If you’re in the market for a new phone and are looking for one with a fantastic camera, our list of budget smartphones with the best cameras can help.
Many modern smartphones have advanced camera capabilities and can capture high-quality photos and videos, regardless of their price range.
You can choose a really good camera phone only by studying and comparing examples of pictures and videos shot by different models. Moreover, they should be made not only during the day but also at night.
As for the camera parameters, it is desirable to have optical stabilization, HDR support, and other technologies that improve the quality of images.
How to choose a smartphone that shoots well? Focusing on megapixels and the number of camera modules will not be quite the right decision. Our editorial team and numerous users have provided reviews to help you choose from a wide range of phones that capture photos and videos of the highest quality.
Best Budget Camera Smartphones to Buy
Not so long ago, the quality of cameras in budget phones did not reach the level of even the simplest soapboxes, so they could not be considered a full-fledged replacement for a camera. However, the situation has changed dramatically over the past few years, and the models described below are a good confirmation of this.
1. Honor 9C
An inexpensive smartphone that has an excellent triple camera for its class. The main module is built based on a 48-megapixel sensor and has an f / 1.8 aperture. The pictures taken by him have excellent color reproduction, as well as a large dynamic range.
Fast and accurate autofocus provides good sharpness. The width with a resolution of 8 MP is inferior in aperture to the main module, so good quality can be achieved only with sufficient lighting.
The third module does not shoot but only provides background blur. Good quality is provided by an 8 MP selfie camera that supports beautification.
The smartphone itself is a solid-state employee, made in a beautiful stylish case. Its front panel is occupied by a 6.39-inch matrix with a hole for the front camera.
The backdrop is glossy with a gradient and a pattern in the form of pixels that shimmer in the light in different colors.
Inside the case is powerful hardware in the form of a HiSilicon Kirin 710A chip and 4 GB of RAM. Other features include NFC and a capacious 4000 mAh battery.
2. Xiaomi Redmi 9
A smartphone with one of the best cameras in the budget class, which received three lenses at once. a 13 MP main module with excellent autofocus and artificial intelligence, as well as support for HDR.
The camera shoots well both during the day and at night. The 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor also works well, but it needs good lighting.
The other two modules provide macro photography and background blur. The front camera is simpler, without autofocus, and has a resolution of 8 MP.
The smartphone itself has a large 6.53-inch high-resolution screen and gaming hardware. The performance is provided by the MediaTek Helio G80 processor, the Mali-G52 MC2 video chip, as well as 3 or 4 GB of RAM.
Thanks to such a filling, the smartphone is gaining up to 203,000 points in the Antutu benchmark.
Its other advantages include an NFC chip for making payments in a contactless way, as well as excellent autonomy thanks to a powerful 5020 mAh battery.
3. Huawei Y80
A smartphone that can compete with many more expensive models in terms of photo and video quality. It has a rear camera with a 48-megapixel main module based on a Japanese Sony sensor.
Together with artificial intelligence, it provides excellent color reproduction and detail in any light. The second module is responsible for panoramic images, built based on an 8-megapixel sensor.
The third module serves as a depth-sensing sensor. The front camera has a 16 MP module, and the quality of its shooting is average.
Also, the phone is notable for its excellent AMOLED display with a diagonal of 6.3 inches. The performance is provided by the Chinese HiSilicon Kirin 710F chip with 4GB of RAM.
The Antutu benchmark rated the smartphone’s performance at 154,000 points. The device has good autonomy – a full battery charge lasts for 16 hours of continuous video playback thanks to a 4000 mAh battery. Another plus is NFC support.
4. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
The camera of this smartphone is enough for everyday shooting and for creating great family photos that turn out to be colorful and detailed.
A high-quality photo is provided by a quad-camera with a 48 MP main module. Its capabilities are expanded by three additional modules that provide panoramic shooting, macro shooting, and blurring of the backdrop.
The selfie camera has a 13 MP main module, which is also quite enough for solving everyday tasks.
Otherwise, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is a good mid-range gaming smartphone. It is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G85 gaming chip and 3 or 4 GB of RAM.
Information is displayed on a large 6.5-inch display with a resolution of 2340 × 1080 pixels. The phone has a powerful 5020mAh battery. Other advantages include the presence of an infrared port and an NFC chip.
