Best budget camera phones in 2026 for affordable photography
After the best budget camera phone to capture stunning photos without breaking the bank? We've reviewed the very best
After the best budget camera phone to capture stunning photos without breaking the bank? We don’t blame you. With advancements in camera phone tech, you no longer need to spend a fortune to get a capable shooter.
Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or simply want to upgrade your phone photography game, our hand-picked selection of affordable options below will have you snapping perfect portraits and laudable landscape shots in no time.
With that said, here’s our guide to the best budget camera phones that all cost below $500/£500.
Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.
Quick list: what’s the best budget camera phone?
The OnePlus Nord 5 (buy now) is proof that decent budget phones still exist. It’s powerful, has a generously sized battery, and a streamlined version of Android. Most importantly, its lead camera takes photos that punch above its weight.
We think the Google Pixel 9a (buy now) is the best mid-range smartphone you can buy. It’s the latest phone in Google’s more affordable ‘a’ series. You’ll love its impeccable camera skills, punchy performance, minimalist Pixel design and pure Android experience.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro (buy now) is an affordable phone sequel with plenty of personality. It makes progress in all the right areas while keeping the price in check. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re on a modest budget.
The Samsung Galaxy A56 (buy now) gets S25-influenced styling and familiar photo processing. It’s a great value camera phone.
The Poco F7 (buy now) has a versatile dual camera setup. It is a great budget camera phone if you like playing with different perspectives.
The best budget camera phone you can buy today:
Best budget camera phone overall
1. OnePlus Nord 5
Stuff Verdict
A keenly priced all-rounder that takes great photos and isn’t short on performance or battery life – but it isn’t the design standout its predecessor was, and rivals are arguably more compelling.
Pros
- Ample everyday performance and real-world battery life
- Quality cameras for a budget phone, especially if you’re a selfie addict
- OxygenOS is still a slick, streamlined take on Android
Cons
- Glass/polycarbonate build feels like a step back from Nord 4’s metal
- Beaten on CPU power and battery capacity
- Early days for AI Plus Mind software
| OnePlus Nord 5 specs | |
| Screen | 6.74in 2776.83in, 2800×1272, 144Hz OLED |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8S Gen 3 |
| Memory | 8/12GB RAM |
| Cameras | 50MP, f/1.88 w/ OIS + 8MP ultrawide rear 50MP, f/2.2 front |
| Storage | 256/512GB on-board |
| Operating System | Android 15 w/ OxygenOS 15 |
| Battery | 5200mAh w/ 80W wired charging |
| Dimensions | 200g 163x77x8.1mm, 211g 6.4 × 3.0 × 0.3 in, 7.4 oz |
We’ve been using the OnePlus Nord 5 as our main phone for a week, and it’s clear that OnePlus knows how to make a great mid-ranger – even if it’s made a few odd calls along the way. The cheap phone delivers smooth performance from its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip, a bright 6.83in OLED screen that makes gaming and Netflix pop, and genuinely impressive selfies from its 50MP front camera.
In our testing, it breezed through daily multitasking, kept Call of Duty Mobile running at a silky 144Hz, and comfortably lasted a day and a half between charges. But we can’t help missing the Nord 4’s metal body. The switch to a glass-and-plastic mix feels cheaper, and the generic design doesn’t turn heads like last year’s model did.
The new “Plus” button is a nice touch – we’ve used it to launch the camera and flashlight with a single press – but it doesn’t quite make up for the missing alert slider. Still, OxygenOS remains one of the cleanest, fastest Android skins around, and the camera setup takes crisp, balanced shots that hold up against pricier rivals.
The Nord 5 is a solid all-rounder that delivers real value. If you can live without the premium feel, you’re getting a lot of phone for the money.
Read more: OnePlus Nord 5 review
Best cheap camera phone with AI
2. Google Pixel 9a
Stuff Verdict
With similar hardware to its more expensive siblings, the Pixel 9a is the cheapest way to access Google’s AI smarts. With amazing photography skills, the Pixel 9a is the mid-range smartphone to beat.
Pros
- Same superb photography skills we expect from Pixel phones
- Performance punches above its price bracket
- Slick design and strong build
Cons
- Charging speeds remain behind rivals
- Bezels could be smaller
| Google Pixel 9a specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.3in Actua Display, 1080 x 2424 OLED, 2700 nits, 60-120Hz |
| CPU | Google Tensor G4 |
| Memory | 8GB RAM |
| Cameras | 48MP f/1.7 main + 13MP,f/2.2 ultrawide rear 13MP, f/2.2 front |
| Storage | 128 GB/256 GB |
| Operating system | Android 15 |
| Battery | 5100 mAh |
| Dimensions | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm, 185.9 g 6.1 x 2.9 x 0.4in, 6.6 oz |
Looking for the best budget camera phone experience? That’ll come in the form of the Google Pixel 9a. It’s part of Google’s affordable ‘A’ series, which promises a similar Pixel experience to its more expensive siblings for less money.
