Smartphone cameras have improved and improvised by leaps and bounds, even equalling and sometimes rivaling point-and-shoot cameras and other complex camera systems. Low cost does not mean low-quality pictures. With cameras usually making the headline features of smartphones, manufacturers have been upping their game in providing the best at affordable prices. The meaning of the word budget in smartphones is subjective. Here is a list of budget-friendly smartphones with excellent camera quality.

1. Google pixel 4A series
Google has set excellent standards in smartphone cameras. The phone costs around $349, which is fantastic because the phone can capture some breathtaking clear photographs. The 12.2MP camera is similar to the Sony IMX363 sensor you find in the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 3a series. Google’s software enhancements take the cameras’ photography to the next level. The phone has Astrophotography mode, Night Sight, and dual exposure sliders.

2. Samsung Galaxy A51
The Samsung Galaxy A51, priced at $400, comes with an effective ultra-wide lens that provides a different level of versatility that is not found in other phones at a similar price. The phone has a perfect quad lens camera setup which comprises a 48MP wide lens, a 12MP ultra-wide, a 5 MP macro, and a 5MP depth sensor. The clarity of the pictures taken on this phone is outstanding.

3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
The camera’s night mode is the part that makes it stand out compared to other phone cameras in a similar budget range. The Redmi Note 9’s camera has great clarity, and the dynamic range of the main 48MP sensor’s low-light images is very good. If you want to buy a night shooting phone for a budget price, this is the right one for you. The phone uses the Samsung GM 1 sensor, a detail for the tech freaks out there. The phone price varies between $190 and $250 depending on the specific version and its features.

4. Apple iPhone SE
The iPhone SE has a single main camera lens that is as good as the lenses found on the iPhone 11. The iPhone SE shows you that you don’t need multiple lenses to have a great camera phone. The phone comes with a single 12 MP wide camera lens that captures sharp, vivid, and natural-looking photos that are as good as the photos you will take with your iphone11. The SE uses excellent software that is best in the business, enabling you to take lovely photos. The iPhone SE is priced at $399 upwards.

5. Moto G Power
The Moto G power comes with a 48MP triple camera system, Quad Pixel technology, and a fabulous ultra-wide lens, all for a very low price. The phone camera gives you stunning photos in light, beautiful portraits, and incredibly detailed close-ups. The close-ups are possible because of the macro vision camera. The Moto G power (2021) is offered in a 3GB + 32GB storage variant that costs approximately $199 and a 4GB+64GB storage variant at around $249.