Best Budget Phones with Amazing Cameras in 2025

Looking for a smartphone with excellent cameras without breaking the bank? In 2025, it’s easier than ever to get high-quality photography and video features at a much lower price. Whether you’re a content creator, a photography enthusiast, or someone who just wants great everyday photos, you don’t need to spend $1,000 anymore. This guide covers the top budget phones with excellent cameras in 2025, all of which are currently available at very reasonable prices.

Let’s explore the best options you can buy right now for under $500 – and in many cases, even under $300 – while still getting flagship-quality camera performance.

1. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE – Flagship Experience at Budget Price

Approximate Price: $170
Camera Setup:

• 12 MP main sensor
• 8 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom
• 12 MP ultra-wide lens

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition) is a top-tier choice for those who want quality photos and videos without stretching their budget. Despite being a few generations old, this device still shines with its camera capabilities. The combination of a strong main lens, a versatile telephoto, and a wide-angle sensor makes it ideal for capturing anything from portraits to landscapes.

It also features a bright AMOLED screen, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a sleek design. Under the hood, it runs on the Snapdragon 888, which is still powerful enough to handle modern apps, games, and multitasking.

If your goal is to take great pictures for Instagram, TikTok, or everyday use – this phone is easily one of the best sub-$200 options available in 2025.

2. Xiaomi 12 – Premium Quality Without the Premium Price

Approximate Price: $220
Camera Setup:

• 50 MP main lens
• 13 MP ultra-wide
• 5 MP telemacro lens
• Video: Up to 8K resolution

The Xiaomi 12 proves that you don’t have to compromise on performance or build quality to get an affordable phone. Its 50MP main sensor delivers detailed, vivid images, especially in good lighting. Even in low-light conditions, it holds its own with impressive clarity.

But it’s not just about still photography – it can also record 8K video, a feature often reserved for flagship models. Combined with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, this phone has the power to process images quickly and efficiently, giving you stunning results almost instantly.

The phone has a refined design, a vivid display, and remains a very well-rounded device for its price.

3. Google Pixel 7 – Computational Photography Champion

Approximate Price: $250
Camera Setup:

• 50 MP main lens
• 12 MP ultra-wide
• 10.8 MP front camera

The Pixel 7 continues Google’s tradition of making budget-friendly phones with some of the best camera software in the industry. While the hardware itself may not seem extraordinary, it’s Google’s computational photography that takes image quality to the next level.

Photos taken with the Pixel 7 are sharp, with excellent dynamic range, natural colors, and impressive detail. It rivals the image quality of far more expensive devices like the iPhone 14 Pro. Its video recording capabilities are also top-tier for this price segment.

Beyond the camera, the Pixel 7 features a clean, minimalist design, a good-quality display, and the latest Android experience with timely updates. It’s an ideal pick if you want reliable performance and brilliant photography without spending too much.

4. iPhone 13 – Apple’s Camera Magic on a Budget

Approximate Price: Around $240
Camera Setup:

• 12 MP main sensor (f/1.6)
• 12 MP ultra-wide (f/2.4)

Although the iPhone 13 is no longer Apple’s newest model, it still offers a camera experience that many newer Android phones can’t match. Thanks to Apple’s image processing, the iPhone 13 captures consistent, well-balanced, and natural-looking photos in almost any lighting condition.

It includes features like Cinematic Mode, Photographic Styles, and Smart HDR, all of which enhance your photography and videography. The phone’s video quality, especially in 4K, remains one of the best in the smartphone world.

It runs on the A15 Bionic chip, supports the latest iOS updates, and has a premium build. If you’re an Apple fan or a content creator who wants reliability, this is a fantastic choice.

5. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra – The Zoom Master

Approximate Price: $280
Camera Setup:

• 108 MP main sensor
• 10 MP periscope telephoto (10x zoom)
• 10 MP regular telephoto
• 12 MP ultra-wide

The Galaxy S21 Ultra is a photography powerhouse that still competes with newer models. Its 108MP main camera captures ultra-detailed photos, and the dual telephoto lenses allow for up to 10x optical zoom, making it one of the best phones for zoom photography – even today.

If you’re into moon shots or want to capture wildlife, this phone delivers. It also has a gorgeous high-resolution AMOLED display, a long-lasting battery, and the powerful Snapdragon 888 processor.

For less than $300, it’s hard to find a better camera phone than the S21 Ultra in 2025.

6. Google Pixel 7 Pro – Photography Refined

Approximate Price: $320
Camera Setup:

• 50 MP main lens
• 48 MP telephoto (5x optical zoom)
• 12 MP ultra-wide

The Pixel 7 Pro improves upon the standard Pixel 7 with more advanced camera hardware, especially the 48MP telephoto lens that provides excellent zoom performance. Coupled with Google’s advanced AI image processing, this phone takes photos that often rival professional cameras in terms of sharpness, exposure, and realism.

It also records high-quality video and performs well in challenging lighting conditions. The 2K display is crisp and vibrant, and the design feels sleek and modern.

For anyone looking for a balanced, high-end camera phone at a mid-range price, the Pixel 7 Pro is a standout in 2025.

7. Google Pixel 8 Pro – The Best AI-Powered Camera for Under $500

Approximate Price: $450
Camera Setup:

• 50 MP main sensor
• 48 MP ultra-wide
• 48 MP telephoto with 5x zoom

Topping our list is the Google Pixel 8 Pro, the most expensive device on this list, but arguably the best value overall for those who want flagship-level camera capabilities. This phone leverages AI features to enhance every photo, from correcting blurry faces to adjusting lighting and background in real time.

Its triple-camera system offers versatility for any scene, and the image output rivals that of premium flagships like the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It also includes the latest Google software experience, a premium build, and a high-resolution display.

If your priority is having a cutting-edge camera in your pocket – and you’re willing to stretch your budget slightly – the Pixel 8 Pro is the ultimate choice.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Phone Should You Buy in 2025?

With so many great budget phones available, choosing the right one depends on your specific needs:

• For Instagram/TikTok enthusiasts, the Galaxy S21 FE offers excellent value.
• If you want 8K video and flagship performance, consider the Xiaomi 12.
• Prefer clean Android and amazing photos? Go for the Pixel 7 or 7 Pro.
• Need the best zoom photography? Choose the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
• Want an Apple experience at a lower price? The iPhone 13 delivers.
• And if you want the most advanced camera with AI smarts, the Pixel 8 Pro is the clear winner.