In 2025, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a smartphone with a great camera. Budget-friendly mid-range smartphones now offer advanced computational photography, multi-lens setups, and impressive low-light performance, rivaling some flagship models. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or just want to capture life’s moments, these top 10 budget smartphones under $400 deliver exceptional camera quality without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into the best affordable camera phones of 2025!
Below are 10 budget-friendly smartphones with good cameras in 2025
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Google Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a stands out for its flagship-level computational photography. Its 48MP main sensor captures crisp, vibrant images, and Google’s AI tools like Magic Editor and Best Take enhance every shot. Night Sight excels in low-light conditions, making it the best budget camera phone for 2025.
google pixel 9a Source: Google Store
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Samsung Galaxy A56
The Galaxy A56 inherits the vibrant, high-contrast photo processing of Samsung’s flagship S-series. Its 50MP main camera delivers detailed shots, and the ultrawide lens is great for landscapes. Portrait mode offers pleasing bokeh effects, perfect for social media. The A56 also has a durable battery life that can last for a long period of time. It also comes with Google circle to search feature, where you can highlight or tap an object or text onscreen to get Google Search results.
Samsung Galaxy A56 Source: Samsung website
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OnePlus Nord 4
The OnePlus Nord 4 offers a premium metal unibody and a versatile camera system. The 50MP main sensor, tuned with Hasselblad, produces natural colors and sharp details. It’s a great choice for creatives who value style and performance.
OnePlus Nord 4 Source: OnePlus website
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Motorola Edge 50 Pro
This Motorola gem features a 50MP main camera with excellent light-gathering capabilities and a rare telephoto lens for 3x optical zoom in this price range. It’s ideal for portrait and zoom photography enthusiasts. The Edge 50 Pro also has a 120Hz display for smooth scrolling and gaming, making it a well-rounded device.
Motorola Edge 50 Pro Source: Motorola website
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CMF Phone 2 Pro
From Nothing’s sub-brand, the CMF Phone 2 Pro offers a 50MP main camera that punches above its price. It delivers well-balanced exposures and decent low-light performance. Customizable lens accessories add creative flair. The CMF Phone 2 Pro combines unique aesthetics, exceptional camera quality and the best of Nothing OS. It's designed and engineered to withstand the test of time.
CMF Phone 2 Pro Source: CMF website
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Honor Magic 7 Lite
The Honor Magic 7 Lite’s 108MP main camera captures crisp, detailed photos, especially in daylight. Optical image stabilization improves low-light shots, and its durable build makes it a reliable daily driver. The Magic 7 Lite also features a 120Hz display for smooth scrolling and gaming, making it a well-rounded device.
Honor Magic 7 Lite Image Source: The Telegraph
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Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G offers a bright 50MP sensor with a wide aperture for excellent low-light performance. Its vibrant AMOLED display is a bonus for previewing shots.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G Source: Xiaomi website
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Nothing Phone 3a
The Nothing Phone 3a combines a unique transparent design with solid camera performance. Its 50MP main camera produces sharp, well-exposed images, though zoom is limited to digital. The Glyph interface adds a fun touch, making it a conversation starter. The Nothing Phone 3a also features a 120Hz display for smooth scrolling and gaming, making it a well-rounded device.
Nothing Phone 3a Source: Nothing website
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Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
The Galaxy A25 5G is a budget-friendly option with a reliable 50MP main camera. It offers Samsung’s signature vibrant colors and decent ultrawide shots, making it great for casual photographers.
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
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Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
The Moto G Power (2025) surprises with its capable 50MP main camera, producing decent colors and details in good lighting. Its massive 5,000mAh battery ensures you can shoot all day.
What to Look foi in a Budget Smartphone?
When searching for a budget-friendly smartphone, look for at least a 50MP main camera with a wide aperture (f/1.8 or lower) and optical image stabilization (OIS) for better low-light performance. Brands like Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi often excel in camera quality. Additionally, consider the software experience, battery life, and overall performance to ensure a well-rounded device. Lastly, ensure the phone offers at least 3-4 years of updates for security and performance.