Looking for the best phone under 20000 that can capture stunning photos? You’re not alone. Many believe great smartphone cameras only come with flagship prices.
However, the smartphone market has evolved significantly. Today’s mid-range phones pack impressive camera capabilities that rival their premium counterparts. Fortunately, manufacturers like Xiaomi, Samsung, and OPPO have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in this price segment.
We’ve thoroughly tested and compared the latest models to bring you 13 smartphones that excel in photography without breaking the bank. Each phone in this list offers specific camera features like high-resolution sensors, night mode capabilities, and AI-enhanced photography – all while staying under the ₹20,000 mark.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13
The Redmi Note 13 stands out in the budget segment with its impressive 108MP triple camera system. This setup marks the first time a non-Pro Redmi Note smartphone features such a high-resolution sensor.
Redmi Note 13 Camera Features
The camera system includes:
- 108MP main sensor with f/1.75 aperture
- 8MP ultrawide lens for landscape shots
- 2MP macro camera for close-up photography
- 16MP front camera for selfies
Notably, the phone offers voice-activated shutter control – simply say “cheese” to capture photos. Furthermore, the main camera supports 3X in-sensor zoom, enabling detailed close-up shots without quality loss
Redmi Note 13 Camera Performance
The main 108MP sensor delivers impressive results in daylight conditions. Specifically, photos showcase balanced contrast and natural color reproduction. The camera maintains good detail preservation, particularly when using the native 108MP mode.
Nevertheless, the camera system does face some challenges:
- Low-light performance needs improvement
- Ultrawide shots show noticeable grain
- Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps
Redmi Note 13 Price and Value
Starting at Rs. 17,999 for the base variant, the Redmi Note 13 offers excellent value for photography enthusiasts. Additionally, the 8GB RAM with 256GB storage variant is available at Rs. 19,999, making it an attractive option for users seeking more storage capacity.
The combination of high-resolution cameras and competitive pricing positions the Redmi Note 13 as a compelling choice for budget-conscious photographers. Consequently, it delivers reliable camera performance without breaking the bank.
OPPO F25 Pro
The OPPO F25 Pro impresses with its versatile triple camera setup, making it a strong contender in the mid-range segment. Indeed, this device brings premium photography features to an accessible price point.
OPPO F25 Pro Camera System
The camera configuration includes:
- 64MP main camera with f/1.7 aperture
- 8MP ultra-wide lens with 112° field of view
- 2MP macro camera for close-up shots
- 32MP front camera with f/2.4 aperture
OPPO F25 Pro Photography Modes
The portrait mode stands out as a notable strength, delivering excellent bokeh effects and accurate edge detection. Moreover, the device excels in daylight photography, capturing images with ample details and vibrant colors.
The camera system supports several advanced features, including:
- Extra HD mode for enhanced clarity
- Dual-view video recording
- Time-lapse and slow-motion options
Essentially, the night photography performance shows some limitations, with photos exhibiting noise in low-light conditions. Nevertheless, the camera performs well when there’s adequate ambient lighting.
OPPO F25 Pro Price and Value
Starting at Rs. 23,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant, the F25 Pro offers compelling value for photography enthusiasts. The device notably includes 4K video recording capability for both front and rear cameras, a feature rarely found in this price segment.
Samsung Galaxy M35 5G
Samsung brings exceptional camera stability to the budget segment with its Galaxy M35 5G, featuring Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for shake-free photography.
Galaxy M35 Camera Setup
The triple camera configuration includes:
- 50MP main camera with f/1.8 aperture and OIS
- 8MP ultra-wide lens with 123° field of view
- 2MP macro camera for close-up shots
A 13MP front camera handles selfie duties with an f/2.2 aperture.
Galaxy M35 Camera Features
Essentially, the main camera excels in daylight photography, producing vibrant colors with good dynamic range. The phone notably includes several creative modes, such as Night Portraits and Astrolapse.
The ultra-wide camera performs adequately in well-lit conditions, though image quality diminishes in low light. Subsequently, the dedicated macro lens enables detailed close-up photography.
Video capabilities stand out in this price range, as the Galaxy M35 5G supports 4K recording at 30fps for both front and rear cameras. Therefore, content creators get professional-grade video options without breaking the bank.