The photography experience is excellent here. It has an upgraded 48MP sensor compared to the Pixel 8a, and the results really show. The amount of detail in the images is really impressive, with Google nailing both close-up and distance shots. It’s Google’s processing that is really impressive, with Google’s smarts making it hard to take a bad picture.
Paired with punchy performance to a minimalist Pixel design and pure Android experience, even if you’re not interested in photography, we think this is the best smartphone you can get under $500/£500.
- Read more: Google Pixel 9a review
Best budget triple camera phone
3. CMF Phone 2 Pro
Stuff Verdict
An affordable phone sequel with plenty of personality. The CMF Phone 2 Pro makes progress in all the right areas, while keeping the price in check. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re on a modest budget
Pros
- Sleeker design that stays true to original’s modular approach
- Decent budget performance and battery life
- Fixes Phone 1’s flaws by adding NFC, improving IP rating
Cons
- Ultrawide camera is bang average and no OIS limits low-light ability
- Stereo speakers still don’t make the cut
| CMF Phone 2 Pro specs | |
| Screen | 6.77in, 2392×1080 AMOLED w/ 60-120Hz |
| CPU | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro |
| Memory | 8GB |
| Cameras | 50MP+50MP+8MP rear 16MP front |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB on-board, MicroSD expansion |
| Operating system | Android 15 w/ NothingOS 3.2 |
| Battery | 5000mAh w/ 33W wired charging |
| Dimensions | 164x78x7.8mm, 185g |
The CMF Phone 2 Pro builds on Nothing’s affordable formula with a smarter design, better features, and the same playful personality. Starting at just £219 (approx US$250), it’s one of the best-value phones around. It keeps the modular, accessory-friendly spirit of the original but now feels more refined, with metal accents, NFC for contactless payments, and improved IP54 water resistance. The 6.67in AMOLED display is brighter at 3000 nits and supports a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, though sound still comes from a single speaker.
Performance from the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro is solid for everyday use, backed by reliable battery life from the 5000mAh cell and 33W charging. The triple-camera setup delivers strong results in daylight, but lacks optical stabilisation for night shots. NothingOS 3.2 runs cleanly, free of bloatware, and introduces the surprisingly useful Essential Space app.
It’s not flawless, but the CMF Phone 2 Pro fixes nearly all of its predecessor’s shortcomings while staying affordable and fun. For such little money, few phones look this good, run this smoothly, or feel this thoughtfully designed.
- Read more: CMF Phone 2 Pro review
Best Samsung budget camera phone
4. Samsung Galaxy A56
Stuff Verdict
A familiar face, long feature list and an attainable price are sure to make the Galaxy A56 a hit with Samsung fans – but the lesser-known competition has it bested on specs.
Pros
- Materials and build quality on par with pricier phones
- Big, bright OLED screen
- Decent performance and battery life for the price
Cons
- Skips out on almost all Galaxy AI features
- Secondary cameras don’t add much to the package
- Don’t care about brand names? Rivals offer more compelling hardware
| Samsung Galaxy A56 specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7in, 2340×1080 AMOLED w/ 120Hz |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 1580 |
| Memory | 8GB RAM |
| Storage | 128/256GB on-board |
| Cameras | 50 MP + 12MP ultrawide + 5MP macro rear 12MP front |
| Operating system | Android 15 w/ One UI |
| Battery | 5000mAh w/ 45W wired charging |
| Dimensions | 162x78x7.4mm, 198g |
Want the Samsung prestige without the high-end price tag? Then the A56 is a 5G contender worthy of your shortlist. With a price tag well below the lofty heights of the Galaxy S25 range, this is a super affordable 5G handset which sacrifices some flagship style and power, while still providing a solid smartphone experience.
It actually looks and feels like a far pricier phone, the colourful AMOLED display shines brightly, and the software ecosystem is as appealing as ever for those already invested in it. Battery life and charging speeds even eclipse the more expensive Galaxy S25. And unlike previous A series phones (which massively disappointed on the power front), we’re pleased to report that the A56’s Exynos 1580 CPU and 8 GB of RAM make for a far smoother experience.
Throw in fast 45W charging, and you’ve got yourself a more affordable Samsung handset that provides the highly coveted Samsung-esque experience, at a far more palatable price.
