Best Budget Phones for Camera 2023 UK
Affordable smartphones with top-notch cameras may seem like an unlikely combination, but there are plenty of options out there boasting incredible photography capabilities without breaking the bank. We've got the lowdown on the best budget camera phones of 2022 to make your decision easier.
The market for budget phones is indeed saturated, and it might feel like every other phone has a powerful camera. Selecting the right phone can be challenging, especially on a budget. To make things simpler, we've put together a list of budget-friendly camera phones with excellent specs, perfect for daily use and capturing stunning photos.
Huawei P40: Top Choice
The Huawei P40 is a mid-tier phone with camera quality that rivals some flagship devices. Like its high-end counterpart, the P40 Pro, it features a 6.1-inch OLED screen and the same Kirin 990 5G chipset for smooth performance, alongside 6 or 8GB of RAM for lag-free multitasking.
This chic smartphone's large camera setup houses a 50MP PDAF-equipped sensor, delivering exceptional quality. An optically stabilized 23mm-equivalent f/1.9 lens works alongside the sensor to minimize noise.
Below this camera is an 8MP tele-module with OIS and PDAF. The third camera, a 16MP sensor, contributes to Full HD or 4K video recording at 30 or 60fps. The Huawei P40 is undeniably one of the best budget camera phones available today.
The phone has a 13-hour runtime on a single charge, making it suitable for vlogging or professional use. However, it lacks wireless charging support.
Pixel 5: Long-lasting Battery Life
The Pixel 5 has the same standard-wide hardware as the Pixel 4 but with a more powerful camera setup and a larger battery. The 12.2MP 1/2.55-inch sensor and wide-aperture lens enhance low-light photography.
Designed to rely on software and processing to improve image quality, the Pixel 5 is an excellent choice. It records 4K videos at 2160p/60fps, and you can manually adjust the FPS.
The hardware may not be as impressive as some competitors, but the Pixel 5's durability and long-lasting battery life make it a favorite among vloggers and photography enthusiasts.
A rear TouchID sensor increases security, and the phone supports wireless charging for added convenience.
iPhone SE 2022: Best Compact Option
Though the iPhone SE 2022 doesn't boast a massive camera setup, it still captures impressive photos and videos. Apple has modernized a classic design to create this compact phone that fits effortlessly into your pocket.
The single 12MP rear sensor with an f/1.8-aperture lens performs well in indoor and outdoor environments. Fast and accurate autofocus, coupled with a wide depth of field, makes the iPhone SE an excellent choice among budget camera phones.
The phone's A15 Bionic chipset ensures swift multitasking. Switch between the camera app and photo editing tools with ease. Unlike flagship models, the iPhone SE has a TouchID for rapid unlocking.
The iPhone SE 2022 is water-resistant, but battery life is a slight letdown. Nonetheless, if you're an iOS fan looking for a compact phone with decent camera quality, this is a fantastic option.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: Budget-friendly Android
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is an affordable smartphone with superior camera quality compared to its competitors. Its 6.53-inch LCD screen features an FHD+ resolution, perfect for entertainment and photo/video editing.
The quad-camera setup at the rear includes a 48MP main sensor that captures stunning shots in various lighting conditions. Additional sensors in the camera enhance the overall image quality, making the Redmi Note 9 one of the best budget camera phones.
Apart from its fantastic camera, the phone's battery lasts approximately 15 hours on a single charge, and the Type-C port ensures fast charging.
However, it lacks durability, so be cautious of drops and bumps, or use a protective case.
Galaxy S20: Best Large Display Camera Phone
The Samsung Galaxy S20 is a flagship-level smartphone packed with powerful features and an outstanding camera setup. The 6.9-inch AMOLED display provides lifelike visuals that make your photos look even better.
The phone's 108MP-resolution sensor is perfect for 4K video recording at a high frame rate. It also features a native 4x optical zoom and 10x "hybrid-zoom" with excellent image stabilization.
Images boast vibrant colors, perfect depth, and low noise. The S20's ToF 3D technology enhances portrait mode image quality. Although the phone has a sizable battery, it only lasts around 9 hours. Thankfully, 25W fast-charging support comes to the rescue.
OnePlus Nord 2: Powerful Performance on a Budget
The OnePlus Nord 2 is an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise on camera quality or performance. Its 6.43-inch Fluid AMOLED display offers an immersive viewing experience and precise photo editing.
The device features a triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor that produces striking images in various lighting conditions. The 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP monochrome cameras further enhance photo quality, making the Nord 2 a top choice among budget camera phones.
In addition to its impressive camera, the OnePlus Nord 2 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI chipset, providing seamless multitasking. The battery lasts around 14 hours on a single charge, and the 65W fast-charging support ensures your phone is ready to go in no time.
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G: Best Value for Money
The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is a premium smartphone with many similarities to the A72 5G but at a more affordable price. Featuring a 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, it's great for entertainment and precise photo editing.
This device stands out among budget camera phones, boasting a quad rear camera, including a 64MP primary module and a 12MP ultra-wide camera for stunning low-light photos.
Images captured indoors and outdoors exhibit accurate target exposure with excellent detail. The smartphone achieves a perfect balance between color and depth, and the software enhances picture quality.
The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G includes an in-display biometric sensor for added security and convenience. The battery lasts approximately 11 hours on a full charge, making it ideal for video recording.
Moto G60: Affordable Phone with High-Resolution Camera
The Moto G60 is a wallet-friendly smartphone that features a 108MP primary camera, making it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts on a budget. Its 6.8-inch HDR10 display delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, perfect for photo editing and entertainment.
The device includes a triple camera setup, with an 8MP ultra-wide sensor and 2MP depth sensor, in addition to the 108MP main camera. This powerful combination ensures fantastic image quality, even in challenging lighting conditions.
The Moto G60 has a 6000mAh battery, providing an impressive 16 hours of use on a single charge. The 20W fast-charging support helps you recharge quickly, so you never miss a moment.
In conclusion, you don't have to break the bank to find a smartphone with an outstanding camera. These budget camera phones provide excellent photography capabilities, impressive performance, and various useful features. Now, you can capture stunning photos and videos without spending a fortune on a high-end device.