Galaxy M35 Price and Value
The Galaxy M35 5G offers excellent value, starting at ₹14,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant. Storage options include:
- 8GB+128GB priced at ₹16,499
- 8GB+256GB available for ₹19,499
The device comes with 25W fast charging support, though the charger is sold separately. Notably, Samsung promises 4 years of Android OS updates, making it a future-proof investment in this price segment.
iQOO Z9
Equipped with Sony’s advanced IMX882 sensor, the iQOO Z9 sets a new standard for mobile photography in the budget segment. The device features a 50MP main camera with OIS support and a 2MP depth sensor.
iQOO Z9 Camera Capabilities
The camera system offers several advanced features:
- 50MP mode for enhanced detail capture
- Dual-view video recording
- Portrait mode with adjustable blur
- Supermoon mode with 20x zoom
Essentially, the main camera excels in daylight photography, producing images with excellent dynamic range and natural colors. The portrait mode, notably, delivers impressive results in both 1x and 2x zoom settings, with accurate edge detection.
iQOO Z9 Night Photography
Generally, the low-light performance surpasses expectations for its price point. The night mode effectively minimizes noise while maintaining color accuracy. Accordingly, the OIS and EIS combination ensures stable shots even in challenging lighting conditions.
The Supermoon mode deserves special mention, as it utilizes AI-enhanced techniques to capture detailed lunar surface textures and intensify surrounding colors.
iQOO Z9 Price and Value
The iQOO Z9 is available in two variants:
- 8GB+128GB priced at Rs. 14,999
- 8GB+256GB priced at Rs. 17,999
The device supports 44W fast charging, reaching 50% battery capacity in just 30 minutes. Undoubtedly, the combination of the Sony IMX882 sensor, OIS support, and competitive pricing makes the iQOO Z9 a compelling option for photography enthusiasts on a budget.
Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G
Featuring an innovative halo lighting system around its camera module, the Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G brings unique design elements to mobile photography. The device sports a 108MP OIS Triple Camera system that delivers shake-free shots.
Infinix Note 40 Pro Camera System
The primary camera setup includes:
- 108MP main sensor with f/1.8 aperture and OIS
- 2MP depth sensor for portrait shots
- 2MP macro lens for close-up photography
- 32MP front camera with LED flash
Essentially, the main sensor captures satisfactory results with decent details and vibrancy. The colors appear slightly boosted to enhance social media appeal.
Infinix Note 40 Pro Camera Modes
The device offers 15 camera modes primarily designed for social media enthusiasts. Notably, the Super Night mode brightens up low-light shots effectively, although some detail loss occurs when zooming in night scenes.
The camera system supports lossless 3X superzoom, enabling users to capture distant subjects without quality degradation. Altogether, the portrait mode delivers impressive edge detection, with adjustable bokeh effects ranging from f/1.0 to f/16.
Infinix Note 40 Pro Price and Value
Available at Rs. 19,999 (after HDFC and SBI card discounts), the Note 40 Pro offers compelling value with its blend of features. The base variant comes with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, making it an attractive option for photography enthusiasts seeking ample storage for their shots.
Realme Narzo 70 Turbo
Delivering impressive photography capabilities at a budget-friendly price point, the Realme Narzo 70 Turbo combines a 50MP main camera with advanced AI features. The device captures social media-ready shots with vibrant colors and balanced dynamic range.
Narzo 70 Turbo Camera Features
The dual camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor with f/1.8 aperture and a 2MP depth lens. Essentially, the main camera excels in daylight photography, producing sharp details and minimal noise in darker areas. The 16MP front camera handles selfies with accurate skin tones.
Narzo 70 Turbo Photography Modes
The device offers an extensive range of photography options:
- Professional Mode
- Street Mode
- Night Mode
- Portrait Mode with bokeh effects
- Time-lapse and slow-motion recording
Notably, the camera supports 4K video recording at 30fps with EIS stabilization. Rather than compromising on video quality, the device maintains stable footage even during action shots.
Narzo 70 Turbo Price and Value
The Narzo 70 Turbo comes in three storage variants:
- 6GB+128GB: ₹16,998
- 8GB+128GB: ₹17,998
- 12GB+256GB: ₹20,998
Primarily designed for photography enthusiasts, the device includes 45W fast charging support that powers up to 50% in just 30 minutes. Certainly, the combination of capable cameras and competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for users seeking quality photography features within budget constraints.
POCO M7 Pro
Armed with Sony’s latest LYT-600 sensor, the POCO M7 Pro brings premium camera technology to the budget segment. The device features a 50MP main camera with OIS support and f/1.5 aperture, making it a standout choice for photography enthusiasts.
POCO M7 Pro Camera Setup
The dual camera configuration includes:
- 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary sensor with OIS
- 2MP macro lens for close-up shots
- 20MP front camera with f/2.2 aperture
POCO M7 Pro Camera Performance
Essentially, the primary sensor excels in daylight photography, producing sharp and vibrant images with impressive detail. The wide f/1.5 aperture notably helps in low-light conditions, delivering brighter and clearer shots with minimal noise.
