These days, camera smartphones aim to compete with DSLRs – at least when using them in auto mode. Camera smartphones are getting better and better with each smartphone generation, and if you spend a bomb on the phone, you can get some awe-inspiring camera systems. However, if you want a good smartphone camera system on a budget, it’s possible too. You can get crisp pictures, with vibrant colours and good image quality, and not have to spend a bomb on them! If you fancy yourself a photographer on a very tight budget, then one of these phones we’re listing might help.
Here is a budget-friendly option from Realme with a quad-camera setup at the back, and a dual-camera setup at the front. Around back, the primary camera shoots images at 64-megapixels, which ensures that pictures are crisp and capture details. Along with that, there are two 8 megapixel sensors which add extra colours, vividness and details to your shots, while the 2-megapixel sensor adds depth of field. Since you’re going to be editing photos on your phone, the screen has to be good, and the Realme X3 comes with a 6.57-inch full HD display which is great for photo editing. In the display is a cutout housing two front-facing cameras – a 32-megapixel sensor and an 8-megapixel camera, for great-looking selfies.
The Redmi Note 9 Pro Max is a good all-round phone for its budget price. It comes with a quad-camera setup at the back, with the primary shooter being 64-megapixels. Apart from that, you get an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera which is great for capturing those mesmerising vistas which words just can’t express. Macro photographers will love the addition of the macro sensor, which lets you get up close and personal with your subjects. To add depth, there is a 2-megapixel sensor too. In front, within the 6.65-inch full HD display, you get a single 32-megapixel selfie shooter. The phone has reasonably powerful specifications too – 6GB RAM and Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor.
Samsung phones are known for their promising camera features and performance. The M51 is no exception and brings you a quad-camera setup at the back at a pocket-friendly price. The primary shooter is a 64-megapixel sensor paired with a 12-megapixel degree wide-angle lens, making for detailed, expansive photos of landscapes. Furthermore, the 5-megapixel depth camera adds character to your pictures, while the macro lens lets you get close to your subjects. Up front is a single 32-megapixel selfie shooter within the 6.7-inch super AMOLED display. Apart from that, the image processing on this phone makes for vivid and detailed photos.
Here is a camera smartphone which focuses more on camera performance and image quality rather than the number of cameras. It has a funky-looking triple camera setup at the back. The primary shooter is a 64-megapixel sensor, backed by an 8-megapixel super wide-angle camera with bokeh effect, making for really aesthetic shots. The camera on this smartphone also has promising night mode performance, which is an excellent alternative to using your DSLR for night shots. For videographers, the camera has active autofocus too. Up front, there are some enhancements as well. The front-facing camera can automatically focus on the subject's eyes to get the best focal length possible.
Apple iPhones are known for their high-end photo reproduction quality. The iPhone 7 maybe a few years old, but its camera still holds up against the best in the industry. The image processing and colour science are beautifully managed to give you a realistic image. Furthermore, you can enhance your images using the HDR function, which is quick and adds dynamic range to your pictures. The camera is great for videos too, as it has no lag and the inbuilt video editor is quite competent in itself. While the phone only has one camera, it is an excellent option for photographers looking to get professional-looking results on a smartphone camera.
One of the latest phones in the POCO lineup of smartphones, the X3 comes with a quad-camera setup with all the bells and whistles of new camera smartphone features such as night mode, autofocus, HDR, pro mode, and more. Speaking of the camera specifications, it has a 64-megapixel primary sensor that enhances details and adds vibrancy; and a secondary 13-megapixel 113-degree wide-angle lens that allows you to capture even the most expansive of landscapes. Furthermore, it has a macro camera and a depth sensor for added functionality. At the price you get it at, the image processing is quite good and makes for realistic looking photos, which add a quality touch to the final results.