La camera has become one of the most important features when choosing a smartphone. Not only does it allow you to capture quality photos and videos for social media, travel, or saving memories, but for many, it's the primary feature that determines their choice of a new phone. For years, the best cameras were reserved for high-end phones, but today, things have changed completely. Today, you can find cheap cell phones with a good camera offering advanced features and amazing results even in the lowest price range.
However Should you give up on good photos just because you don't want to spend a lot of money? Absolutely not. If you are one of those looking to balance a affordable price photographic quality, now you have at your disposal affordable mobile phones with great image quality, some for less than 200 euros and others slightly above 300 euros, which compete head-to-head with much more expensive smartphones.
In this extensive article we compile the best cheap mobile phones with a good camera, its technical details, tips for choosing the right one, and answers to all the frequently asked questions about mobile photography in the budget and mid-range.
Cheap mobile phones with a good camera: Complete guide
The mobile phone market has evolved to the point of offering highly advanced devices at truly affordable prices. improvements in camera sensors, the use of artificial intelligence for image processing and the inclusion of multiple lenses have democratized access to quality mobile photography. Also in This section specializes in cheap cell phones with a good camera you can check out the best options in terms of quality and price.
While top brands continue to reserve their most cutting-edge innovations for premium models, The economic and mid-range range incorporates more advanced cameras year after year: 50, 64, 108 and up to 200 MP main sensors, optical stabilization, various shooting modes (night, portrait, macro, wide angle), 4K video recording, artificial intelligence functions and high-resolution selfies.
What to consider when choosing a cheap mobile phone with a good camera?
- Number of megapixels (MP): While more MP means more detail a photo can capture, that's not the only parameter. A good-quality 12MP sensor can outperform a poorly optimized 48MP sensor.
- Sensor size: Larger sensors capture more light, improving low-light quality and dynamic range.
- Lens aperture (f/xx): A lower aperture (e.g. f/1.7) means more light enters and improves night photos.
- Image stabilization: La optical stabilization (OIS) helps prevent blurry photos and greatly improves videos and images in low-light conditions.
- Variety of cameras: It's common to find triple or quad camera setups: main sensor, wide-angle, macro, and sometimes a depth sensor or telephoto lens.
- Software and processing: Image processing, artificial intelligence algorithms, and automatic modes (portrait, night, macro, pro, HDR) make a difference in the photographic experience.
- Video recording: Features like 4K recording, slow motion, time-lapse, and the presence of stabilized mode are relevant if you record a lot of videos.
- Frontal camera: For sharp selfies and video calls, you'll want to look at the sensor resolution, aperture, and whether it includes portrait mode or HDR.
- Lens quality: It's not just the number of cameras that matters, but the quality of the optics and sensor.
- Manufacturer Updates: Software improvements can significantly improve the camera over time.
Recommended cheap mobile phones with a good camera
Let's analyze the top models of the market with best camera for less than 300 euros and also some options above this price point that stand out for their excellent photography. In each case, the main photography features, advantages, disadvantages, and reasons for choosing each phone are shown.
1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13
One of Xiaomi's most balanced bestsellers, especially recommended in its 4G version for those looking for a mid-range smartphone with a very competent camera and a reasonable price.
- 108 MP main camera (f/1.75) with high-resolution sensor for highly detailed photographs even when enlarged and cropped.
- 8MP ultra wide-angle camera with 120º field of vision.
- 2 MP macro camera for close-up shots.
- 16 MP front camera for selfies with blur and HDR effect.
- Video recording in 1080p and slow motion at 960 fps.
- 3x optical zoom and digital up to 10x.
- Various functions: beauty mode, pro mode, panorama, AI scene recognition.
It is ideal for those looking for the best value for money, with sharp photos during the day and a night mode Very competent for the range. It lacks optical image stabilization (OIS), but makes up for it with improved processing.
2. Samsung Galaxy A15 4G and A15 5G
Samsung has strongly renewed its mid-range and low-end lineup to continue leading the budget mobile segment. Galaxy A15 stands out for a versatile photo set:
- Triple rear camera: 50 MP main sensor (f/1.8), 5 MP ultra wide angle and 2 MP macro.
