals are further improved because Xiaomi 13 Pro also has Leica. No one can beat Leica in its color science. The result? Your photos are infused with captivating, true-to-life tones that evoke emotions and tell stories. making your photography truly impactful.
When you hold the Xiaomi 13 Pro in your hands, it is a different feeling. You will be captivated by its 1440p OLED display. This immersive canvas responds fluidly to your touch. It makes every interaction an absolute delight.
With global accessibility, the Xiaomi 13 Pro goes beyond boundaries. It helps you to capture the world’s beauty with uncompromised quality wherever your journey takes you.
Even your selfies are elevated to an art form, thanks to the Xiaomi 13 Pro’s advanced front-facing camera. It effortlessly captures your essence with clarity and precision, celebrating your uniqueness.
The Xiaomi 13 Pro isn’t just a smartphone, it is the best budget camera phone. With its exceptional imaging capabilities, it invites you to explore the world through a lens of boundless potential. Redefine photography, reshape your perspective, and embrace the Xiaomi 13 Pro.
3. Samsung Galaxy A55 5G
Display size: 6.6-inch Super AMOLED (1080 x 2340) | CPU: ExynosOcta-core (2.75GHz, 2GHz) | RAM: 6GB, 8GB Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / No | Rear cameras: 50 MP (f/1.8) wide, 8MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide, 2MP (f/2.4) macro| Front camera: 16MP (f/2.4) | Weight: 7.51 ounces
Pros
- Sturdy Design
- Great Battery Life
- Waterproof
- Brighter Display
Cons
- Lacks Headphone Jack
The A55 5G is the best mid range camera phone from Samsung. It is the phone that wins our hearts at first sight. We are impressed by its classic Samsung look. It is not just the design, but its performance also blows us away. The unusual thing about the A55 is that it is not more plastic like A54. Instead, it shines our world with that metallic body. Plus, it has an oct-core processor and three cameras to enjoy versatile photography modes.
The 6.6 inches display comes with a maximum 120Hz refreshing rate. It is brighter and allows you to use it comfortably outdoors. The colors look more vibrant and punchier. Whether it’s a YouTube to watch or your favorite game to play, this display is ready to serve you.
The triple camera system includes a 50MP main camera, along with ultrawide and macro camera lenses of 12 MP and 5MP. The 50 MP needs a lot of light to get the perfect photos at this mode. Still, it manages to give you an outstanding image quality. Another selling point of Samsung A55 is its image stabilization.
Just like images, videos from the main camera are outstanding. It records a video at 4K/30fps at remarkable stabilization. The good thing is you can swap between the main and ultra-wide cameras during recording. A55 5G is the best Samsung camera phone on a budget. Though not intended for professional photographers, it is a reasonably priced phone with good camera.
4. Google Pixel 7 Pro
Display: 6.7-inch OLED (3120 x 1440; 10-120Hz) | CPU: Tensor G2 | RAM: 12GB Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB / No | Rear cameras: 50MP (f/1.85) main, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 48MP (f/3.5) with 5x optical zoom | Front camera: 10.8MP (f/2.2) | Weight: 7.3 ounces
Pros
- Google’s software ensures precise exposure.
- Offers a wide range of color options due to Google’s advanced color science.
- The Tensor G2 chip excels in computational photography.
Cons
- Night Sight can activate frequently, potentially affecting user experience.
- Color accuracy can be inconsistent in certain situations.
The Google Pixel 7 Pro also stands out for its mobile photography. Nowadays people are looking for more compact and more reliable options for photography. Therefore, camera phones are more popular among the people. They heavy professional cameras are replaced by more affordable camera phones for vlogging or live streaming. Another reason for relying on camera phones is their quick upgradation. Likewise, Google Pixel 7 Pro uses an advanced camera technology to capture your precious moments in life.
Pixel 7 Pro has a well designed camera system to give detail and colorful photos. The “Night Sight” technology impresses in low-light conditions. It takes multiple images and combine them to produce vibrant night photos.
Besides, it is the best zoom camera phone in our best budget camera phone list. Google 7 Pro has taken its zoom quality to next level with 5x telephoto lens. The zooming can increase further and reach to 30x. However, above 10x zooming, the quality of image drops.
It has also integrated AI machinery, which improves your photography further. It adjusts settings to help you get the best shot every time.
Overall, the Google Pixel 7 Pro offers exceptional camera features without the high price tag. It is designed for everyone who is fond of photography and who wants a cheap smartphone with good camera.
