In the past, buying a budget phone usually meant making sacrifices, typically when taking photos and videos. This is no longer true due to recent advancements in technology. There has been a surge of budget-friendly smartphones with exceptional camera quality.
Google’s latest budget entry into the Pixel line of devices, the 8a, has the power to rival high-end flagship phones at a fraction of the price. The Pixel 8a received rave reviews for its camera technology and AI-powered editing software.
Similarly, Samsung’s newest ‘budget’ device, the Galaxy S24FE, significantly closes the gap between the budget model and mainline flagships. Other manufacturers, like Apple, also offer budget-friendly models with amazing camera quality.
So, if you’re looking for the most affordable smartphones with good cameras—you’re in the right place. This article covers the best smartphones available if you’re on a budget and want fantastic camera quality.
What Makes A Good Smartphone Camera?
Before delving into our list of the best budget-friendly smartphones with great cameras, it’s important to understand what makes a good smartphone camera. This will allow you to further appreciate the technology and make an informed decision.
A good smartphone camera goes beyond just high megapixel counts and fancy terminology. More factors play into camera quality, like the lens and image processing. Here’s a breakdown of all the factors:
Sensor size
The size of the camera’s sensor also plays a role in image quality. A larger sensor is better, as it can capture more light and detail.
Lens quality
When you’re assessing different phones for camera quality, keep an eye out for the lens and aperture details. High-quality lenses with wide apertures allow more light to reach the sensor, providing better performance in low-light environments.
Image processing
Software plays a massive role in the quality of a photo. For example, while Google Pixel phones don’t have the highest megapixels, they’re still renowned for their exceptional camera quality due to their amazing image processing capabilities. Image processing can refine an image by sharpening details, reducing noise, and optimising colours.
Megapixels
Megapixels are the measurement of resolution for still and video cameras. A 16-megapixel (16MP) smartphone camera can capture a picture composed of approximately 15.9 million pixels. While megapixels can indicate camera quality, other factors like image processing, lens quality, and sensor size are just as important to consider.
Recording capabilities
Research the device's video capabilities. A good smartphone camera should be able to record 4K footage, support high frame rates, and stabilisation support (like optical image stabilisation).
Budget Smartphones With Good Cameras
The market has never been better for budget-conscious shoppers. It’s possible to get a device with a capable camera without having to opt for flagship prices. Here are some of the best budget smartphone cameras available right now:
Pixel 8a
The Google Pixel 8a is the best choice for a budget smartphone with a great camera. Google has a habit of bringing out budget model versions of its smartphones, and the Pixel 8a is the latest in that line-up.
The Pixel 8a is a slimmed-down version of the Pixel 8, featuring the Tensor G3 chip but packs a dual-camera setup that is similar to its predecessor, the Pixel 7a. However, the Pixel 8a excels in including artificial intelligence and AI-powered tools.
The Pixel 8a can access Best Take, Magic Editor, and Audio Magic Eraser, along with all the previous photographic tools and modes that have appeared in its predecessors. These tools pair well with its state-of-the-art camera setup and image processor.
The phone features a 64MP wide-angle, f/1.9 main camera and a 13MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera with fixed focus. While this may sound like fairly standard tech, paired with Google’s image processing, the phone consistently takes high-quality photos, rivalling flagships.
Pixel 8a camera specifications:
- 64MP wide-angle, f/1.9, 25mm equivalent, (83°), OIS, 4K 60p
- 13MP ultra-wide, f/2.2, 14mm equivalent, (120°), 4K 30p
- 13MP selfie camera, f/2.2, 21mm equivalent, 4K 30p, fixed focus
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
If you’re part of the Android ecosystem but prefer Samsung devices, the Galaxy S24 FE is their latest addition to their budget-friendly line. For the S24 FE, Samsung chose a triple-camera setup.
The phone features a 50MP main wide lens, an 8MP telephoto, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. While this isn’t as good as the cameras featured on the flagship Galaxy phones, like the S23 or S24 series, it’s great value if you’re on a budget.
Tests from reviewers also highlighted that video quality was amazing for the price point, too. The S24 FE can shoot 8K at 30FPS. The S24 FE is a bit pricier than other budget-friendly competitors, but it features a better processor and battery as a result.
Galaxy S24 FE camera specifications:
- 50MP wide-angle, f/1.8, 24mm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
- 8MP telephoto, f/2.4, 75mm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
- 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.2, 13mm
- 10MP selfie camera,f/2.4, 26mm
iPhone 13
When it comes to the Apple ecosystem, looking into previous-generation flagships is the best option if you want a budget-friendly smartphone with a great camera. For example, the iPhone 13 has a similar price to the budget model iPhone SE (2022) but has a better camera and a dual-lens setup.
The iPhone 13 is just over three years old, but it is still going strong, with many reviewers believing it is still worth picking up today. The iPhone 13 is a huge improvement over its predecessor, the iPhone 12, allowing for more than 47% more light.
The iPhone 13 also featured many upgrades, allowing for better low-light performance and reducing noise when taking photos. The phone also features a new Photographic Styles feature, allowing users to choose the colour temperature when taking photos.
Even in 2024, the iPhone 13 performs extremely well, effectively providing great colour and capturing minute details like shadows. If you’re on a budget, this is one of the best models Apple offers.
iPhone 13 camera specifications:
- 12MP wide camera, f/1.6, 26mm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS
- 12MP ultra-wide camera, f/1.6, 13mm
- 12MP, f/2.2, 23mm
Other Features of Budget Smartphones
When shopping for a budget smartphone, there should be more than just the camera to consider. Below, we’ve outlined a list of other factors you should take into account. Some will also enhance the camera experience.
Processor
It’s essential to consider the processor of the device. A powerful processor ensures smooth performance and faster image processing.
Battery life
When buying a budget smartphone, consider the battery capacity. You want a device with a battery capacity of at least 4000mAh. Features like fast charging are also great for quality of life.
Display
A good display not only enhances your viewing experience but can also be helpful when using the device’s camera. Look for a budget smartphone that has a decent resolution (at least 1080p), vibrant colours, and good contrast. AMOLED displays are generally best for picture quality.
Storage
The last thing you want is to run out of space when capturing memories. We recommend being aware of storage options when seeking a new budget smartphone. If you’re someone who takes plenty of photos and videos, look for a phone with at least 256GB of storage and/or expandable storage options (microSD).
Find Budget Smartphones Now At OzMobiles
If you’re looking to cut down costs on a budget smartphone, opting for a refurbished device is more affordable than buying brand new. At OzMobiles, we stock a wide selection of refurbished devices from all major smartphone manufacturers.
Whether you prefer the Apple ecosystem or the sleek look of the Android OS, we’ve got you covered. Our selection of devices includes refurbished iPhones, Google Pixel devices, and Samsung’s flagship Galaxy phones.
All the phones we sell come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return period. So, if you have any concerns or a change of heart, you can contact the OzMobiles team for support.
Every electronic we sell, including phones, tablets, and laptops, undergo a comprehensive refurbishment process by a qualified technician in our Melbourne headquarters. They test every component to ensure it is fully functional and restore your device to like-new condition.
If you need help finding the right budget phone for you or have any questions about our refurbishment process, contact us today. We’d love to help you on your smartphone journey and connect you with the right device.
