Best Budget Camera Phones (Winter 2023) | Top 18 Reviewed

Reviewing the best budget camera smartphones as we hit 2024, from affordable mid-rangers like the Pixel 7a and Samsung Galaxy A54 to cheaper mobiles like the Motorola G84. Here's my top favourite budget-friendly camera phones in Winter 2023 that I've personally tested. And please check out my full reviews and unboxing videos for more on the best Androids of the year!

Google's Pixel 7a is undeniably one of the greatest mid-range smartphones for point-and-shoot ease. While photo quality isn't as good in ambient light, the Pixel 7a still churns out better pics than most rivals. That Pixel 8a should be out in the first half of 2024, hopefully upgrading the camera experience further.

Meanwhile the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is good for photos and video, even if the shutter speed isn't as swift as I'd like. You've got a great selection of bonus modes for the budget price point too. For a more budget price you can also choose the Samsung Galaxy A34, which is almost as good.

The OnePlus Nord 2T is another Pixel 7a rival, while the more budget friendly OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite costs just £300 but offers a 108MP camera. And while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus hasn't launched globally, it should hopefully come to the UK soon. That 200MP primary sensor is a cracker, just like the rest of the phone.

Other best camera phones at this budget price point include the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus, Motorola Moto G84 and Nokia G60. Full reviews live now!

Best Budget Camera Phones 2023 Chapters:
0:00 - Rambly intro bit
0:38 - Pixel 7a
3:55 - Nothing Phone 1
6:49 - Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
10:09 - Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
13:58 - Poco F5 vs F5 Pro
17:16 - Poco X5 Pro
17:28 - Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 vs Pro vs Pro Plus
20:36 - Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus
23:56 - OnePlus Nord 2T
26:10 - OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
28:35 - Motorola Moto G84
31:34 - Motorola Moto Edge 40 Neo
34:41 - Vivo V29
38:17 - Nokia G60

[Martin-lduo]

500 € phones are considered budget now? What a time to be alive.

[marksouthwell]

For still photography definitely the pixel 7a. Samsung A54 is also a strong performer and also takes great video . I really liked the Nothing phone daylight snaps!😊

[Roberto-ukml]

Please, do another similar to this analysis, but with entry level phones

[KasKade]

Just get a used Galaxy S23 for 450-500€ now. Price will probably go down even more when S24 launches in Januari. Nothing beats that price/quality ratio. If you only care about gaming, get a Poco F5 for about 350€.

[sl.w]

What about the Xiaomi 13T for photography and is it the best phone in its category?

[dtincworldnews]

Now only reviewers left is MKBHD and Flossy Carter selections of the year.

[gul.iam.]

Great content as always. How does the camera quality compare to say an older s21u?... Compareto all these. I want one that has great photo and video but isnt an iphone. Which wpuld be your pick from these Chris?

[MrTariqmaster]

The Galaxy A34 imo is one of the best smartphones in 2023 indeed, it has all the essentials and some more, great software support and decent performance for the price, great value for money.

[hareeshsugumaran]

here after watching mrwhostheboss 2023 award video lol...good timing

[theunholyprince]

Decided to go with the Xiaomi Note 13 Pro Plus in the end and take a chance, the amount of variety avaliable with the midrangers these days is just astounding. Considering the model I chose was the 512GB Storage and 16GB of RAM I would say that is truly impressive for only £350! The only unknown in all of this is Mediatek's Dimensity series and how it will handle everyday tasks as am used to either Snapdragon or Exynos etc..

Going to use the Note 13 Pro Plus in Conjunction with my near 3 year old but still fully Samsung S21 Ultra when a new battery eventually gets installed. There is nothing new or truly impressive I have seen with the flagships recently and I do believe the price increases do not justify their offerings.

[Mike.Tech.]

Just a word of warning with updating the A54 to Andtoid 14. Make sure you back up your phone. Last night, my A54 got stuck in a boot loop. The first time ever since using Samsung phones from the Galaxy S3. All good now after a visit to Samsung KX 🙄

[fern]

Mine is Samsung a34. No complaints even after upgrading to one ui 6

[muhammadwalidnasir]

why is s23 fe not in the list i wonder its also a mid tier phone around 500 usd

[doggobunni]

Another great video! Just throwing this out there, I think it'd be cool if you did something like this for phones with "best speakers" or "best audio experience" something to that effect. I've realized that's become my number one thing to look for in a new phone. I'm no audiophile so it'd be nice to have some good speakers with reasonable bass for whatever the price point so I listen to more music

[johnellefa]

I was gonna ask you to do a best in general but this also answers that. I swear choosing a budget phone is hard as hell. Especislly for someone who kinda uses every part of the phone

[nicknick_nick]

"Hold on guys I need to take a picture with these 7 different phones"

[Simte]

We can always count with your reviews during the best time. Btw, the massive beers are a must for any proper objective comparison hehe.

[abelisraelcruzayuso]

The cat and the photo of the kid amazed at the beer-ingesting capabilities of The father 😹😹😹😹😹😹

[highflyer]

A34 (300$), A54 (370$) or S21FE (490$)? Which one should I get? My Note10+ broke and I need to replace it ASAP.

[Olhado]

If you're buying a used phone, the Pixel 7 isn't much more expensive than the 7a (at least here in Poland) so it's worth considering as well. That's what I'll do probably.