- Read more: Samsung Galaxy A56 review
Best budget camera phone for battery life
5. Poco F7
Stuff Verdict
If you prioritise core hardware over camera specs this could be an absolute steal. It’s just a shame the huge battery doesn’t quite get the results it should.
Pros
- Excellent core hardware
- Price point-defying display
Cons
- Ultrawide camera is fairly poor
- Digital zoom produces mixed results
| Poco F7 specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.83in, 1280 x 2772 120Hz AMOLED |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 |
| Memory | 12GB RAM |
| Cameras | 50MP w/ OIS + 8MP ultrawide rear 20MP front |
| Storage | 256/512GB |
| Operating system | Android 15 w/ HyperOS 2.0 |
| Battery | 6500mAh w/ 90W wired charging |
| Dimensions | 163 x 78 x 8.2mm, 215.7g |
The Poco F7 is a mid-range phone that punches far above its price. It delivers hardware that rivals far pricier models – including Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, a bright 6.83in 120Hz AMOLED display and a massive 6500mAh battery with 90W fast charging. The design feels surprisingly premium, complete with an aluminium frame, IP68 water resistance and a bold, industrial look in its Cyber Silver edition.
Performance is excellent for the price, handling daily use and even gaming without much fuss. The display is a standout feature – sharp, vivid and far brighter than you’d expect from a budget handset. The only real letdown is that the huge battery doesn’t last quite as long as its capacity suggests, managing around a day and a half in regular use.
The 50MP main camera is decent in good light, but the 8MP ultrawide and digital zoom trail behind. Low-light shots are passable, though not class-leading. HyperOS 2 (based on Android 15) runs smoothly, with manageable bloatware and four years of updates promised.
Overall, the Poco F7 is an excellent choice for anyone who values performance, display quality and design. It’s an affordable powerhouse that proves you don’t need to spend flagship money to get a flagship feel.
How to choose the best budget camera phone for you
We go into a lot of detail on what to look for in a smartphone snapper in our best camera phone guide, so do check that out if you’re interested.
Ultimately, though, when choosing a smartphone for its camera capabilities, focus on several key aspects beyond typical smartphone specs. Generally, higher megapixel counts and larger sensors contribute to better image quality (the latter is especially helpful in low-light conditions) and advanced computational photography features, like those in Google Pixel phones, enhance photos by optimising exposure, colour accuracy, and dynamic range.
The lens system is also crucial, with options like ultra-wide-angle and telephoto lenses offering versatility for different photography styles. Aperture size impacts light capture and depth-of-field effects, while Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) helps reduce blurriness in photos and videos. Features like HDR, portrait mode, and night mode further improve the photography experience.
For video recording, consider the phone’s resolution, frame rate, and stabilisation features.
Oh, and don’t forget the front-facing camera; it should have good specs and selfie-specific modes to ensure clear and flattering self-portraits and video calls.
If you’re looking for more specific buying recommendations, then you can check out Stuff’s guides to the best smartphone for gaming and the best Android phones.
How we test smartphones
We’ve tested every phone on this list ourselves, so you can trust our picks. We treat each handset like a daily driver – not a staged demo – and that makes a big difference to the recommendations we give.
Typically, we spend a week or more with each phone, using it for calls, streaming, navigation, photos, messaging and gaming. That hands-on time lets us spot real-world strengths and quirks that a quick bench test would miss. We stress-test performance by multitasking and running demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile, check battery life across different usage patterns, and time how long each device actually takes to charge from 0 to 100%.
Displays get judged for brightness, colour accuracy and outdoor readability, but also for how they handle different media. We watch HDR shows on Netflix, scroll through Instagram’s bright feeds, stream YouTube videos in varying resolutions and browse photos to see how punchy – or natural – colours look. We also note how smooth adaptive refresh rates feel when scrolling or gaming, and whether viewing angles hold up under harsh light.
Camera testing includes daylight, low-light and video scenarios – everything from shooting portraits in busy city streets to night scenes and 4K stabilised clips – to see how lenses, autofocus and image processing behave. We also pay attention to build quality (does it scratch easily?), speaker performance when playing music or YouTube, and any software oddities, like app crashes or slow animations. We look at how clean the interface feels, whether there’s bloatware, and how strong the manufacturer’s update promise really is.
Our reviews cover the essentials separately – battery, screen, camera, performance and everyday usability – so you get a clear picture of what owning the phone will be like, not just what its spec sheet says. The goal is simple: help you buy a phone that actually fits your life.
For more information on Stuff’s rating and review process, read our page on how we test products.
Recent updates
- 31 December 2025: Updated headline.
- 29th October 2025: We replaced the CMF Phone 1 with the newer CMF Phone 2. We also added the OnePlus Nord 5 and Poco F7.
Esat Dedezade
Contributor 