5. Samsung Galaxy A41
A smartphone with the best front-facing camera among state employees. It is equipped with a 25 MP sensor, thanks to which selfies are taken with high detail and resolution.
The triple rear camera with a main 40 MP wide-angle module deserves attention. A module with an ultra-wide-angle lens and an 8-megapixel matrix complements its capabilities. The third module is traditionally designed to create a bokeh effect.
In addition to shooting, the phone is suitable for any daily tasks. It has a 6.1-inch bezel-less Super AMOLED display.
Under the hood is a MediaTek Helio P65 processor and 4GB of RAM. As a result, not only the shell interface works smartly, but also any application.
In addition, it runs most modern games at medium graphics settings. Autonomy is provided by a 3500 mAh battery.
6. HUAWEI P40 Lite
According to many users, this smartphone has the best camera in the budget class. It consists of four modules: the main one with a 48 MP sensor and an aperture of f / 1.8, an 8-megapixel super-wide with an aperture of f / 2.4, and two additional modules for macro photography and depth measurement.
The camera has natural color reproduction and takes detailed photos even in low light. The front camera is simpler, it has a 16 MP matrix.
The smartphone itself is a powerful, versatile device with a large 6.4-inch display. The filling provides gaming performance thanks to the HiSilicon Kirin 810 processor, equipped with 6 GB of RAM.
Also on board is a large amount of permanent memory, which is 129 GB. Autonomy is average – the phone can work up to 7 hours in-game mode or up to 14 hours of continuous video playback.
7. Samsung Galaxy M31
A mid-range smartphone that has an excellent selfie camera with 32 MP. It supports background blur and is even capable of capturing 4k video at 30fps.
The rear camera is even better – it has a 64-megapixel main module with stabilization and fast autofocus.
There is also a standard set of additional cameras – 8 megapixels wide, 5-megapixel micromodule, as well as a sensor responsible for the bokeh effect.
The smartphone also deserves attention for its powerful hardware and an excellent 6.4-inch Super AMOLED matrix.
Featuring an Exynos 9611 processor with 6GB of RAM, it handles the most demanding tasks, including games, perfectly.
Another important plus of the device is the excellent autonomy provided by the 6000 mAh battery.
8. Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
A smartphone with a powerful battery, which belongs to the best not only in terms of the quality of shooting but also its filling.
It has a huge 6.67-inch display with a high refresh rate of 120Hz. Its main hardware was a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G gaming chip, equipped with 6 GB of RAM.
The Antutu benchmark estimates its performance at 300,000 points. It is also one of the few liquid-cooled smartphones in this category. Another important advantage is its powerful 5160 mAh battery.
High-quality photo and video recording are provided by the top 64-megapixel Sony IMX682 sensor, which is equipped with the main camera module.
In addition to it, there is a 16 MP wide-angle lens and two additional modules – for blurring the background and shooting in macro mode.
Artificial intelligence improves photo quality. The selfie camera with a 20 MP matrix also does its job well and will certainly delight selfie lovers.
9. Realme 7 Pro
Another smartphone, the camera has a Japanese 64-megapixel Sony IMX682 sensor, which provides high-quality shooting in the daytime and at night.
In addition to it, there is a standard set of three additional modules, which also do a good job with their tasks.
Although many new models of the series has been launched still Realme 7 Pro is among the best budget camera smartphones to buy at affordable prices.
The front camera deserves special attention, as it has a high-quality 32-megapixel camera and a wide-angle lens with a capture angle of 85 degrees.
The rest of the model is a stylish gaming smartphone with a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display. The platform for it was the Snapdragon 720G chip, which is equipped with 6 or 8 GB of RAM.
The performance of the smartphone according to the Antutu synthetic test is at the level of 290,000 points.
The volume of permanent memory is 128 GB. Despite its slim body, it houses a powerful 4,500 mAh battery.
10. OPPO Reno 4 Lite
At the first visual acquaintance with this smartphone, it becomes clear that the developers paid attention not only to the main camera but also to the front camera.
In the oblong hole of the matrix, there are two lenses at once. True, only one 16-megapixel module is directly responsible for the shooting.
The second one provides a background blur at the hardware level. The rear camera received a 48-megapixel main module and an 8-megapixel width. The other two lenses also blur the back.
The smartphone has a 6.43-inch AMOLED matrix. Under it is a MediaTek Helio P95 chip and 8 GB of RAM.
