We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Budget Camera Phone 2025 in the UK

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Samsung Galaxy A15 Black 4G 128GB

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,301
Camera Quality
Battery Life
Processor
Camera Quality
Camera performance is decent but varies; colors are accurate, though night mode can be hit or miss.
Battery Life
The phone is well-suited for everyday tasks, from browsing to medium gaming, with a battery that lasts a whole day of use.
Processor
The 4G version of the Galaxy A15 impresses with higher performance speeds than its 5G counterpart, making it a respectable choice for its price range.
Display Quality
Its 6.5-inch FHD screen is praised for adaptive brightness, though the single speaker is just adequate.
Storage
The phone supports up to 1TB Micro SD cards, has dual SIM slots, and includes a headphone jack, enhancing its versatility.

The Samsung Galaxy A15 Black 4G 128GB is a solid choice if you're in the market for a budget camera phone. It boasts a 50-megapixel main camera, which should deliver high-quality photos for a device in this price range. The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels provides vibrant and sharp visuals, making it a pleasure to use for media consumption and daily tasks. With 128 GB of internal storage, you should have ample space for your apps, photos, and videos without quickly running out of room. The inclusion of Android 14.0 means you get the latest software and features out of the box. The 2.2GHz MediaTek MT6789V/CD Octa-Core Processor ensures decent performance for everyday use, from browsing the web to running apps smoothly.

However, the 4 GB of RAM might be a limiting factor if you plan to use the phone for more intensive multitasking or gaming. The build quality appears to be robust with a sleek design, although at 200 g, it might feel slightly bulky for some users. With the phone being unlocked, you have the flexibility to choose any carrier, which is a great plus.

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy A15 provides strong camera capabilities, a great display, and ample storage, making it a valuable option for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with a good balance of features.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,301
Camera Quality
Battery Life
Processor
Camera Quality
Camera performance is decent but varies; colors are accurate, though night mode can be hit or miss.
Battery Life
The phone is well-suited for everyday tasks, from browsing to medium gaming, with a battery that lasts a whole day of use.
Processor
The 4G version of the Galaxy A15 impresses with higher performance speeds than its 5G counterpart, making it a respectable choice for its price range.
Display Quality
Its 6.5-inch FHD screen is praised for adaptive brightness, though the single speaker is just adequate.
Storage
The phone supports up to 1TB Micro SD cards, has dual SIM slots, and includes a headphone jack, enhancing its versatility.
#2

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Mobile Phone SIM Free Android Smartphone 128 GB Black

Rating
9.4
Battery Life
Display Quality
Software and Updates
Battery Life
Battery life is amazing, lasting up to two days with moderate use.
Display Quality
The screen quality and size are perfect, making it an excellent choice for media consumption.
Software and Updates
Although updates might end soon, the phone remains a solid choice for those not concerned about software longevity.

The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G positions itself as a compelling option in the budget-camera-phone category. Its standout feature is the camera setup, with a versatile 64MP main camera that allows users to capture high-quality images. The addition of ultra-wide, depth, and macro lenses adds to its photographic capabilities, making it an appealing choice for photography enthusiasts on a budget.

The phone sports a FHD+ Super AMOLED display that offers vibrant colors and impressive brightness of up to 800 nits. The 6.5-inch screen paired with a 120 Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and an enjoyable viewing experience. However, the display might be too large for users preferring more compact devices. In terms of performance, the 5nm octa-core processor coupled with 6GB RAM provides smooth multitasking abilities. The inclusion of RAM Plus, which allocates virtual RAM, is a thoughtful feature that enhances performance, though heavy gaming or demanding applications might push its limits.

Battery life is robust, with a 5,000mAh capacity offering extended usage, which is a strong point for those frequently on the go. The 25W fast charging support is convenient for quick power-ups, though the charger is not included, which might be a downside for some users. With 128GB of storage, there's ample space for apps and media, and the build quality is typical of Samsung's solid design, although it may not have premium materials. The phone runs on Android, with the potential for regular updates, ensuring software longevity.

The Galaxy A53 5G excels in camera quality, display, and battery life, making it an excellent budget-friendly choice for those prioritizing photography and media consumption.

Rating
9.4
Battery Life
Display Quality
Software and Updates
Battery Life
Battery life is amazing, lasting up to two days with moderate use.
Display Quality
The screen quality and size are perfect, making it an excellent choice for media consumption.
Software and Updates
Although updates might end soon, the phone remains a solid choice for those not concerned about software longevity.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Camera Phone

Choosing the right budget camera phone involves balancing several key features to ensure you get the best value for your money. While high-end models offer top-of-the-line specs, budget options can still provide excellent performance and quality if you know what to look for. Focus on the features that matter most to you, whether it's camera quality, battery life, or overall performance. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a budget camera phone.
Camera QualityCamera quality is crucial if you want to take good photos. This spec is often measured in megapixels (MP), but higher MP doesn't always mean better photos. Look for phones with features like multiple lenses (wide, ultra-wide, macro), good aperture size (lower f-number is better), and image stabilization. For casual photography, a phone with a 12-16 MP camera and additional features like night mode and AI enhancements should suffice. If you are more serious about photography, consider phones with higher MP and advanced features.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long your phone can last on a single charge. It's measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Higher mAh means longer battery life, but also consider the phone's power efficiency. For moderate use, a battery capacity of around 3000-4000 mAh is usually sufficient. If you use your phone heavily for gaming, streaming, or photography, look for a battery with 4000 mAh or more. Consider phones with fast charging capabilities to quickly top up your battery.
ProcessorThe processor, or chipset, affects the phone's overall performance, including how well it handles apps, multitasking, and gaming. Budget phones typically use mid-range processors. Look for models with at least an octa-core processor for smooth performance. If you plan to use your phone for basic tasks like browsing and social media, a mid-range processor will be sufficient. For more demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, opt for a higher-end mid-range processor.
Display QualityDisplay quality impacts your viewing experience. Key factors include screen size, resolution, and type of display (LCD, OLED). A larger screen (6 inches or more) with Full HD resolution (1080p) offers a good balance of clarity and size. OLED displays provide better color accuracy and contrast compared to LCDs. If you watch a lot of videos or play games, prioritize a higher resolution and better display type. For general use, a standard LCD with HD resolution (720p) is adequate.
StorageStorage capacity determines how much space you have for apps, photos, videos, and other files. Budget phones typically offer 32GB to 128GB of internal storage. Consider your usage habits: if you store a lot of media or apps, aim for at least 64GB. Many budget phones also support expandable storage via microSD cards, which can be a cost-effective way to increase capacity. For light users, 32GB may be sufficient, especially if you use cloud storage.
Build QualityBuild quality affects the phone's durability and feel. Budget phones often use plastic or polycarbonate bodies, which can be more durable than glass but may feel less premium. Consider how you use your phone: if you tend to drop it often, a more durable build is important. Look for features like water resistance and reinforced glass (e.g., Gorilla Glass) for added protection. If aesthetics and feel are important, you might prefer a phone with a metal or glass finish.
Software and UpdatesThe software experience and update policy can significantly impact your phone's performance and security over time. Look for phones that come with the latest version of Android or iOS and have a good track record of receiving updates. Some manufacturers offer a cleaner, near-stock Android experience, which can be more efficient and less cluttered. If you value having the latest features and security patches, choose a brand known for regular updates.