The portrait mode primarily impresses with accurate edge detection, creating natural-looking background blur effects. Similarly, the 20MP selfie camera captures detailed and natural-looking self-portraits in good lighting conditions.
POCO M7 Pro Price and Value
The POCO M7 Pro offers excellent value with two variants:
- 6GB+128GB priced at Rs. 13,999
- 8GB+256GB available at Rs. 15,999
The device includes a 5,110mAh battery with 45W fast charging support, reaching 70% charge in under 30 minutes. The combination of Sony’s premium sensor and competitive pricing positions this phone as an attractive option for photography enthusiasts seeking quality within budget constraints.
Vivo T3
Powered by Sony’s advanced IMX882 sensor, the Vivo T3 demonstrates exceptional photographic capabilities in the mid-range segment. The device combines premium imaging hardware with intelligent software optimization.
Vivo T3 Camera System
The device sports a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor with OIS support and f/1.79 aperture. Essentially, this setup ensures shake-free photography even in challenging conditions. The main sensor works alongside a 2MP depth camera for portrait effects . For selfie enthusiasts, a 16MP front camera with f/2.0 aperture captures detailed self-portraits.
Vivo T3 Photography Features
The camera system offers diverse shooting modes:
- Night Mode with enhanced sensor capabilities
- Portrait Mode with 2x zoom
- Supermoon Mode with 5x zoom
- Document Mode with flicker elimination
- Dual-view video recording
Notably, the device supports 4K video recording at 30fps with both OIS and EIS stabilization. Primarily designed for low-light photography, the Super Night Mode utilizes the photosensitive OIS sensor to deliver brighter, more detailed night shots.
Vivo T3 Price and Value
The Vivo T3 comes in two storage configurations:
- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage priced at ₹18,499
- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage available at ₹20,499
Ultimately, the combination of the Sony IMX882 sensor, OIS support, and comprehensive photography features positions the Vivo T3 as a compelling option for photography enthusiasts seeking quality within the budget segment.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G showcases a 108MP main camera with advanced pixel-binning technology, establishing itself as a photography powerhouse in the budget segment. This device primarily focuses on delivering clear, high-detail photos that are perfect for social media sharing.
Nord CE 3 Lite Camera Setup
The triple camera configuration includes:
- 108MP main sensor with f/1.7 aperture
- 2MP macro camera with f/2.4 aperture
- 2MP depth sensor with f/2.4 aperture
- 16MP front camera with f/2.4 aperture
Nord CE 3 Lite Camera Modes
Essentially, the device excels in daylight photography, producing detailed images with natural color reproduction. The camera app offers several creative options, notably including:
- Portrait mode with improved face sharpening
- Electronic image stabilization (EIS)
- Dual View Video recording
- 720p/120 fps slow-motion videos
The 3x lossless zoom feature enables detailed close-up shots, albeit with slightly washed-out colors in certain conditions.
Nord CE 3 Lite Price and Value
Starting at ₹19,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant, this device offers excellent value for photography enthusiasts. The 8GB+256GB variant is available at ₹21,999, providing additional storage for photo collections. Ultimately, the combination of high-resolution imaging and competitive pricing positions the Nord CE 3 Lite as an attractive option for users seeking quality photography features within budget constraints.
Realme 12
Bringing flagship-grade photography to the budget segment, the Realme 12 combines a 108MP primary sensor with advanced AI capabilities. The device stands out for its superior color calibration compared to competitors in the same price range.
Realme 12 Camera Features
The camera configuration includes:
- 108MP main sensor with f/1.75 aperture
- 2MP portrait lens for depth sensing
- 8MP front camera in punch-hole design
Realme 12 Photography Capabilities
In well-lit environments, the primary sensor delivers impressive results with punchy, vibrant colors ideal for social media sharing. Essentially, the device maintains excellent detail preservation and dynamic range comparable to its competitors.
The portrait mode primarily excels at subject separation, creating a natural bokeh effect. Notably, night mode photography produces respectable images, albeit with some graininess in extremely low-light conditions.
Realme 12 Price and Value
| Storage Variant | Price (INR) |
|---|---|
| 6GB + 128GB | 14,999 |
| 8GB + 128GB | 16,499 |
The device offers excellent battery life, lasting up to 19 hours and 15 minutes in PCMark tests. Ultimately, the 45W fast charging support enables quick power-ups, reaching full charge in approximately 65-70 minutes.
Tecno Pova 6 Pro
The Tecno Pova 6 Pro distinguishes itself with dynamic lighting effects around its camera module, creating an eye-catching photography experience. The device features a 108MP primary sensor with an f/1.89 aperture.