The platform cannot be called fully gaming, but it copes well with games, and even more so with everyday tasks.
Other highlights include a 4,000mAh battery with fast charging support and an NFC chip.
11. Vivo V20
The best camera phone for those who, when choosing, pay attention not only to the quality of cameras but also to design.
The device is housed in a slim, elegant design with a glossy gradient back. Almost the entire front panel is occupied by a 6.44-inch AMOLED matrix.
Inside is a gaming hardware kit that includes a Snapdragon 720G chip and 8GB of RAM. The iron is powered by a 4000 mAh battery with support for fast charging.
The back panel of the smartphone has a large camera unit that can accommodate three lenses. The main module has a 64-megapixel camera and a 120-degree wide-angle lens.
The second 8-megapixel module performs several functions at once – it serves as a sensor for determining the depth takes panoramic photos, and can also work in macro mode. The third module provides monochrome photography.
The front camera with a 44 MP matrix, as well as excellent autofocus, also shoots at a decent level. Both cameras are capable of capturing 4k video.
12. Samsung Galaxy M51
This smartphone belongs to the category of the best not only in terms of camera quality but also in many other parameters.
It got into our rating thanks to an excellent quad camera with the main module based on a Sony IMX682 sensor with a resolution of 64 MP.
In addition to it, there was a place on the back panel for an excellent ultra-wide 12 MP, as well as a macro module and a depth sensor. No less remarkable is the front camera, which is also based on the Japanese Sony IMX616 sensor with a resolution of 32 MP.
The rear and front cameras take great pictures even in unfavorable shooting conditions including pitch darkness.
The smartphone has a large 6.7-inch display made with Super AMOLED plus technology. Inside the case is a powerful gaming hardware kit that includes a Snapdragon 730G processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.
Another important feature of the phone is its amazing autonomy thanks to the 7000 mAh battery.
13. Realme X3 Superzoom
Realme X3 is one of the best mid-range camera smartphones in your budget that looks more like a flagship in its capabilities. It has a 60x hybrid zoom telephoto lens.
The main camera module is made based on a Samsung ISOCALL Bright sensor with a resolution of 64 MP.
Also, the gadget can make excellent panoramic shots thanks to its ultra-wide 8 MP. The fourth module is responsible for macro photography.
The selfie camera received two modules at once, and unlike the OPPO Reno 4 Lite, all of them are designed for shooting.
The main module has a Sony IMX616 matrix with a resolution of 32 MP. The second module has a wide-angle lens and an 8 MP sensor, which allows you to take group selfies.
The smartphone has a large 6.6-inch matrix. Inside the case is a true flagship set of hardware – a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus processor, as well as 8 or 12 GB of RAM.
The phone scores more than 517,000 points on the Antutu performance test. Among its other features, is support for Hi-Res Audio, which will delight audiophiles, as well as good autonomy thanks to the 4200 mAh battery.
14. Xiaomi Mi 10
The most affordable flagship in our rating, which deserves attention thanks to the main camera module, is made based on a 108-megapixel matrix.
It delivers stunning detail even when zoomed in multiple times. High light sensitivity allows you to achieve amazing results in any light.
The other three modules also do their job well – they take panoramic photos, blur the backdrop, and take pictures in macro mode.
In terms of other parameters, the Xiaomi Mi 10 is a typical flagship. It has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with curved edges.
The top-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chip is installed onboard, working with 8 GB of RAM. Iron performance, according to the results of testing in the Antutu benchmark, is equivalent to 579,000 points.
Autonomy at a high level, which is provided by artificial intelligence and a capacious 4780 mAh battery.
15. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
The most affordable flagship Samsung with a triple camera, which can be safely called one of the best on the market, and do not be confused by the low resolution of its matrices.
The sensor size of the main module is 1 / 1.76 inches. It takes pictures with stunning detail and color reproduction.
The camera lens has optical stabilization, which ensures a smooth picture when filming. Also on board is a 12-megapixel width and a telephoto module with an 8 MP matrix, which supports 39x magnification. For selfie lovers, there is a great 32MP front camera.
The display is relatively small for a flagship – 6.5 inches. Of course, the screen is made using Super AMOLED technology, protected by the sixth generation Gorilla Glass.
