Best Camera Phone for You: A Comprehensive Guide Across Price Ranges

When buying a smartphone today, camera quality often tops the list of must-have features. Each year, brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Realme launch new models packed with features and varying specifications. With options across all price points, it’s important to pick the right camera phone for your needs and budget. This guide will provide detailed insights into the top camera phones under ₹15,000, ₹20,000, ₹25,000, ₹30,000, ₹40,000, and ₹50,000, helping you capture stunning shots without breaking the bank.

Best Camera Phones Under ₹15,000: Budget-Friendly Yet Impressive

Phones in this range may lack the flagship specs of more expensive models but still offer high-quality images with features like AI-driven modes and reasonable megapixel counts. These devices are ideal for casual photographers who need reliable performance for everyday use without high-level features.

Top Picks

1. Redmi Note 12
   • Camera Setup: 50 MP main sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide, 2 MP macro, 13 MP front camera.
   • Features: The Redmi Note 12’s AI-powered camera adjusts color balance and brightness automatically, providing clear images even in low-light settings. Night Mode enhances brightness without sacrificing details, and the ultra-wide sensor is ideal for landscape shots.
   • Performance: This phone offers surprisingly good detail for the price, especially with its main 50 MP sensor. Portraits are well-balanced, though the macro sensor is best for casual close-ups rather than highly detailed shots.
2. Realme Narzo 50
   • Camera Setup: 48 MP main sensor, 2 MP depth sensor, 2 MP macro, 8 MP front camera.
   • Features: Realme’s image processing focuses on vibrant colors, making photos look lively and well-suited for social media. The phone also includes a night mode, decent portrait capabilities, and AI-driven beautification for selfies.
   • Performance: Sharp and colorful images are the Narzo 50’s specialty, with balanced exposures and good control over highlights in well-lit scenes. The depth sensor enhances portrait shots by offering decent background separation.
3. Samsung Galaxy F13
   • Camera Setup: 50 MP main sensor, 5 MP ultra-wide, 2 MP macro, 8 MP front camera.
   • Features: Samsung’s color science produces realistic colors, especially for outdoor shots. The ultra-wide camera, though modest in resolution, works well for group shots and landscapes.
   • Performance: The Galaxy F13 provides clean, natural photos with accurate color reproduction and respectable low-light performance for this price range. The ultra-wide sensor stands out as a valuable addition for capturing wider scenes.

Best Camera Phones Under ₹20,000: Enhanced Features and Low-Light Capabilities

Phones in this price range bring extra value with higher megapixel counts, better low-light performance, and additional camera modes for enhanced versatility. They’re ideal for users who want good quality photos without stepping into the mid-range segment.

Top Picks

1. Poco X4 Pro
   • Camera Setup: 64 MP main sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide, 2 MP macro, 16 MP front camera.
   • Features: With EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) for video, AI-driven photo optimization, and good HDR, this phone performs well across various settings. The night mode produces brighter, more detailed images, while the ultra-wide sensor provides a broader perspective.
   • Performance: The 64 MP sensor ensures high levels of detail in well-lit conditions, and the software optimization smooths out rough edges in low-light situations. The ultra-wide lens is a useful addition, though it can produce slight distortion at the edges.
2. Redmi Note 12 Pro
   • Camera Setup: 108 MP main sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide, 2 MP macro, 16 MP front camera.
   • Features: Known for its high megapixel count, this phone excels in clarity and detail, especially in daylight. The advanced night mode is impressive, capturing clear images with minimal noise even in dim environments.
   • Performance: With its 108 MP main sensor, the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers impressive resolution, ideal for zooming into photos without losing clarity. The HDR function helps balance contrast in challenging lighting.
3. Samsung Galaxy M32
   • Camera Setup: 64 MP main sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide, 2 MP macro, 20 MP front camera.
   • Features: Samsung’s Galaxy M32 combines a high-resolution main camera with software enhancements that improve clarity and color in photos. The front-facing 20 MP camera is great for selfies with vibrant colors and sharp detail.
   • Performance: The main sensor captures vivid colors with strong contrast, making it ideal for both daytime and low-light photography. Portrait shots have smooth background blur and accurate subject detection.

Best Camera Phones Under ₹25,000: Enhanced Software and More Versatile Cameras

In this price range, camera phones often include premium features such as Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), higher-quality sensors, and enhanced software processing, giving users more control over their photos.