- 13 MP front camera.
- Video in 1080p at 30 fps and HD slow motion at 120 fps.
- HDR, panorama, macro and pro modes, as well as phase detection autofocus (PDAF).
- Digital zoom up to 10x.
La Overall camera quality is very good in natural light conditions and Samsung's signature color balance stands out. The front camera is more than adequate for quality selfies and video calls. It doesn't include OIS, but its processor and AMOLED display greatly help visualize your shots.
3.Realme C67
This model is very attractive among budget mobile phones. It incorporates a 108 MP sensor, being one of the most powerful in its range, and a 3x optical zoomThe Realme C67 4G is especially suitable for urban photography, portraits and details.
- Double rear camera: 108 MP main camera (f/1.75) and 2 MP macro camera.
- 8 MP front camera for selfies, slightly lower than some rivals, but sufficient for undemanding users in that regard.
- Modes: High resolution, night, street mode, portrait, panorama, slow motion and text scanner.
- 1080p recording with electronic stabilization (EIS).
His strong point is the high resolution mode, which achieves highly detailed images even when cropping.
4.POCO X6
Un Xiaomi mobile with excellent value for money, which stands out for its triple camera system and advanced video features.
- 64MP main camera with OIS and EIS for stable photos and videos.
- 8MP Ultra Wide Angle and 2MP Macro.
- 16 MP front camera.
- 4K video recording at 30 fps and 1080p up to 60 fps.
- Short film mode, slow motion and time-lapse.
El LITTLE X6 It's perfect if you're looking for Versatility and power for photos and videos in all situations, and benefits from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor for fast processing.
5. Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G
The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G It is one of the most advanced phones in the Note series. Its 200 MP main sensor with OIS allows for semi-professional photography and video results even in difficult lighting situations.
Its advanced features stand out:
- 200 MP main camera (f/1.65), 8 MP ultra wide angle and 2 MP macro.
- 4x optical zoom and advanced digital zoom.
- 4K recording at 30 fps, AI beauty mode, bokeh effect, night mode, slow motion and AI magic crop.
- 16 MP front.
It's one of the most recommended models for those looking for an affordable phone with near-high-end photography features. You can also expand your options at mobile phones with large screens.
6. Motorola Moto G84 5G
Motorola continues to bet heavily on its mid-range and this model responds perfectly as alternative to Xiaomi and Realme. For those who seek affordable mobile phones with a good camera and good quality in night photos, this model is ideal.
- 50 MP main camera with OIS and 8 MP ultra-wide angle (up to 180º).
- 16MP front camera with improved portrait mode.
- Modes: PRO, Panoramic, Dual Capture, Night Vision, HDR and RAW.
- Full HD video up to 60 fps and slow motion.
La Quality indoors and at night is outstanding for its price and highlights the ease of use of the Motorola camera app.
7.OPPO A79 5G
OPPO has significantly improved the performance of its cameras in recent years. The OPPO A79 5G It is ideal for portrait photography and night shots. For more options, visit best mobile phones with good value for money, you can check this model.
- Dual rear camera: 50 MP main sensor and 2 MP macro.
- 8 MP front camera with HDR technology.
- 1080p video recording, night mode, portrait, panorama, and AI beauty effect.
La AI greatly improves detail and color in any light conditions.
8. OnePlus Nord 3 5G
This device incorporates the best of the OnePlus 11 in its main camera, with advanced technologies in night photography and portrait. For more information about mobile phones with large screens, you can also check out this model.
- 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS and f/1.8 aperture.
- 8 MP ultra wide angle (112º) and 2 MP macro.
- 16 MP front camera with excellent video performance and night mode.
- 4K video recording at up to 60 fps.
- Filters, advanced HDR, bokeh and pro mode.
9.Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Samsung's Galaxy A series is all about balance, and The A54 5G stands out for incorporating a 50 MP main camera with OIS., 12MP ultra wide angle and 5MP macro. Plus, if you want to go deeper into the flip phones and protection, this model is a good choice.
- 32 MP front camera with portrait mode and HDR.