Inside is the Korean Exynos 990 chip with 6 GB of RAM. Iron has a large supply of computing power, as a result of which it will remain relevant for more than one year. Autonomy is provided by a 4500 mAh battery.
16. Vivo X50 Pro
The model was included in the rating of smartphones with the best cameras in your budget, as it successfully competes with the flagships of Samsung and Apple in terms of shooting quality.
The phone has a quad-camera with a powerful 48-megapixel main module and an f / 1.6 aperture, as well as a three-axis optical stabilization system.
In addition, there is a module with 5x optical zoom, ultra-wide, and a depth measurement sensor. The front panel houses an excellent 32MP selfie camera.
The smartphone has a large AMOLED display with a diagonal of 6.56 inches. Inside the case is a powerful set of gaming hardware, consisting of a Snapdragon 765G 5G chip and 8GB of RAM.
In synthetics, the smartphone was able to score over 325,000 points. Iron is remarkable for its support for fifth-generation LTE networks.
Other advantages include a powerful 4316 mAh battery and an excellent design of the case, which is made of glass and metal.
17. HUAWEI Mate 40 Pro
The flagship delivers professional-quality footage in all conditions. It has a main 50-megapixel sensor and an optical stabilization lens.
The camera works simultaneously with two types of focuses – phase and laser, which complement each other.
There is also a telephoto module that provides 10x optical zoom. For taking panoramic photos, the smartphone received a 20x width. The front 13-megapixel camera also shows excellent quality.
The HUAWEI Mate 40 Pro is also attractive for its hardware – it is one of the few smartphones that has a 5nm Kirin 9000 chip.
According to the Antutu benchmark, it scored a record 654,000 points. Also on board is installed 8 or 12 GB of high-speed RAM. The smartphone has good autonomy, for which a 4400 mAh battery is responsible.
18. Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
Smartphone with the best quad camera on the market, which has a powerful telephoto zoom with a 48-megapixel sensor and 100x hybrid zoom.
No less remarkable is the main module with a 108-megapixel matrix, as well as a lens with optical stabilization and laser autofocus.
For shooting panoramic photos, there is an excellent 12-megapixel width. In addition, the smartphone has one of the best selfie cameras with a 40-megapixel sensor. Both cameras are great at night and can record video in 8k quality.
The filling is what one of the best Korean flagships should have – the powerful Exynos 990 chip works with 12 GB of RAM.
The information is displayed on a giant 6.9-inch display, made with Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology.
Among other features, are reliable protection against moisture, allowing you to even submerge the device underwater, as well as good autonomy thanks to the 5000 mAh battery.
19. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
Korean flagship smartphone Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is among the best camera phones to buy on a budget. The module for everyday shooting has a 108-megapixel sensor, as well as a lens with optical stabilization and laser autofocus.
There is a telephoto module with a 50x hybrid zoom and an excellent 12 MP width. The front camera, made based on a 10-megapixel sensor with high light sensitivity, also shows excellent quality.
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has a giant 6.9-inch display with Dynamic AMOLED technology. The heart of the smartphone is the flagship Korean Samsung Exynos 990 chip, equipped with 8 GB of RAM.
Autonomy is provided by a powerful 4500 mAh battery. As with the entire Note series, there is support for an electronic pen that comes with the smartphone.
20. Apple iPhone 12 Pro
Ending the list of the best budget camera smartphones with Apple iPhone 12 Pro. Its cameras do not differ in a huge number of dots per inch, but at the same time, they provide shooting quality as close to professional as possible. For this, there is optical zoom and optical stabilization.
There is also a laser scanner that provides the highest possible accuracy and speed of autofocus.
The smartphone shows excellent quality of shooting both in the daytime and at night. The selfie camera with a 12-megapixel matrix is ​​made at the same high level.
The smartphone is equipped with a powerful A14 Bionic processor with artificial intelligence, which provides good performance for any task. The amount of permanent memory can be from 128 to 512 GB.
Traditionally, the Apple smartphone has high autonomy – in video playback mode it can work for up to 17 hours. Therefore, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro deservedly took the first line of our rating.
Final Words
That’s all we have got for you, tell us which model you like the most and which model has the best camera quality. Share it with your friends if you like the article.
If you don’t like any of the models from our rating, follow the link to the catalog, where you will find even more excellent smartphones with high-quality cameras.
See More: Top 10 Bezel-Less Smartphones to Buy
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