Best Budget Camera Phones of July 2023

Smartphones have become an essential part of our lives, and the camera is one of the most important features for many of us. Whether it’s capturing memories or taking photos for social media, we rely on our phones to take high-quality photos. However, not everyone can afford the latest flagship phones with top-of-the-line cameras. That’s where budget camera phones come in.

When it comes to budget camera phones, the critical thing to pay attention to is the camera quality. While you may not get all the bells and whistles of a high-end phone, you still want a camera that can take clear and detailed photos. Other factors to consider are battery life, storage capacity, and overall performance.

We spent hours researching and testing various budget camera phones to identify the best options for those on a tight budget. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best budget camera phones that offer excellent camera quality without breaking the bank.

Best Budget Camera Phones

Looking for a smartphone that won’t break the bank but still takes great photos? We’ve got you covered. After thorough research and testing, we’ve compiled a list of the best budget camera phones on the market. These phones offer impressive camera features and quality at an affordable price point. So whether you’re a budding photographer or just want to capture memories on the go, these phones are sure to deliver. Check out our top picks below.

1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Smartphone

If you’re looking for a budget phone with a great camera, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is a solid choice.

Pros

• The 64MP quad camera array takes stunning photos in any condition.
• The Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor makes gaming and multitasking a breeze.
• The 5020mAh battery with 18W fast charging keeps you going all day.

Cons

• The phone is not compatible with CDMA carriers such as Verizon and Sprint.
• The P2i splash-proof nano-coating technology is not as durable as full waterproofing.
• The phone is an international model and does not come with a warranty in the US.

We were impressed with the Redmi Note 9 Pro’s camera performance. The 64MP primary sensor, 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, 5MP macro lens, and 2MP depth sensor work together to capture stunning photos in any condition. The phone also has a 16MP front-facing camera for great selfies.

The Snapdragon 720G processor and 6GB of RAM make multitasking and gaming a breeze. We were able to switch between apps and play graphics-intensive games without any lag. The 5020mAh battery lasted us all day, and the 18W fast charging is a nice bonus.

The phone is not compatible with CDMA carriers such as Verizon and Sprint, so make sure to check compatibility with your carrier before purchasing. The P2i splash-proof nano-coating technology is not as durable as full waterproofing, so be careful around water. And since the phone is an international model, it does not come with a warranty in the US.

Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is a great budget phone with an impressive camera and solid performance. If you’re looking for a phone that won’t break the bank, this is definitely worth considering.

2. Moto G 5G

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a great camera, the Moto G 5G is a solid option.

Pros

• The 50 MP camera system with Dual Capture takes stunning pictures and portraits, even capturing video and photos with rear and front cameras at once.
• With up to two-day battery life and 256 GB of storage, you can keep working and playing without worrying about running out of space or power.
• The water-repellent design keeps your phone safe from accidental spills and splashes.

Cons

• The display resolution maximum is only 1600×720 pixels, which may not be as sharp as other high-end smartphones.
• While the 5G speeds are fast, they may not be available on all networks. Contact your service provider for details.
• The side-mounted fingerprint reader may take some getting used to if you’re used to a traditional rear-mounted fingerprint reader.

We were impressed with the Moto G 5G’s camera system. The 50 MP camera system with Dual Capture allows you to take stunning pictures and portraits, even capturing video and photos with rear and front cameras at once. We found the camera to be easy to use and the results were impressive.

The Moto G 5G also has a long battery life, lasting up to two days on a single charge. With 256 GB of storage, you can store plenty of photos, movies, songs, apps, and games—and add up to 1 TB more with a microSD card.

The water-repellent design is a nice touch, keeping your phone safe from accidental spills and splashes. However, the display resolution maximum is only 1600×720 pixels, which may not be as sharp as other high-end smartphones. Additionally, while the 5G speeds are fast, they may not be available on all networks. Contact your service provider for details.

Overall, we think the Moto G 5G is a great budget-friendly smartphone with a solid camera system and long battery life. If you’re looking for a reliable smartphone that won’t break the bank, this is a great option.

3. Motorola Moto G Stylus

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a great camera, the Motorola Moto G Stylus is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The built-in stylus is a great feature for anyone who likes to take notes or draw on their phone.
• The 6.8″ Max Vision FHD+ display is big and bright, making it perfect for watching videos or playing games.
• The 5000 mAh battery provides up to 2 days of battery life, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice.

