Identifying the best camera phones that offer great photography on a budget.
Looking for a new phone but don’t want to break the bank? You’re in luck! The market is overflowing with amazing budget-friendly phones that deliver top-notch performance and great camera quality without draining your wallet. But with so many options, it can be tough to know where to start.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’ve compiled a list of the 3 best budget camera phones of 2024, considering everything from picture quality to overall performance. We’ve tested these phones ourselves, comparing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the best decision.
Whether you’re a casual photographer or a social media enthusiast, these phones offer incredible value for the price. They’re packed with features that rival more expensive models, including powerful processors, stunning displays, and impressive battery life.
Get ready to snap stunning photos and videos without sacrificing affordability. Let’s dive into the world of budget camera phones and discover the best options for your needs!
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| Google Pixel 6a |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung Galaxy A53 5G |  |
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| OnePlus Nord N30 5G |  |
4.3 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Google Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a is a budget-friendly phone that packs a punch with its camera capabilities. It's a solid choice for anyone looking for a phone with great photos and videos without breaking the bank.
Read more on 16 Best Camera Phone Under 20000 in 2024
Specifications:
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 60Hz
- Processor: Google Tensor
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Main Camera: 12.2MP wide, 12MP ultrawide
- Front Camera: 8MP
- Battery: 4410mAh
- Operating System: Android 12
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent camera quality, especially in low light
- Smooth performance thanks to the Google Tensor chip
- Clean and intuitive Android software
- Long battery life
Reasons to avoid:
- No telephoto lens
- No expandable storage
- 60Hz refresh rate can feel slow compared to other phones
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You prioritize camera quality and performance on a budget
- You want a clean and bloatware-free Android experience
- You value long battery life
Don't buy it if:
- You need a telephoto lens for zoomed-in photos
- You need expandable storage
- You want a phone with a high refresh rate display
Bottom Line:
The Google Pixel 6a is a great value for money and offers excellent camera performance, fast processing, and long battery life. If you're looking for a budget-friendly phone that delivers on the essentials, this is a solid choice. However, if you prioritize a telephoto lens, expandable storage, or a high refresh rate display, you might want to look elsewhere.
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is a versatile mid-range phone with a focus on style and all-day battery life. It offers a good mix of features and performance for its price point, making it a strong contender in the budget camera phone category.
Specifications:
- Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 120Hz
- Processor: Exynos 1280
- RAM: 6GB or 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Main Camera: 64MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 5MP depth
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Operating System: Android 12 with One UI 4.1
Reasons to buy:
- Stylish design with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance
- Excellent battery life
- Smooth performance with a 120Hz refresh rate display
- Versatile camera system with multiple lenses
Reasons to avoid:
- Camera quality isn't as good as the Pixel 6a, especially in low light
- One UI software can be a bit cluttered for some users
- No expandable storage
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You want a stylish and durable phone with a good battery life
- You need a high refresh rate display for smooth scrolling and gaming
- You want a phone with a versatile camera system
Don't buy it if:
- You prioritize camera quality above all else
- You prefer a clean and simple Android experience
- You need expandable storage
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is a great choice for users who prioritize style, battery life, and a smooth user experience. Its stylish design, 120Hz display, and all-day battery life are major selling points. However, if camera quality is your top priority, you might be better off with the Google Pixel 6a. Additionally, if you're looking for expandable storage, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Read more about this on 25 Best Camera Phone Under 30000 Choices
Explore further with 30 Best Camera Phone for Photography Enthusiasts
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a budget-friendly option that delivers strong performance and a good camera experience at a compelling price. It's a great choice for users looking for a phone with solid features without breaking the bank.
Read more on 14 Best Camera Phone Under 15000 in 2024
Specifications:
- Display: 6.49-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2412 pixels, 90Hz
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Main Camera: 50MP wide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth
- Front Camera: 16MP
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Operating System: Android 13 with OxygenOS 13.1
Reasons to buy:
- Fast performance for the price
- Bright and vibrant AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate
- Good battery life with fast charging
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid:
- Camera quality is not as good as the Pixel 6a or Galaxy A53 5G
- No expandable storage
- No water resistance
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You want a phone with strong performance and a good display for the price
- You want a decent camera experience for casual use
- You need a long-lasting battery with fast charging
Don't buy it if:
- You prioritize camera quality above all else
- You need expandable storage
- You want a phone with water resistance
Bottom Line:
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a solid choice for budget-conscious users who want a phone with strong performance, a good display, and a decent camera. Its fast processor, bright AMOLED screen, and long battery life make it a good value for the price. However, if camera quality is your top priority, you'll likely be better off with the Pixel 6a or Galaxy A53 5G. Additionally, if you need expandable storage or water resistance, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Find more on 18 Best Camera Phone Under 30000 Choices
Choosing the right camera phone on a budget can feel overwhelming, with so many options vying for your attention. However, by focusing on the key features that matter most to you, you can find a phone that captures stunning photos and videos without breaking the bank. The three phones we've highlighted in this article each excel in different areas, whether it's overall image quality, versatility, or low-light performance.
Ultimately, the best budget camera phone for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider how often you plan to use the camera, what types of photos and videos you want to capture, and your overall budget. By taking these factors into account, you can confidently choose a phone that meets your expectations and allows you to unleash your inner photographer.
The smartphone market is constantly evolving, with new models being released regularly. It's worth keeping an eye out for any exciting new releases or deals that might pop up in the coming months. Remember, technology is always advancing, so don't be afraid to explore different options and find the perfect budget camera phone that fits your style and budget.
With these three exceptional camera phones in hand, you can capture life's moments in vibrant detail without needing to spend a fortune. Enjoy the creative freedom and discover the joy of mobile photography with these budget-friendly champions.