- 4K recording and nightography mode for quality night photos.
- Photo Remaster, object eraser, and creative features via software.
It offers one of the best photographic performances in its segment, especially for selfies and video. To discover more models with good cameras, we recommend visiting .
10. Xiaomi Poco X4 GT
In the mid-high range, it stands out for its triple camera with 64 MP main sensor and advanced photography and video features. As an alternative for those looking for affordable mobile phone holders, this model is versatile and powerful.
- 8MP Ultra Wide Angle and 2MP Macro.
- 16 MP front camera.
- 4K video recording and long exposure, burst, HDR and pro modes.
Honor 11 Lite
El Honor 200 Lite bets on professional photography at a reasonable price. Its 108 MP main camera stands out for:
- 5MP ultra-wide angle and 2MP macro camera.
- 50MP front camera for high-quality selfies.
- AMOLED display and Mediatek Dimensity 6080 processor.
Excellent for those who want professional portrait and landscape results without spending a lot. For more details on good camera equipment, you can also explore the best mobiles for less than 300 euros.
12. Other notable models and variants
- Realme 12+ 5G: 50 MP main sensor with 2x optical zoom and 12 MP wide-angle lens. Great photographic versatility.
- HONOR 200: 50 MP main camera, 50 MP telephoto lens, 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and 50 MP front camera. A complete package for advanced photography.
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: 50MP OIS sensor, 13MP ultra-wide-angle, and 32MP selfies. A great balance between quality and price.
- CMF Phone 1: 50MP main sensor with natural processing, portraits, 16MP selfies, and customizable design.
- Fossibot F102: 108MP main camera, 20MP night vision, and 5MP macro. Rugged and capable of photography for adventure.
- Blackview BV8900: 64MP main sensor with OIS, 16MP front camera and thermal camera.
- Cubot X70, Unihertz Luna, Ulefone Armor 22: Rugged options with advanced cameras for demanding users with durability.
Comparison: Main technical specifications of the cameras
| Córdoba | Main camera | Ultra wide angle / Macro | Frontal camera | OIS | Institutional | Optical zoom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 13 | 108 MP, f / 1.75 | 8 MP / 2 MP | 16 SM | No | 1080p, slow motion | 3x |
| Galaxy A15 | 50 MP, f / 1.8 | 5 MP / 2 MP | 13 SM | No | 1080p, slow motion | 10x digital |
| Realme C67 | 108 SM | 2MP(macro) | 8 SM | No | 1080p | 3x |
| LITTLE X6 | 64 MP, OIS | 8 MP / 2 MP | 16 SM | Yes | 4K, 1080p/60fps | 2x |
| Redmi Notes 13 Pro 5G | 200 MP, OIS | 8 MP / 2 MP | 16 SM | Yes | 4K, 1080p/60fps | 4x |
| Motorola G84 | 50 MP, OIS | 8 SM | 16 SM | Yes | 1080p / 60fps | 10x digital |
| OPPO A79 5G | 50 SM | 2MP(macro) | 8 SM | No | 1080p / 30fps | 10x digital |
| OnePlus North 3 | 50 MP, OIS | 8 MP / 2 MP | 16 SM | Yes | 4K / 60fps | 20x digital |
| Samsung A54 5G | 50 MP, OIS | 12 MP / 5 MP | 32 SM | Yes | 4K / 30fps | 10x digital |
| Little X4 GT | 64 SM | 8 MP / 2 MP | 16 SM | No | 4K / 30fps | 10x digital |
| Honor 200 Lite | 108 SM | 5 MP / 2 MP | 50 SM | No | 1080p | Digital |
How to get the most out of your cheap mobile phone's camera?
- Activate HDR mode: Allows for improved dynamic range by balancing light and shadow. Very useful for landscapes.
- Use night or low light mode: If your phone allows it, you will have brighter results without so much noise in dark situations.
- Focus and expose manually: Tap the screen where you want to focus and slide to adjust the exposure.
- Try all camera modes: Panoramic, pro, portrait, macro… each achieves different effects depending on the situation.