Cons

• The phone doesn’t support some carriers, so be sure to check the compatibility details before you buy.
• While the 50 MP camera system is versatile, it’s not quite as good as some of the more expensive smartphones on the market.
• The phone can be a bit bulky and heavy, which might not be ideal for everyone.

We’ve been using the Motorola Moto G Stylus for a few weeks now, and overall we’re pretty impressed with it. The built-in stylus is a great feature that we’ve found ourselves using more than we expected. It’s perfect for taking quick notes or doodling on the go. The 6.8″ Max Vision FHD+ display is also a standout feature. It’s big and bright, making it perfect for watching videos or playing games.

One thing to note is that the phone doesn’t support all carriers, so be sure to check the compatibility details before you buy. We’ve also found that the 50 MP camera system is good, but not quite as good as some of the more expensive smartphones on the market. That being said, it’s still a great camera for the price.

The 5000 mAh battery provides up to 2 days of battery life, which is a huge plus. We’ve been able to go all day without having to worry about charging, which is a nice change from some of the other smartphones we’ve used in the past. The phone can be a bit bulky and heavy, which might not be ideal for everyone, but we’ve found that it’s not too much of an issue.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a great camera, the Motorola Moto G Stylus is definitely worth considering. It’s got some great features and performs well for the price.

4. TCL 40XL

If you’re looking for a budget camera phone that works with most major U.S. carriers, the TCL 40XL is a great option.

Pros

• The large 6.75-inch screen with a 20:9 aspect ratio and dual stereo speakers make it perfect for watching movies and videos.
• With 128GB of storage and the ability to add even more space with a microSD card of up to 512GB, you won’t run out of space for your apps, photos, and videos.
• The triple 50Mpx AI camera allows you to deliver superb high-resolution images in all lighting conditions, with spectacular results, especially in low light.

Cons

• The TCL 40XL mobile phone does not support 5G network and NFC.
• The screen even when shut off comes on all the time in my pocket in the car and even if the wind is.
• The phone isn’t compatible with Boost Mobile, Boost Infinite, Assurance Wireless, Sprint, Air Voice, Pine Cellular, Union Wireless, Xfinity, etc.

We recently got our hands on the TCL 40XL and we’re impressed with its features. The large screen is perfect for streaming videos and the triple camera allows you to take high-quality photos in all lighting conditions. The 128GB of storage is more than enough for most users and the ability to add even more space with a microSD card is a nice touch.

One downside to keep in mind is that the TCL 40XL mobile phone does not support 5G network and NFC. Additionally, the screen sometimes turns on in your pocket, which can be a bit annoying. Finally, the phone isn’t compatible with some carriers, so make sure to check compatibility before purchasing.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget camera phone that works with most major U.S. carriers, the TCL 40XL is a great option. With its large screen, ample storage, and triple camera, it’s a great value for the price.

5. Motorola Moto G Pure

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a good camera, the Motorola Moto G Pure is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The dual camera system with Night Vision captures beautiful portraits with a blur effect and takes incredibly vivid photos in the dark.
• The 6.5 Max Vision HD plus display brings your favorite games, movies, and video chats to life on a stunning ultra-wide screen.
• With a 4000 mAh battery, the Moto G Pure can keep the fun going all weekend long.

Cons

• The Moto G Pure doesn’t support Boost, Republic Wireless, Tracfone (CDMA), Straight Talk Wireless (CDMA), or Xfinity Wireless.
• The 32GB memory might not be enough for users who store a lot of photos or videos on their phone.
• The MediaTek Helio G25 processor might not be as fast as some of the more expensive smartphones on the market.

We recently got our hands on the Moto G Pure, and we were impressed with its camera performance. The dual camera system with Night Vision is a standout feature, as it allows you to take beautiful portraits with a blur effect and capture incredibly vivid photos in the dark. We also loved the 6.5 Max Vision HD plus display, which brings your favorite games, movies, and video chats to life on a stunning ultra-wide screen.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Moto G Pure doesn’t support Boost, Republic Wireless, Tracfone (CDMA), Straight Talk Wireless (CDMA), or Xfinity Wireless. If you’re a customer of any of these carriers, you’ll need to look elsewhere for a budget-friendly smartphone.

Another potential downside is the 32GB memory. While this might be enough for some users, those who store a lot of photos or videos on their phone might find themselves running out of space quickly. However, the Moto G Pure does come with a fingerprint reader for added security and a water-repellent design to keep your phone safe from accidental spills and splashes.

