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Best Budget Camera Phones of 2025 That Deliver Amazing Photos
At Squaredtech, we understand that not every smartphone buyer wants to spend $1,000 or more for high-end photography features. Budget phones are stronger than ever in 2025, especially in the camera department. For buyers who care about photo quality but want to save money, we have tested and analyzed leading models. The result is a set of clear recommendations that show how budget devices now rival premium competitors in many ways.
Below, Squaredtech presents the five best budget phones of 2025. Each device brings a unique balance of hardware, software, and price, making them ideal choices for anyone who wants to capture high-quality photos without overspending.
Read More About Our Article of Best Camera Phone 2025: Top Picks That Take Stunning Photos Every Time Published on May 7, 2025 SquaredTech
Google Pixel 9a: The Best Budget Camera Phone Overall
Google continues to dominate budget photography with the Pixel 9a. Priced at $499, this phone offers a level of image quality that most competitors cannot match in this price range.
The Pixel 9a includes built-in Gemini, Google’s latest AI assistant, and it delivers consistent photos with natural colors, excellent low-light performance, and strong dynamic range. The device also ships with an all-day battery and Google’s seven-year update commitment, which ensures long-term software reliability.
Strengths:
- Strong and reliable primary and secondary cameras
- AI-powered features that improve portraits and night photography
- Smooth Google software experience
- Long update support that extends the phone’s usable life
Weaknesses:
- Charging speeds lag behind rivals
- The glass protection is outdated compared to newer options
We consider the Google Pixel 9a the best overall budget phone in 2025. It provides a premium camera experience at half the cost of a flagship model.
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G: The Best Budget Phone for Samsung Users
Samsung’s A series continues to be the company’s most popular mid-range line. The Galaxy A36 5G, priced at $399, upgrades last year’s model with a brighter AMOLED display, slimmer design, and faster 45W charging.
From a photography perspective, the A36 5G offers excellent photo quality for the price. The main camera produces detailed and vibrant images, while Samsung’s software processing ensures smooth results across lighting conditions.
Strengths:
- Attractive design with IP67 water resistance
- Fast charging with long battery endurance
- Good long-term update promise (six years of support)
Weaknesses:
- Slow fingerprint sensor
- Performance is weaker than rivals in the same price tier
For Samsung fans, Squaredtech recommends the Galaxy A36 5G as the ideal option. It provides a balanced experience with a strong display and reliable cameras, all at a reasonable cost.
Apple iPhone 16e: The Best Budget Phone for iOS Users
Apple’s budget entry for 2025 is the iPhone 16e. With a $599 price tag, it brings the iOS experience into a more accessible tier.
Unlike higher-end iPhones, the iPhone 16e ships with a single 48MP Fusion rear sensor. While this may sound limited, the image processing is strong. Apple continues to focus on consistency, making the 16e a solid option for social media photography and video recording.
Strengths:
- Long-term iOS updates with reliable support
- Simple design with a rich OLED screen
- Excellent color accuracy and natural photo output
Weaknesses:
- Single rear camera limits versatility
- No MagSafe support
- Minor connectivity issues at launch
Squaredtech highlights the iPhone 16e as the top choice for users committed to the Apple ecosystem who want solid camera performance without paying flagship prices.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro: The Best Budget Zoom Camera Phone
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro stands out with its bold design and camera versatility. For $459, it delivers a triple-lens system that includes a dedicated periscope zoom lens, rare in this price segment.
This makes the 3a Pro one of the few budget phones capable of capturing sharp zoomed images without heavy digital processing. Combined with Nothing OS and a strong design identity, it offers both style and functionality.
Strengths:
- Triple camera setup with 3x optical zoom
- Clean and fast software experience
- Eye-catching transparent design
Weaknesses:
- Carrier support in the US is limited
- Large camera bump affects handling
Squaredtech considers the 3a Pro ideal for buyers who want affordable zoom photography without paying for a flagship model.
CMF Phone 2 Pro: The Best Budget Phone Outside the US
The CMF Phone 2 Pro offers one of the lowest prices on this list at $279, but it delivers surprising performance. With a triple-camera setup that includes primary, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses, this device competes with models far above its price tier.
The modular design adds customization options, while the display and software support are both impressive for the price.
Strengths:
- Affordable pricing with premium design touches
- Multiple lenses for versatile shooting options
- Solid update commitment for long-term use
Weaknesses:
- Limited US network support
- Certain design choices may divide buyers
Squaredtech recommends the CMF Phone 2 Pro for international buyers who want the most value per dollar. It outperforms expectations and sets a new standard for what budget phones can achieve in 2025.
What to Look for in a Budget Phone
While these models are Squaredtech’s top recommendations, buyers should also understand what makes a good budget camera phone.
- Camera count is not everything – A phone with four or five cameras may still produce worse results than a device with just two higher-quality sensors.
- Choose based on your photography style – Landscape shooters should prioritize ultrawide lenses, while wildlife or sports enthusiasts may need telephoto zoom.
- Megapixels are misleading – A 12MP camera with a large sensor can outperform a 108MP sensor with weaker software. Google’s long history of excellent results with smaller sensors proves this.
- Manual vs. automatic controls – Some buyers want advanced control over settings such as exposure and white balance. Others prefer automatic processing with AI support.
- Software matters – Image processing is as important as hardware. The Pixel’s success shows how strong software can elevate camera results.
Final Thoughts
Budget smartphones have reached a level where photography is no longer reserved for flagship devices. The Google Pixel 9a, Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, Apple iPhone 16e, Nothing Phone 3a Pro, and CMF Phone 2 Pro each show that 2025 is the year affordable phones became truly competitive for mobile photography.
Squaredtech believes these phones prove that excellent photos do not require premium prices. Buyers now have clear, accessible choices for budget phones that deliver impressive results while keeping costs under control.
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