5. OnePlus 12R
Display size: 6.78-inch LTPO4 AMOLED (1264 x 2780) | CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2| RAM: 8GB Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / No | Rear cameras: 50 MP (f/1.8) wide, 12MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide, 5MP (f/2.4) macro| Front camera: 32MP (f/2.2) | Weight: 7.30 ounces
Pros
- Large display
- Reliable Battery
- Attractive Design
- Smooth Performance
Cons
- No wireless charging
When talking about the best budget cameras, it would be unfair to not discuss OnePlus 12R. OnePlus is an affordable android with good camera that you will love to own. It has a larger display of 6.8 inches that comes with higher resolution. The screen refreshing rate is 120Hz, just like A55. Usually, budget phones do not cross 90Hz.
It features Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 which is one of the powerful processors. It makes your every phone activity smoother and fast.
The OnePlus 12R may not have a telephoto lens, but it finds its strength in simplicity. The primary camera produces consistently good images. On the other hand, the ultrawide lens offers a different perspective, especially in well-lit conditions. Portrait shots shine with good edge detection. At the same time, a macro lens adds a fun element for close-up photography enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of the OnePlus 12R is Aquatouch. It is designed to improve touch response when the screen is wet. While it’s a hit or miss under challenging conditions like a shower. The addition of this feature showcases the phone’s innovation. The selfie camera, though it struggles in low light, comes with a screen fill light feature that helps brighten up your self-portraits. Making them always social media-ready.
Similarly, the video recording on the OnePlus 12R is solid. I can shoot in 4K at 60fps. Daylight videos are vibrant and well-stabilized. It is making everyday moments look cinematic. While low-light video performance has its limitations, with some noise and glitching. However, the overall video quality remains commendable. The Ultra Steady mode, although only available in 1080p at 60fps, ensures smooth footage during active moments.
It is about the day-to-day experiences. The candid photos of friends, the spontaneous videos of cityscapes, and the creative shots that make us smile. This phone fits seamlessly into our lives. It proves that a cheap mobile with good camera can deliver meaningful moments just as well as a flagship.
6. Google Pixel 8a
Display: 6.1-inch OLED (1080 x 2400) | CPU: Tensor G3 (4 nm) | RAM: 12GB Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB / No | Rear cameras: 50MP (f/1.7) main, 48MP (f/2.8) telephoto, 48 MP, f/2.0 ultrawide | Front camera: 10.5MP (f/2.2) | Weight: 7.51ounces
Pros
- It has amazing features.
- It has a great screen.
- It is dust and water-resistant.
Cons
- Battery Life could be improved.
The Google Pixel 8a is specifically designed as a budget camera phone. It is priced under 500 $. It may look like a mid range phone, but at its heart lies a 64 MP main camera. Just like its predecessor google Pixel 7a, Pixel 8a is a powerhouse. The design is same as Pixel 8. It is entirely made of plastic except frame but looks decent in that simplified design. The processor is also upgraded to Tensor G3 chip. However, its front glass is Gorilla Glass 3.
Google Pixel 8a has IP67 rated water resistance so you can use it to capture some moments in the rain. The display is 6.1 inches but has improved refreshing rate of 120Hz. Google 8a comes with a dual camera setup; main 64MP whereas ultrawide of 13 MP. The selfie camera is also 13 MP same as the front lens of Pixel 8. There is not any huge difference between main cameras of Pixel 7a and Pixel 8a. However, the latter is an upgraded version with latest technology.
Like any other budget cell phone with best camera, Pixel 8a performs its job successfully. It produces crispy images in a realistic tone. The pictures look more real compared to its counterparts such as iPhone SE. The dynamic range is superb just like Google 7a. You can take warmer colors of sunsets with this affordable camera phone. It performs decently in lowlights.
When it comes to zooming, the Pixel 8a relies on digital zoom technology. Zoom in at 2x, and you’ll experience pristine quality that remains impressive even at 3 or 4x magnification. It is the best budget camera phone for zooming.
Video enthusiasts will also find much to love here. The Pixel 8a excels at capturing high-quality video content across all three of its cameras, proving its worth as an all-in-one creative tool.
Final Words
Our short lovestory with our best budget camera phone continues till we buy a new one. However, we should never stop falling in love with latest models. Here, we have recommended you with some best affordable phones with good cameras in the market. We know that the next upgrade will bring new features and even better quality. If you want the best budget samsung camera phone, A55 5G is the ultimate solution. For iPhone fans with constraint budget, we recommend iPhone 13 Pro Max. Those who are looking for the best zoom camera phone can choose between Google Pixel Pro 7 and Xperia 13 Pro. See, there is a phone out there for everyone. However, the choice is all yours.
Also Read: Best Camera Phones in 2024