Pova 6 Pro Camera System
The triple camera setup includes a 108MP main sensor, 2MP depth sensor, and a 0.08MP auxiliary lens. Essentially, the main camera utilizes pixel binning technology, combining 9 pixels into one for enhanced light capture. A 32MP front camera with dual-LED flash ensures bright, clear selfies.
Pova 6 Pro Camera Modes
The camera system offers versatile photography options:
- Time Lapse2K for creative video content
- 3X In-sensor zoom with up to 10X digital zoom
- 720P slow-motion recording
Primarily, the daylight photos showcase lively colors and sufficient detail. The camera performs notably well in ideal lighting conditions, though sharpness and dynamic range could be improved.
Pova 6 Pro Price and Value
| Storage Variant | Price (INR) |
|---|---|
| 8GB + 256GB | 19,999 |
| 12GB + 256GB | 21,999 |
The device includes 70W Ultra-Fast Charging support, reaching 50% battery capacity in just 19 minutes. Ultimately, the combination of high-resolution imaging and rapid charging makes it a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts seeking value in the budget segment.
Honor 200 Lite
Mastering AI-powered photography, the Honor 200 Lite introduces a sophisticated 108MP triple camera system with advanced scene recognition capabilities.
Honor 200 Lite Camera Setup
The device features a versatile camera configuration:
- 108MP primary sensor with f/1.8 aperture
- 5MP ultrawide lens with f/2.2 aperture
- 2MP macro camera with f/2.4 aperture
Notably, the front camera boasts a 50MP sensor with f/2.1 aperture, ensuring detailed selfies even in challenging lighting conditions.
Honor 200 Lite Photography Features
The device excels with its AI-enhanced photography modes. Primarily, the camera system offers three distinct portrait options:
- 1x Environmental Portrait
- 2x Atmospheric Portrait
- 3x Close-up Portrait
Essentially, the AI Wide-angle Selfie feature automatically switches between 78° FOV for individual shots and 90° FOV for group photos. The main camera captures impressive detail in daylight conditions, with excellent brick and roof texture preservation.
Honor 200 Lite Price and Value
| Storage Variant | Price (INR) |
|---|---|
| 8GB + 256GB | 17,999 |
| 12GB + 256GB | 19,999 |
SBI Bank cardholders can avail an instant discount of Rs. 2,000, reducing the effective price to Rs. 15,999. The combination of high-resolution sensors and AI capabilities positions this device as a compelling option for photography enthusiasts seeking quality within budget constraints.
Motorola G85
Featuring Sony’s premium LYT-600 sensor, the Motorola G85 delivers exceptional image quality with its 50MP primary camera and Optical Image Stabilization.
Moto G85 Camera System
The dual camera configuration consists of:
- 50MP main sensor with f/1.8 aperture and OIS
- 8MP ultra-wide lens that doubles as a macro shooter
A 32MP front camera handles selfie duties, capturing close-to-natural skin tones.
Moto G85 Camera Features
The primary camera excels in daylight conditions, producing detailed and vibrant images. Essentially, the OIS helps reduce blur, primarily benefiting low-light photography. The camera app offers extensive manual controls through its Pro tab, enabling creative control over all three cameras.
Notably, the ultra-wide camera serves dual purposes:
- Landscape photography with minimal distortion
- Macro photography with impressive sharpness
Moto G85 Price and Value
| Storage Variant | Price (INR) |
|---|---|
| 8GB + 128GB | 16,999 |
| 12GB + 256GB | 18,999 |
The device supports 33W Turbo fast charging. Ultimately, buyers can avail an additional Rs. 1,000 discount through Axis Bank credit cards, bringing the effective price down to Rs. 15,999.
Conclusion
Smartphones under ₹20,000 now pack impressive camera capabilities that rival premium devices. Each phone reviewed offers unique strengths – Redmi Note 13’s 108MP sensor delivers exceptional detail, Samsung Galaxy M35 5G brings OIS stability, while OPPO F25 Pro excels at portrait photography.
Rather than compromising on quality, these budget phones showcase advanced features like AI-enhanced photography, night mode capabilities, and professional-grade video recording. Notably, manufacturers have prioritized high-resolution sensors and specialized shooting modes to meet diverse photography needs.
Camera performance varies across lighting conditions. Daylight photography remains consistently strong across all devices, though low-light capabilities differ. Phones equipped with OIS, like iQOO Z9 and Motorola G85, maintain better stability in challenging conditions.
Storage options typically range from 128GB to 256GB, providing ample space for photo collections. Most devices also support fast charging, ensuring photographers stay ready to capture important moments.
Ultimately, these smartphones prove that exceptional mobile photography needn’t break the bank. Budget-conscious buyers can choose based on their specific needs – whether prioritizing high megapixel counts, stabilization features, or versatile shooting modes.