Best Budget Smartphones with Great Cameras

In today’s fast-paced world, smartphones are more than just communication devices—they’re all-in-one tools for photography, entertainment, and productivity. While flagship devices dominate the high-end market with cutting-edge features and high-quality cameras, budget smartphones have evolved tremendously, offering excellent camera quality at a fraction of the price. If you’re looking for the best budget smartphones with great cameras in 2024 and 2025, you’re in luck. We’ve curated a list of the most exciting options that balance affordability with top-notch camera performance.

1. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Launched in early 2024, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a great example of how budget smartphones are redefining camera quality. With a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro camera, the A54 is capable of capturing vibrant, detailed shots in a variety of lighting conditions. The camera setup is complemented by Samsung’s impressive software enhancements, which optimize colors, dynamic range, and overall sharpness.

Key Features:

• 50MP primary camera
• 12MP ultra-wide lens
• 5MP macro lens
• 32MP front camera for crisp selfies
• 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
• Exynos 1380 processor with 5G support

The Galaxy A54 5G’s camera excels at both day and night photography. Its Night Mode delivers clean and bright low-light shots, and the ultra-wide camera is perfect for group photos or scenic shots. Samsung’s reliable software ensures accurate color reproduction, making it an excellent choice for those who want quality without spending a fortune.

2. OnePlus 13R

The OnePlus 13R, launched in early 2025, is a flagship-level smartphone that combines powerful performance with an exceptional camera system. It is designed for users who want premium features at a more affordable price.

Key Features:

• 50MP main camera with Hasselblad color calibration for vibrant, detailed photos.
• 50MP ultra-wide lens and 50MP telephoto lens for versatile photography.
• 32MP front camera for high-quality selfies.
• Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor for fast, smooth performance.
• 12GB RAM and 256GB storage for seamless multitasking.
• 6.74-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.
• 5000mAh battery with 100W SuperVOOC fast charging for quick power-ups.
• OxygenOS 14 for a clean and intuitive Android experience.

With its advanced camera system, impressive performance, and fast charging, the OnePlus 13R offers flagship-like features at a mid-range price, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a powerful, value-packed device.

3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series has been a go-to choice for budget-conscious buyers, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro, released in late 2024, continues to uphold this reputation with impressive camera capabilities. The phone comes equipped with a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro lens, ensuring that you can capture every detail in your shots.

Key Features:

• 108MP primary camera
• 8MP ultra-wide camera
• 2MP macro sensor
• 16MP front camera
• 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
• Snapdragon 732G chipset

The standout feature of the Redmi Note 13 Pro is its 108MP main camera, which takes incredibly sharp and detailed shots. It’s a rarity in the budget category, where most devices sport lower-resolution sensors. The ultra-wide and macro cameras provide versatility, and the 16MP front camera does an excellent job with selfies. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or close-ups, this smartphone delivers great results.

4. Realme Narzo 70 5G

The Realme Narzo 70 5G, launched in 2024, is another fantastic contender in the budget segment for users seeking excellent camera performance. This phone features a 64MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor, offering versatility for different photography scenarios.

Key Features:

• 64MP primary camera
• 8MP ultra-wide lens
• 2MP macro sensor
• 16MP front camera
• 6.5-inch Full HD+ LCD display with 90Hz refresh rate
• MediaTek Dimensity 8050 chipset

The Realme Narzo 70’s camera system provides a great balance between quality and affordability. The 64MP main sensor produces sharp and vibrant images, and the ultra-wide camera adds flexibility to your shots. The front camera is particularly good for selfies, offering clear and natural results. Realme’s camera app also comes with a variety of modes, including Night Mode and Portrait Mode, to further enhance your photography experience.

5. Moto G Power (2025)

Motorola‘s Moto G series is known for providing excellent value for money, and the Moto G Power (2025), released in early 2025, is no exception. While the phone’s camera setup may not have the highest megapixel count, it delivers solid performance for everyday photography. The G Power features a 50MP primary camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor.

Key Features:

• 50MP primary camera
• 2MP depth and macro sensors
• 8MP front camera
• 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with 120Hz refresh rate
• Snapdragon 680 chipset

While the Moto G Power (2025) might not have the same high-end features as some of the other phones on this list, its camera setup is well-suited for everyday use. The 50MP main sensor provides sharp, well-exposed images in good lighting conditions, and the macro and depth sensors allow for a variety of shooting options. Motorola’s software enhancements also help ensure accurate colors and detail, especially in low-light scenarios.

6. Infinix Hot 50 5G

The Infinix Hot 50 5G, launched in 2025, offers an impressive set of features at an affordable price, making it one of the best budget smartphones in its category. It combines cutting-edge 5G connectivity, a capable camera system, and powerful performance to cater to users who need a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

• 50MP primary camera for sharp and detailed photos.
• 8MP ultra-wide lens for expansive shots and group photos.
• 16MP front camera for clear, vibrant selfies.
• MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset for smooth performance and efficient multitasking.
• 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, expandable via microSD card.
• 6.6-inch Full HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate for a smooth viewing experience.
• 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging for all-day usage.

The Infinix Hot 50 5G stands out with its 5G connectivity, ensuring future-proofing for users who want high-speed internet access. The 50MP main camera takes impressive photos for the price, and the ultra-wide lens adds versatility to your photography. The smartphone also offers a smooth display experience with its 90Hz refresh rate and reliable battery life.

In conclusion, the Infinix Hot 50 5G is an excellent option for users who want a budget-friendly device with 5G support, solid camera performance, and efficient performance. Whether you’re into social media, photography, or streaming, the Infinix Hot 50 5G has the features to keep up with your daily needs without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

In 2024 and 2025, the best budget smartphones with great cameras have raised the bar for what we can expect from affordable devices. From ultra-high megapixel sensors to wide-angle lenses, these smartphones are delivering the camera performance that was once reserved for more expensive models. Whether you’re an avid photographer or just want a reliable phone to capture memories, these devices are great options without breaking the bank.

So, if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t skimp on camera quality, consider any of the options listed above. These devices prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great camera experience.