The best budget camera phone
January 10, 2025
Looking for the best budget camera phone? Taking awesome pictures and pro videos is important. It doesn’t matter whether you’re into TikTok or Insta, or you just love capturing magic memories in style. The fact is, we’ve never had it so good.
As the quality of smartphone cameras continues to advance at a rapid rate, so does the quality of budget camera phones. Great phone cameras that would previously have only been seen on top-of-the-range devices a couple of years can now be found on much more budget-friendly phones.
If you’re looking for a budget phone with an effective camera, let’s take a look at some of the best budget phones on the market.
What are the best budget camera phones?
If you're on the lookout for a budget-friendly camera phone, there are several great options available, all of which offer pro-level photos, quality videos and reliable performance at reasonable prices. Here are some of the best:
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
One of the leading budget camera phones from the Samsung range, is the Galaxy A54. It’s ideal for balanced performance and versatile camera capabilities, offering the following key features:
Camera
Triple-camera set up with a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and 5MP macro lens.
Display
6.4-inch FHD+ Infinity-O display.
Battery
5,000mAh with 25W fast charging.
Performance
5G-ready with 128GB of expandable storage.
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Generation)
A standout budget camera phone from the Apple range, the iPhone SE 3rd Gen is perfect for those who prefer a compact option with great camera and performance. The SE offers the following key features:
Camera
12MP rear camera with advanced computational photography features, including Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion.
Display
4.7-inch Retina HD for clear and vibrant visuals.
Performance
Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the same as in the iPhone 13 series.
HONOR Magic6 Lite
The HONOR Magic6 Lite is one of the leading budget camera phones from the HONOR range. It’s great for photographers who value sharp details and sleek design, offering the following key features:
Camera
180MP triple-camera setup for ultra-high-resolution shots.
Battery
5,300mAh capacity for all-day power.
Design
Lightweight yet durable with a premium feel.
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
Another fine option from the Samsung range is the Galaxy A34. This handset is ideal for anyone who wants a larger display and reliable photo quality. It offers the following key features:
Camera
48MP main sensor with additional lenses for ultra-wide and macro shots.
Display
Large 6.6-inch Super AMOLED.
Battery
5,000mAh for extensive daily use.
HONOR 90 Smart
The HONOR range has another great option with the HONOR 90 Smart - for Users who prioritise cutting-edge AI photography features. It offers the following key features:
Camera
108MP main camera with enhanced AI features for better portraits and low-light performance.
Battery
5,330mAh for long-lasting usage.
Performance
Excellent for photography with a focus on intelligent camera modes.
An overview of the best budget camera phones
It’s definitely possible to get a smartphone with a great camera, even if you’re on a tight budget. There are plenty of options on the market – here’s a glimpse at some of our favourites:
These are just a few of the leading budget camera phone options available on our site - take a look at our full range of phones here.