Top Picks

1. OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite
   • Camera Setup: 64 MP main sensor, 2 MP depth sensor, 2 MP macro, 16 MP front camera.
   • Features: This phone boasts AI optimization, offering vibrant colors and good clarity. Its portrait mode effectively blurs the background, and the macro lens captures decent details in close-up shots.
   • Performance: The 64 MP sensor excels in daylight conditions, producing vibrant colors. The camera software effectively reduces noise in low-light photos, though night shots may lack the finer details seen in higher-end models.
2. Vivo V21e
   • Camera Setup: 64 MP main sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide, 2 MP macro, 44 MP front camera.
   • Features: The V21e’s standout feature is its 44 MP front camera, making it a favorite among selfie enthusiasts. It also supports night mode, AI enhancements, and ultra-stabilization for video.
   • Performance: The main sensor produces balanced shots with good dynamic range, while the ultra-wide lens captures wide-angle photos without significant distortion. Selfies are highly detailed, ideal for social media.
3. Realme 9 Pro+
   • Camera Setup: 50 MP Sony IMX766 main sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide, 2 MP macro, 16 MP front camera.
   • Features: Realme’s flagship-level sensor in the 9 Pro+ brings in more light, enabling better low-light photography. The AI-enhanced portrait mode captures faces with clarity and smoothness.
   • Performance: This camera system is fine-tuned for low-light and night photography, making it ideal for night owls and party-goers. The ultra-wide lens performs well, especially in bright settings.

Best Camera Phones Under ₹30,000: Near-Flagship Quality

Phones under ₹30,000 offer some flagship-grade camera features, such as Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and 4K recording, which make them perfect for those looking for an advanced camera phone without a hefty price tag.

Top Picks

1. Google Pixel 6a
   • Camera Setup: 12.2 MP main sensor, 12 MP ultra-wide, 8 MP front camera.
   • Features: Known for its computational photography, the Pixel 6a’s image processing delivers excellent dynamic range and clarity. Its Night Sight mode is one of the best for low-light photography in this price range.
   • Performance: The Pixel’s software does an exceptional job in low light, capturing realistic colors and sharp details. The ultra-wide lens is useful for group shots, and its HDR mode balances highlights and shadows well.
2. Xiaomi Mi 11X
   • Camera Setup: 48 MP main sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide, 5 MP macro, 20 MP front camera.
   • Features: With 4K video recording, slow-motion capture, and several creative filters, this camera is versatile and user-friendly. The macro lens excels in close-up photography, adding to its appeal.
   • Performance: The Mi 11X produces crisp, vibrant images with balanced contrast. The ultra-wide lens offers minimal distortion, and the macro lens provides good detail for close-up shots.
3. Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
   • Camera Setup: 64 MP main sensor, 12 MP ultra-wide, 5 MP macro, 32 MP front camera.
   • Features: OIS helps capture smooth videos and sharp photos, while AI-powered portrait mode offers excellent subject separation. The A52s is also good for low-light photography.
   • Performance: The main sensor captures sharp images with accurate colors, and its 32 MP front camera produces detailed selfies. Night shots show minimal noise, thanks to the OIS.

Best Camera Phones Under ₹50,000: Advanced Features and Pro-Level Photography

Phones in this range come equipped with top-tier sensors and advanced stabilization, making them suitable for photography enthusiasts seeking pro-level quality.

Top Picks

1. iPhone SE (2022)
   • Camera Setup: 12 MP main sensor, 7 MP front camera.
   • Features: While only featuring a single rear camera, the iPhone SE excels in image processing, producing natural colors and a strong dynamic range. Portrait mode works well, even without a dedicated depth sensor.
   • Performance: Apple’s software optimization offers balanced colors and impressive low-light performance, especially in portrait and night modes.
2. OnePlus 9
   • Camera Setup: 48 MP main sensor, 50 MP ultra-wide, 2 MP monochrome, 16 MP front camera.
   • Features: Partnered with Hasselblad, the OnePlus 9 brings excellent color accuracy and dynamic range. It supports 8K video recording, adding to its pro-level features.
   • Performance: The ultra-wide sensor provides almost distortion-free images, and colors are natural and vivid, making it a top pick for enthusiasts.
3. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
   • Camera Setup: 12 MP main sensor, 12 MP ultra-wide, 8 MP telephoto, 32 MP front camera.
   • Features: The S20 FE includes a 3x optical zoom and 30x Space Zoom, which is rare in this price range. Samsung’s image processing produces clear, vibrant photos.
   • Performance: This camera is especially good for zoomed-in shots and portrait photography. The ultra-wide sensor provides good field coverage without sacrificing detail.

By carefully considering your needs and budget, you can find a camera phone that’s perfect for capturing beautiful memories. Each of these models offers a range of features tailored to various photography styles and requirements.