- Keep the lens clean: Cleaning the camera glass helps prevent loss of sharpness and unwanted glare.
- Use artificial intelligenceMany models automatically detect scenes and enhance color, contrast, or background blur.
- Don't overuse digital zoom: Better get closer physically or use optical zoom if available to avoid losing quality.
- Stabilize the mobile: Prop it up or use both hands for clearer photos and videos.
- Take advantage of natural light: Whenever possible, shoot in good light for best results, especially on models without OIS.
Differences between cameras on cheap and premium cell phones
There are several key aspects in which they differ:
- High-end phones often offer even larger sensors, better lenses, and more advanced image processors.
- Results at night, indoors, or against backlighting are usually superior in the high-end range.
- On budget phones, quality can drop in very demanding photos (for example, in low light), although the difference is getting smaller.
- Thanks to AI, the cameras on budget phones deliver excellent results during the day and are more than adequate for average users, social media, and casual video.
Is more megapixels better on a mobile phone?
A recurring question. You don't just have to look at the number of megapixelsIt's true that they allow you to print or crop images without losing quality, but other factors such as sensor size, lens aperture, photo processor, and camera software are equally important.
For budget and mid-range phones, choosing a good balance between resolution, aperture, and functionality is recommended. A well-optimized phone with 48 or 64 MP can take better photos than one with 108 MP but poorer processing.
Front camera: The best cheap phones for selfies
- Honor 200 Lite: 50 MP.
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G: 32 MP with HDR and portrait mode.
- Redmi Note 13: 16 MP and auto-beautification features.
- OnePlus Nord 3 5G: 16 MP, advanced recording and creative filters.
- POCO X6 and Q4 GT: 16 MP, FHD recording.
To users who prioritize selfies, it's a good idea to look at the front camera resolution, aperture (f/2.0 or lower), presence of AI portrait mode, and features like HDR or beauty mode. You'll find more details on the best front cameras on budget phones at .
Frequently asked questions about cheap cell phones with a good camera
Can all cheap phones record 4K videos?
Not all of them. Only a few more advanced models, such as the POCO X6, Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro, Motorola Moto G84, or OnePlus Nord 3 5G, allow recording in 4K. Most record in Full HD (1080p), which is sufficient for most users.
What is optical zoom?
Optical zoom uses the lens's own optics to zoom in without losing quality, unlike digital zoom, which crops the image and reduces sharpness. If you're looking to take a lot of photos from a distance, choose a model with 2x, 3x, or 4x optical zoom.
Are macro and wide-angle modes useful?
Yes, they allow you to capture extreme details (macro) or landscapes and large groups (wide-angle). Although the secondary sensor's quality is often inferior, they are options that expand photographic creativity.
Is it possible to get good night photos on affordable phones?
Affordable phones have greatly improved their night photography capabilities if they have a good lens aperture, stabilization (OIS), and a software night mode. The results are surprising for their price.
What are the differences between AI and a professional camera?
Artificial intelligence makes it easy for any user to take optimized photos by automatically detecting scenes and people. Pro mode allows you to manually adjust exposure, ISO, white balance, focus, and more, which is useful for advanced users.
Is it worth buying a cheap mobile phone with a good camera?
- Affordable price: You can get outstanding photos and videos without spending a lot of money.
- Price quality: Current models offer a usable, versatile, and multi-mode camera for all types of users.
- Frequent changes: It's possible to change your phone every 1-2 years without making a large investment, and you'll always have the latest technology.
- VarietyThere are many options and styles: from compact to rugged phones, all with more than enough cameras for most.
- Ease of useCamera apps are usually simple and have very useful automatic options.
The search for cheap mobile phone with the best camera It is no longer an impossible task. Today's market offers a wide selection of devices that combine a outstanding photographic quality and affordable prices, thanks to brand competition and constant innovation in sensors, optics, and photography software. Today, you can capture landscapes, portraits, details, selfies, and professional-quality videos for very little. Before choosing, analyze your mobile photography needs, compare specifications, and don't hesitate to choose one of the models recommended in this article: satisfy the needs of any user without sacrificing savings and versatility.