Overall, the Moto G Pure is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a good camera. Its 4000 mAh battery can keep the fun going all weekend long, and the MediaTek Helio G25 processor provides super-responsive performance. Plus, it comes with all the features you’d expect from a modern smartphone, including Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity and a 13MP rear camera.

6. Google Pixel 6a

If you’re looking for a budget phone that has a great camera and long battery life, the Google Pixel 6a might be the phone for you.

Pros

• The camera on the Pixel 6a is amazing. It takes stunning photos and has features like Magic Eraser, Motion Mode, and Portrait Mode.
• The battery life on this phone is impressive. It lasts all day and adapts to your usage patterns to save power for the apps you use most.
• The Google Tensor chip makes this phone super fast and responsive. Apps launch quickly and everything runs smoothly.

Cons

• The Pixel 6a is not the most affordable budget phone on the market.
• The phone is not water or dust proof, so you’ll need to be careful when using it in wet or dirty environments.
• The Pixel 6a doesn’t have a headphone jack, so you’ll need to use wireless headphones or an adapter.

We’ve been using the Google Pixel 6a for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with this phone. The camera is definitely the standout feature. It takes amazing photos in all lighting conditions, and the Magic Eraser feature is really handy for removing unwanted objects from your photos.

The battery life on this phone is also really impressive. We’ve been able to get through a full day of use without needing to charge the phone. And the fact that the battery adapts to your usage patterns is a nice touch that helps you get the most out of your phone.

The Google Tensor chip is another standout feature. This phone is super fast and responsive, and we haven’t experienced any lag or slowdowns while using it. Apps launch quickly and everything runs smoothly.

Overall, we think the Google Pixel 6a is a great budget phone for anyone who wants a phone with a great camera and long battery life. It’s not the most affordable budget phone on the market, but we think it’s worth the extra cost for the camera and performance.

Buying Guide

When looking for a budget camera phone, there are several factors to consider. We want to make sure you get the best product for your money, so here are some things to keep in mind:

Camera Quality

Of course, the most important factor in a camera phone is the quality of the camera itself. Look for phones with high megapixel counts and good low-light performance. Additionally, features like optical image stabilization and autofocus can make a big difference in the quality of your photos.

Display

Since you’ll be using your phone to take photos, it’s important to have a good display to view them on. Look for phones with high resolution displays and good color accuracy. Additionally, phones with larger displays can make it easier to frame your shots.

Battery Life

Taking photos and videos can be a drain on your phone’s battery, so it’s important to choose a phone with good battery life. Look for phones with large battery capacities and efficient processors to ensure your phone lasts all day.

Storage

Photos and videos can take up a lot of space, so it’s important to choose a phone with ample storage. Look for phones with at least 64GB of internal storage, and consider phones with expandable storage options if you plan on taking a lot of photos and videos.

Price

Finally, price is an important consideration when choosing a budget camera phone. Look for phones that offer a good balance of features and price, and don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deal.

In summary, when looking for a budget camera phone, consider the camera quality, display, battery life, storage, and price. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a phone that offers great value for your money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the best mid-range camera phone available?

When it comes to mid-range camera phones, the Google Pixel 6a offers an impressive camera system at an affordable price.

Which affordable Android phones have the best camera?

There are several affordable Android phones with great cameras. The Google Pixel 6a is known for it’s excellent camera performance, as well as the Redmi Note 9 and the Moto G. These phones offer great value for their camera quality.

What smartphone offers the best value for its camera?

The Google Pixel 6a offers some of the best camera performance for it’s price points. The TCL 40XL is another phone that offers great value for its camera quality.

Which cheap Android phone has the best camera quality?

The Google Pixel 6a is both known for their excellent camera quality and are relatively affordable. The Xiaomi Redmi 9 and the Moto G 5 are also good options for those looking for a cheap Android phone with a great camera.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Redmi 9, Moto G 5, Motorola G Stylus, TCL 40XL, Motorola Moto G Pure, Google Pixel 6a are all great budget camera phones that offer excellent performance for their price points. When looking for a budget phone with a good camera, consider factors such as megapixel count, low-light performance, display size and resolution, battery life, storage capacity, and price. By keeping these features in mind you can find the perfect smartphone to fit your needs without breaking the bank.